Bruce Goldstein: Making Valuable Connections One Step at a Time

Bruce Goldstein has been part of the Private Directors Association since the very beginning. As one of the original members, he helped shape PDA’s founding vision. Back then, he recalls, “It was just 25 or 30 of us in a conference room talking about what the organization could be.” A seasoned executive with decades of experience in turnaround consulting, Bruce joined with a clear purpose: to support closely held businesses by promoting the value of independent, well-qualified boards.

More than a decade later, PDA has grown to over 3,000 members and 21+ chapters nationwide. Bruce remains an active member, serving as the National Board Treasurer and contributing to the organization’s strategic direction. “We’ve come a long way,” he says. “Now it’s about thinking nationally. We’re not just a collection of chapters—we’re one PDA.”

His leadership style is grounded in practicality. “First things first,” he says. “You need to understand where you're trying to go and then figure out the first step to get there.” He likens it to what he jokingly calls the “stairway to heaven”—a mindset for thinking through goals with clarity and intent. “What are the intermediate steps we need to hit, and then what small steps can we take to get there?”

Bruce believes strongly in the power of connections and sees PDA as a valuable resource for building them. “Networking is how things happen. You’re not going to land a board seat just by joining an association. But PDA can help you get on that path by creating opportunities to build real relationships and demonstrate your value.” One of those connections led to a board opportunity for Bruce himself.

Outside of work, Bruce is an avid traveler and animal photography enthusiast who takes two major trips a year with his wife. He also helped launch the Chicago chapter’s sporting clays and golf networking events, combining personal passions with professional engagement.

For Bruce, the value of volunteering comes down to commitment. “You’ll get out of it what you put into it. If you sign up and don’t participate, you won’t gain much. But if you show up, contribute, and connect, that’s where the opportunities begin.”