Matthias Stender – Get to know our VAB member
We would like to introduce our member Matthias Stender, who recently joined the VAB community from Germany’s Berlin/Brandenberg region. He has worked for many years in the insurance industry in different management positions. Meanwhile, he has transitioned into the role of business coach, providing various coaching services as CEO at CherryField Coaching & Consulting. He previously was partner at the consulting firm Brandt & Partners and prior to that served in various roles in sales, business development and strategic oversight in the insurance sector; having held seniors roles with insurance giants like Allianz. These days Matthias is looking for board roles: possibly in the insurance sector but also with high-impact not-for-profits as well. And of course, he is also happy to assist in personal or organisational development. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Matthias if you find you share specific interests or would like to learn more about his board aspirations and other interests.
What inspired you to become a member of the Virtual Advisory Board community?
The great opportunity to engage with very interesting people around the globe. Also connecting with people that might be interested in further developing their personality and/or their emotional intelligence to be even more successful; and also supporting them in their efforts as a coach. Furthermore, I am interested in taking on a board role as an advisor, no matter whether it be in the for-profit or non-profit sector. Even though I am relatively new in VAB, I already feel what a strong and inspiring network the community is. I so much look forward to connecting and exchanging ideas with many of my fellow VAB members.
In what area do you feel board advisors can add the most value for Boards of Directors (BoDs) and executive teams?
I believe there are many useful ways. But, of course, the question is also what the particular advisor can bring to the table. In my case it would be a clear and analytic view on strategic and operational (mainly sales) issues and the ability to develop staff performance through powerful coaching.
What would be your dream company/organisation to work with as a board advisor/NED?
The obvious option would be any insurance company; or a medium- to large-size insurance broker company. This is the space where I have the most expertise that might be of use. But also I would love to contribute to the successful work of NGOs that help in making the world a better place.
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 recommend the following list of informative board development literature: Boards That Lead by Ram Charan, Dennis Carey and Michael Useem; The Effective Board Member by Beverly Behan; Winning Boards: How to Create a Culture of High Performance by Patrick Dunne; and Boards That Make a Difference by John Carver.
