Elizabeth (Liz) Watson

Founder & CEO

A widely respected governance expert and lawyer, Liz is the CEO and Founder of Watson Board Advisors. She has counselled thousands of directors, Chairs, and CEOs on the full range of governance issues. Liz is passionate about helping boards and directors become highly effective at shaping the future of their organizations, with sustainable business success that strengthens society.

Favorite Saying

“Governance is about how people work together for a common goal.”

Most Dangerous Myth

“Policies matter more than people.”

Best question:

“How does this fit with the organization’s purpose?”

Experience and Credentials

  • Founded Watson Board Advisors in 2005
  • Appointed King’s Counsel in 2012; has practiced law for more than 35 years
  • A sought after speaker and contributor on governance, CEO and board recruitment, and the importance of diversity on boards
  • Taught at the ICD’s Directors Education Program on Governance Effectiveness
  • Founding member of the selection committee for the Canadian Excellence in Governance Awards and previously served for four years on the ICD Fellowship Awards Selection Committee
  • Authored CPA Canada’s publication on Building and Sustaining an Effective Board
  • Named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women and one of the inaugural Top 100 Influential Women of British Columbia
  • As a director, Liz serves on the board of Peterson, a family-owned, North American based real estate company, and the Woodward’s Foundation, a private family foundation.
  • Previously served as Board Chair of SHAD Canada and Choice School for Gifted Children, and as a director on the boards of the Institute of Corporate Directors, Forum for Women Entrepreneurs, Women in the Lead Inc., the BC Cancer Foundation and as an Advisory Board member for Canada’s Top 40 Under 40.
  • LLB from the University of British Columbia; completed executive education in governance at Harvard University, and in finance at Ivey Business School.

Elizabeth (Liz) Watson's Areas of Focus

Building a Strong Board Finding & Supporting Your CEO Understanding Your Board’s Performance Evolving Governance Achieving Alignment & Engagement

Contact Elizabeth (Liz) Watson

Vancouver 604 283 6176
liz@watsoninc.ca LinkedIn

Elizabeth (Liz) Watson Insights

View All Insights
Elizabeth (Liz) Watson Oct 25, 2023
Organizations Deserve Diverse Boards

By now, we’ve all seen plenty of evidence that diverse, inclusive boardrooms are good for organizations. So why aren’

Elizabeth (Liz) Watson Jan 17, 2023
Is Canadian Culture Preventing Constructive Dialogue?

It’s that time of year again. Endless emails outlining the many things boards should focus on this year: 5 things

Elizabeth (Liz) Watson Jan 18, 2022
Three Key Areas Where Boards Can Have an Impact in 2022: A Letter from Liz Watson

Happy New Year! As we welcome in the new year, my inbox is filled with publications telling directors what they