David Chun is the Founder & CEO of Equilar, a leading provider of executive intelligence solutions for board and executive recruitment, compensation, and governance strategies. We discuss the state of board diversity, the current backlash against DEI and ESG, and evolving board refreshment strategies. Our conversation also explores trends in executive compensation, the rise and fall of SPACs, and governance in private equity-backed companies. Beyond the boardroom, we address the growing influence—and disruption—of Silicon Valley in Washington, D.C., the evolving dynamics of California’s business landscape, and the impact of AI on governance. Finally, we examine the backlash against Delaware, including Elon Musk’s high-profile compensation case at Tesla, and broader geopolitical challenges, particularly those involving China. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, or share it on social media. And don’t forget to stay updated by subscribing to the Boardroom Governance Newsletter at evanepstein.substack.com This podcast is sponsored by the American College of Governance Counsel.
(0:00) Intro
(1:38) About the podcast sponsor: The American College of Governance Counsel
(2:25) Start of interview. *Reference to prior episode with Dave (E25 from Dec 2020)
(3:30) Equilar's current focus. New: Equilar Research Intelligence Copilot ERIC
(7:49) The current status of boardroom diversity. Latest (Q3 2024) Equilar Gender Diversity Index
(10:05) On boardroom refreshment
(11:25) On digital/technology/AI directors
(13:15) Executive (and Director) Compensation trends.
(17:36) On the current ESG/DEI backlash ("at the end of the day you have to do what's best for the business")
(20:13) On the boom and bust of SPACs ("incentives were misaligned")
(23:05) On the governance of private equity and VC backed companies. Reference to VCBA in SF 5/14 and NYC on 10/28
(28:15) AI's impact on governance and new corporate structures (PBCs)
(32:36) On the growing influence—and disruption—of Silicon Valley in Washington, D.C. ("this feels like Uber")
(37:27) The evolving dynamics of California’s business landscape ("if it wasn't for the AI boom, I think we'd be in a pretty hurting spot")
(41:21) On the current backlash against Delaware and Elon Musk's pay package at Tesla *Reference to Delaware's SB21
(44:43) Looking Forward: the importance of AI in the boardroom ("the genie is out of the bottle")
David Chun is the Founder & CEO of Equilar, a leading provider of executive intelligence solutions for board and executive recruitment, compensation, and governance strategies.