The impact of CEOs' childhood experiences & board diversity on firms’ risk-taking behaviours

Intelligent risk-taking is important for growing and established firms alike, and more so in today’s complex and dynamic global business environment.  It can also stimulate creativity and innovation, and contribute to a firm’s long-term success.  However, a firm’s risk-taking behaviour and risk propensity is very much dependent on its Chief Executive and Board of Directors.

Dr Gennaro Bernile is an Assistant Professor of Finance at the SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business.  He has built up a broad portfolio of multi-disciplinary research which study various aspects of corporate finance in new and rigorous ways.  In this podcast, Assistant Professor Bernile shares his insights into how the personal childhood disaster experiences of CEOs and the diversity of Boards influence their firms’ risk-taking behaviours, and discusses the practical applications of his research findings for businesses.