The Chairperson as Conductor: Leading the Board for Effectiveness

January 30, 2026

About the Panel Discussion

In many organisations, the Chairperson is the most senior and respected figure in the room. Yet an effective Chair does not dominate the discussion or run the business. Instead, like a conductor, the Chair brings together different voices, perspectives, and expertise to ensure the board functions as a cohesive and high-performing team.

This webinar explores the role of the Chairperson, not as the loudest voice, but as the leader who sets the tone, shapes the agenda, and enables strong participation and sound decision-making at board level.

Drawing on international board experience and Myanmar business realities, the session will examine how Chairs can:

  • Lead boards effectively in founder-led, family-owned, and professionally managed companies
  • Encourage meaningful contributions from all directors while managing hierarchy and strong personalities
  • Work constructively with the CEO and board secretary to focus board time on what matters most
  • Balance authority with stewardship, and oversight with trust

The discussion will be highly practical, addressing common challenges faced by Chairs in Myanmar, where the role is often shaped by ownership, seniority, or social standing. Participants will gain clear insights and actionable practices to improve board effectiveness, whether they are current Chairs, aspiring Chairs, or directors working closely with one.

The session will be moderated by Daw Thiri Thant Mon (Executive Director, MIoD), with insights from:

  • U Thura Ko Ko (Chair, MIoD | Managing Director, YGA Capital Limited)
  • Dr. Su Hla Han (Chair, Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs Network (MYANWEN) | Board Director, MIoD | Managing Director, Medi Myanmar Group Ltd.)

A 30-minute live Q&A will follow the discussion.

 

Who Should Attend

This session is designed for:

  • Current and aspiring Chairpersons, particularly in family-owned, founder-led, or owner-managed businesses
  • Board directors who work closely with Chairs and want to strengthen board effectiveness
  • Founders and business owners who chair their own boards and are considering how to evolve their role
  • Senior executives and CEOs who want to build a more effective working relationship with their Chair and board
  • Governance professionals and board secretaries supporting boards and board leadership

This webinar is especially relevant for organisations navigating growth, succession, professionalisation, or increased external scrutiny.

 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will:

  • Understand the core responsibilities of an effective Chairperson, beyond title or seniority
  • Learn how Chairs can orchestrate productive board discussions and encourage meaningful participation
  • Gain insights into managing board dynamics, hierarchy, and strong personalities in a constructive way
  • Clarify the Chair–CEO relationship and how Chairs can support management without overstepping
  • Explore how Chairs work with the board secretary to shape agendas and focus boards on strategic priorities
  • Identify practical actions Chairs can take to improve board effectiveness in Myanmar’s business context