Why boards hesitate to remove CEOs

Drawing on decades of experience advising organisations including General Electric, Coca-Cola, Wells Fargo and Nike, Ram Charan knows that the most important job of any board is selecting, coaching and, when necessary, replacing the chief executive officer (CEO). The truth is that boardroom decisions rarely fail because of a lack of intelligence. They fail because of hesitation and ego, and they depend on courage and disciplined execution. 

In this episode of Grit in the Boardroom, Erika Eliasson-Norris - CEO of Beyond Governance and Governance Assessor to the UK’s Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry - sits down with Ram Charan - Global Advisor to CEOs & Corporate Boards and Best Selling Author - to explore what really drives corporate governance, strategic decision-making and tough leadership decisions inside the C-suite. 

From risk management and high-stakes strategy to company culture and business resilience, he explains why board effectiveness depends on differences in chair power, especially during corporate scandal or growth under pressure. Clear chair perspectives improve oversight, align strategic decision-making and reinforce long-term business resilience. 

What you’ll find in this episode of Grit in the Boardroom: 

• Why boardroom decisions stall even when warning signs are obvious, and how sharper director dialogue strengthens accountability.  

• How leadership decisions at the C-suite level hinge on fit and timing rather than polished succession plans.  

• Why governance structures in different markets shape accountability in different ways. These structural differences directly influence risk management and long-term performance. 

• How reducing hierarchy and redesigning operating models can support meaningful company culture change.  

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Grit in the Boardroom is a bi-weekly podcast where Erika Eliasson-Norris sits down with the best in business for executive interviews. She and her guests explore corporate governance beyond the sealed doors of the C-suite.