Earlier quoted context omitted.
How do these people become so powerful..? What do they have to give in exchange?
In the case of non-execs, they are often insisted on by investors. They are seasoned board members to keep the execs in order, that kind of thing. They have little operational interest in the company, and instead bring 'corporate governance'. They have a part to play in managing the board, not the company. They make investors feel better about investing in a company run by some technology upstart with no track record…
Got it - thanks for the helpful insight!