An outside director, also known as an independent director, is an individual who serves on the board of directors of a company but is not an employee, major shareholder or stakeholder of the company. They are not related to any executive or other company personnel and are not influenced by them.

The purpose of outside directors is to act as an independent voice in the company who can review and advise without being swayed by management. By bringing an additional perspective and viewpoint to the existing board, an outside director can help to maintain the highest level of regulatory compliance and corporate governance. This can involve keeping tabs on any potential conflicts of interest, monitoring new regulations, and making sure the company is taking necessary steps to enhance its bottom line.

Outside directors not only provide external oversight, but also advocate for policies and practices that maintain the long-term health and productivity of the company by limiting any potential for mismanagement or unethical behavior.

An outside director has several roles, including serving as a role model, providing valuable feedback and advice, and ensuring that all board activities are conducted in an ethical and responsible manner. They are expected to ensure that all decisions are in the best interest of the company’s stakeholders. Additionally, they can also request additional information to further the understanding of any issues that need to be addressed.

By being an outside director, individuals gain access to valuable industry information and can build on relationships with other corporate insiders. This provides an opportunity to be part of a network of successful individuals. In addition, this level of access is an important way to stay abreast of industry trends and maintain your own level of expertise.

Overall, outside directors are essential to the effective functioning of corporate boards. They provide a unique perspective on corporate strategy and decisions, helping to keep the company and the board abreast of industry trends and developments. They routinely monitor the activities of executives and company personnel, helping to ensure that the board's decisions are well informed and made in the best interest of the company and its stakeholders.