Jorge Titinger is the former CEO of SGI and Verigy and a current board member with over 30 years of experience in the high-tech industry, including leadership roles in the semiconductor equipment and computer sectors. We begin with Jorge’s early life and athletic career, exploring how his competitive mindset shaped his leadership style and transition to the corporate boardroom. Our discussion covers board service across different company types, the role of diversity in governance, and the distinctions between coaching and board membership, along with the unique challenges of founder-led companies. We then explore the impact of AI on business, the rise of Public Benefit Corporations, and how these models are influencing corporate purpose. Finally, we discuss the future of work and trust, how organizations can adapt to a changing business environment, and Jorge’s reflections on leadership and governance. 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
(0:00) Intro
(1:15) About the podcast sponsor: The American College of Governance Counsel
(2:02) Start of interview
(2:48) Jorge's origin story
(6:03) His executive career in Silicon Valley (including computer and semiconductor industries)
(9:00) On his board experience (he has served in ~20 boards)
(11:32) Distinctions between serving on different types of boards (public/private/non-profits/etc). On non-profits: "the board is really there for what they call the 3 W's: wisdom, work, or wealth."
(12:55) On startup governance.
(19:24) On the backlash on ESG/DEI and his book Differences that Make a Difference (2019). "I think the companies that embarked on DEI programs for the sake of checking a box or purely for the sake of compliance are the ones that need to change or got in trouble."
(28:49) Differences between CEO coaching and board membership. "Most engineers need to get way better at EQ. When you get into leadership, it's a lot more about influence than being right."
(31:26) On founder-led companies and governance.
(37:00) On the impact of AI on business and boards. *Reference to E162 with Nora Denzel on NACD's BRC on tech in the boardroom.
(44:30) On trend of AI companies incorporating as PBCs.
(46:55) Books that have greatly influenced his life:
(48:42) His mentors: parents, Russell Redenbaugh, and his karate instructor.
(51:44) Quotes that he thinks of often or lives his life by.
(52:37) An unusual habit or an absurd thing that he loves. Sports examples and analogies with business world.
(54:38) On the impact of work from home. "Trust has gone from imperative to imperiled"
(58:00) The living person he most admires: Reed Hastings. *Reference to Netflix board case study
Jorge Titinger is the founder and CEO of Titinger Consulting, a boutique consulting firm focused on strategy development, the cultural aspects of M&A, corporate transformations and leadership coaching.