Five Good Ideas on what great non-profit boards get right

Non-profit boards don’t fail because board members don’t care; they fail because no one taught them how to govern well.

In this Five Good Ideas session, Aleem Punja, Executive Director at the Aga Khan Council for Canada, shares lessons from leading and advising boards across sectors. He explores what makes boards effective and how good governance can drive impact.

Aleem will show how great boards stay in their lane – focusing on strategy, risk, and results – while empowering staff to lead. He’ll highlight the importance of financial fluency, centering equity in governance, and building a strong Board–Executive Director partnership grounded in trust and clarity.

Finally, he’ll share why leading with head, heart, and homework can transform governance from functional to exceptional.

Whether you’re new to a board or a seasoned director, this session will help you govern with confidence.