Drew Kerr – Get to know our VAB member
It is our pleasure to introduce you to our member Drew Kerr who joins VAB from New York City in the USA. He is president and founder of The Four Corners Group, which helps executives build trust, influence and leadership through world-class communications training. In the past, Drew has been involved with a number of educational and community projects such as the Finding Life After College workshop series and the Queens Chef Project, an online photojournalism exhibition of local chefs and the objects that mean the most to them. He is also active in volunteer initiatives in and around New York City, serving as a mentor and lecturer at LaGuardia Community College and working with the Hudson River Parks "green team." If you would like to find out more about Drew and his board ambitions, feel free to contact him.
What inspired you to become a member of the Virtual Advisory Board community?
Being a connector is second nature to me. VAB seems like an ideal opportunity to meet really smart people who I can learn from and share my own wisdom with.
In what area do you feel board advisors can add the most value for Boards of Directors (BoDs) and executive teams?
The greatest value comes from specific experiences and lessons learned. It is important to steer boards and executives away from potential "landmines" while maximising opportunities that would not otherwise be seen. Thinking one step ahead, not just about what’s in front of you, puts boards ahead of the game.
What would be your dream company/organisation to work with as a board advisor/NED?
I would love to work with Uber. I not only admire their turnaround story but their creativity in what they provide.
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 would definitely recommend Magic Words by Jonah Berger. The book underscores something I have always believed in: that neuro-science data shows certain words can have very powerful effects, whether we realise it or not. Applied in normal conversations, negotiations or business interactions, Magic Words unlocks exactly what those words are and how we can best use them to our advantage.
Are there any other projects you are working on at the moment as you pursue your board journey and continued professional development?
I am currently working on a screenplay similar to that of The Big Short and The Wolf of Wall Street. The story is based on real people but uses a lot of artistic license to move the outrageous plot along. Perhaps you will see it on the big screen one day.
