In today’s competitive environment, talent strategy is not a support function – it is the single most critical ingredient for organizational success. Private companies that consistently outperform understand that attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional talent is the engine behind sustainable financial results.

On March 12, Jayne Juvan will co-host a conversation with the Private Directors Association and Case Western Reserve University Weatherhood School of Management at the Cleveland Foundation’s striking Midtown Collaboration Center focused on how high-functioning private boards elevate human capital from an operational issue to a strategic imperative. The discussion will explore how engaged boards partner with and reward management to build durable talent advantage – from CEO and executive recruitment to leadership development, compensation, succession planning, and culture alignment.

The panel will feature distinguished experts in organizational behavior and executive talent strategy: Melvin Smith, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus at the Weatherhead School of Management; Julie Stacey, Head of Talent at Blue Point Capital Partners; and moderator Julia Zabell, Executive Director of Weatherhead Executive Education.

As private companies navigate growth, ownership transitions, and increasing complexity, one theme remains constant: financial performance follows talent. This program will examine how boards can meaningfully shape that trajetory.