Challenging Constructively with Questioning Techniques in Multicultural Boards

Impact Boards EM are excited to continue our "Virtual Boardroom" series for 2026. These engaging members-only discussions are an opportunity for our community to meet virtually for networking and sharing knowledge on specific board themes.

This one-hour discussion will be an opportunity for members to share their knowledge and experience of having served on boards across emerging and developed markets around the world.

Our next discussion in this series will be focused on Challenging Constructively with Questioning Techniques in Multicultural Boards on Wednesday 2 December 2026 at 2pm.

Multicultural boards bring diverse perspectives that can strengthen governance and decision-making, but they can also create misunderstandings, communication barriers and tension when different working styles and cultural norms collide. Non-executive directors often face the challenge of balancing robust debate with maintaining trust and cohesion. 

This webinar discussion will explore board culture through a coaching lens and hands-on board experience, examining how cultural differences influence behaviours, perceptions and decision-making. Particular attention will be given to situations where important insights are overlooked or dismissed, known as the Cassandra Syndrome, and how this can undermine board effectiveness. 

The panel will discuss well-known pitfalls at multicultural boards, such as:  

• Delivering difficult or negative feedback with sensitivity and clarity. 

• Reading board dynamics and recognising verbal and non-verbal cues. 

• Disagreeing respectfully while preserving positive relationships. 

• Encouraging balanced, evidence-based decision-making that incorporates diverse viewpoints. 

• Overcoming entrenched cultural boundaries anchored in gender or seniority 

They will also examine the role of smart questioning techniques to bridge the cultural gap that hinders board effectiveness.  

Expect open and insightful discussions as well as the chance to make valuable connections in an informal online setting.

Moderator:

Greg Saichin - CEO & Co-Founder of Impact Boards Emerging Markets

About the Speakers:

Dr Sonya Dilova is Executive Coach and Founder of SF Vision Accelerator Coaching Ltd. She is a finance professional with over 16 years of experience in the UK asset management industry, including roles as Deputy Chief Investment Officer at Omnis and a portfolio manager at Columbia Threadneedle focusing on emerging markets fixed income. She has a strong background in investment committees, sustainable investment and diversity initiatives, with expertise in the Middle East and CIS regions.

Since 2021, Sonya has been a non-executive director and executive coach. As a coach, she is committed to helping other high achievers rediscover their passions and unapologetically pursue success.

View Sonya's LinkedIn profile here

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Dr Shefaly Yogendra is an independent board director and governance expert specialising in resilience, risk and long-term value creation. She brings deep experience across regulated industries and is known for her work helping boards navigate complexity through the lenses of technology, foresight and governance. She is also a recognised speaker and advisor on AI, governance, risk and future skills.

View Shefaly's LinkedIn profile here

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Angelo Morganti has worked in investment banking for 20 years in London, Russia and Kazakhstan. He joined STJ Advisors LLP in 2015 and became a partner in 2016. Here he worked on the IPO of Global Ports Holding and Waberer’s. Prior to this, he was the Head of Investment Banking for Kazakhstan and Central Asia at Renaissance Capital in addition to CEO of the Almaty Office. He was also Managing Director of the M&A team of Sberbank CIB.

He started his career at Salomon Smith Barney (Citigroup) in 1998 where we worked in the Telecom Media and Technology team and in the equity corporate finance team. At Citi, Angelo worked on several landmark transactions such as the E 5.5 bn KPN equity and equity-linked offering, the Telecom Italia’s disposal of Seat, the Severstal GDRs offering, the Eircom IPO and the MPS rights issue.

Angelo graduated in Economics with honours at La Sapienza University in Rome. He also holds an MBA from the University Of Chicago Booth School Of Business and an MSc in accounting and finance from the London School of Economics.

View LinkedIn profile here.