Private Directors Association®-Southern California

Join the PDA Fintech Special Interest Group (SIG) for an insightful online panel discussion on January 29th to discuss the rapidly changing landscape of fintech and banking. This event is tailored for current and aspiring board members looking to understand how industry shifts will impact opportunities and challenges in the financial sector. https://lnkd.in/dWApP5A4

For the last Carlsbad GCC meeting of the year five people were at the Vinaka Cafe on a warm winter morning (75F+!). We started discussing spam connection requests on LinkedIn and strategies for dealing with them. As a recruiter, Ken found it difficult but only accepted those requests where he had lots of connections in common with the requestor. We also discussed using AI tools like ChatGPT, and Chris described how last week it helped him do 40 hours of work in 4 hours. Danae disclosed some of the successes and trials of launching her dog treat company, TerraPawz. Their tagline is "The most nutritious treat your dog will ever beg for." Kens shared that 2024 was a very difficult year for the recruitment industry, but he is starting 2025 with several exciting new clients. Todd shared about writing his new book, "The Mensch Method: Achieving Success Through Character in Life & Business." which is just about ready to be published. Nicole Ventrone attended her first GCC meeting and revealed she was off to France & Spain tomorrow for 3 weeks with her family. Discussions were so enjoyable we stayed talking until 9:30 am. Come and join us at the next Gather, Chat & Connect (GCC) meeting in 2025 in Carlsbad or another southern California location. #boardsofdirectors, #networking Attendees listed left to right: Danae Brooker Ken Schmitt Nicole Ventrone Todd Zive Chris Doig

It was a mini-MBA course in our latest Private Directors Association®-Southern California learning session, Navigating Uncharted Waters: Scenario Planning for Board Excellence. Scenario planning isn't just about making guesses; it's a structured way to boost our game in: -Getting a grip on this crazy, volatile world -Seeing further into the future strategically -Making our organizations tougher and more flexible -Making smarter decisions -Getting everyone on the same page Thank you, Dr. Leonard D. Lane for the amazing content and A.J. Wilson on a great program. Great community gathering as always. Ilie Ardelean, Steven Tolbert, Sunnie House, PE, Carol Falstrup, Dipak Shah, Ryan Lahti, Sven Johnston, Mark McConnell, Ken Schmitt, Ken Mance, Todd Zive, Shahrzad Nooravi, PsyD, MCC, Kristen Simmons, Helena Ferrari, GPHR, PHR, Dr. Sue Padernacht, PCC, Giuseppe Cagnoni, CBCA, Edward Tyson, Virginia S., Maria Piazza, MBA, BSEE, Mark Chen, Steve Paul, °Arie Shen #privateboards #PDA #lifelearning #community #bod #boardmembers  

Congratulations Ryan Lahti, a valued member of the Private Directors Association®-Southern California, on his recent appointment to the Board of the American Heart Association. His expertise as a strategic advisor will play a pivotal role in advancing cardiovascular health, championing public policy initiatives, and raising life-saving funds to benefit the community.

What a great way to start the day as we head into the Thanksgiving holiday!!! Engaging with such high-caliber, energetic business leaders at the Private Directors Association®-Southern California (PDA) –Dana Point Gather, Chat, & Connect (GCC) meeting. In today’s session we had an interactive and informative discussion around the impact of AI and what questions and discussions should be happening at the board level as companies formulate their AI strategy as well as evaluate and mitigate risks. We were fortunate to have our resident expert Philip Topham in attendance. He provided great insight and perspective to this topic as well as things to consider as companies begin embracing AI. Great input from everyone today, I look forward to next month’s GCC and engaging in more rich discussion! Special thanks to Kristen Simmons for helping to organize this event! If you serve on a private company board, or aspire to do so, reach out to me about PDA! We host informal monthly gatherings in multiple locations throughout LA, OC & SD - a great way to meet members and see what PDA is all about. Carol Falstrup,Dipak Shah,Jerry Welsh,John Wicker, Kristen Simmons,Philip Topham,Rashesh Mody,Ryan Lahti,Todd Zive,Jeff Hopkins

An intimate meeting of just four of us gathered at Vinaka Cafe on a sunny fall morning. Having joined just two weeks before the national PDA election, we welcomed Elizabeth to her first official PDA meeting. A board member at Arima Genomics and a former supply chain & operations executive, she gives back to the community by lecturing part-time at MiraCosta College. When she discovered Chris specializes in helping companies replace outdated ERP software, she exclaimed, "Where were you on Monday? That's when we went through ERP systems!" Danae shared that her new company TerraPawz, which supplies sustainable dog treats, is getting ready for their first Christmas rush. Ken shared some of his executive recruiting war soreis and experience. Come and join us at the next Gather, Chat & Connect (GCC) meeting in Carlsbad or another southern California location. Featured starting left to right: Ken Schmitt Chris Doig: https://lnkd.in/ddnQA-9s Danae Brooker Elizabeth Brady: https://lnkd.in/d7cDrQZn

We’re excited to invite you to Navigating Uncharted Waters: Scenario Planning for Board Excellence on Thursday, December 5, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM PST at the University of California, Irvine – The Paul Merage School of Business. You’ll hear from fellow PDA member Dr. Leonard Lane as he explores the vital role of scenario planning in today’s volatile business environment. Through case studies and practical insights, Dr. Lane will help you understand how boards can enhance strategic foresight, build organizational resilience, and improve decision-making to better navigate uncertain waters. After the program, we’ll kick off our annual Holiday Gathering, offering a chance to network with fellow members and enjoy food and refreshments. Don’t miss out on this insightful session and holiday gathering - register now to secure your spot! https://lnkd.in/dDFCreYg

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Register for our Southern California Chapter next Thursday, November 14, for an exclusive HR Pulse PDA (SIG) Webinar from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM PST! Our powerhouse Legal Counsel Panel, John Wicker, Stradling; Hannah Sweiss, Fisher & Philips; and Stephanie Fong, Dexcom, are ready to bring you the latest legal updates, the hottest HR trends, and the big Board of Directors watchouts you’ll need to navigate in the new year and beyond. Whether you're in the boardroom or advising behind the scenes, this session is packed with real talk, practical scenarios, and actionable takeaways to keep your organization compliant and competitive. 👉 Don’t miss out! Secure your spot and arm yourself with the knowledge you need to succeed in 2025: https://lnkd.in/d8xxvzi9

Join our Chapter leaders on November 21 for our Monthly Member meeting where they will share the latest chapter news and national updates, including who's new to the Chapter. Attendees will also have the chance to meet and network with other members in breakout rooms.