LEAD was formed after realising that companies in need of directors did not have any consolidated reference point and tended to rely on personal references to make board level appointment. There seemed to be a chronic shortage of eligible directors as evidenced by the same faces on different boards. It was felt, that something could be done to change the position. LEAD felt compelled to make a contribution by identifying potential directors, creating a database of such individuals, developing those that needed development, making those resources available to the market, assisting with board trainings and development etc.