On Board: The Modern Playbook for Corporate Governance

by Jonathan F. Foster

For readers interested in board leadership and corporate finance, this book seamlessly blends real-world case studies with expert insights on corporate governance, leadership, and boardroom strategy, creating an essential business leadership book for CEOs, executives, board members, and corporate decision-makers.

On The Modern Playbook for Corporate Governance is the ultimate guide for corporate directors, executives, governance professionals, and students navigating today’s fast-evolving business landscape. Written by a seasoned corporate director, investment banker, and expert witness in corporate litigation, this essential resource delivers a historical perpective, data-driven insights and stories from inside boardrooms on board leadership, fiduciary duties, CEO issues, regulatory compliance, and governance best practices.

This playbook addresses key corporate governance challenges,

- CEO-board dynamics, executive oversight, and leadership effectiveness
- Mergers, acquisitions, and restructurings effectiveness
- Institutional investors' influence, proxy battles, and governance trends
- The growing impact of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives
- Crisis management, corporate risk mitigation, and regulatory adherence
Featuring exclusive interviews with top executives, corporate attorneys, investment bankers, and industry leaders, this book provides real-world case studies, strategic frameworks, and actionable guidance to enhance board effectiveness, shareholder value, and corporate success.

A must-read for board members, business leaders, governance professionals, and students, On Board is the definitive resource for mastering corporate governance, leadership, and boardroom strategy in today’s complex business environment.

352 pages, Paperback

Published July 22, 2025

Reviews

[Rick Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

On Board is by far the most comprehensive and insightful book I have ever read on corporate governance, and it combines Jonathan Foster’s decades of real world boardroom experience with practical strategies that any CEO, director, or governance professional can immediately apply. The way he weaves stories from courtrooms and boardrooms alongside interviews with over 75 top business leaders makes the lessons engaging and easy to understand, even for complex topics like M&A, ESG initiatives, and investor activism. I found myself highlighting so many sections to revisit later because the advice is actionable and backed by real experience rather than theory alone. Whether you are a seasoned board member or preparing to join a board for the first time, this book provides a clear roadmap for effective leadership, governance, and risk management. It is practical, readable, and genuinely indispensable for anyone involved in corporate decision making

[Ashbly Flint · Rating 5 out of 5]

On Board is a brilliant combination of research, experience, and storytelling, offering an authoritative yet highly readable guide to corporate governance and boardroom best practices. Jonathan Foster clearly explains complex issues such as executive oversight, risk management, and investor activism while illustrating key principles with concrete examples and real world lessons. I particularly enjoyed the sections on crisis management and ESG strategies, which are highly relevant in today’s evolving business environment. The book also provides practical frameworks and tools that can be applied immediately by both new and experienced board members. For anyone who wants to understand the inner workings of boards and improve their own leadership effectiveness, this book is indispensable

[Anthony Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a masterclass in corporate governance and board leadership. Foster draws on decades of experience advising Fortune 500 companies, private firms, and restructuring situations, and he combines that with interviews and insights from a wide range of business leaders. The result is a text that is not only informative but also genuinely enjoyable to read. The sections on leadership effectiveness, crisis management, and regulatory compliance are particularly strong, providing both strategic frameworks and practical examples. I walked away with a far deeper understanding of how boards function, the challenges they face, and the opportunities for creating long term shareholder value

[Hary Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a masterclass in corporate governance and board leadership. Foster draws on decades of experience advising Fortune 500 companies, private firms, and restructuring situations, and he combines that with interviews and insights from a wide range of business leaders. The result is a text that is not only informative but also genuinely enjoyable to read. The sections on leadership effectiveness, crisis management, and regulatory compliance are particularly strong, providing both strategic frameworks and practical examples. I walked away with a far deeper understanding of how boards function, the challenges they face, and the opportunities for creating long-term shareholder value

[Damien Margot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up On Board expecting a heavy academic read, but I was surprised at how engaging and practical it was. Jonathan Foster breaks down complex governance issues using real stories from boardrooms, courtrooms, and leaders he has worked with. Every chapter offered a lesson I could apply immediately in my own work. It’s rare to find a book that blends theory, history, and real-world experience so smoothly. Truly a must read for anyone who wants to understand how modern boards actually function.
It’s clear the author has been on the front lines of leadership for decades. This is the kind of book you end up recommending to multiple people

[cheryl Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first chapter, I could tell this book was written by someone who has lived inside the boardroom for decades. Foster’s insights on CEO board dynamics, shareholder influence, and crisis management are incredibly sharp and honest. The interviews with industry leaders added so much depth. If you’re a director, CEO, or even a student of business, this book will elevate how you think about leadership and responsibility. I wish I had this book years ago.
Our entire reading circle kept pausing just to reflect on certain lines. It’s that kind of book that sticks with you long after you close it

[KATE CHERIE · Rating 4 out of 5]

On Board deserves every bit of praise it gets. Foster distills decades of experience from investment banking to serving on over 45 boards into a playbook that feels both authoritative and down to earth. His explanation of how modern boards should operate, especially in a fast-evolving business world, is incredibly valuable. Anyone serious about leadership or governance will walk away smarter, better prepared, and more confident. A brilliant resource.
This is the kind of book that belongs on every leader’s desk. I’m genuinely glad I took the time to read it

[Mathew Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book opened my eyes to how much goes into effective board leadership. From fiduciary duties to crisis response, from ESG to shareholder activism Foster covers it all in a way that feels practical and relevant. His background as a director, banker, and expert witness really shines through. You can tell he has been in the room when the big decisions were made. This is easily one of the most valuable business books of 2025. I’m recommending it to everyone on my team.
It’s rare to find a book that teaches so much so clearly. I honestly feel more prepared for leadership after reading it.

[Ray Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

We picked On Board as a group, and it sparked amazing discussions about corporate governance and leadership. Foster makes complicated concepts easy to understand, and the real life examples kept everyone interested. Each chapter led to shared reflections and debates that made the lessons stick. By the end, everyone agreed this is a must read for anyone involved with boards or leadership roles. Definitely a book our group recommends to others

[Henry Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an essential resource for business leaders. It goes beyond theory, showing real-world examples of governance in action. I appreciate how Foster explains the evolution of boards and how to navigate complex corporate challenges. Highly recommended

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

As public company leadership evolves and becomes more complex, this is valuable to have on the shelf