New NED restores Board Harmony
Burdale Construction was thriving. As a second-generation family business, it had grown steadily under strong leadership. But behind the scenes, tensions at board level were building.
Stephen, the owner, and Theresa, the CEO, shared the same vision for the business and aligned on values. But their strong personalities led to frequent clashes, making board discussions increasingly difficult. The Board recognised the risk—without intervention, the tension could start affecting the business.
They knew they needed to act. To build a more collaborative environment and keep the business on track, they decided to bring in a Non-Executive Director (NED) with the skills to guide discussions, strengthen relationships, and support the leadership team.
Finding the Right Fit
That’s where TWYD stepped in. The Board had deep industry experience, but what they needed was someone with the soft skills to navigate complex boardroom dynamics.
To design the right search, TWYD worked with the Board to create a clear profile of the ideal NED. Through job analysis and profiling assessments, we helped them align on what really mattered. This wasn’t about finding someone with sector expertise—it was about finding someone who could build trust, encourage productive discussions, and help resolve tensions before they escalated.
A Thoughtful Search, a Seamless Fit
Using our network, we identified Taylor, an experienced Non-Executive Director who had successfully guided leadership teams through similar challenges. She had recently helped a third-generation family business resolve a longstanding conflict between a father and son, restoring stability and improving decision-making at board level. TWYD’s detailed referencing process confirmed that Taylor’s leadership had been key to that success.
When Taylor joined Burdale’s Board, she fitted in seamlessly. She quickly understood the dynamic between Stephen and Theresa, using a mix of active listening, strategic communication, and mediation techniques to help them work together more effectively.
A Stronger Board, a Brighter Future
With Taylor’s guidance, Stephen and Theresa found common ground. Tensions eased, discussions became more productive, and the Board was able to focus on strategy and growth.
When we checked in months later, the results were clear—Stephen and Theresa’s working relationship had improved, and the business was moving forward with clarity and alignment.
Stephen told us that TWYD’s approach—prioritising the right leadership qualities over industry experience—was key to resolving the issue. By tailoring the search to Burdale’s unique challenges, Taylor wasn’t just a great hire—she was the right hire at the right time.
A Thoughtful Search, a Seamless Fit
Using our network, we identified Taylor, an experienced Non-Executive Director who had successfully guided leadership teams through similar challenges. She had recently helped a third-generation family business resolve a longstanding conflict between a father and son, restoring stability and improving decision-making at board level. TWYD’s detailed referencing process confirmed that Taylor’s leadership had been key to that success.
When Taylor joined Burdale’s Board, she fitted in seamlessly. She quickly understood the dynamic between Stephen and Theresa, using a mix of active listening, strategic communication, and mediation techniques to help them work together more effectively.
A Stronger Board, a Brighter Future
With Taylor’s guidance, Stephen and Theresa found common ground. Tensions eased, discussions became more productive, and the Board was able to focus on strategy and growth.
When we checked in months later, the results were clear—Stephen and Theresa’s working relationship had improved, and the business was moving forward with clarity and alignment.
Stephen told us that TWYD’s approach—prioritising the right leadership qualities over industry experience—was key to resolving the issue. By tailoring the search to Burdale’s unique challenges, Taylor wasn’t just a great hire—she was the right hire at the right time.