Viral Patel – Get to know our VAB member
What inspired you to become a member of the Virtual Advisory Board community?
It was following a meeting with VAB chair and co-founder Mark Hamill. Then, after taking part in the Naked Headhunter/VAB bootcamp programme and meeting the other co-founder David Fernandez, I decided that VAB membership was something I would like to try.
In what area do you feel board advisors can add the most value for Boards of Directors (BoDs) and executive teams?
I believe it is definitely about providing an independent perspective. This can involve acting as an external (independent) voice of reason as well as supporting checks and balances to ensure strategy and execution are appropriate.
What would be your dream company/organisation to work with as a board advisor/NED?
It would definitely be for a medium-sized financial institution. I would be keen on using my many years’ experience as a COO to help advise on strategy for business growth and scale-up or scale-out.
What book or podcast would you recommend to VAB members that might improve their skills in corporate governance, board advisory or boosting board-to-executive team communications?
I really enjoyed The Outsiders: Eight Unconventional CEOs and Their Radically Rational Blueprint for Success by William N. Thorndike Jr.. The book offers a consistent message on how successful CEOs run their businesses and how they surround themselves with great mentors; something I think we can all learn from.
Follow Viral Patel on LinkedIn.