Previous Episode: Boardroom DNA

Host: Nancy May, President and CEO, BoardBench Companies

Guest: Jim Estill, CEO, Danby Appliances, and director emeritus Research in Motion/Blackberry, and multi-board director of public and private companies.


In this episode my guest, Jim Estill and I discuss how innovators can successfully utilize their talents in the boardroom. You’ll learn the differences among directors who lead, who advise, and who direct, and when to correctly apply each skill at key moments in a company’s history. You’ll also hear when and how good boards provide value and when others become ball and chains. Jim has led good companies over some incredibly bumpy roads, and also known when was the right time to get out of the way. Knowing how to do this well is a talent that few have perfected. 

Jim Estill and I cover these points and a lot of other ground in this next show. Our conversation should give you new insights into the early warning signs about when directors may be losing their edge.

Jim Estill is CEO of both of Danby Appliances and  ShipperBee a new venture that is revamping outdated shipping channels into a system that is better for consumers, retailers and the environment.

Jim is a Canadian technology entrepreneur, executive, and philanthropist. He started his first computer distribution business from the trunk of his car while in university and grew that business to $2 Billion in sales.

Jim has invested in, mentored and advised many technology companies including Blackberry. He joined their board before they went public and served for 13 years.

Over the past few years Jim has been involved in sponsorship efforts to settle over 100 refugee families in Guelph. The Financial Times, BBC News, The Guardian, and CBC, have all covered his story.

In 2018 Jim Estill was awarded the Order of Canada. Jim is the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2019 Ontario winner.


For more information on this show and others, please go to BoardBench.com and our contact page.


Disclaimer: The views, perspectives, and opinions expressed in this show are those of the show Guest and not directly those of the companies they serve or that of BoardBench Companies, LLC. (c) Copyright 2020 BoardBench Companies, LLC all rights reserved. BoardBench is a registered trademark of the BoardBench Comanies, LLC. http://www.boardbench.com


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.