Testimonials

I worked with Sean at Affinity Water, where he helped us with two Board Effectiveness Reviews. On the first occasion he undertook our first ever externally-facilitated review, with detailed face to face interviews with board members and senior executives, and on the second occasion he supported our internal review. He was thorough and engaged, and also flexible for our circumstances. His recommendations were clear, rigorous, and practical, and led to a clear action plan. In addition, he gave wise counsel to me and others.

– Tony Cocker, Chairman (Affinity Water)

Sean O’Hare has enormous capacity to quickly assimilate large volumes of information and extract key information quickly. His perceptive analysis is calmly articulated in a way that’s both illuminating and instructive. When I came to Sean for coaching I was overwhelmed by unhealthy stress levels created by a chaotic approach to my business activities. By not acting decisively to correct some poor strategic choices, I was locked in a cycle of inefficiency and anxiety. Working with Sean over several sessions, I was able to see for myself how the cycle had been created, how I was allowing it to continue and, crucially, what I had to do to break it. His help in identifying achievable goals, a more disciplined business regime and a roadmap to a clearer state of mind made a huge difference at a difficult time.

– CEO (B2B Publishing Organisation)

Sean is an effective board level advisor and communicator, and is a recognised authority on board effectiveness and corporate governance. He is passionate about helping boards to develop and was an early, and enthusiastic, supporter of Chapter Zero, the Directors’ Climate Forum.

– Julie Baddeley, Chair (Steering Group at Chapter Zero)

Tesco Bank has recently used Sean O’Hare to do a Board performance review: the result was very useful and the process was challenging but sensitive. I would recommend Sean for this type of work.

– Graham Pimlott, Chairman (Tesco Bank)

Sean O’Hare of Boardroom Dialogue undertook the last external board effectiveness review of St James’s Place. He spent considerable time with us, conducting face to face interviews with all board members and with members of the senior management team. The process was well organised and thorough and met our objectives. Sean provided some practical recommendations on the operation of the board which have been helpful. In particular, board members valued the direct 1:1 feedback Sean provided (at their request) which provided additional resource to the benefit of the board as a whole.

– Sarah Bates, Chair (St James’s Place)

As the recently appointed Chairman of Mulberry, an early action was to find the right help in undertaking a Board Review. After exploring a number of options, we appointed Boardroom Dialogue as their approach seemed to fit best with the Mulberry culture. From the outset, Sean did an excellent job clearly setting out a timeline for the process and keeping things moving whilst being flexible around busy diaries. Sean successfully navigated a group of international Directors, thoroughly exploring and understanding the Board dynamic in a detailed and sensitive way. His final report and recommendations have been clear and extremely valuable in shaping more streamlined and productive sessions.

– Christopher Roberts, Chair (Mulberry plc)

Sean O’Hare of Boardroom Dialogue undertook the first external board effectiveness review for Shaftesbury and I feel it worked well for our board. Shaftesbury’s top team has been in place for many years and it was important that the reviewer recognised the special culture which Sean did. The balance was light touch, based around interviews, which resulted in a concise report with clear action points that the board is now taking forward. I have no hesitation in recommending Sean for this type of review.

– Jonathan Nicholls, Chairman (Shaftesbury plc)

I have found our coaching sessions extremely useful and important over the last three year period. It has been very valuable to get your views, perspectives and challenge when planning my career. I find your approach to these meeting refreshing, concentrating on the core fundamentals and I feel your feedback is objective, thought provoking and importantly challenging. I find it very easy to be honest in my thoughts, maximising the value of the sessions.

– Partner (Big 4 Accounting Firm)

A highly experienced advisor and deeply knowledgeable in what he says and does, Sean is extremely professional and a pleasure to work with. He is generous in sharing his depth of expertise and experience, and Sean’s warm personality and inclusive approach are distinctive and unique to him. It is a real privilege to have worked alongside Sean at PwC and he continues to act as a genuine role model – thank you!

– Partner (Major Law Firm)

I worked closely with Sean O’Hare in relation to the Review of the Effectiveness of the Board of the Rugby Football Union. I found him to be thoroughly professional and enlightened. The final in-depth and comprehensive report was well received and recommendations from the Review are currently in the process of being implemented. I would have no hesitation in recommending him to carry out other important projects such as this.

– Bill Beaumont CBE DL, Chairman (Rugby Football Union)

I worked closely with Sean O’Hare for the external review and effectiveness of the board of CVC Income & Growth. Sean was able to work very swiftly and efficiently. He provided a detailed and comprehensive report that the board found very useful. The feedback received by each director was very positive as an overall experience, with a deep technical knowledge and a sharp attention to details. I highly recommend Sean to carry out independent board assessments.

– Stephanie Carbonneil, Chair (Nomination and Remuneration Committee of CVC Income & Growth Ltd)

I asked Sean to carry out an effectiveness review of the FSB Board. As Chair I wanted a clear action plan that showed how we could improve, and I wanted to ensure that the process was tailored to the needs of a membership organisation. The resulting report gave us clear recommendations which the Board has adopted. I would be happy to recommend Sean for this type of work.

– Martin McTague, National Chair (Federation of Small Businesses)

Sean O’Hare of Boardroom Dialogue undertook the first external board effectiveness review for Ted Baker plc and the process worked well for our board. We have our own special culture and are fortunate to still have the founder as our CEO.The review was objective, transparent and engaging with a focus on what is going well for the board of Ted Baker as well as considering areas for improvement.The overall process was a very productive experience for the whole board. I have no hesitation in recommending Sean for this type of review.

– David Bernstein, Chairman (Ted Baker PLC)

Sean worked with me as an Executive Coach over a period of 12-18 months. His approach and insights were truly invaluable, at a period of time when I was at a crossroads personally and professionally. I was making some key life decisions and Sean helped me think through the benefits and challenges. He also encouraged me to be bold and open with my manager regarding those plans, so that we could work together to benefit us both. That was really key in helping me bring together my personal and professional plans. I would not hesitate to recommend Sean in this capacity. A thoroughly nice chap as well – I enjoyed the work we did together.

– Global Account Director (Major Benefit Consulting Firm)

Sean is a highly respected professional and has a vast experience working with, advising and challenging company boards. His current focus is on board effectiveness and how to get the best out of the board members’ interactions. It’s been a privilege and a pleasure to have worked with him as partners and directors on the Mercer UK board.

– Avgi Gregory, Co-founder (Muse Advisory)

Sean worked for me in two Board Effectiveness Reviews in FTSE 100 companies and I found his approach to be thorough, without being over complicated. His style is more of a fireside chat and this relaxed all Board members who willingly shared their thoughts on what was going well and what might be improved. I would have no hesitation in recommending him for similar reviews.

– Lord Smith, Chairman (Scottish and Southern Energy plc and Weir plc)

I thought it went well and I look forward to seeing the actions progressed over the course of the next few months. I have done this sort of review twice before and the added value probably is more pronounced with Boards where there is some issue to sort out – I think Octopus is in a healthy place so perhaps the impact is less but nevertheless it has been a good process to go through and will help us be organised for the future.

– Audrey McNair, Senior Independent Director (Octopus Renewables Infrastructure Trust plc)

Calm. Wise. Entertaining. Likeable. Highly recommended.

– Partner (Big 4 accounting firm)

I worked with Sean when he was at PwC and both I and my colleagues appreciated his engaging communication skills and wise counsel.

– John Mills, Company Secretary (Major UK plcs)