Joe Hurd is a Silicon Valley-based technology executive and experienced public company director. Joe is an Operating Partner at SOSV, a global venture capital firm, and serves as a non-executive director on the boards of Trustpilot Group, Hays, and Lloyd’s of London. We cover his executive career in both business and government service, and how those experiences have shaped his understanding of technology and business. Joe also shares his experiences navigating board service, including the challenges and opportunities he’s faced in the boardrooms of both UK and US companies. We discuss the evolving dynamics of DEI and ESG in corporate governance and how boards are adapting to increasing political and regulatory pressures. He also offers his perspective on the rise of AI and its impact on business strategy and governance. We explore how boards are evaluating performance, managing employee engagement (particularly in the UK context), and preparing for future challenges in an unpredictable business environment. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, or sharing it on social media. You can also support the podcast 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
(1:26) About the podcast sponsor: The American College of Governance Counsel
(2:13) Start of interview
(2:45) Joe's origin story
(4:07) His early career starting in London, with law firm Linklaters.
(6:43) His move to Friendster in Silicon Valley.
(8:00) His time at Videoegg.
(9:24) His time at the International Trade Administration in the Obama Administration.
(11:30) His return to private practice with Gannett and Facebook's emerging products.
(13:10) His operating role at SOSV, a global venture capital firm (2019-present)
(15:10) How he got started with his board service. First board experience: a UK public company called GoCompare.
(16:50) Difference between a "good" and a "great" director.
(18:34) Distinguishing the concept of overboarding between public and private VC-backed companies. Reference to VCBA (5/14/25)
(21:06) Some differences between U.S. and U.K. governance practices.
(24:57) On the increasing politicization of corporate governance, including ESG and DEI (plus boardroom diversity). "Let's bend it, not end it."
(27:47) The origin story of the bio books that he compiles.
(31:07) On the impact of AI in the boardroom. Boards need to 1) move faster on AI, and 2) focus on the transformation, not only the tech.
(35:50) On navigating in VUCA times (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity). "Act proactively, not reactively"
(38:18) Challenges for boards in next 5-10 years: 1) time management and 2) increasing focus on director skill sets.
(35:50) On navigating the regulatory landscape in VUCA times (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity).
(41:27) On board evaluations.
(46:00) Will governance regulations harmonize internationally? Example: climate change disclosures.
(49:15) The UK's approach for boards to engage with employees: workers' council, board representation, or DNEDs.
(46:00) Will governance regulations harmonize internationally? Example: climate change disclosures.
(51:50) Books that have greatly influenced his life:
(52:38) His mentors: Barry Williams (E153)
(54:13) Quotes that he thinks of often or lives his life by. "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle" and "I never lose, I either win or learn."
(56:27) An unusual habit or an absurd thing that he loves.
(57:10) The living person he most admires.
Joe Hurd is a purpose-driven public company board director and strategic advisor who focuses on digital transformation, international expansion and stakeholder engagement.