Joe Grundfest (Stanford): 2026 Predictions and 2025 Reflections

Joe Grundfest (Stanford): 2026 Predictions and 2025 Reflections

Author: Evan Epstein January 12, 2026 Duration: 56:03
In this annual year-end episode, Evan Epstein and Joe Grundfest reflect on the major governance and market developments of 2025, from IPOs and AI to Delaware law and executive compensation. They also offer clear-eyed predictions on the trends boards should be watching as they head into 2026.

Ever wonder what really happens behind the closed doors of a corporate board meeting? Boardroom Governance with Evan Epstein pulls up a chair to that table. Each episode is built around a substantive, long-form conversation with a leading voice from the world of corporate oversight-founders who have navigated IPOs, seasoned board directors, institutional investors, legal scholars, and top executives. Evan Epstein guides these discussions beyond the headlines and dry policy to uncover the human dynamics and strategic decisions that define modern governance. You’ll hear firsthand about the evolving pressures on boards, from activist investors and regulatory shifts to technology disruptions and crises of leadership. More than just analysis, this podcast delves into the personal journeys and hard-won insights of the individuals shaping these critical conversations. It’s for anyone curious about the architecture of power, responsibility, and strategy at the highest levels of business. Tune in for a rare, nuanced look at the principles and people steering today’s most influential companies.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Boardroom Governance with Evan Epstein
Podcast Episodes
Benjamin Means: The Principles of Family Business Law and Governance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:53
Benjamin Means discusses the unique governance challenges of family-controlled companies, drawing on his book Principles of Family Business Law. The conversation explores shareholder oppression, succession planning, fidu…
Benjamin Edwards: The Rise of Nevada in the Reincorporation Debate [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:48
Professor Benjamin Edwards discusses the rise of Nevada in the reincorporation debate and why more companies are reconsidering Delaware. The conversation explores founder control, litigation risk, SB21, Nevada’s business…
Joelle Emerson: Why Company Culture Is a Core Governance Issue [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:15
Joelle Emerson, CEO and co-founder of Paradigm, discusses why company culture should be treated as a core governance issue and how boards should think about leadership, AI-driven workforce change, and the evolving politi…
Jennifer Ceran: From Treasury to CFO to the Boardroom [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:17
Jennifer Ceran is a seasoned finance executive and board member whose career spans treasury leadership, the CFO role, and public and private company board service. Jennifer currently serves on the boards of NerdWallet, W…