In its 35th Anniversary Issue of “Directors and Boards” magazine, their editorial board identified ten individuals, including Joel Koblentz, who they felt exemplified board service and who were shaping the on going dialogue.
Joel, true to his nature, was truly honored and humbled, encouraging us to not make a fuss over his recognition.
We, his Partners and colleagues, felt otherwise.
Please see the article below.
As published in Directors & Boards, December 2011
“A Wiseman in Ethical Service to Boards”
Over the years, Joel earned a reputation as a distinguished board leader and astute board advisor. Yet, I was always curious about how his reputation was earned. Then, I had the opportunity to serve on a board with Joel and quickly learned why others seek him out for his grasp of business, societal, governance, and human issues; why others seek him out for his “take on the issues”, his suggestions for “how we will make this work”, and his handicapping of how “it’s going to turn out in the end.” Early on during our joint service, it was clear that Joel knew board behavior, governance and people, but there was more to his impact.
He was clear about governance and precise how to fashion solutions.
I quickly learned — Joel is ethical. He does not sway, rationalize, or bob and weave to avoid confronting pivotal issues or play to inner circle interests. Expect Joel to be Socratic, yet, tactfully direct; to be focused and contextually thoughtful. And expect that regardless of economic times or company conditions, he makes sure that decisions turn out honorably, if not always filled with sunny, perfunctory collegiality.
Joel is a leader who also expects ethical behavior.
In his board service, the building blocks of his ethical service included
– Integrity. Joel maintains his personal and professional independence. No doubt, he is politically savvy alert to the signals and special interests but avoids allegiance which does not further the shareholders’ long term interests. He always draws out what a board needs to know and does not.
– Objectivity. With both courage and tact, directors noticed his constructive confrontation of facts and practices that are just dumb or failed the integrity test. You get and are expected to give the unvarnished truth. Less would be unethical.
– Preparedness. Expect Joel to show up prepped and ready to contribute. A board benefits from his historical perspective and the wisdom of his extensive leadership network. More important, Joel provides a thoughtful view forward. He, truly is, a futurist.
– Selflessness. Joel serves others and keeps shareholder, his philanthropic interests, and client interests first, well above his own.
– Accountability. Joel meets his commitments. His motives and actions are transparent. He sets a high standard for himself and expects the same from others.
This is not a guy you let down and repeatedly ask for forgiveness.
– Issue Leadership. With Joel on board, you will tackle the issues that matter most and you will focus on tough decisions. He applies context from a variety of views.
You learn from this teacher.
Joel pays forward. In addition to his public board service and his board advisory practice at The Koblentz Group, Joel has held board roles for Atlanta’s High Museum, The Carter Center, Emory University’s Center for Ethics, Central Atlanta Progress, ZooAtlanta, Junior Achievement and as a Trustee for The Chick Fil A Bowl Foundation.
Finally, Joel is an ever- hopeful-he is a Cleveland Indians fan.