Book excerpt: This book is a primer on corporate governance for executives. It is designed to guide you to become an effective participant by discussing corporate governance from both a macro- and micro-perspective. Historical data and examples including the recent scandals that have torn the fabric of capitalism pave a pathway to the principal challenges facing today's boards, and how to successfully manage them. This book is your guide; using well-known examples throughout history to illustrate the key points you need to succeed. It is not a bashing of corporate Americas.