#IC20 Masterclass Spotlight | Dr. Dirk Schlimm on Difficult Conversations in the Boardroom
Invest Canada ’20 ONLINE is pleased to welcome featured speaker Dr. Dirk Schlimm, Partner, Jenoir International Inc. on June 17 for another Invest Canada Masterclass: Difficult Conversations in the Boardroom: Influencing Powerful People in Times of Crisis.
The dynamics of an active board and a strong-willed CEO, especially a company founder, inevitably leads to difficult conversations; conflict can develop in almost any area. If managed poorly, these situations can lead to dysfunction and even complete breakdown; if managed well, they create healthy debate leading to better outcomes and stronger relationships. This keynote discusses what happens when type As get together in the boardroom; it will explain how high performing boards manage difficult conversations to advance the value creation agenda. It will also provide insights derived from leaders in the current COVID crisis – both business leaders and public health officials.
Dr. Schlimm is a recognized expert on executive effectiveness, leadership and collaboration and the author of “Influencing Powerful People” (McGraw-Hill, New York, authorized Chinese edition by McGraw Hill and Post & Telecom Press, PRC).
As Partner at Jenoir International Inc., Dr. Schlimm works with business owners, executives, and boards across a spectrum of industries. Dirk speaks on topics related to leadership and influence; facilitates leadership team interactions; provides one-on-one executive coaching; and helps high performance teams manage through the change process and resolve conflict. Dr. Schlimm’s clients include Oxford Properties (OMERS), Teachers’ Private Capital (OTPP), Healthcare Private Equity Association (HCPEA), Spin Master, TD Bank Group, and Miele, the world’s largest family owned and operated premium appliance company. Dr. Schlimm also works with professional services firms, law firms, and academic institutions. He has delivered engagements in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East.
Dr. Schlimm is a national faculty member at the ICD/Rotman (University of Toronto) Directors Education Program where he leads a session on “difficult conversations in the board room.” Dirk’s program, which he delivers at business schools across Canada, has been acknowledged for its unique and highly effective blend of energy, education and entertainment.
Dirk is also an Advisory Board Member and EVP at Geotab Inc., a world leading provider of connected car technology and data analytics. Dirk oversees data governance, negotiates data usage rights, and is a thought leader on data access in the connected mobility sector. Dirk also provides leadership for European business development and is co-initiator of the multi-stakeholder “neutral vehicle” initiative.
Dirk previously worked as a senior executive at Husky Injection Molding Systems, a global technology leader in the plastics industry and one of Canada’s premier manufacturing companies. As head of corporate affairs, he facilitated the relationship of a highly successful entrepreneur (founder), public company board, professional management and external stakeholders. He also helped manage the ownership transition to Onex Corporation. In addition, Dirk previously also held positions as a public company board member.
Dirk earned his doctorate (Dr. jur.) in comparative law (United States/Germany) from the University of Konstanz, Germany. His work on lender liability law was published in Banks, Liability and Risks (Lloyds of London Press). He also holds a law degree from the University of Bonn, Germany, and studied international law at the University of Geneva, Switzerland. Dirk completed his clerkship in judicial service under the supervision of the Court of Appeals in Cologne, Germany. He also is a graduate (ICD.D) of the ICD/Rotman Directors Education Program in Toronto (DEP 6).
Attend #IC20 ONLINE and discover how to navigate the hard discussions to get the most of your value creation opportunities.
