20 years ago, the word "governance" was not in common use.  Someone learned directorship by doing it.  The qualifications for a good director were simply described as “integrity, common sense and business acumen”.  

Today, we face a more challenging governance environment.  Directors are under the spotlight.  Boards are expected to actively add value, not just passively confirm.  And the qualifications for a good director now include a long list of competencies….  

Has complication taken over?   Are we stuck in Stage Two, lost in the fog of complication?  Or can we maintain a "simple and profound" approach essential to good governance?