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Julie Lyford explains the benefits of the chair being the board's unifying force

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I'm speaking with Julie Lyford about the critical role of the board chair as the unifying force within the board, along with the challenges and benefits of that philosophy.

Julie is the chair of WELA, the Women's Environmental Leadership Australia. She's also on the boards of the Green Institute and Gloucester Transitions Incorporated. She was formally on the Boards of Regional Development Australia Hunter, The Sunrise Project, and various local government boards including Hunter Councils.

A few things about Julie, she immigrated to Australia at 18. She's lived in Gloucester for 40 years, which is a wonderful rural community. She's a former registered nurse. She's been a local government counselor, and she's passionate about climate, social justice, and good governance.

In 2015, she was an awarded a Order of Australian Medal for work with the community, local government and environmental activity.

Links and Resources

Julie on LinkedIn

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AICD Australian Governance Summit 2026 Day 2 Recap with special correspondents

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Day two of the Australian Governance Summit 2026 was filled with even more important governance insights, expanding on the themes from day one. We listened to an excellent group of speakers, starting with Kate Waterford on the vital need for boards to proactively utilise AI, moving beyond security concerns to address its full disruptive potential.

I shared takeaways from Philip Chronican on Australia's economic position, emphasising agility, social cohesion as a key strength, and the urgency of the housing challenge. Melinda Clarke offered thoughtful reflections on the value of boardroom hypotheticals in crisis decision-making, and Katie Constantinou expertly explained the critical chair-CEO relationship, highlighting the importance of trust based on shared values and clear roles.

Helen Hu offered valuable insights on shifting investor expectations toward long-term sustainability and active engagement, while my own reflections centered on the future of the care sector—specifically, the "delightful tension" around funding and the need for purpose-driven commercial balance in the boardroom.

Finally, we ended the day with insights from Jane Davel on fostering psychological safety for difficult conversations and Karen Raitt's thoughts on sports governance, before Nicola Gibbs wrapped up with a discussion on linking productivity to investment risk appetite and the need to free up board time for strategic priorities.

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AICD Australian Governance Summit 2026 Day 1 Recap with special correspondents

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Today, on the Take on Board podcast, we have the crowdsourced Day 1 recap from the Australian Governance Summit (March 2026, Sydney). It covers key themes raised across sessions. The summit opened with an Acknowledgement of Country linking stillness and shared purpose to stronger governance. That session was followed by AICD chair Naomi Edwards on boardroom diversity progress, collective board accountability, lessons from the Star Casino case (including board responsibility for information and board packs), and bringing secure, well-briefed AI into board decision-making.

Helen Hu summarises CBA chair Paul O’Malley on stewardship, structural forces reshaping strategy, and disciplined capital allocation for resilience. Kate Waterford reports on geopolitics as a mainstream board risk, with cyber as a priority and practical near-term de-risking actions. Claire Schonfeld relays ASIC chair Joe Longo on growing complexity, judgment beyond compliance, innovation, and AI as board-level priority.

It was a pack day of sessions including chair expectations in recruitment, payroll compliance risks and data sovereignty, Pamela Hanrahan’s regulatory update (hard/soft regulation and AI’s impact), future-proofing director skills through digital and AI literacy, and Chris Bradley’s optimistic “strategic realities” framing of global shifts.

We'll be back next week with day two.

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Helga Goes Solo: Learning about the Board Observership Program

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT

In this solo episode of Take on Board, I share my keynote from the 2026 Board Observership Program launch. I discuss how the program helps emerging leaders under 40 and builds strong board succession pipelines.

I highlight that diverse boards make better decisions, but only when inclusion and psychological safety are prioritized through intentional connections. My five tips for observers: connect broadly, stay curious, own your seat, use your fresh perspective early, and fully commit to meetings, training, and events (and have fun).

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The risks of chairing the risk committee with Olivia Giudice

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Today, on the Take on Board podcast, I'm talking to Olivia Giudice about chairing your boards risk committee.

Olivia is a Board Director, former Chair of the Audit, Finance & Risk Committee and current CEO of Homeward Bound, a global leadership initiative for women leaders with a STEMM background. She has also held several Chief Risk Officer, risk and audit roles across public sector and ASX-listed environments. Olivia has a keen interest in how people experience risk through behaviour, decisions and culture.

Links and Resources

Olivia on LinkedIn

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Helga Goes Solo: Tips to increase board effectiveness

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 13:00:00 GMT

In this solo Take On Board episode, I introduce the Human Synergistics Group Styles Inventory (GSI) as a tool boards can use to increase effectiveness. I explain the Human Synergistics Circumplex with 12 group styles across three clusters: constructive (blue), passive/defensive (green), and aggressive/defensive (red), and I describe how each can show up in board dynamics.

I share that Human Synergistics research links more effective groups with higher constructive styles and lower defensive/aggressive styles, and I outline how a board can measure itself after a meeting or a simulation, set actions, and remeasure later.

I also describe an anonymised board simulation where we focused on increasing self-actualising and affiliative behaviours while reducing avoidant and power behaviours, and I emphasise that these actions should be owned by the whole board, not just the chair, CEO, or secretary.

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How Solai Valliappan learned to love being a board chair

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take On Board podcast, I'm speaking with Solai Valliappan about learning how to be a board chair.

Solai is a Sydney-based technology investor, advisor, and board director. Starting her career as an Actuary, she transitioned into the startup world 10 years ago. She has been leveraging her finance expertise to advise family offices, venture capital firms, accelerators, and startups across Australia, including investing as an angel investor.

She discusses the importance of structure, feedback, and clear boundaries between governance and operations, especially within small organizations and not-for-profits. Solai emphasizes learning on the job, drawing on resources like podcasts and peer feedback, and encourages others to take on new challenges in board leadership.

Links and Resources

Solai on LinkedIn

Solai's Substack

Solai's YouTube

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Effective Governance Calendar Template

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Helga Goes Solo: The benefits of board calendars

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 13:00:00 GMT

This week on Take on Board, I discuss a topic that is sometimes overlooked: the crucial role of governance calendars for boards. Think of it as the board's essential work plan, a simple table or spreadsheet that lays out exactly when the board will tackle key topics (strategy, budget, compliance, CEO check-ins, etc.) over the next year or more.

Links and Resources

AICD Board Calendars

Savvy Director Prep

Annual Board & Compliance Calendar template

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Suzie Thoraval on LinkedIn

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Suzie Thoraval merges ambition with risk in her board career

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I'm speaking with Suzie Thoraval about governance of risk and audit.

Suzie is the independent chair of the finance, audit and risk Committee at the Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, and she's a member of the finance, risk and audit committees at the Judicial College of Victoria and the cities of Greater Dandenong, Knox and Whittlesea.

She's previously been on the advisory board for the College of Law's Centre for Legal Innovation and the Chair of Dear Dyslexic Foundation, and on the School Council of Camberwell Primary School. Suzie is a seasoned legal governance and strategic leadership professional with deep expertise in audit risk and corporate governance.

She brings 25 years of experience, including 13 years in senior leadership in government. She brings a Master of Laws and a strategic, inquisitive mindset to every conversation.

Links and Resources

Suzie's past newsletters are on her website along with YouTube videos: www.suziethoraval.com and https://www.youtube.com/@SuzieThoraval

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Setting your risk appetite: supplementary guidance (The Institute of Risk Management)

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Helga Goes Solo: Risk appetite statements and what you need to know

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 13:00:00 GMT

This week on the Take On Board podcast, I’ll be discussing risk and risk appetite statements. This topic has been on my mind because I recently facilitated a workshop with a board focused on their risk appetite.

I’d like to walk you through the process I often use with groups and share some resources that I find helpful. Risk appetite is undoubtedly an important aspect that boards should consider and address. should be paying attention to.

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Staying true to your values in the boardroom with Daralyse Lyons

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take On Board podcast, I'm speaking with Daralyse Lyons about non-executive roles and executive director positions. We may even hear the story of why she resigned from a role in which she excelled, and how the board influenced that decision.

Daralyse is a journalist and author with prior experience in business development and financial management. She has written more than two dozen books, several short stories, and countless articles.

She is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and the former Vice President of Philadelphia's chapter of NLGJA. Daralyse graduated summa cum laude from New York University, where she earned a double major in English and religious studies and a minor in history. In 2023, she received the Pennsylvania City and State Impact Award, recognizing her as one of the 75 most impactful individuals in Pennsylvania.

More recently, she became a Who's Who Honoree. Currently, she serves as the Chief Revenue Officer for Bucks County Beacon.

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Helga Goes Solo: Welcome to the new year! What's ahead for 2026

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 14:55:38 GMT

Happy 2026, Take on Boarders. It is fabulous to be back on the other side. I had a little break. During that period, just a week in Adelaide, between Christmas and New Year, lots of beautiful walks along the Torrens River, catching up with a few of the take on board community and just. Having a bit of a relax, really.

As you know, one of the things I often do during the break is reflect a little more on my RSVP statement. Where I'd landed last year was that, for this year, it's about holding space for me and identifying what I'm not going to be doing. Doing a perhaps unsu to be new things.

I have found that a little bit tricky, so I'm not as clear on that as I would like. However, I have made some progress, all things considered. It was actually gonna be about Take on Board and the podcast, and I was gonna drop it back to fortnightly. However, I've decided to hold off on that for at least a little while. So what is the plan for Take on Board? Well, you'll need to tune in here for all the news.

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Summer Series: How Linh Do used the board accelerator to boost her board career outcomes

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Linh Do about the Take on Board accelerator program. This is a program I run, and many of you will know that earlier this year, I did a miniseries on the podcast about professional development options and forgot to do my own.

Linh is the chair of the Climate Action Network Australia and AktivAsia, and a board member of the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation. She’s also a member of the research committee at the Centre for Policy Development. She was formerly on the board of the Centre for Sustainability Leadership because I was on the board there as well, although I don’t think we were on it at the same time. And she’s been on a range of government advisory groups.

Linh has a background in climate advocacy in leadership, and she’s currently the director of the Wattle Fellowship at the University of Melbourne.

Professional development for board directors mini series playlist:

Episode 326: Francie Doolan asks do you have the skills to govern in a changing world?
Episode 325: Kim Sullivan’s fresh perspective on the AICD Company Directors course
Episode 324: Ngaire Anderson experienced the AICD Boardroom Mastery program
Episode 323: Jane Davel has options for New Zealand board members
Episode 322: Jennifer Duncan on the virtues of the Governance for Social Impact program
Episode 321: Professional development in governance with Kiki Paul

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AI in the boardroom mini series playlist:

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Summer Series: AI in the boardroom mini series – Candice DeVille explains what boards should be asking about AI

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Candice Deville about AI and the missing AI conversation in the boardroom.

Candice was formally on the board of Charity Bay, and she’s the founder of AI Co-pilot and a leading AI strategist with 20-plus years of experience in digital transformation, enterprise marketing and emerging tech. She advises boards, government, and growth-stage companies on responsible AI adoption, blending commercial insight with a sharp human-centered lens on the future of work.

Links and Resources

Candice DeVille on LinkedIn

Candice DeVille Website

The AI-Ready Playbook: Navigating AI Like A Pro by Candice DeVille

Free AI PDF

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Louise Broekman on LinkedIn

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Summer Series: Advisory board mini series – Louise Broekman outlines the history and importance of advisory boards

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take On Board Podcast, I'm speaking with Louise Brockman about well, all things advisory boards. This is part of an advisory board mini-series in today's episode one, where we will discuss the history, purpose, structure, and impact of advisory boards.

Louise is on the advisory board of the Advisory Board centre, so if that's not the peak of all advisory boards, I'm not sure what is. And she's been on, well, heaps of advisory boards. She's the founder and CEO of the Advisory Board centre, and having had first-hand life-changing experience with her advisory board in a previous business, Louise researched and tested the advisory board sector for five years before establishing the world's first professional body for the advisory board sector.

She knows all there is to know.

Advisory board mini series playlist:

Links and Resources

Advisory Board Centre

ABF101 Advisory Board Best Practice Framework

2025 Megatrends Summit

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Katie Constantinou on LinkedIn

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Summer Series: Board composition and effectiveness mini series – Katie Constantinou on onboarding new directors

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board Podcast, I’m speaking with Katie Constantinou about onboarding new directors.

Katie is on the board of Harbison, an aged care organisation in regional New South Wales. She also sits on several committees: the New South Wales Justices Association Southern Highlands branch and the BDCU Grads Committee. She’s formerly been on the boards of Wingecarribee Adult Day Centres, a not-for-profit service that provides social opportunities within a group setting for older people and people living with dementia.

Katie is a mother of two high school children and a proud nerd about governance and legal issues. She has a deep knowledge of administrative, legal and governance frameworks, policies and practices. She’s an experienced non-executive director, adviser, public servant, legal professional, and leader of diverse Government and Community Services. Katie’s passion lies in developing collaborative stakeholder relationships and partnerships.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in linguistics and modern Greek from the University of Sydney and a Bachelor of Laws from ANU. Katie is a New South Wales Justice of the Peace, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia.

Board composition and effectiveness mini series playlist:

Links and Resources

The Key to Director Onboarding (The Corporate Director Podcast) https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/inside-todays-boardrooms-the-key-to-director-onboarding/id1462449171?i=1000664068655AICD

Elevating the client voice to boards (AICD article) https://www.aicd.com.au/good-governance/public-trust/organisation/elevating-the-client-voice-to-boards.html

Recruitment and onboarding process example (Word doc) https://helgasvendsen.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Take-on-Board-podcast-Recruitment-and-onboarding-process-example.docx

Board vacancy advertisement example (Word doc) https://helgasvendsen.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Take-on-Board-podcast-Board-vacancy-advertisement.docx

Invitation to join as an Observer example (Word doc) https://helgasvendsen.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Take-on-Board-podcast-Invitation-to-join-as-an-Observer.docx

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It's time to RSVP: Reflections on 2025 and goals for 2026

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 13:00:00 GMT

This year’s final podcast episode is always a special one for me—it’s my chance to pause, reflect, and invite you into the RSVP process that’s become a yearly ritual. I love grabbing a pen, scribbling on the worksheet (available below) and taking a proper look back at the year that’s just gone.

Here is a high-level breakdown of the RSVP!

Reflect / Review

Superpowers / Strengths

Values

Purpose

I walk you through all the steps in the podcast and the YouTube video.

Thank you to my amazing team, the Take on Board community, and everyone who has been part of this year. I hope you’ll use the RSVP worksheet and take some well-deserved time to reflect as the year wraps up!

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Dominique Hes on LinkedIn

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Nature in the Boardroom: A New Era of Governance with Dominique Hes

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the final Take on Board event for 2025. Dominique Hes is here to explore the innovative concept of integrating nature into boardroom governance. Dominique introduces the groundbreaking concept of treating nature as a guardian in the boardroom, inspired by a UK initiative. She explains how this approach promotes environmental responsibility within organizational governance.

Dominique responded to questions from the Take on Board community. Here are a few to give you a sense of the dynamic conversation during the event.

What inspired the idea of incorporating nature into the boardroom, and how do you envision it being implemented in Australia?
Can you explain the legal framework being developed to govern nature and how it differs from existing corporate governance structures?
What specific actions can organizations take to address their environmental risks, and how can the TNFD framework assist in that process?

Links and Resources

All of Dominique's Take on Board episodes

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How Linh Do used the board accelerator to boost her board career outcomes

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take On Board podcast, I'm speaking with Linh Do about the Take On Board accelerator program. This is a program I run, and many of you will know that earlier this year, I did a miniseries on the podcast about professional development options and forgot to do my own.

Linh is the chair of the Climate Action Network Australia and AktivAsia, and a board member of the Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation. She's also a member of the research committee at the Center for Policy Development. She was formerly on the board of the Center for Sustainability Leadership because I was on the board there as well, although I don't think we were on it at the same time. And she's been on a range of government advisory groups.

Linh has a background in climate advocacy in leadership, and she's currently the director of the Wattle Fellowship at the University of Melbourne.

Links and Resources

Linh Do on LinkedIn

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Lowy Institute for an Australian and Asia-Pacific Outlook

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Managing geopolitical risk in the boardroom with Diana Nestorovska

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take On Board podcast, I'm speaking with Diana Nestorovska about considering and managing geopolitical risk in the boardroom.

Diana is Deputy chair of South Gippsland Water Corporation, and she has previously been on the boards of Melba Support Services Limited, Sexual Health Victoria and the University of Wollongong University Council. She's also been a member of the Latrobe University Human Research Ethics Committee and a public representative on the Australian Press Council.

As of yesterday, Diana is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and she brings 20 years of experience across law, diplomacy, enterprise risk, and for-purpose leadership. She's a former Australian diplomat and has represented Australian interests in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

Links and Resources

Diana on LinkedIn

For a macro, global outlook: World Economic Forum Global Risk Report 2025 -

For information on Australia's bilateral relationship with specific countries, DFAT Country Briefs are a great source of information

AICD for numerous articles on geopolitical risk aimed at directors and executives - www.aicd.com.au

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Ari Magalhaes on LinkedIn

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Ari Magalhaes answers all questions about organisational turnarounds

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 13:00:00 GMT

This week on the Take on Board podcast, Ari Magalhaes joined a great group of Take on Board community members to answer any and all questions about organisational turnarounds, building on her previous insights from our recent podcast episode.

Ari emphasised the critical importance of understanding financial statements for board directors and outlined specific key performance indicators (KPIs) that signal potential risks within organizations.

Links and Resources

OmniStrategic Impact Framework

Episode 225: Ari Magalhaes uses her years of experience of analysing risk and employing strategy in the boardroom

Episode 327: Ari Magalhaes knows business turnarounds and says you can too

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Fiona on the Fair Futures website

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Fiona David makes the case for boards to take action on modern slavery risk

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I'm speaking with Fiona David about understanding modern slavery risk.

Fiona is on the boards of ACCESS-NRI, Australia's climate simulator, and the Coolaroo Foundation, a philanthropic organisation, and an alternate director on the Forrest Research Foundation for Nicola Forrest. Lawyer, human rights expert, and founder of Fair Futures, Fiona, is leading the charge in helping organisations tackle issues such as modern slavery in their supply chains.

Having led the creation of the landmark Global Slavery Index, she is an expert in helping companies embed ethical and sustainable practices, proving that commercial success doesn’t need to come at the expense of human rights or the environment.

Links and Resources

Fiona David on LinkedIn

Recent articles that give practical insights and tips for Board Directors on understanding modern slavery risk:

Why Human Rights Need to Sit at the Board Level

How to embed modern slavery human rights due diligence into strategy

The Walk Free Global Slavery Index provides valuable country-by-country information that Board Directors will typically see referenced in their organisations' MSA statements.

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Wake up! Moira Junge wants directors to think about sleep

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I'm speaking with Moira Junge about the importance of sleep for board directors.

Moira was on the Sleep Health Foundation Board for six years before stepping into the inaugural CEO role. She's also an advisory board member at Healthylife. Moira is a public health advocate, a clinical health psychologist, an adjunct associate professor, and a former registered nurse.

After three decades on the front lines treating mental and physical health challenges, she made the switch from intervention to prevention. Moira aims to bring clarity, credibility, and urgency to one of the most overlooked and misunderstood pillars of mental and physical health - sleep.

Links and Resources

Moira Junge on LinkedIn

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Giselle McLachlan wants to help prepare your boardroom for the future

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 16:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I'm speaking with Giselle McLachlan about creating the future in the boardroom.

Giselle is on the boards of AbacusBio and Chairs the Audit and Risk Committee of Local Government New Zealand. Grounded founder Giselle is a governance and leadership specialist. Giselle is all about down-to-earth governance and business advice, and thrives on building sustainable businesses alongside healthy leaders and lives.

Giselle loves working with others who love learning, growing, and creating a better future.

Links and Resources

Grounded Governance

Giselle on LinkedIn

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EVENT: Organisational Turnarounds with Ari

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Ari Magalhaes knows business turnarounds and says you can too

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I'm speaking with Ari Magalhaes about business turnarounds.

Ari is on the boards of Palliative Care Tasmania, serves as Deputy Chair of Women's Health Tasmania, and is part of the Community Advisory Committee of Red Nose Australia. Ari is a global economist, non-executive director, and board advisor with a track record helping ASX private and purpose-led organisations navigate disruption and deliver measurable value.

She's driven over $110 million in outcomes, a five to 10% profit uplift across sectors such as energy, health, government, and aged care. Ari helps boards and senior leadership turn complexity into clarity, whether managing regulatory change, financial pressure, emerging technologies (like AI) or internal misalignments.

She designs decision systems that make tough trade-offs visible, oversight effective, and strategy executable. She'll tell you what's ahead, show you the red pill or the blue pill, and help you choose the best possible next step.

Links and Resources

Ari Magalhaes on LinkedIn

OmniStrategic Impact Framework

Episode 225: Ari Magalhaes uses her years of experience of analysing risk and employing strategy in the boardroom

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Francie Dolan on LinkedIn

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Professional development miniseries: Francie Doolan asks do you have the skills to govern in a changing world?

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I'm speaking with Francie Doolan about the Small Giants Academy, Governing for Purpose program.

Francie has been working with boards since her early twenties, wearing many different hats over the last 25 years.

So, having to switch between lots of different mindsets is something she talks more about in our conversation. She has been a consultant from big four professional service firm reporting to listed boards. She's held management roles as CEO and CFO, reported to boards, served as a board director and board chair and acted as a committee member and facilitator.

Francie sits on the board of Impact Funds Management, so it's pretty heavy on the compliance. And then also on the board of many for-purpose boards, including Small Giants Academy. Outside of the Small Giants ecosystem, Francie sits on the board of RIAA, the Responsible Investment Association Australasia, and she's a governor with WWF Australia. So, all of those years of experience and different hats and mindsets are baked into the Governing for Purpose program, which she's excited to tell us more about today

Links and Resources

Small Giants Academy Governing for Purpose program

One Minute Governance with Matt Fullbrook (Canadian governance expert) - I love that it's short, asks provocative questions, and encourages experimenting and trying new things in the board room

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AICD Company Directors Course

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Professional development mini series: Kim Sullivan's fresh perspective on the AICD Company Directors' course

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Today, on the Take On Board podcast, I'm speaking with Kim Sullivan about the AICD Company Directors' course.

Kim serves on the board of the Kensington Neighbourhood House and is also the Chief Operating Officer of ORIMA Research, leading the people and culture, IT administration, and other enabling functions of the business.

She's also a social researcher, having worked for over 20 years, conducting research for state and federal government clients. Kim is qualified in law, social science, and psychology, and lives with her family in the inner west of Melbourne.

Links and Resources

Kim Sullivan on LinkedIn

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Professional development miniseries: Ngaire Anderson experienced the AICD Boardroom Mastery program

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I'm speaking with Ngaire Anderson about the Australian Institute of Company Directors ' Boardroom Mastery program.

Ngaire serves on the board of IPC Health, where she holds the positions of Deputy Chair and Chair of the Clinical Governance and Clinical Risk Committee. She has formally been on the boards of Heathcote Health, Bendigo Community Health, and Remembrance Park Central Victoria.

Following 16 years as a paramedic, Ngaire has held non-executive, executive, and leadership roles, primarily in the health and community sectors. She is a graduate of the AICD Company Directors Course. As we will hear more about today, having recently completed the AICD's Boardroom Mastery program, Ngaire has served in various non-executive director roles across government and not-for-profit sectors.

Links and Resources

AICD Boardroom Mastery

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Episode 128: Jane Davel offers some ideas if board members are causing trouble

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Professional development miniseries: Jane Davel has options for New Zealand board members

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I'm speaking with Jane Davel about director development options in New Zealand.

Jane is on the board of St. Andrews Village Trust and Rowing New Zealand, and she's also a trustee of the New Zealand Rowing Foundation. She's formerly been on the boards of government and for-purpose organizations of varying sizes and sectors, including the social service sector, property and construction investment, and arts and heritage.

Jane has been serving on boards for almost a decade and enjoys the challenges and the variety of the boardroom, which includes different organizations, people, and sectors. The variety of board work keeps her interested and engaged. Before entering governance, Jane held senior executive roles across various service industries, including banking and finance, health, entertainment, and telecommunications.

She's a member of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand, the Australian Institute of Company, directors and Women on Boards Australia.

Links and Resources

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Jennifer Duncan on LinkedIn

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Professional development miniseries: Jennifer Duncan on the virtues of the Governance for Social Impact program

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take On Board podcast, I'm speaking with Jennifer Duncan, and we'll be talking about the Governance for Social Impact program. This is part of a miniseries that I'm doing about director development.

Jennifer is on the boards of Focus One Health Foundation South Australia, and she's also a member of the South Australia Northern Territory Council for the Governance Institute of Australia.

She has a long list of former boards: South Australian Council of Social Service, the Australian Youth Affairs Council, Justice Reinvestment, the Youth Affairs Council of South Australia, the South Australian Health and Community Service Skills Board, and the Australian Red Cross, South Australian Division.

Jennifer owns and runs a business called Uncommon Good. Uh. This business provides consultancy and ongoing support to philanthropic foundations and not-for-profit organizations, predominantly in South Australia. And she focuses on strategy, design, and implementation. Her work is informed by almost 20 years in leadership roles within the for-purpose sector and her passionate commitment to leaving this world a better place than she found it.

Links and Resources

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Episode 259: Kiki Paul details how to move from CEO to non-executive director

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Professional development miniseries: Professional Development in Governance with Kiki Paul

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I'm speaking with Kiki Paul about the Institute of Community Directors Australia and their professional development course, Diploma of Governance. This is part of the professional development for board directors mini series.

Kiki is on the boards of Go Gentle Australia and is the chair of the Australian Online Giving Foundation. Formally been on the boards of the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women's Shelter, PANDSI and a founding member of Cancer Chicks. Kiki is an experienced CEO and non-executive director from 2016 to 2022.

She was the CEO of Go Gentle Australia, a national charity instrumental in the passage of voluntary assisted dying laws in all six states of Australia. She has held various board roles for not-for-profit organisations. She is currently the CEO of the Community Transport Organisation, a peak body for community transport providers in New South Wales.

Links and Resources

Kiki Paul on LinkedIn

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Governing for positive duty obligations

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Respect at Work law - compliance and accurate reporting tips with Natasha de Silva

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I'm speaking with Natasha de Silva about the Respect@Work report, her work on Respect@Work, and the seven standards that need to be complied with.

Natasha is on the boards of Plan International Australia, Impact Pathways, James C Financial Services and Eyeplant. She has formerly been on the boards of Full Stop Australia, and Monte Sant' Angelo Mercy College. She is also a member of the Nominations Committee of Basketball Australia, which is where we first crossed paths.

Natasha is the founder of Intersection and is recognised nationally and internationally as an expert in human rights and equality. She's a sought-after advisor on workplace culture, working with leaders across the public and private sectors to create safe, respectful, and inclusive workplaces. The Respect@Work report is the National Inquiry into Sexual Harassment in Australian Workplaces, led by Kate Jenkins AO, the former Sex Discrimination Commissioner. In January of this year, she was appointed a sessional commissioner at the Victorian Parliamentary Workplace Standards and Integrity Commission for a five-year term.

Links and Resources

Governing for psychosocial hazards and risks

Governing for workplace gender equality

And the in-person Respect@Work Masterclass for Boards hosted by Kate Jenkins and Natasha de Silva

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AI Mini Series: Candice DeVille answers some of the best questions ever - her words

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, Candice DeVille is back to answer all your questions about AI readiness for boards. She shares insights on translating board directives into actionable strategies, understanding the intent behind AI initiatives, and clarifying business problems AI aims to solve. Candice also outlines four key questions to ask when considering AI projects, including intent, specific business problems, measurable success, and delivery timelines. She emphasizes aligning AI initiatives with strategic objectives and introduces a feasibility matrix for prioritizing projects based on impact and achievability.

The discussion also covers critical risk factors in AI implementation, such as data, operational, model, regulatory, and reputational risks, and introduces an AI industry risk pyramid. Candice answers listener questions on recommended AI governance courses, the climate impact of AI, funding opportunities for non-profits in AI, addressing "shadow AI" use in organizations, and convincing management to adopt AI. She stresses the importance of foundational AI understanding, practical experience for management, and clear communication from boards.

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Kate's latest article on this subject on ArtsHub

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AI Mini Series: Kate Larsen says it's time to talk about the ethics of AI

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take On Board podcast, I'm speaking with Kate Larsen about the ethics of AI.

Kate, although eager ears will know that Kate has already been on the podcast. Kate is an arts, cultural and nonprofit consultant and writer with more than 25 years of experience in Australia, Asia, and the UK. Recently returned to Naarm/Melbourne. Kate has particular expertise in arts, governance, and cultural leadership, workplace culture and wellbeing, and digital and community-engaged practice.

Kate's been on the podcast before, episode 254, on why Palestine is a governance issue that every board should be talking about. And she's currently leading a national conversation about governance reform based on the provocation that 'nearly everything you thought you knew about boards and governance is wrong'. This was the title of her TEDx talk on the subject last year, so we'll put a link to that in the show notes as well.

Links and Resources

Kate Larsen on LinkedIn

And another thing vlog: AI and governance

And another thing vlog: Meta's grand theft AusLit

Why (nearly) everything you thought you knew about boards and governance is wrong*, TedX Castlemaine

Episode 254: Kate Larsen on what boards need to think about before making a statement on the war in Gaza

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AI Mini Series: Welcoming AI into your board meetings with Alice Tang

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I'm speaking with Alice Tang about the use of AI in board meetings and by boards. We also touch on digital and AI strategy and governance.

Alice is on the board of Amplify AI Group and was previously trustee for a listed fund manager managing $10 billion in assets. She's also been treasurer and board member for a disability arts board. Her executive roles include six years as Chief Operating Officer of a Listed Alternatives, assets manager, and 16 years at Macquarie Group.

A fellow of the Chartered Accountants, ANZ. She's on the Committee of 100 Women in Finance in Australia, the UNSW Alumni Advisory Committee, and is Secretary for Women in Super New South Wales.

Links and Resources

Alice Tang on LinkedIn

My business partner did a TedX talk on AI and humanity in Sydney last year and it gives you a human perspective. "What if AI is the key to better relationships?"

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Dottie Schindlinger on LInkedIn

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AI Mini Series: Dottie Schindlinger is sharing some AI research for boards

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take On Board podcast, I'm speaking with Dottie Schindlinger about AI and some recent research done by the Diligent Institute. Dottie serves on the boards of the Delaware County Foundation and the Pennsylvania School Safety Institute, also known as Penn SSI.

Dottie is the Executive Director of The Diligent Institute, the think tank and global governance research arm of Diligent Corporation, a leading provider of secure corporate board communication and collaboration software used by over 700,000 directors and executives globally.

In her role, Dottie provides thought leadership on governance, cybersecurity, and technology topics through presentations to boards and executives dozens of times each year at events worldwide. Her work has been featured in Fortune, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and multiple governance and technology publications. She is the co-author of the book "Governance in the Digital Age: A Guide for the Modern Corporate Board Director" (2019, John Wiley & Sons) and co-hosts the fortnightly show, The Corporate Director Podcast.

Links and Resources

Diligent

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Candice DeVille on LinkedIn

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AI Mini Series: Candice DeVille explains what boards should be asking about AI

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take On Board podcast, I'm speaking with Candice Deville about AI and the missing AI conversation in the boardroom.

Candice was formally on the board of Charity Bay and she's the founder of AI Co-pilot and a leading AI strategist with 20 plus years experience in digital transformation, enterprise marketing and emerging tech, she advises boards, government and growth stage companies on responsible AI adoption, blending commercial insight with a sharp human centered lens on the future of work.

Links and Resources

Candice DeVille Website

The AI-Ready Playbook: Navigating AI Like A Pro by Candice DeVille

Free AI PDF

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The Coming Wave by Mustafa Suleyman

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AI Mini Series: Henna Karna delivers the basics on AI and how it can help in the boardroom

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I'm speaking with Henna Karna about AI and technology. (Please note, we're playing this episode again. It originally aired in November 2024

Henna is a highly respected global leader with more than 25 years of experience leading innovation across digital/data in high-tech, CPG, risk management, and insurance industries (across P&C, specialty, life, health, retirement, consumer, commercial, brokers, vendors, and independent agents).

She has led businesses and advised Fortune 100 companies on digital innovation and disruption, and has designed and developed patent-pending technology and applications in the field of genetic algorithms, behavioural analytics, deep neural nets and digital data technologies.

She's joined a couple of large industry companies. Most recently, she was at Google and ran the global insurance and risk division for products and solutions on the Google side. Henna has been on a couple of public boards and a couple of private boards, so she's spending most of her time on the portfolio side of things.

Links and Resources

Henna Karna's Website

Coursera

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

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Simone Austin on LinkedIn

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Simone Austin knows the benefits of a non-linear career and picking up transferable skills

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I'm speaking with Simone Austin about the transferable skills that have shaped her career journey.

Simone is on the Healthy Life Health Advisory Board and has previously been President of Sport Dietitians Australia and a board member at Dietitians Australia.

Simone has had a dynamic career in the field of dietetics. I had to practice saying that, which fits perfectly with her zesty personality. From fueling some of Australia's most successful sporting teams to authoring her book, Eat Like an Athlete and leading the publication of Healthy Lives Living Healthy Reports.

Links and Resources

Living Healthy Report 2025

Hype launch reel

Launch whole event recording:

Eat Like an Athlete by Simone Austin

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Building Bridges in Board Dynamics: Be More Confident, Competent and Conscious as a Value-Creating Board Member

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Dorrit Kromann explores the topic of high-performing boards

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take on board podcast, I'm speaking again with Dorrit Kromann about high-performing boards. Now, you may recall that about a year ago, in June 2024, I had a conversation with Dorrit, during which we discussed psychology in the boardroom. We discussed a wide range of topics. Things like how she received some voice training from an opera singer, and she challenged us to do a little check-in when our attention wanders in board meetings. So there were a few tools she gave us around that as well. At the time, Dorrit was writing a book, and now her book is a reality. Today's conversation will touch on high-performing boards and the valuable wisdom she has developed through her book, Building Bridges in Board Dynamics.

Dorrit Kromann is a full-time board professional and investor. After two decades of building a career linking the professional and human aspects of business, she now holds key board positions across different industries including Fintech, IT, education and utility services. In addition to driving performance in her own organizations, Dorrit is dedicated to equipping others with the necessary framework to understand board dynamics, become high-value members and create high-performing organizations.

Links and Resources

Dorrit on LinkedIn

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Helga goes solo - boardroom lessons learned from the Jatbula Trail

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 14:00:00 GMT

This week on the Take On Board podcast, you are hearing from me. I have some reflections from my recent hike, the Jatbula hike up in the Northern Territory.

The podcast was recorded along the trail on Voice Memos. You will find some of it quite noisy because, in the background, there are various waterfalls and the like, so it's probably not the best audio. Uh, however, I couldn't resist doing it along the way, so I hope you find some value in it.

Look, I'll admit some of the links to governance might be a little bit tenuous, but I couldn't miss this opportunity to record to some of my thoughts and reflections from the trip.

Enjoy!

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Russell Reynolds Associates - Global Board Culture and Director Behaviors Study

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Julie Toma let her passions shape her board career - could this work for you?

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board Podcast, I'm speaking with Julie Toma about her journey to the boardroom and maybe some reflections that come along the way there.

Julie is on the board of Western New South Wales Primary Health Network, RACGP's Australian General Practice Research Foundation, Friendly Pharmacies, Northern Sydney Local Health District Quality Health Care Board Committee, and the Barbara May Foundation.

She's previously been on the Australian Dental Health Foundation, Jannawi Connections, LiveBetter, and Asthma Australia ACT.

Julie, as you can no doubt tell from her boards, is passionate about improving society's health and well-being. She provides deep expertise in business strategy, marketing, customer and employee experience, philanthropy, transformational growth and stakeholder engagement.

Links and Resources

Director Performance: The High Impact Behaviors of the Most Effective Directors 2022 Global Board Culture and Director Behaviors Study

NSW Institute of Applied Technology (for free courses to strengthen understanding of cyber and AI)

The Psychological Safety Index (PSI) from Data Drives Insight

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Louise Broekman outlines the history and importance of advisory boards

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Advisory board mini-series: Mary Goodwin on her experiences with the Advisory Board Centre's Certified Chair Course

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take On Board Podcast, I'm speaking with Mary Goodwin about the advisory board centres and the certified chair course.

Mary chairs the audit risk and improvement committee at Gladstone Regional Council and serves on various audit and risk committees at Redlands City Council, Western Downs Regional Council, and Whitsunday Regional Council. She is also on the advisory boards of a pharmacy and a fabrication company.

Mary co-chairs the peer advisory group for the Queensland Northern Territory chapter of the Advisory Board Centre. With over 25 years of strategic leadership in public, private, and not-for-profit sectors both in Australia and internationally, she has served as chief procurement officer for the Queensland Government and Deputy Director General of a state department. Her international experience includes a significant gold mining project in Canada and India during COVID. She founded her consultancy, One People Proprietary Limited, to help businesses maximize their potential, particularly by applying big business concepts to SMEs in practical ways.

Previous episodes in this series

Sandra Gamble knows what’s what about the energy and sustainability sector for advisory boards

Cynthia Payne outlines the evolution of advisory boards in aged care

Heather Disher dishes on business sector advisory boards

Louise Broekman’s rundown of the Advisory Board Centre’s State of the Market Report 2025-2027

Louise Broekman answers questions on the advisory board market

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Louise Broekman outlines the history and importance of advisory boards

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Advisory board mini-series: Take on Board Event - Louise Broekman answers questions on the advisory board market

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Today, on the Take on Board podcast, Louise Broekman is answering questions about the state of the advisory board market. This is part two of the Take on Board breakfast event.

Louise is on the advisory board of the Advisory Board Centre, so if that’s not the peak of all advisory boards, I’m not sure what is. And she’s been on, well, heaps of advisory boards. She’s the founder and CEO of the Advisory Board Centre, and having had first-hand life-changing experience with her advisory board in a previous business, Louise researched and tested the advisory board sector for five years before establishing the world’s first professional body for the advisory board sector.

Previous episodes in this series

Sandra Gamble knows what’s what about the energy and sustainability sector for advisory boards

Cynthia Payne outlines the evolution of advisory boards in aged care

Heather Disher dishes on business sector advisory boards

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Louise Broekman outlines the history and importance of advisory boards

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Advisory board mini-series: Take on Board Event - Louise Broekman discusses the advisory board market

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, Louise Broekman is back to discuss the state of the advisory board market for 2025, highlighting key trends and best practices. This was part of a Take on Board breakfast event. Louise answered some questions from attendees. Next week, the questions we couldn't answer will be our part two.

Previous episodes in this series

Sandra Gamble knows what’s what about the energy and sustainability sector for advisory boards

Cynthia Payne outlines the evolution of advisory boards in aged care

Heather Disher dishes on business sector advisory boards

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Sandra Gamble knows what’s what about the energy and sustainability sector for advisory boards

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Advisory board mini-series: Heather Disher dishes on business sector advisory boards

Tue, 27 May 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take On Board Podcast, I'm speaking with Heather Disher about business sector advisory boards.

Heather is the chair of Pony Club Australia. You heard some of that story not long ago when we talked about sports boards. And she's a board member at Geelong Animal Welfare Society. She's also on a number of advisory boards, but we can't tell you their names, because they're confidential, but trust me, she knows all about it.

Heather is a dual business owner, Alchemy Outsourcing and Disher Advisory Synergy, a director chair, non-Executive Director, advisor, certified chair from the advisory board centre and a mentor with Rare Birds and Pony Club Australia's Leadership Programme.

Last year, she co-authored a book called She Built It. Heather has the unique combination of governance, advisory, business operations and strategy. When she's not working—I don't know when that is—she's out on the nature trail running with her dog, Coda.

Previous episodes in this series

Louise Broekman outlines the history and importance of advisory boards

Advisory board mini-series: Cynthia Payne outlines the evolution of advisory boards in aged care

Links and Resources

Heather Disher on LinkedIn

Heather Disher on gender equality on sports boards

Disher Advisory Synergy

She Built It

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Sandra Gamble knows what’s what about the energy and sustainability sector for advisory boards

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Advisory board mini-series: Cynthia Payne outlines the evolution of advisory boards in aged care

Tue, 20 May 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Today, on the Take On Board Podcast, I'm speaking with Cynthia Payne about health and aged care sector advisory boards.

Cynthia is on the advisory board for Pain Check and is also a director of the Mind Connections Foundation. She's previously been on the boards of the Heart Foundation, the National Peak Body, Lassa and the Blue Knot Foundation. Cynthia Payne is well known across many sectors. She has contributed to leadership roles for the past 33 years.

In 2018, she founded Anchor Excellence, a national consulting firm that today directly impacts over 45% of the entire aged care market through its range of products and services: Sage study tours, Anchor Consulting, Anchor Academy, impactful leaders, and Anchor Policy. The list goes on. Originally a registered nurse, Cynthia is a certified chair with the Wonderful Advisory Board Centre and a certified practitioner for team management systems.

She holds an MBA. Is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, an FGIA, so a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia. And I love this, a yoga teacher. I love it when people have the little random asides.

Previous episodes in this series

Louise Broekman outlines the history and importance of advisory boards

Links and Resources

Cynthia Payne on LinkedIn

Anchor Excellence

Advisory Board Centre

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Louise Broekman outlines the history and importance of advisory boards

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Advisory board mini-series: Sandra Gamble knows what's what about energy and sustainability sector advisory boards

Tue, 13 May 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take On Board Podcast, I'm speaking with Sandra Gamble about advisory boards focusing on energy and sustainability. This is part of an advisory board mini-series.

Sandra's board portfolio includes both governance and advisory boards. Let's focus on some of her advisory boards. Her advisory board portfolio includes the Australian and New Zealand advisory board for the Institute for Science on Global Policy and the New South Wales divisional Council for the Australian Institute of Company Directors, as well as an advisory board with a background in engineering regulation and government.

Sandra has worked as a board member, senior executive, and consultant in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. Currently, Sandra is the independent chair of Marinus Link Proprietary Limited, the company that will build, own, and operate a new HVDC transmission link between Tasmania and Victoria. She's also a board member of Energy Co, which coordinates investment in New South Wales' renewable energy zones.

Previous episodes in this series

Links and Resources

Sandra Gamble on LinkedIn

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Louise Broekman on LinkedIn

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Advisory board mini-series: Louise Broekman outlines the history and importance of advisory boards

Tue, 06 May 2025 14:00:00 GMT

She knows all there is to know.

Links and Resources

Advisory Board Centre

ABF101 Advisory Board Best Practice Framework

2025 Megatrends Summit

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⁠Workplace Gender Equality Agency

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Take on Board x Not in My Workplace - Boardroom Leadership & Preventing Workplace Harassment with Helga Svendsen

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Today, on the Take On Board Podcast, we have a special crossover episode. Rosie Wheen, host of the podcast Not in My Workplace, invited me for an interview. Not in My Workplace is a series that aims to be a resource for you and your workplace to become safer, more respectful, and more inclusive. Conversations will focus on how we can prevent and respond to sexual harassment in the workplace.

____

How can boards act as coaches who work with executives? How do you nail a curious question that shines new insights on workplace safety around the Board table? In this episode, host Rosie Wheen sits down with governance guru, facilitator and coach Helga Svendsen to unpack the vital role of boards in preventing and responding to sexual harassment in the workplace. With over 200 podcast episodes of her fabulous podcast Take on Board and her board experience, Helga shares how diverse, inclusive, and engaged boards can create safer and more respectful workplaces. The conversation delves into boards' responsibilities under Australia’s Respect at Work legislation, the power of diverse decision-making, and how boards can proactively set the tone for a positive workplace culture. If you’re a leader, board member, or aspiring director, this episode is packed with insights on how governance can drive meaningful cultural change.

Links and Resources

Not in My Workplace

⁠Respect@Work website⁠

_____

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Robert's Rules Made Simple

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Can't we just get along? Susan Leahy details healthy board dynamics

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Today, on the Take On Board Podcast, I'm speaking with Susan Leahy about healthy board dynamics. First off, join me in wishing Susan a very happy 50th birthday! Yes, that's right if you are listening to this podcast today (23 April - it's Susan's big day)!

Susan is on the council of the Association of Transformational Leaders and has formerly been on the boards of CN AP, the California State Association of Parliamentarians, and Toastmasters. We recently had another Toastmasters board member on, as well as Associated Students Incorporated. Susan is a dynamic and highly engaging speaker, trainer, and facilitator specialising in board development, leadership and effective meetings.

As the founder of Roberts Rules Made Simple, established in 2004, Susan has empowered 1000s of board members, board chairs, and support staff to master Robert's Rules of Order, transforming meetings into productive, efficient, and empowering experiences. I'm sure we'll hear more about that and how Robert's Rules of Order can be a fun, interesting, and engaging tool to use as a sought-after expert in communication, leadership, and group decision-making.

Susan has worked with organisations of all sizes, from not-for-profits to Fortune 500 companies and government entities. She's the creator of the acclaimed 'Chair a Meeting with Confidence' programme, designed to help board chairs lead with clarity, authority, and ease.

Links and Resources

Susan Leahy on LinkedIn

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Genevieve Gregor takes us through a company turnaround and what she learned

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 12:00:00 GMT

Today, on the Take on Board podcast, I'm speaking with Genevieve Gregor about Noumi's turnaround—well, as much as she can tell us.

Genevieve is on the boards of Noumi Limited. She chairs Noumi Limited, External Hold Co. Limited, Money Tech Group Limited, and Maneuver Limited. She's previously been on the boards of Western Sydney University and a range of other portfolio company boards.

Genevieve has worked in private capital in both lending and investing capacities. Having worked for Goldman Sachs and Citi Group. Genevieve is a part-time senior advisor to TPG Capital, A Global alternative capital manager.

Links and Resources

Genevieve Gregor on LinkedIn

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Julia Manning on LinkedIn

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Julia Manning wants boards to adopt an anti-discrimination approach and has ideas of how

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take Board podcast, I'm speaking with Julia Manning about discrimination and decision-making and how to adopt an anti-discrimination approach.

Until recently, Julia was the Vice Chair of Women with Disabilities Victoria and serves on an advisory board at Deakin University. Julia is a researcher and a human rights advocate at the Victorian Equal Opportunities and Human Rights Commission, focusing on justice and inclusion.

Julia blends her expertise in discrimination, human rights and organizational change to drive meaningful reform through the Commission's human rights solutions and consultancy services. Her academic work spans domestic and international settings, focusing on promoting the rights of people with disabilities to access human rights advocacy services.

Julia is an experienced board director and consultant who has recently worked to promote human rights and inclusivity in the updated Australian dispute resolution standards. In the boardroom, Julia applies her extensive knowledge of Victoria's Equal opportunities and discrimination law to ensure that board decisions and interactions are non-discriminatory and inclusive, much of which we will explore today.

Links and Resources

Disability Access and Inclusion Health Check

Human Rights Solutions

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Tricia Montalvo Timm on LinkedIn

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Tricia Montalvo Timm explains when to start thinking about succession planning

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 12:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take On Board podcast, I'm speaking with Tricia Montalvo Timm, about CEO succession planning.

Tricia is on the board of Salsify and serves as the chair of their compensation committee and a member of the audit committee. Most recently, she was on the CEO search committee. Something that I'm sure we will hear more about today as we talk about CEO succession planning.

She's previously been on the boards of the Silicon Valley Executive Board, How Women Lead, the Advisory Council of Latinas in Power, and the advisory board of the Katherine and George Alexander Community Law Center at Santa Clara University School of Law. Tricia is a board director, venture investor, speaker and author.

She's a first-generation Latina who rose through the ranks of Silicon Valley, advising high-tech companies, big and small, culminating in the sale of the data analytics software company, Looker, to Google for 2.6 billion. That's a lot of zeros.

She's also the author of an award-winning book, Embrace the Power of You, where she hopes to inspire anyone who has ever felt like. Other in the workplace, or perhaps in the boardroom, to embrace their true selves, own their identity, and achieve success and fulfillment in their life and career.

Links and Resources

Embrace the Power of You

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Jennifer Dean on LinkedIn

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My AICD Governance Summit 2025 Day 2 recap with special correspondents

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 12:00:00 GMT

Today, on the Take on Board podcast, I recap the Australian Institute of Company Directors conference and share my reflections from the second day. You also hear reflections from some fabulous Take on Board correspondents: Aye Clark, Jenny Dean, Mel Donald, Julie Toma, Helen Hu, Stephanie Bashir, Fiona Bennett, Susan Brumby and Katie Constantinou.

I’ll cover some of these topics more in-depth on the podcast in the future, so if you have a takeaway that resonates with you, please let me know.

Thanks to our dogged correspondents! I hope you enjoyed this year's recap!

Links and Resources

Aye Clark on LinkedIn

Melissa Donald on LinkedIn

Julie Toma on LinkedIn

Helen Hu on LinkedIn

Stephanie Bashir on LinkedIn

Fiona Bennett on LinkedIn

Susan Brumby on LinkedIn

Katie Constantinou on LinkedIn and my interview with Katie Constantinou on onboarding new directors

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Kate Waterford on LinkedIn

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My AICD Governance Summit 2025 Day 1 recap with special correspondents

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 12:00:00 GMT

Today, on the Take on Board podcast, I recap the Australian Institute of Company Directors conference and share my reflections from the first day. You also hear reflections from some awesome Take on Board correspondents: Kate Waterford, Helen Hu, Jane Andrews, Clare Schonfeld, and Sarah Anderson.

I’ll cover some of these topics more in-depth on the podcast in the future, so if you have a takeaway that resonates with you, please let me know.

Thanks to our dogged correspondents! We're bringing you a day-two recap next week.

Links and Resources

Clare Schonfeld on LinkedIn

Helen Hu on LinkedIn

Jane Andrews on LinkedIn

Sarah Anderson on LinkedIn

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Tracy Bongiorno on LinkedIn

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Tracy Bongiorno is Wild for STEM and wants more women to get wild

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 12:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take On Board Podcast, I'm speaking with Tracy Bongiorno about the Wild for STEM program. We also might touch on her journey to the first boardroom.

Tracy is the CTO at Mentorloop. She has extensive experience scaling SAS businesses and fostering high-performing teams. She is passionate about people-centric cultures, collaboration, governance and building software that empowers people. Tracy also organizes Tech-Leading Ladies, a community that supports women in tech leadership. She thrives on solving complex challenges and driving meaningful change, so she's eager to increase gender diversity in Australian boards.

WILD for STEM is committed to empowering women with the knowledge, skills and support they need to excel in STEM leadership positions.

Links and Resources

Wild For STEM

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Sara Harrup answers the thorny questions about neurodiversity in this community Q and A

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, Sara Harrup is back to answer all your questions.

We had Sara on the podcast at the end of January. She opened up about her experiences with being an ADHD-er and having autistic traits. So, because she’s a rockstar and wants to educate people to be more sensitive and open to neurodiversity, she agreed to return to answer questions you may be too nervous, afraid or embarrassed to ask.

Sara’s an open book, and we had a lively chat. And I know I learned so much from the thoughtful and vulnerable questions.

Sara is Deputy Chair of the Australian Charities and not-for-profit commission, Chair of Jabiru Community Services and a board member of healthcare insurance. She's formerly been on a range of boards, including doctors for nutrition, family, daycare Association, Queensland, exercise and Sports Science, Australia, Professional Conduct Committee and Third Space.

Sara is a coach, speaker, facilitator, board chair and non-executive director with a unique perspective shaped by her experiences. She coaches people whose brains are wired differently. They are often in roles where their brains ask a lot of them and facilitate learning for leaders and boards who want to harness the power of specialist, unconventional thinkers for success.

A message from Sara: "I have put a downloadable resource on my website – Performance Enhancers for Neurodivergent Directors and Executives. People can find it and download it from the resources tab on my website here".

Links and Resources

Sara Harrup on LinkedIn

Sara Harrup's Website

Upcoming TOB Events

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Bernadette Northeast on LinkedIn

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Board composition and effectiveness miniseries: Bernadette Northeast evaluates the importance of board evaluations

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Today, on the Take On Board Podcast, I'm speaking with Bernadette Northeast about board evaluations.

Bernadette has a long list of boards, and I may not have captured them all. She is on the boards of the Victorian Fisheries Authority, Victorian State Emergency Services, and Loved and Shared, Incorporated, and she's the managing director of North East Stockdale and Leggo Real Estate in Warrnambool.

She was the former chair of Southwest Healthcare and the Women and Southwest Family Violence Partnership and formerly served on the boards of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Great South Coast committee, and Prime Safe. I have no doubt she has missed others.

Her day job is entirely different. She manages land health and biodiversity at Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority.

Links and Resources

Simple Committee Effectiveness Questionnaire

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Carmel Mulhern on LinkedIn

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Board composition and effectiveness miniseries: Carmel Mulhern knows how to maximise a board agenda

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take On Board Podcast, I'm speaking with Carmel Mulhern about board agendas. This is part of the board composition and effectiveness, a five-part mini-series. So first up, you heard me talking about appointing board members. Then you heard Katie Constantinou providing some excellent food for thought about inducting board members. Last week, it was Leesa Chesser and me exploring all things board skills matrices.

Carmel is on the PwC governance board, the Australian Cancer Research Foundation, the Methodist Ladies College Board, the Telstra Foundation Board, and the Center for AI and Digital Ethics advisory board. She was formerly on the boards of Telstra Super Sydney Institute and Justice Connect. Carmel is a seasoned executive with more than 25 years of experience as a trusted advisor to boards and CEOs within the financial services, superannuation, telecommunications, media, technology and manufacturing industries through periods of digital disruption and strategic transformation.

Most recently, Carmel served as group general counsel and head of governance of Commonwealth Bank, driving the fair and efficient resolution of legal matters, rebuilding stakeholder trust and effective corporate governance. Prior to the Commonwealth Bank, she spent almost 20 years at Telstra in various roles, including General Counsel and head of Corporate Affairs.

Links and Resources

Catherine Livingstone AICD Keynote

AICD Recap - Including Catherine Livingstone's keynote

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Leesa Chesser on LinkedIn

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Board composition and effectiveness miniseries: understanding board skills matrices with Leesa Chesser

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board Podcast, I'm speaking with Leesa Chesser about board skills matrices. This is part of the board composition and effectiveness, a five-part mini-series.

Leesa is on the boards of Neami National, the Australian Physiotherapy Association, the Adelaide Festival Board, and the West Beach Parks Board. She also chairs the nominations and remuneration committee at Neami. She was formerly on the boards of Community Options, Australia, Hen House Cooperative, and Southern Domestic Violence Service, as well as the YWCA, Adelaide, Sturt Street Community School and QUT Student Guild.

Leesa is an experienced non-executive Director and mentor after a successful career as Minister for disabilities, mental health and substance abuse, leading the $723 million NDIS strategic decision-making, service delivery, reform and transformation in South Australia. Leesa is interested in board directorships in the housing infrastructure, superannuation and innovative tech solutions.

Links and Resources

YouTube - Webinar - Board Skills Matrix How to Get it Right!

APRA - Superannuation: How a skills matrix can help transform board capability

AICD Board skills matrix

Creative Australia - Guide to Using the Board Skills and Diversity Matrix Template

Good Governance Guide - Creating and disclosing a board skills matrix

BoardPro - Matrix of board skills template

The Victorian Government, Department of Health, Director's toolkit

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Katie Constantinou on LinkedIn

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Board composition and effectiveness miniseries: Katie Constantinou on onboarding new directors

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take On Board Podcast, I'm speaking with Katie Constantinou about onboarding new directors.

Katie is on the board of Harbison, an aged care organisation. She also sits on several committees: the New South Wales Justices Association Southern Highlands branch and the BDCU Grads Committee. She's formerly been on the boards of Wingecarribee Adult Day Centres, a not-for-profit service that provides social opportunities within a group setting for older people and people living with dementia.

Katie is a proud nerd about governance and legal issues. She has a deep knowledge of administrative, legal and governance frameworks, policies and practices. She's an experienced non-executive director, adviser, public servant, legal professional, and leader of diverse Government and Community Services. Katie's passion lies in developing collaborative stakeholder relationships and partnerships.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in linguistics and modern Greek from the University of Sydney and a Bachelor of Laws from ANU. Katie is a New South Wales justice of the peace, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia.

Links and Resources

The Key to Director Onboarding (The Corporate Director Podcast) https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/inside-todays-boardrooms-the-key-to-director-onboarding/id1462449171?i=1000664068655AICD

Elevating the client voice to boards (AICD article) https://www.aicd.com.au/good-governance/public-trust/organisation/elevating-the-client-voice-to-boards.html

Recruitment and onboarding process example (Word doc) https://helgasvendsen.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Take-on-Board-podcast-Recruitment-and-onboarding-process-example.docx

Board vacancy advertisement example (Word doc) https://helgasvendsen.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Take-on-Board-podcast-Board-vacancy-advertisement.docx

Invitation to join as an Observer example (Word doc) https://helgasvendsen.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Take-on-Board-podcast-Invitation-to-join-as-an-Observer.docx

Upcoming TOB Events

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How to recruit a board member: Your three-phase checklist

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Congratulations Helga on your OAM!

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 14:34:39 GMT

Hello Take on Board community,

We interrupt your regular listening flow to share the exciting news that Helga was on the Australia Day 2025 honours list – appointed a Member of the Order of Australia.

Take on Board Community member and referee for the OAM application. Hannah Browne reads the 'why' section of Helga's application, and I think we can all agree that Helga is so deserving of this honour!

Congratulations, Helga!

If you want to wish Helga a big congratulations, please Click here or head over to the Take on Board Facebook group and leave a message!

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Board composition and effectiveness miniseries: steps for recruiting a board member with me

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Today, this is the first episode in our first Take on Board miniseries of 2025! It's all about board composition and effectiveness. We've got a great lineup in the coming weeks, and today, you'll hear from me as I walk you through the steps to recruit a board member.

This is one of the things I get asked all the time, where do I start? What do I need to do? What are the steps? So, I've made a checklist for you. And I thought I would take you through it. Come along, it'll be fun.

Of course, the show notes contain the downloads for the checklist and some other resources I will refer to as we go through the process today.

Links and Resources

Victorian Government Board Guidelines

AICD Board Recruitment Tool

Victoria Health Board Capability Framework

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Sara Harrup explains what boards need to know about CEOs and executives who are neurodivergent

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take On Board Podcast, I'm speaking with Sara Harrup about CEOs and executives who are neurodivergent and what boards need to know to manage these relationships effectively.

Sara is a coach, speaker, facilitator, board chair and non-executive director with a unique perspective shaped by her experiences with being an ADHD er and having autistic traits. She coaches people whose brains are wired differently. They are often in roles where their brains ask a lot of them and facilitate learning for leaders and boards who want to harness the power of specialist, unconventional thinkers for success.

Links and Resources

Sara Harrup on LinkedIn

Sara Harrup's Website

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The Feminist Leadership Hub

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Beth Ellen Holimon discusses bringing feminist governance into the board room

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 21:45:06 GMT

Today, on the Take On Board Podcast, I'm speaking with Beth Ellen Holimon about feminist governance.

Beth Ellen is on the boards of the Feminist Leadership Hub, a community advisory board, and the Collateral Repair Project Board. As founder and CEO of the hive collective, Beth Ellen leads a consortium of thought leaders dedicated to advancing connective and inclusive leadership, participative planning and values-based Board Governance.

She believes that organizations reach their highest aspirations when boards' fundraising and operations are transparent, respectful, empathetic and courageous, and she applies this philosophy to every aspect of her work.

Links and Resources

Angat Bayi

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Take on Board Summer Series - Strategy session – getting ready for the board role (Dominique Hes, part 3)

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 13:00:14 GMT

Welcome to the first Take on Board Summer Series. I've pulled together some of our most-requested episodes, so you have something to keep you company over the next few weeks while I take a bit of a summer holiday!

I have spoken with Dominique on two separate occasions. First, we covered preparing an application for a board role. Then, we tackled the interview process and how to present yourself confidently. Well, Dominique has returned to give us an update—how did the interview go and did she land a seat at the board table?

Today, you get to sit in on this wrap-up session and pick up some of the insights. I cannot contain my excitement!

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Challenge, Action, Result

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Take on Board Summer Series - Strategy session – prepping for a board interview (Dominique Hes, part 2)

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 13:00:05 GMT

Today, on the Take on Board podcast, Dr Dominique Hes is back for another on-air coaching session. Remember a few weeks ago when Dominique was preparing an application for a board role? Well, she landed an interview.

So, I’m having another chat with her to run through some interview preparation tips and tricks. Number one tip – research. But there is so much more we cover in this chat.

Today, you can eavesdrop on one of those sessions and pick up some insights. This episode is enlightening for all interviews you may have. Enjoy, and good luck.

In a future episode of the Take on Board podcast, I will have a final catch-up with Dominique to see how the interview unfolded and what the outcome was.

Links and Resouces

Your 60-second Introduction

Upcoming TOB Events

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Take on Board Summer Series - Strategy session – developing a governance CV (Dominique Hes, part 1)

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 13:00:41 GMT

Today, we're doing something different on the Take on Board podcast. I’m having a chat with the fabulous Dr Dominique Hes. Dominique needs help with an application she is making for a board role.

One of my passions is coaching women and gender-diverse people to help them achieve their board goals. Part of this is strategy sessions to guide people through the application process or work through challenges they’re having at the board.

Today, you get to eavesdrop on one of those sessions and pick up some of the insights from me and Dominique about how to apply for a board role.

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It's time to RSVP: Reflections on 2024 and goals for 2025

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 13:00:38 GMT

Welcome to the final episode of Take on Board for 2024. And what a year it’s been.

In this episode, I'm going to take you through my ‘RSVP’ process – an invitation to reflect on the year and set intentions for 2025. Think travel, working with ease and building and creating connections.

We do this in the final session of Board Accelerator – my program for women and gender-diverse board members. So, at the end of this episode, you’ll hear some of the reflections from the group.

So, what’s the RSVP formula? Listen now to find out.

And thank you for joining the Take on Board community on this wild adventure of a year. We have some exciting things to come in 2025, so stay tuned. We’ll be back on January 15 with all new episodes. Until then, happy holidays, and stay safe out there.

Resources and links

Board Accelerator 2025

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Helen Hu takes what she learned at Toastmasters into the boardroom

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 14:00:00 GMT

Today, on the Take on Board podcast, I'm speaking with Helen Hu about how the skills she learned at Toastmasters have helped her build her board portfolio career.

Now, let me tell you about Helen. Helen is an emerging company director pursuing a board portfolio career. Twenty years ago, with $1,000 in her pocket, she arrived at Sydney Airport with a small suitcase and a big dream. She spent the first 10 years in Australia getting her master's degree in accounting, became a chartered accountant, and climbed the corporate ladder from a bookkeeper to the CFO and company secretary of a National Agriculture company.

She spent another 10 years enhancing her governance skills and experience, becoming a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia. During this time, she consolidated her financial, investment and risk management skills and experience. She's now pursuing a full-time board portfolio career. Helen currently serves on the boards of two not-for-profit organizations, where she chairs the finance, audit, Risk and Compliance committees. She's also a dedicated member of Toastmasters clubs and a mentor in the Chartered Accountants program.

Links and resources

Helen Hu on LinkedIn

Speaking Formula

Toastmasters

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PWDA Language Guide: A guide to language about disability

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Jane Britt knows a lot about accessibility and inclusion in the boardroom

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 13:00:40 GMT

Today, on the Take on Board podcast, I'm speaking with Jane Britt about accessibility and inclusion in the boardroom.

Jane is on the boards of Holy Cross Services and Social Futures and previously served on the board of Queenslanders with Disabilities Network. She is a highly experienced NDIS and disability policy professional director, public speaker and writer who blends her professional expertise with her lived experience of deafblindness.

In addition to her background in disability policy, which is what I do in her day work, the things outside of that is that I am a Queensland Conservatorium graduate. Classical piano is her "life-giving force." It's always been a really big part of her life. Jane started playing when I was seven. She also loves horse riding.

Links and resources

Jane Britt Consulting

Stella Young - TED Talk

Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (final report)

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Heather Disher on LinkedIn

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Heather Disher dishes on gender equality on sports boards

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 14:00:55 GMT

Today, on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Heather Disher about gender equality on sports boards.

Heather is on the boards of Chair of Pony Club Australia, GAWS (Geelong Animal Welfare Society) & Alchemy Outsourcing. She has previously been on the boards of more than a dozen SME private company boards locally and internationally.

A passionate entrepreneur, Heather leads two businesses: Alchemy Outsourcing, which specialises in virtual assistant services and Disher Advisory Synergy, which offers governance and advisory services.

With a global perspective, Heather empowers Boards and CEOs by delivering tailored strategies that drive operational efficiency and business growth.

Links and Resources

Upcoming TOB Events

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The Coming Wave by Mustafa Suleyman

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Henna Karna explains what boards need to know about AI and other technology

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 13:50:12 GMT

Today on the take on board podcast, I'm speaking with Henna Karna about AI and technology.

She has led businesses and advised Fortune 100 companies on digital innovation and disruption and has designed and developed patent-pending technology and applications in the field of genetic algorithms, behavioural analytics, deep neural nets and digital data technologies.

She's joined a couple industry large companies. Most recently, I was at Google and ran the global insurance and risk division for products and solutions on the Google side. And right now, I've been on couple public boards and a couple of private boards, so she's spending most of my time on the portfolio side of thing

Links and Resources

Henna Karna's Website

Coursera

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

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Erin Turner wants boards to expand what diversity means to those at the table

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 14:00:05 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Erin Turner about the building a diverse team in the boardroom.

Erin is on the boards of Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) and ARC Justice. She has previously been on the board – and Chair – of Financial Rights Legal Centre.

Erin Turner is a consumer advocate that works with governments and regulators to make markets fairer for Australians. She is the CEO of the Consumer Policy Research Centre, a think tank that looks at emerging issues and how markets impact on people.

Erin has a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Politics and Public Policy and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Links and Resources

Erin Turner on LinkedIn

Remote, Not Distant by Gustavo Razzetti

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Roles and Responsibilities mini-series: Jo Plummer outlines the ideal relationship between CEO and board

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 14:00:35 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Jo Plummer about the relationship between the board and CEO.

This is one of the ‘roles and responsibilities’ episodes – a mini-series into the roles and responsibilities of board directors covering board charters, delegations, board reports, policies, and the relationships between the board and CEO.

Jo is the Chair of Barwon Water and the Country Fire Authority and a Non Executive Director Barwon Asset Solutions

She has previously been on the boards of South Melbourne Market, Deakin MBA Advisory, Vic Water, Geelong Regional Football, Business in Heels, AICD Geelong, Geelong Rangers Football, Western United Advisory, Central Highlands Water, Barwon Youth.

Jo is a contemporary governance specialist and seasoned board chair experienced in commercial, government, SME and NFP settings. She is an Australian Institute of Company Directors Master and Fellow, and holds an MBA majoring in leadership, communication, strategy & planning.

Her value proposition lies in creating enabling, high-performance environments where boards partner with their organisations to supercharge aspiration and collective strategic nous to deliver beyond traditional boundaries. She is relentless in her pursuit of environmental, social and governance excellence and, is a long- term advocate for enabling choice, opportunity and equality for women and people who are underrepresented.

As a self- confessed ‘happy provocateur’, her professional purpose for being is to: “Inspire aspiration, confidence and optimism so together we can do and be better”

Links and Resources

Jo Plummer on LinkedIn

Diligent

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IBAC Operation Leo Special Report

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Roles and Responsibilities mini-series: Ellen Webb explains board and committee charters

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 13:00:30 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Ellen Webb about board and committee charters. This is one of the ‘roles and responsibilities’ episodes – a mini-series into the roles and responsibilities of board directors covering board charters, delegations, board reports, policies, and the relationships between the board and CEO.

Ellen is on the boards of Gender Equity Victoria and Robert Connor Dawes Foundation and she is the Company Secretary for Cancer in Kids at the Royal Children's Hospital. She has previously been on the boards of Buchan Bush Nursing Association, Australian Shared Services Benchmarking Association where she also served as chair, and Wingate Avenue Children's Co-Operative.

Ellen Webb is a seasoned executive and board member with a wealth of experience in driving organizational success through strategic vision, financial acumen, and a commitment to excellence in governance and operations. Her global experience and deep involvement in the not-for-profit sector highlight her versatile and impactful leadership.

Links and Resources

Ellen Webb on LinkedIn

Six tips for improving your board charter

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Roles and Responsibilities mini-series: Yien Hong wants you to spring clean your board policies

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 13:00:34 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Yien Hong about board policies. This is one of the ‘roles and responsibilities’ episodes – a mini-series into the roles and responsibilities of board directors covering board charters, delegations, board reports, policies, and the relationships between the board and CEO.

Yien in on the boards of Australian Arts Orchestra, AFCA and has previously been on the boards of …YWCA Victoria, YWCA Housing

Yien is the Chief Legal and Commercial Officer at Judo Bank - the only Australian bank dedicated to the SME businesses. She leads the legal, governance/ company secretariat, corporate affairs, first line risk, procurement and internal audit teams at Judo.

Links and Resources

Yien Hong on LinkedIn

WorkLife by Adam Grant (podcast)

Think Fast and Talk Smart by Matt Abrahams (podcast)

Upcoming TOB Events

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Amanda Cornwall Consulting

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Roles and Responsibilities mini-series: Amanda Cornwall talks about board policies

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 13:36:17 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Amanda Cornwall about policies.

Amanda is on the boards of …Circus Nexus, Merri-bek Affordable Housing ltd, Greenfleet Australia

And has previously been on the boards of …Wimmera Catchment Management Authority, NSW Nurses Registration Board, Therapeutic Good Administration Advisory Committee, Consumers Federation Australia

Lawyer, governance consultant and experienced board director in the government and not for profit sectors, Amanda started her career as a banking and finance lawyer, moved into public interest advocacy and then government, where she held senior manager roles for 12 years.

Amanda specialises in environment, climate change and health care sectors with a passion for the creative industries. She has lived and worked all over Australia, in Africa and SE Asia.

Links and Resources

Amanda Cornwall on LinkedIn

Upcoming TOB Events

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Robyn Weatherley on LinkedIn

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Roles and Responsibilities mini-series: Robyn Weatherley speaks to us on effective delegations

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 13:00:08 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Robyn Weatherley about effective delegations.

Robyn is a Board and Company Secretary, published author, governance advisor, teacher and mentor. In practice for 18 years across of range of industries (from banks to emergency health) and legal structures (listed, unlisted and government), she is currently board secretary at the Future Fund, Australia’s sovereign wealth fund current worth $280b. Robyn has also worked in corporate insolvency in Australia and New York in securitisation and corporate credit.

All perfect experience for a deep dive into delegations today!

Links and Resources

Upcoming TOB Events

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The Director’s Dilemma™ Newsletter

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Roles and Responsibilities mini-series: Julie Garland McLellan on gripping board reports and how to get a page turner

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 13:00:06 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Julie Garland McLellan about what makes a great board report, and how to get them! Oh and we're launching another mini-series - I'm hooked! I'm continuing to work through the not for profit governance principles released by the Australian Institute of Company Directors in April 2024. So our next mini series is about roles and responsibilities.

Julie is on the boards of Dam safety, New South Wales Lupitz, which is a tech startup, and the New South Wales Correctional Services, industries, community Consultative Committee. Julie is a boardroom specialist as a company director. She has experience on a range of boards within the not for profit governments and commercial sectors.

Her previous boards are just too long to mention here. You'll need to look her up elsewhere, but she may be familiar to many of you as the author of the director's dilemma newsletter, which is read by directors all across the globe. Julie has a degree in civil engineering, an executive MBA, a graduate diploma in Applied Finance and Investment and a Diploma of company directorship and an Advanced Diploma in company directorship.

She's done a lot. Plus, she's authored a range of books. And I'm so pleased to have you on the podcast today, Julie, to have a chat about board reports.

Links and Resources

Presenting to Boards book (and other books by Julie)

Upcoming TOB Events

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Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

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Helga goes Solo: Recap of the AICD 2024 Climate Governance Forum

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 13:00:40 GMT

This week on the Take on Board podcast, I sharing my recap from the Climate Governance Forum in August 2024. It’s sponsored by AICD and these events are always fantastic for learning and networking. This year was no different.

Some of the major moments for me are when speakers emphasized the importance of climate governance as a critical transformation since the Industrial Revolution. So we need to pay attention.

There were takeaways that are important for boards: including the recent passage of a climate-related financial disclosure scheme, mandatory climate reporting, and the integration of sustainability into business operations.

The forum highlighted the need for organizations to understand their environmental footprint, set targets, and address stakeholder views. The importance of nature-positive principles and regenerative practices was also stressed.

Links and Resources

Global Nature Positive Summit

Upcoming TOB Events

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Dominique Hes on LinkedIn

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Strategy mini-series Bonus Episode: Dominique Hes has a strategy story to share

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 13:00:27 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Dominique Hes about how an organisation that has never had a long term strategy got started.

This is a ‘bonus episode’ in the Take on Board deep dive into strategy. Dominique reached out to me with a good story to tell, so we’re here to share it!

Dominique is on the board and Chair of Greenfleet. She has formerly been on the boards of Living Futures Institute of Australia and Trust for Nature.

Dominique is an author, educator, policy advisory and regenerative thinker. She started researching and writing on regenerative development, biophilia and placemaking in 2005, working in sustainability since 1994. Her focus is on real projects, on the ground and all the messy conversations that enable it to evolve and resolute with place. She is a board director and chair of Greenfleet and on the Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group.

PLEASE NOTE: Whilst we are talking about strategy … I also need to do a trigger warning on this episode where we touch on child abduction and PTSD. If you’d like to avoid that part of the discussion, we’ll make a note in the show notes about when you can skip to. It’s likely to be at around the 10m mark, after the introduction part. Or, of course, just skip this episode if these topics will be challenging for you, or tune in and reach out for support if you need it.

Links and Resources

Upcoming TOB Events

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Jamie J. Brunson on LinkedIn

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Strategy mini-series Bonus Episode: Jamie J. Brunson using strategy to guide a board through the pandemic

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 13:00:43 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Jamie Brunson about how her board guided the organization through the pandemic.

Jamie is on the boards of Greater Philadelphia Cultural Fund, Avenue of the Arts, ArtPhilly, Stories to Grow By, and First Person Arts.

And has previously been on the boards of … Philadelphia Cultural Fund (Mayoral Appointee), Avenue of the Arts Board, City of Philadelphia Dept. of Behavioral Health Exec Committee, Mental Health Assoc, Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia

Jamie J is the Executive Director of First Person Arts, is an artist/activist using storytelling to build community and catalyze dialogue around important issues, especially those issues impacting the unheard. Jamie was named a 2022 NEA/ Delaware Division of the Arts Established Artist Fellow in Literature: Playwriting, executive producer of two documentary films, producer of 13 annual First Person Arts Festivals of memoir and documentary art, host of WHYY’s Philadelphia Revealed Podcast (July 2024); WHYY’s Commonspace Radio Hour and Podcast series (2018), and COVID Stories – A Digital Memoir (2020).

She is a Creator of FPA’s Applied Storytelling division where storytelling activities are customized to build communities. Brunson holds an MFA from Sarah Lawrence College and BA from Temple University.

Links and Resources

First Person Arts

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Strategy Mini-Series: Andrea Fernandes knows all about communicating strategy

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 14:00:03 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Andrea Fernandes about communicating strategy.

Andrea is on the board – and Acting President- of YWCA Hunter, an organisation that exists to connect, empower and support women and families.

Andrea has been involved in the for-purpose sector for nearly twenty years and continues to love the work. Besides serving on the board, Andrea is the Strategy & Planning Manager at YSAS, a large youth specific community organisation that works with young people and families across Victoria. Andrea has participated in The Observership Program, and recently completed studies with the AICD to enhance her skills alongside others in the boardroom.

She happily spends her days in a strategy and planning role at YSAS, one of Australia's largest youth-specific community service organisations.

Links and Resources

Andrea on LinkedIn

The Observership Program

RACI Framework

The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier

Strategy Mini-Series

Episode 267: Strategy mini series – Su Jella knows how to report against strategy and has tips for you

Episode 266: Strategy mini series – Denise North explains how you implement and monitor board strategy

Episode 265: Strategy Mini-Series – Felicity Green starts by developing and reviewing strategy

Episode 264: A dive deep into strategic planning with the latest Take on Board podcast mini-series!

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The Art of War by Sun Tzu

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Strategy Mini-Series: Su Jella knows how to report against strategy and has tips for you

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 14:00:30 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Su Jella on reporting against strategy.

Su Jella helps to drive data and AI revolutions and opportunities. A visionary in Data, Analytics, and AI, Su doesn't merely confront the question, "What do we do with all this data?", she transforms this challenge into an enlightening journey of discovery, deriving actionable insights that fuel smarter business decisions.

Su's expertise is anchored in a groundbreaking approach - she integrates her leadership with a human-centric perspective blended with data-driven strategies and a deep technical acumen. Her collaborative work with boards and C-suite executives aligns data strategies with overarching business goals, paving the way for impactful, ethical decision-making.

Su's influence extends far beyond data. She is a passionate advocate for community building, a champion for women in leadership and STEM, a mentor and avid contributor to podcasts and writing about Leadership, Data and AI.

Su was recently awarded a Winner of Women in AI in Asia Pacific and also recognised as Australia's Top 25 Analytics Leaders.

Links and Resources

Su Jella on LinkedIn

Strategy Mini-Series

Episode 266: Strategy mini series – Denise North explains how you implement and monitor board strategy

Episode 265: Strategy Mini-Series – Felicity Green starts by developing and reviewing strategy

Episode 264: A dive deep into strategic planning with the latest Take on Board podcast mini-series!

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Episode 265: Strategy Mini-Series – Felicity Green starts by developing and reviewing strategy

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Strategy Mini-Series: Denise North explains how you implement and monitor board strategy

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 14:00:34 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Denise North about implementing and monitoring strategy.

Denise is on the board of INSEAD Directors Network - an Alumni Group for IDP-Cs and a Director of own business, Denise North Consulting.

She has a long list of prior governance roles, including being:

Chair of the Advisory Board for Catherine Henry Lawyers Chair of Advisory Board
Chair of the INSEAD Alumni Association Australia & New Zealand Limited
Chair of Streetwize Communications Limited
And roles at the Australian Society of Orthodontists Inc, Australian Fisheries Management Authority, Sydney University and Armidale Development Corporation Deputy Chair.

Denise brings a range of perspectives to the board room drawing on her years as a NED in the NFP, academic and government sectors and from her executive experience in professional services firms, start-ups and listed companies.

As an advisor, Denise works directly with boards to support them in reviewing their performance, developing and monitoring their organisation’s strategy and improving their board and executive leadership interactions.

Links and Resources

Denise North on LinkedIn

Strategy Mini-Series

Episode 264: A dive deep into strategic planning with the latest Take on Board podcast mini-series!

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Strategy Mini-Series: Felicity Green starts by developing and reviewing strategy

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 13:00:07 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Felicity Green about developing and reviewing strategy.

Felicity is on the boards of The Royal Children's Hospital Foundation and WaterAid Australia. She has previously been on the boards of Connected Communities Melbourne

Felicity is the co-founder of impact-led consulting practice, Ensemble Strategy, helping clients across the Not for Profit, government and philanthropic sectors to create strategies for a safer, fairer and more sustainable world. Previous to this venture, Felicity was the CEO of Spark Strategy. With an MBA from Peking University, multiple Not for Profit Board positions and recognition as a finalist in the Telstra Business Woman of the Year Awards, she has a proven track record of innovative strategic thinking that drives tangible impact.

Links and Resources

Humans of Purpose

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Episode 255: Mel Sherrin unpacks the AICD Not-for-Profit Governance Principles and how all boards can use them

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Helga goes Solo: Setting up a Take on Board Strategy Series

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 14:00:23 GMT

This week on Take on Board, you are hearing from me! I am excited to launch our first ever Take on Board mini-series on strategy.

Over the next 5 weeks (including this one) you will be hearing from a series of guests on strategy, purpose and vision and I am very excited. The goal with this mini series- to make strategy accessible for all of you. So over the next several weeks we have an exciting and helpful strategy lineup ready for you.

Felicity Green is a board member of the Royal Children's Hospital Foundation in Victoria and WaterAid, Australia and she takes us through developing strategy.

Denise North knows loads about implementing and monitoring strategy. She’s on the boards of the INSEAD Directors Network, and runs her own business, Denise North Consulting.

Then, I am speaking to Su Jella, from the Women's Tennis Foundation. Su takes us through data and reporting against strategy.

And last but certainly not least in our first ever Take on Board mini-series is my chat with Andrea Fernandes, the president of YWCA Hunter, who gives us the lowdown on effectively communicating strategy.

Links and Resources

SOAR (Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, Results) free tools

PESTLE prompts free tool

Episode 102: Morgana Ryan on developing a board strategy (part 1)

Episode 103: Morgana Ryan on developing a board strategy (part 2)

The three Ps of strategic planning

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Christine Miller on LinkedIn

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Christine Miller believe boards need diversity of skills and life experience to help them thrive

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 14:00:08 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Christine Miller about diversity in the boardroom.

Christine is on the boards of Advisory boards on: BioNJ, Antimicrobials Working Group, HBA. She has previously been on the boards of Iveric Bio.

Christine Miller is currently the President and CEO of Melinta Therapeutics, where she is accelerating transformation, and redefining the portfolio from pure play antibiotics to become a leader in the acute care space. Christine loves working in the healthcare space. She says: "The potential to drive innovation and transformation for companies, teams, stakeholders and patients – is the compass that guides my purpose. But a leader’s job is more than driving innovation – it’s about making sure there is honesty and meaning behind your purpose to ensure you’re always doing the right thing at the right time, no matter how hard things get."

Links and Resources

The Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey

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Psychological Safety and Inclusivity Indicator

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Abby Hunt knows psychologically safe boardrooms are more effective boardrooms

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 14:00:53 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Abby Hunt about psychological safety in the boardroom to enhance board effectiveness.

Abby is on the boards of DataDrivesInsight.com. Abby is a leadership coach and psychologist, with over 20 years’ experience working as a trusted advisor to a range of sectors including health, care, local government and non-for profits.

Starting her career in the EAP and critical incident counselling space, Abby has experienced firsthand, the devastating consequences of poor psychological safety at work. Forever changed by this gut-wrenching work, Abby was committed to tackling both individual behaviour and systemic practices to create psychologically safe teams and working relationships. Abby co-founded datadrivesinsight.com with long term colleagues and is committed to using empirical data to inform meaningful change. Now a seasoned presenter and facilitator, Abby represents DDI at speaking engagements across the country, sharing insights from our research in a practical and thought-provoking way.

Links and Resources

Abby Hunt on LinkedIn

Data Drives Insight

Take on Board podcast episode 250: Leanne Hart explains what boards need to understand about psychosocial hazards

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AI and Beyond: the Expanding Governance Landscape

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Lynn Warneke unpacks the 'digital era' and how boards need to approach it

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 14:00:47 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Lynn Warneke about Board governance for the 'digital era'.

Lynn is on the boards of South East Water corporation (Chair) Spirit Technology Solutions (ASX:ST1) ACSO (Australian Community Support Organisation) Digital Sub-Committee of the Beyond Blue board (independent digital & data advisory)

She has previously been on the boards of Feros Care* (ending term 2024)

Lynn is a chair and board director of public, listed, and not-for-profit organisations. She specialises in digital and data governance, including cyber security, digital transformation, innovation and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and the Internet-of-Things. Her experience spans multiple sectors, including utilities & critical infrastructure, government, tertiary education, retail/wholesale, and technology consulting and services. Lynn has been a long-term tech diversity advocate throughout her career, and she’s also an industry mentor with start-up accelerator hub Stone & Chalk, supporting founders to scale their tech businesses.

Links and Resources

Burning Platforms

The Centre of the Public Square

Digital Rights Watch

Health Engine

Take on Board - Episode 75: Lizzie O’Shea on what you need to know about collecting data and other digital tools

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Carol Schwartz on LinkedIn

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A sweeping conversation with Carol Schwartz about the role of the chair

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 14:00:35 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Carol Schwartz about Board dynamics, culture, risk, strategy and the role of The Chair.

Carole is on the boards of Reserve Bank of Australia, Trawalla Group and Chair of EQT Holdings Limited, Climate Council, Trawalla Foundation and the Women’s Leadership Institute Australia

She has previously been on the boards of Stockland, Bank of Melbourne, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Melbourne International Arts Board…….too many to name!

Carol Schwartz has a diverse career across property, the arts, finance, investment, entrepreneurship, government and health. Carol has been recognised for her leadership via a range of honours including her 2019 appointment as an Officer of the Order of Australia, 2020 Leading Philanthropist Award by Philanthropy Australia, an Honorary Doctorate from Monash University, induction into the Australia Property Hall of Fame, and a Centenary Medal. Carol has been a passionate advocate for gender equality and women in leadership, and as, she has catalysed a range of initiatives to grow the critical mass of women in politics, business and the media.

So it won’t surprise you to hear that Carol was also featured in the Broads on Boards Powerhouses chapter because, as you can tell, she is also, well a powerhouse! We’ll make sure we put a link to that episode, and the series, in the show notes.

Links and Resources

Carol Schwartz

Broads on Boards podcast episode: The Powerhouses (featuring Carol Schwartz)

Trial by Water podcast

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Podcast: Better Off Dead (with Andrew Denton)

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Kiki Paul details how to move from CEO to non-executive director

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 14:00:56 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Kiki Paul about moving from CEO to non-executive director (NED) and being clear about each role.

Kiki is on the boards of Go Gentle Australia / Cancer Chicks / Australian Online Giving Foundation. She has previously been on the boards of Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women's Shelter / Pandis.

Kiki is an experienced CEO and non-executive director. From 2016 until 2022 she was the CEO of the national charity Go Gentle Australia, which was instrumental in passing voluntary assisted dying laws in all six states in Australia.

Links and Resources

Kiki Paul on LinkedIn

AICD Course

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The Royal Commission we should have? The 2013 Essendon Football Club supplements scandal (Rebroadcast from The Westminster Tradition)

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 14:00:12 GMT

This week on the Take on Board podcast, I am sharing an episode from The Westminster Tradition, a podcast I love and listen to regularly. I was listening to one of their episodes from April 2024 and thought, 'I have to share all this governance goodness with the Take on Board Community'. So I reached out to the hosts of The Westminster Tradition and they gave me the go-ahead. So this week, that's what we're doing.

_____

“Lack of good governance is why good people did bad things at Essendon Football Club”. So says Lindsay Tanner, former Minister for Finance, and President of the Essendon Football Club from 2015.

In this mini-series, Caroline tries to convince us there are lessons for public servants from the Essendon Football Club supplement scandal in 2013.

In this episode, we talk about what happened in Essendon itself. The dangers of charismatic new leaders, new brooms through an organisation, and a failure to take controls and risk management seriously.

Referenced in this episode:

• Lindsay Tanner ‘Governance lessons from the Essendon scandal’

•The Long Haul podcast, Episode Two: Inside the Blackest Day

•Ziggy Switkowski report into failures of governance at Essendon Football Club

•Dr Bruce Reid letter to Essendon Football Club about his concerns about the supplement regime

Intro grab is Lindsay Tanner, Governance lessons from the Essendon scandal.

Outro grab is Nathan Lovett-Murray and Emma Murray, The Long Haul podcast, Episode Two: Inside the Blackest Day.

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Episode 231: It’s time to RSVP – reflections on 2023 and goals for 2024

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Helga goes Solo: Making Space for S.P.A.C.E

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 14:00:12 GMT

This week on the Take on Board podcast, I am making space for S.P.A.C.E...

Many of you will know from my first Ideas to Action this year that my word for 2024 is ‘space’. For me, it was about ‘leaving space in the cup’. Space to grow and learn. Space to be.

Like water in a stream moving around rocks and trees, space in the cup will mean I’m feeling in flow, at ease.

The practical things I put in place to help me leave space were to use Pomodoro method for productivity and to engage a coach for accountability.

And because I love an acronym... I am taking my 2023 R.S.V.P and making some S.P.A.C.E.

Links and Resources

Pomodoro Technique

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NeuroAffective Relational Model

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Dorrit Kromann speaks about using a psychological approach in the boardroom

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 14:00:44 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Dorrit Kromann about psychology in the boardroom.

Dorritt is on the boards of

Njorda: Fintech /
Fors - supply /
Deedster Green tech Investors board /
Building board JM Thielesvej,
The high school board in Roskilde

With curiosity, dignity, smarts and justice, Dorrit has been ambitious in boards throughout her whole life. She has had an international career within the Financial business working for 8 years around the world. Started out as a pioneer combining Economics and Computer Science in her Masters at Copenhagen Business School in 1989, Dorrit continued into organizational psychology, business turn arounds and growth in her own company since 2003. By mid 2010s she left being operational and is now a full time board professional.

Outside of her work, Dorrit is married to Christian and they have 2 sons. She lives in Denmark and has a part time house in South of France which she is in the middle of renovating.

Links and Resources

Dorrit on LinkedIn

Dorrit's book will be coming soon

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2024 Not-for-Profit Governance Principles, Third Edition, April 2024

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Mel Sherrin unpacks the AICD nonprofit governance principles and how all boards can use them

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 14:00:16 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I'm speaking with Mel Sherrin about the recently released AICD not for profit governance principles, the new ones for 2024.

Mel is on the board of Red Stitch Theatre Company, the Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council, and she provides company secretary services to Terrain Natural Lands Management, Merri-Bek Affordable Housing, the Asylum Seeker Resource Center, and Greenfleet. Mel is an experienced governance professional general counsel and senior executive who brings extensive experience as a trusted adviser to boards and CEOs.

She has strong expertise in driving organizational change, leading and embedding governance reform and providing strategic legal and risk advice. Her key strengths are relationship building strategic issues management, problem solving, and delivering fast outcomes. And Mel has extensive experience across highly regulated areas within government, corporate and the not for profit sector.

Links and resources

Episode 229: Mel Sherrin encourages you to get organised with board calendars

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* Board members, we need to talk about Palestine

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Kate Larsen on what boards need to think about before making a statement on on the war in Gaza

Tue, 28 May 2024 14:00:45 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Kate Larsen about what boards needs to think through in commenting on the war in Gaza.

Kate joined the board of Western Australia's youth arts peak membership organisation, Propel Youth Arts, when she was just 22 years old. Originally recruited for her marketing expertise, she was elected Chair after only a few meetings and helped lead the start-up organisation through its first few years of operation.

Since then, arts, cultural and not-for-profit governance is a topic that she have approached from all angles – as a consultant, board member, CEO and senior manager, arts worker and independent practitioner reporting to boards, committees, steering groups and funding panels across a broad range of governance and business frameworks, including state and national peak bodies, tiny charities, multi-purpose arts centres and government departments.

Kate Larsen is a writer, arts and cultural consultant with more than 25 years’ experience in the non-profit, government and cultural sectors in Australia, Asia and the United Kingdom. Kate is a thought-leader in the areas of governance and cultural leadership, workplace culture, online communities, and community-led practice.

Links and Resources

* Kate Larsen

* Dear arts organisations

* Board Members, We Need to Talk About Palestine (The Commons Library)

* Beyond the governance gaps

* And another thing: gaslit about arts governance

* And another thing: designing our governance model from scratch

More resources

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Eastern Kulin Seasonal Calendar

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Need board support? Dominique Hes says getting outside support is a game changer

Tue, 21 May 2024 14:00:48 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Dr. Dominique Hes about engaging external company secretary services to support a board.

Dominique is the Chair of Greenfleet and was formerly on the boards of Living Futures Institute of Australia (LFIA), Trust for Nature in Victoria.

Dominique has a Science Degree, Engineering Degree, PhD in Architecture and a Cert in Governance. She was born in south Africa of Dutch Parents, lived in Brazil until 1982 then moved to Australia.

She’s written a bunch of books – including award winning Designing for Hope: pathways to regenerative sustainability. Given you're listening to this, you might also want to know that there’s a podcast on her latest book which I am working on based on the history of Newport Lakes can be found here.

She’s an enthusiastic member of the Take on Board community having been to loads of events and programs and she’s been on the pod already not once, not twice but three times – and on some of the most listened to episodes as we did on air strategy sessions about doing your board resume, preparing for a board interview and then preparing to join the board.

Dominique's external board and CoSec services brief:

1. Your organisational information – ABN, Charity Status, strategy, vision, etc

2. Your board information – meetings, how long for, committees, governance etc. (in follow up emails sending an example agenda and other information is useful)

3. Outline of key things you need help with:

- Minutes, Agendas, Papers

- Board workshop or Risk review

- Compliance review and reporting

- Alignment of board and committee processes

- Board needs

- Board exec liaison

Links and Resources

Dominque Hes on LinkedIn

Forest Secrets

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Edward de Bono's Six Thinking Hats

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Philippa Taylor explores getting along with fellow board members isn't always what's best for the board

Tue, 14 May 2024 13:00:34 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Philippa Taylor about capitalising on diverse behavioural styles at the board table.

Philippa is on the boards of Institute of Social Neuroscience Psychology, We Make a Difference Limited and I'm also an independent member of the RMIT University Nominations, Remuneration & People Committee

She was formerly on the boards of Raiz Invest (ASX:RZI), Western Leisure Services, Apollo League, and the International Women’s Development Agency

Philippa brings a strong people-lens to the boardroom, leveraging her background as a CEO, Chief People Officer and partner-equivalent in professional services driving workplace transformations to maximise financial and technological opportunities. She is also a mentor, an executive coach, a wife, a mum and lover of Bernese Mountain dogs.

Links and Resources

Philippa on LinkedIn

How to Deal with Difficult People - Jay Johnson

Helga's Prompting questions - Edward de Bono's Six Thinking Hats (PDF version)

Helga's Prompting questions - Edward de Bono's Six Thinking Hats (Word version)

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CMO Confidential - Mike Linton

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Cary Hatch details why boards need marketing execs and reputation experts

Tue, 07 May 2024 13:00:05 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Cary Hatch about “Why your Board Should Feature a Marketing Executive” and the opportunity to expand beyond traditional board candidates to include reputation experts to guide and mitigate corporate reputation blunders.

Cary is on the boards of Greater Washington Board of Trade, Washington Housing Conservancy Board, Whitman Walker Foundation Board, American Association of Advertising Agencies (4As) and is Chair of the Mid-Atlantic Board of Governors.

Cary was formerly on the boards of University System of Maryland Foundation, International Women’s Forum (DC), American Advertising Federation (DC), Leadership Greater Washington.

Cary Hatch is a branding and reputation management subject matter expert advising multi-billion-dollar B2B and consumer-facing businesses. Cary has led transformational initiatives and reputation advancement for public and privately held brands in domestic and global business environments. She also brings governance experience through her positions on association and non-profit boards, including advocacy and strategic leadership roles.

Links and Resources

Cary Hatch

50/50 Women On Boards

Deloitte's Board Ready Program

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Wellbeing Governance Guide

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Leanne Hart explains what boards need to understand about psychosocial hazards

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 13:00:48 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Leanne Hart about the boards role in managing psychosocial hazards.

Leanne was formerly on the board of Alongside PTSD Partner Support, an organisation focused on PTSD education for the partners and families of frontline and emergency service first responders.

Today she is the founder of Hart2Heart Wellbeing. She's a trauma-informed facilitator and coach who helps leaders get on top of the things that cause stress at work, so they and their team can feel better and do better. Leanne takes an integrated approach to workplace wellbeing and combines her local and global experience and qualifications in people and culture, leadership development, management, embodiment coaching, exercise science, fitness management and community yoga.

Links and Resources

The Community Well

Board Reporting Checklist

Psychosocial hazards (Safe Work Australia)

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Take on Board episode 127: Boards and the law. Dr Niki Vincent says it’s time to work on your gender action plan

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Emma Rae has thoughts and research on the gender pay gap and boards

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 13:00:38 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Emma Rae about what boards need to know about the gender pay gap.

Emma Rae is a diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) consultant with a PhD in DEI. She works with business leaders and boards to understand their DEI data, leverage insights and cultivate inclusive, high-performing cultures.

Emma originally started her career in accounting, and is a qualified CPA.

She is a mum-to-be and passionate about health and wellbeing. She enjoys cooking, dance, and has recently taken up paddle and pickleball.

Emma recently completed a 7-year term as a Non-Executive Director on the Board at WIRE.

Links and Resources

Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA): What is the gender pay gap?

Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA): Data Explorer

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Helga goes solo: The End Game, when to wind down your organisation

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 13:00:07 GMT

This week on the Take on Board podcast, I am taking you through through the wind up of the Center for Sustainability leadership. I was chair of the board when we had to make some tough decisions.

So wind up, it's not a dirty word. In fact, winding up an organization, if done at the right time in the right way, is something that I believe boards can and should be proud of. It's a natural part of the business cycle of an organization.

Links and resources

Download a copy of my presentation to the Better Boards Conference

The podcast today is based on a presentation I did at the Better Boards conference in 2019. If you'd like to see that presentation - rather than just listen to this edited, updated version - you can watch it on YouTube

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Board directors should serve shorter terms says former CBA chair

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My AICD Australian Governance Summit 2024 Day 2 Recap with special correspondents

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 12:00:50 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I recap the second and very full day of the Australian Institute of Company Directors conference and share my reflections.

Hear from me and highlights and takeaways from some of my awesome TOB Correspondents: Kate Waterford, Ruth Faulkner, Jane Andrews, Suzie Thoravel, Emma Olivier, Chaman Sidhu, Zivit Inbar, Sarah Brindley and Sarah Anderson.

There are numerous topics I’ll be covering in the future on the podcast, so if there is a takeaway that resonated with you, please get in touch and let me know.

Links and Resources

Edelman Trust Barometer

Ben's Bites

Last Week in AI

MIT Technology Review

Coursera - https://www.coursera.org/

Open University - https://www.open.edu/

AI For Everyone - https://www.coursera.org/learn/ai-for-everyone

Take on Board episode 90: Dr Fiona Kerr asks, “okay, my brain does what now while I’m on a Zoom board meeting?” - https://helgasvendsen.com.au/take-on-board-podcast/episode-90-fiona-kerr/

Take on Board episode 108: Sandra Sucher on why The Power of Trust is more than the title of her latest book - https://helgasvendsen.com.au/take-on-board-podcast/episode-108-sandra-sucher/

Take on Board episode 246: My AICD Australian Governance Summit 2024 recap with special correspondents (day 1) - https://helgasvendsen.com.au/take-on-board-podcast/episode-246-ags-recap/

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Board directors should serve shorter terms says former CBA chair

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My AICD Australian Governance Summit 2024 recap with special correspondents

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 13:00:47 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I recap the Australian Institute of Company Directors conference and share my reflections from the first day.

Hear from me and reflections from some of my awesome TOB Correspondents: Chaman Sidhu, Sarah Fairhurst, Clare Schonfeld, Sarah Anderson and Ari Magalhaes.

There are numerous topics I’ll be covering in the future on the podcast, so if there is a takeaway that resonated with you, please get in touch and let me know.

Links and Resources

Edelman Trust Barometer

At The Forefront: Update on the Regulatory Environment - Presentation by Professor Pamela Hanrahan UNSW and Johnson Winter Slattery

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Julia Bearzatto offers a risk refresher and talks the tech questions boards need to ask

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 12:00:27 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Julie Bearzatto about Risk. What questions should you be asking about technology and the strategy behind balancing growth & risk

Julia has spent 20 years working with technology companies, from startups, scale ups to mature businesses. Much of this time has been in the FinTech space and she become passionate about sharing her experience to educate directors and help companies to scale.

Links and Resources

Julia on LinkedIn

Turn the Ship Around!: A True Story of Turning Followers into Leaders by L. David Marquet

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Ruhee Meghani explains how to prioritize purpose-led leadership development and wellbeing

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 12:00:25 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Ruhee Meghani about inclusion and wellbeing in the boardroom.

Ruhee in on the Regional Advisory Council member at the Victorian Multicultural Commission. She previously chaired the first global South Asian Employee Resource Group for a major retail brand.

Ruhee is the founder of Allied Collective, Australia's first inclusive facilitation & wellbeing agency that prioritizes purpose-led leadership development through future focused training. With over 12 years of experience across wellbeing, retail, advertising, sports management, hospitality, Ruhee is a thought leader in inclusive wellbeing, a Yoga philosophy teacher, and public speaker. With an academic background in psychology & business management, she brings a unique perspective on how we live & work whilst balancing wellbeing.

Links and Resources

Ruhee on LinkedIn

Radical Candor by Kim Scott

DEI Reconstructed by Lily Zheng

Inclusion on Purpose by Ruchika Tulshyan

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National Executive for the Australian Labor Party

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Linda White says you should use the 'joining gene' on your pathway to the board room

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 13:00:41 GMT

This episode in being reaired in honour of Linda White who passed away at the end of February. To me Linda was a colleague and friend. I learned so much from her and I am certain you will as well.

_____

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I'm speaking with Linda White.

Linda describes herself as having done heaps, she rarely says no, and she firmly believes you are never to old learn new things.

She's on the National Executive for the Australian Labor Party, the executive of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, the National Executive of the Australian Services Union. And she's also on the board of the Chifley Research Centre, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, the MCG Trust, and the Portable Long Service Leave governing board.

She was formerly on the board of Legal Super, the Royal Botanic Gardens, 200 Gertrude Street, Footscray Community Legal Service and the Australian Social Inclusion board.

Being on high-profile boards means dealing with media scrutiny. Linda explains to Helga how this can help a board stay focused and how one of the best chairs she ever worked with made his impact on her.

Boards Linda is on:

Australian Council of Trade Unions

Australian Services Union

Chifley Research Center

Australian Center for the Moving Image

MCG Trust

Portable Long Service Leave

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Indigenous Governance Institute

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Broads on Boards: The Pioneers – the women who took on governance before they could vote

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 13:00:25 GMT

The Pioneers: Many of these board pioneers took on governance roles well before women could vote in a federal election.

Hear their stories in this episode of Broad on Boards is a special series from Take on Board, a podcast hosted by Helga Svendsen.

Follow this link to find out more and download the fact sheets.

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Broads on Boards: Michelle Deshong on the long, evolving and successful history of Indigenous governance

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 13:00:56 GMT

Today is episode one of the Broads on Boards special series of theTake on Board podcast. This series explores the history of women on Boards in the place we now call Australia. So it’s fitting to kick off the discussion with an exploration of indigenous governance. So, today I’m speaking with Michelle Deshong about indigenous governance.

Michelle is a Kuku Yalanji women with extensive experience in the governance. She is currently Co-Chair of Supply Nation and Council member for AIATSIS.

Michelle was awarded a Churchill Fellowship, in 2017, to 'research and apply best practice on Indigenous governance and leadership models'. Her study involved immersive visits to diverse First Nations communities and institutions. The primary objective was to investigate and analyze various leadership and governance models.

This research project uncovered a spectrum of self-government, sovereignty, and development approaches within these communities and provided insights into the potential adaptation and implementation of research findings and best practices within the Australian context. The research also included concepts of nation building, cultural governance, sovereignty, and identity, all of which were explored in detail within the report.

Following the study, Michelle integrated key findings from the Fellowship into the work of the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute where she was CEO. As you can hear, Michelle is an expert in first nations governance. In asking around who to speak to about this, everyone pointed me her way!

New Broads on Board episodes Tuesday and Fridays throughout March wherever you find your podcasts - you can subscribe here. Find the fact sheets and more information.

Links and Resources

Reconciliation Australia

The Winston Churchill Fellowship Trust of Australia report by Michelle Deshong

Upcoming TOB Events

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Simmons University for Inclusive Leadership

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Can you thrive at work? Susan Mackenty Brady has ideas on how to do just that

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 13:00:44 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Susan Brady about what causes women to thrive at work.

Susan was previously on the board of Strong Women, Strong Girls - non profit board.

Susan Mackenty Brady is a CEO, Wall Street Journal bestselling author and speaker about respect as a leader’s ultimate catalyst for accountability, inclusivity and results.

As the founding CEO of The Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership she holds the Deloitte Ellen Gabriel Chair for Women and Leadership where she teaches leadership teams how to create cultures of respect.

Susan is also the co-author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller of:

Arrive & Thrive: 7 Essential Practices of Women Navigating Leadership (McGraw-Hill, April 2022),
The Inclusive Leader’s Playbook (Simmons University),
Mastering Your Inner Critic and 7 Other High Hurdles to Advancement: How the Best Women Leaders Practice Self-Awareness to Change What Really Matters (McGraw-Hill), and
The 30-Second Guide to Coaching Your Inner Critic.

Her media appearances include “Good Morning America” on ABC-TV, Bloomberg Businessweek, Forbes and Inc. Magazine and now also the Take on Board podcast!

Links and Resources

Upcoming TOB Events

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Emma Bennison on LinkedIn

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COMING SOON - Broads on Boards a New Podcast from Take on Board

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 22:50:47 GMT

I have a question for you. When do you think the first woman was appointed to a board in Australia? The 1970s? The 1980s? Not sure? We didn't know either, so we asked around. No luck. So we started digging. Lots of digging.

if you're ready to dive deep into these fascinating stories and historical moments, we've created the perfect series for you. Broads on Boards is a nine part special series about women who have always done leadership.

Coming in March 2024. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

For more information: Broads on Boards

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Emma Bennison knows how to navigate wins and challenges around the board table

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 13:00:11 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Emma Bennison about wins and challenges in the boardroom.

Emma is on the boards of NV Access Ltd, Chair of Attitude Foundation. She has previously been on the boards on Access arts, Arts Access Australia, Blind Citizens Australia, Australian federation of disability Organisations, Disability Voices Tasmania and Every Australian Counts

An experienced Chair, Non-Executive Director and CEO, writer, TEDX/keynote speaker and advocate Emma excels at applying curiosity, creativity and innovation to transforming organisations and to solving the most challenging of strategic problems. Driven by a commitment to developing tomorrow’s leaders, she thrives on coaching, mentoring and nurturing people so they can reach their full potential without losing themselves in the process.

Links and Resources

TEDxMaldonWomen, I'm Not Contagious, Emma Bennison

Through the Wall by Anna Bligh

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Atlassian Working Agreements

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Alex Patterson uses a team charter to help her team and board work better

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 13:00:47 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Alex Patterson about using a team charter exercise to establish ways of working, set expectations and build accountability.

Alex is on the board of WASH House Inc, a not for profit that provides services for women in the Mount Druitt area dealing with domestic violence and poverty.

She is a degree qualified chemical engineer and has worked for a dual listed (ASX, NYSE) global medical device company for 17 years. Her roles in Operations, Quality Assurance and Medical Affairs have given her responsibility for systems like global post market surveillance, organisational design, leading multi-disciplinary teams.

Her company’s focus is devices for home use, with a mission to reduce the load on hospitals, emergency departments with high quality respiratory therapies that are easy to use and comfortable.

Alex has recently taken on her first board role with a not for profit operating in Western Sydney providing services to reduce the impact of poverty, social disadvantage and violence on the lives of women and girls.

Links and Resources

Miro

Upcoming TOB Events

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Take on Board Breakfast: Liz Cosson responds to questions from the Take on Board community

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 13:00:41 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast Major General Elizabeth Cosson joins the Take on Board community to respond to their questions.

Last week, Liz talked to the community about her career trajectory from the Australian Army to the Australian boardroom.

Links and Resources

Liz Cosson on LinkedIn

Upcoming TOB Events

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Take on Board Breakfast: Liz Cosson translates lessons learned in the Australian Army to the boardroom

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 14:00:45 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast Major General Elizabeth Cosson joins the Take on Board community to share her trajectory from serving in the Australian Army to the boardroom. Growing up in a military family Liz and her brother had to adapt quickly to places and people - that was just one of the lessons she was able to deploy when she enlisted in the army in 1979.

After her presentation, Liz stayed on to respond to questions from the Take on Board Community, that episode will air next week.

Links and Resources

Liz Cosson on LinkedIn

Upcoming TOB Events

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The Corporate Director Podcast (Diligent Institute)

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Belinda Loke and Helga go deep on board management software options

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 13:00:20 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Belinda Loke about board management software options. Yes, there is more than one!

Belinda is a Non Executive Director of the Queen Elizabeth Centre – which is a Victorian public hospital and Victoria’s largest provider of early parenting services to disadvantaged families with 7 sites across Victoria. Belinda is also a Non Executive Director of Kids Hope Australia – and, key to our discussion today – she was also Board Secretary there. Belinda is also a member of the Consumer Advisory Committee of the Royal Childrens Hospital.

Prior to that, Belinda was the Founder and Chair of the Asia Pacific Loan Market Association (APLMA) Young Leaders Australian Committee.

Links and Resources

Diligent Institute

Upcoming TOB Events

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Helga goes solo: Top Tips from the TOB Facebook Community

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 14:30:38 GMT

Welcome to 2024! This week on the Take on Board podcast, I am going solo. I have an update on my RSVP word of the year, a birthday wish and I am sharing tips from the Take on Board community.

Each week we have a Tips Tuesday (#tipstuesday) and I have rounded up some of the most popular ones from 2023 for you. They are useful, actionable and will help you maximize your board experience in 2024 and beyond!

My birthday wish as I blow out the metaphorical candles, please share this podcast with someone you think would find it helpful, entertaining, relevant or all three. That's it, that's my wish!

Producer note: HAPPY BIRTHDAY HELGA!

Upcoming TOB Events

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Episode 1: Sandra Loader on depth and breadth in the boardroom

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Take on Board Summer Series - Tammy Atkins brings you Tammy's Top Tips for making the most of digital board papers

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 13:00:58 GMT

Welcome to the first Take on Board Summer Series. I've pulled together some of our most-listened to episodes so you have something to keep you company over the next few weeks while I take a bit of a summer holiday!

For our final Summer Series episode: Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Tammy Atkins about the transition to digital board papers - From reams of paper to electronic board papers.

Tammy is – and has been - on a number of Victorian government boards and has been a Councillor at the Rural City of Wangaratta.

She is a regionally-based non-executive director with expertise in community and stakeholder engagement, strategic writing, and governance-level knowledge of industry sectors, including TAFE and water. Comfortable with technology, Tammy holds qualifications in cyber strategy and risk and is interested in digital literacy initiatives. She is also a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Links and Resources

Tammy on LinkedIn

More Take on Board

Episode 2: Rachel Lowry on getting clear about intentions in joining a board

Episode 3: Michelle Shepherd on how to not let imposter syndrome get in your way to the boardroom

Episode 4: Llewellyn Prain on courageous questions in the boardroom

Upcoming TOB Events

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Climate-related financial disclosure

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Take on Board Summer Series - Marianna O’Gorman has all the details to get you prepared for your next board meeting

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 13:00:15 GMT

Up next: Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Marianna O’Gorman about how to prepare for board meetings.

Marianna is on the boards of ARENA – the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and Stanwell Corporation Limited. She is also a committee member of Chief Executive Women, and an Advisory Board member for The McKell Institute.

Marianna has a focus on climate governance and risk and she works with organisations who want to transition to a cleaner economy. She has represented Australia at international climate negotiations; helped develop climate change education programs at the World Bank; contributed to the design and implementation of a national carbon price; worked on the foundation of (and later at) Australia’s Green Bank, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation; and conducted academic research on decarbonisation.

Links and Resources

Marianna on LinkedIn

Climate Change and Directors’ Duties

More Take on Board

Episode 1: Sandra Loader on depth and breadth in the boardroom

Episode 2: Rachel Lowry on getting clear about intentions in joining a board

Episode 3: Michelle Shepherd on how to not let imposter syndrome get in your way to the boardroom

Episode 4: Llewellyn Prain on courageous questions in the boardroom

Upcoming TOB Events

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Hannah Browne, Founder and Managing Director of Midnyte

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Takes on Board Summer Series - Fi Slaven on the intersection of governance, technology and risk

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 13:00:30 GMT

First up: Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Fi Slaven about governance, technology and risk.

Fi is on the boards of Austin Health, Chair of the Spinal Research Institute and Crime Stoppers Victoria. She has previously been on the board of Vic ICT for Women.

Fi is a diversity, inclusion, equality, and technology enthusiast, which she actively promotes through her roles as Director for William Buck Victoria and NED Board roles. Fi has had an exciting career path, that includes roles like Intensive Care Nurse, Director of Nursing, National CIO and Australian ICT Woman of the Year. In short, Fi genuinely loves working with people and enacting change.

Links and Resources

Fi Slaven on LinkedIn

The Secure Board

More Take on Board

Episode 1: Sandra Loader on depth and breadth in the boardroom

Episode 2: Rachel Lowry on getting clear about intentions in joining a board

Episode 3: Michelle Shepherd on how to not let imposter syndrome get in your way to the boardroom

Episode 4: Llewellyn Prain on courageous questions in the boardroom

Upcoming TOB Events

Board Accelerator 2023 - EARLY BIRD PRICING UNTIL 31 DEC

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It's time to RSVP: Reflections on 2023 and goals for 2024

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 13:00:15 GMT

Welcome to the final episode of Take on Board for 2023.

And what a year it’s been.

In this episode, I'm going to take you through my ‘RSVP’ process – an invitation to reflect on the year and set intentions for 2023. Think travel, working with ease and building and creating connections.

We do this in the final session of Board Accelerator – my program for women board members. So at the end of this episode, you’ll hear some of the reflections from the group.

So, what’s the RSVP formula? Listen now to find out.

And thank you for joining the Take on Board community on this wild adventure of a year. We have some exciting things to come in 2024, so stay tuned. We’ll be back on January 10 with all new episodes. Until then, happy holidays and stay safe out there.

Resources and links

Board Accelerator 2024

Upcoming TOB Events

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Managing Conflicts of Interest Guide by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission

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Michelle Cutler knows how to navigate conflicts of interest

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 13:00:13 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Michelle Cutler about conflicts of interest.

Michelle is on the board of Shaun Parker & Company - small modern dance company known for its diversity and social commentary works.

She has previously been on the boards of Address Housing (community housing provider for women and children fleeing domestic violence) and Give a Smile - providing free orthodontic treatment to kids on public dental lists.

Michelle started her working life as a lawyer in Asia before moving to London to work in business advisory across Europe and the US. She has been back in Australia for the past 10 years working as a CEO in the NFP and membership association sector. Her last role was as CEO of Community Legal Centres Australia. At the moment she is working with a small number of clients focussing on strategic planning and governance.

Links and Resources

Michelle on LinkedIn

Conflicts of Interest article by AICD

Board Conflict of Interest Policy from the Institute of Community Directors

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AICD Annual Board Calendar

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Mel Sherrin encourages you to get organised with board calendars

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 13:00:04 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Melanie Sherrin about board calendars.

Melanie provides Company Secretary services to a number of boards including Terrain Natural Land Management in Cairns, Merri-bek Affordable Housing and the Asylum Resource Centre in Melbourne.

She’s previously been on a number of boards including Ruby on Rails Australia, Moreland Affordable Housing.

Melanie says she’s not as "into" being on boards as some others in the Take on Board community. She likes the governance side and the helping getting them organisied, In some form or another she’s been doing governance work for the past nearly 30 years.”

Links and Resources

Mel on LinkedIn

Influence Global

Upcoming TOB Events

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TED Talk: How to achieve you most ambitious goals

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Karen Corr put her hand up and got involved in boards - is it really that easy?

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 16:00:58 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Karen Corr about her Journey to the boardroom and the boards role in stakeholder engagement.

Karen is on the boards of Jumpleads NFP and Inglewood & Districts Health Service. She has previously been on the boards of Bendigo Sustainability Group; Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance

Karen is a community development/ engagement specialist with extensive experience in communications, promotion and project management, across community, business and creative sectors. Starting her career as an environmental engineer, Karen developed a passion for solving complex problems and involving communities in the implementation of solutions. This led her to undertake various roles in community leadership & social entrepreneurship. Including over the last decade, shaping and leading Jumpleads NFP and Make a Change Australia.

Links and Resources

Karen on LinkedIn

Upcoming TOB Events

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Take on Board Breakfast: Jane Brockington knows when to step down from a board role

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 13:00:55 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast Jane Brockington knows when it's time to step down from a board role. In the past six months, she's made the decision several times over.

Plus, Jane takes questions from the Take on Board community.

Links and Resources

Jane on LinkedIn

Upcoming TOB Events

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Sanela Osmic brings big dreams and emotional intelligence into the boardroom

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 13:00:06 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Sanela Osmic about emotional intelligence in the boardroom.

Sanela is on the boards of IPC Health - NED; Australian-Bosnian Chamber of Commerce - NED/Secretary.

Sanela Osmic has almost 20 years of experience in governance and working with boards in various capacities. Her career has spanned multiple industries including finance, professional services, disability, government, and education. Sanela has helped organisations build effective boards, enhance ethical governance practices, and maximise their impact. She has a talent for distilling complex governance issues into clear, actionable recommendations that drive results.

Links and Resources

Sanela on LinkedIn

Leading with Emotional Intelligence: A Guide for Board Directors by Sanela Osmic

Upcoming TOB Events

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Ari Magalhaes on LinkedIn

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Ari Magalhaes uses her years of experience of analysing risk and employing strategy in the boardroom

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 00:18:32 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Ari Magalhaes about strategy and risk.

Ari is on the board of Arthritis and Osteoporosis Tasmania, a committee member of the Economic Society of Australia - Tasmanian Branch and a Community Advisory Member of Red Nose Australia and Palliative Care Tasmania.

She was formerly on the boards of United Nations of Australia (member of the UNAA Tas Committee and Young Professionals Tasmania Lead and member of the UNAA YP National Committee) and a board member and President of A Fairer World.

Ari is a Senior Economist and the founder of OmniStrategic, a consultancy specialising in finance, business performance, and risk. She has been involved with delivering over $100 million in bottom-line results to clients across various industries, from big pharma to community services. Ari has international experience and is very active in the economics space, being a member of the Committee for Economic Development of Australia and the Economic Society of Australia.

Links and Resources

The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande

Upcoming TOB Events

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Caroline Patrick on LinkedIn

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Caroline Patrick brings extensive exec level experience on her boardroom journey

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 13:00:32 GMT

Today on the take on board podcast, I'm speaking with Caroline Patrick about her journey to the boardroom.

Caroline is an experienced non executive director with extensive executive level experience in customer engagement. She has diverse industry experience having worked at senior levels in banking, wealth management, health insurance, retail superannuation, and government.

Caroline is a non Executive Director of the Women and Children's Hospital Foundation in Adelaide in South Australia, where she also chairs the marketing and fundraising subcommittee. And she is also a non executive director of Kara Inc, a leading disability service provider, working alongside people with disability across metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia.

Links and Resources

No Limitations (Podcast)

Upcoming TOB Events

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Jacinta Cubis is a master facilitator who wants chairs to approach the role this way

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 13:00:44 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Jacinta Cubis about the role of Chair as facilitator.

Jacinta is a creative master facilitator. She loves guiding groups to connect, make decisions, generate ideas and solve problems. Specialising in visual thinking, Jacinta creates captivating cartoons that simplify complex issues. With 25 years of experience, Jacinta is the go-to facilitator, trainer and mentor for clients in government, universities and community organisations, as well as consultants and facilitators. Her illustrated e-book HUM troubleshoots problems with online meetings. When Jacinta is not facilitating, or helping you learn how, you can find her on her yoga mat, in her art studio, on the tennis court or the tango dance floor.

Whilst Jacinta isn’t on a board … at the moment! … she is an alumnus of the Take on Board KickSTarter program so I’m still hopeful a boardroom out there will benefit from her enormous skill and wisdom some time soon!

Links and Resources

Jacinta Cubis

(Fl)awesom Facilitator

Hum, a book by Jacinta Cubis. It is a visual guide with practical and easy-to-use tips and tricks that will double your engagement and productivity

Jacinta's speaking clock

Upcoming TOB Events

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Hannah Browne, Founder and Managing Director of Midnyte

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Fi Slaven on the intersection of governance, technology and risk

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 13:00:51 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Fi Slaven about governance, technology and risk.

Fi is on the boards of Austin Health, Chair of the Spinal Research Institute and Crime Stoppers Victoria. She has previously been on the board of Vic ICT for Women.

Links and Resources

Fi Slaven on LinkedIn

The Secure Board

Michelle Shepherd, Manager, Strategy and Industry Development, VicScreen

Go Girl, Go for IT

Navigating the Voice referendum

First Nations Identity Strain and Cultural Load at Work

Upcoming TOB Events

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Episode 143: Marianna O’Gorman on climate change in the boardroom, risk, legislation and responsibility

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Marianna O’Gorman has all the details to get you prepared for your next board meeting

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 13:00:32 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Marianna O’Gorman about how to prepare for board meetings. This is one of the topics that was suggested by the Take on Board community and I did a shout-out asking for speakers – thanks, Marianna, for answering the call!

Marianna has also been on the Take on Board podcast previously – she spoke at an event on climate governance, with 10 excellent tips for the boardroom.

Links and Resources

Marianna on LinkedIn

Episode 144: Q&A with Marianna O’Gorman about climate governance in the boardroom

Climate-related financial disclosure

Climate Change and Directors’ Duties

Upcoming TOB Events

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Tammy Atkins brings you Tammy's Top Tips for making the most of digital board papers

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 13:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Tammy Atkins about the transition to digital board papers - From reams of paper to electronic board papers.

Tammy is – and has been - on a number of Victorian government boards and has been a Councillor at the Rural City of Wangaratta.

Links and Resources

Tammy on LinkedIn

Upcoming TOB Events

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Helga goes Solo: Wellbeing in the Board Room

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 13:00:32 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast you're hearing from me. I may have mentioned previously that I recently completed a certificate in well being in the workplace. As part of that professional development, I completed a project. And because I don't have a workplace per se, it's really just me and Mungo the cat, my project was about well being in the boardroom.

So today, I'm going to take you through that project, I took a small group of board chairs through the Wellbeing Framework. In the first session, they identified some things that they would do to improve well-being in the boardroom. Then, three months later, the group came back together to report back on progress.

So today, I'll take you through what we did.

Upcoming TOB Events

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Take on Board KickStarter Program

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Caroline Pilot spills the tea on the benefits of the Take on Board Kickstarter

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 15:27:25 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Caroline Pilot about her experience of Take on Board KickStarter program.

Caroline joined her first board, Mambourin, in late 2022 having undertaken the AICD Company Directors course about six years ago and then the ToB KickStarter program in mid 2022. Joining the board of Mambourin fulfilled her ambition to drive health outcomes in the NFP arena.

A commercially and politically astute healthcare leader and marketer, Caroline has over 20 years’ experience creating visions, developing and executing strategy and utilising strong partnerships to drive business results and improved health.

With a track record of leading industry change and transforming operating models, her purpose is to drive a positive difference to health outcomes.

A background spanning Marketing and Business Development in Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals, across small to large entities, generic to specialty niche areas.

Links and Resources

Hannah Brown, Technology leader, company founder, Non-Executive Director and culture advocate

AICD networking functions

Take on Board KickStarter: Caroline Pilot - Gaining clarity around story and strengths (case study)

Upcoming TOB Events

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Take on Board Accelerator program

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Ask the Take on Board Community: Should I do the AICD Company Directors Course?

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 14:00:34 GMT

This week on the Take on Board podcast I am bring you ToB community crowdsourced response to one question I get asked all the time: Should I do the AICD Company Director's Course? This recording is from the 2023 Take on Board 4th birthday party in July. There wasn’t a speaker, but this question came up – as it often does! So women who have completed the course weighed in on the pros and cons of the program. I hope these insights help, if you are considering signing up for the AICD CDC.

Links and Resources

Take on Board KickStarter program

TOB EP 192: Megan Buntine makes the case to start succession planning now

TOB EP 46: Jocelyn Furlan on establishing an advisory council

TOB EP 38: Jocelyn Furlan on when there was still time to get ahead of COVID-19

TOB EP 103: Morgana Ryan on developing a board strategy

TOB EP 102: Morgana Ryan on developing a board strategy

TOB EP 185: Belinda Loke on building board acumen outside of the AICD

TOB EP 8: Leonie Morgan AM wants more women in decision-making roles

TOB EP 143: Marianna O’Gorman on climate change in the boardroom, risk, legislation and responsibility

TOB EP 144: Q&A with Marianna O’Gorman about climate governance in the boardroom

The Director Toolkit, provided by the Victorian Department of Health

AICD Company Directors Course

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Building compassion in the workplace checklist

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Julie Kun defines compassionate decision making and brings it to the boardroom

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 13:00:34 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Julie Kun about compassionate decision making in the boardroom.

Julie is the Chair of Gender Equity Victoria. She was formerly on the boards of Australian College of Community and Disability Practitioners (2015- 2019), WIRE (2010 - 2012, Community Services Health Industry Training Board (2008 - 2012) ANTaR committee of management (2001 - 2007)

Julie pronouns are she/her. She is a strategic thinker who works collaboratively to translate a vision of social justice into action. A proud intersectional feminist who believes in constant learning and walking the talk. A member of boards and committees of management for over 20 years and previous CEO of WIRE she has recently branched out with her own Consultancy to support strategic change and robust compassionate decision making.

Links and Resources

Julie Kun on LinkedIn

Upcoming TOB Events

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You Don't Need an MBA: Leadership lessons that cut through the crap

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Karen Foster explains boardroom power plays - how to recognise them and how to use them

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 13:00:34 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Karen Foster about boardroom power plays.

Karen is on the boards of Western Victoria Primary Health Network Chair of the Let's Talk Foundation and Mayor of Moyne Shire Council.

She’s a former Chair of Leadership Great South Coast (Chair) Moyne Health Services and former board member of Brophy Family and Youth Services, Corangamite Regional Library Corporation, Regional Leadership Australia and GAICD Regional Advisory Group, Great South Coast

A former Journalist, Karen went to the 'dark side' of PR and marketing in the late 2000s. She established a communications consultancy, o2 Media, in 2007. Karen also works with NFP Boards in strategic and business planning. And during Covid, she retrained as a life coach and has combined these skill sets to offer leadership coaching for women.

Karen is a mum to two inspiring young adult children and live in coastal Port Fairy with her lawyer husband, Gary, two dogs and a handful of chooks!

Links and Resources

Karen Foster on LinkedIn

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Alex Tullio moved from executive to non-executive director with ease and lessons

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 14:29:28 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Alex Tulilo about her journey to the boardroom.

Alex is on the boards of Sandhurst Trustees; Willed and was formerly on the boards of Mansfield and District Community Bank

As the owner and founder of her own consultancy, Alex works with innovative leaders with a global mission and helps them realise their vision. She is an experienced facilitator, speaker, MC and executive coach. This work is complemented by her non-executive director roles with Sandhurst Trustees and Willed. Before embarking on her entrepreneurial journey,

Alex had a highly successful corporate career in financial services. As a former Group Executive of a top 60 ASX listed company with a market capitalisation of $4.24billion, Alex’s 25+ years’ experience in business encompasses an extensive track record in delivering business growth and leading through change in complex and regulated environments.

Links and Resources

Alex Tullio on LinkedIn

Lead to Soar Podcast

Upcoming TOB Events

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'An article on setbacks, rejection & resilience' by Madeleine Babiolakis

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Madeleine Babiolakis on leadership skills, voluntary boards and a career portfolio

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 13:00:59 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Madeleine Babiolakis about building leadership skills in a new world of work. Plus, Madeleine is pro adding voluntary boards earlier in your board career and shares the benefits of a career portfolio. Balancing it all is possible!

Madeline is on the boards of ACCE and Women’s Leadership Institute Australia (WLIA). She was formerly on the board of IABC Victoria.

Madeleine is the Founder and Director of Shape & Impact, a consulting and advisory practice helping purpose led organisations achieve strategic impact. A former journalist and press secretary, Madeleine has advised Ministers, CEOs and heads of large organisations and now helps stakeholders across government, technology and education sectors around the world navigate disruptive change. She is a passionate advocate of building leadership skills through a career portfolio, which has seen her join three boards in as many years.

Links and Resources

Madeleine on LinkedIn

The Daily Motivation with Lewis Howes

Blinkist

Upcoming TOB Events

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Lina Patel - Revma Consulting

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Lina Patel has the scoop on how Aussie and US non-profit boards are different

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 07:00:07 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Lina Patel about exploring the difference between US and Australian NFP Boards & Governance

Lina Patel is a startup Board Member for Global Impact Australia. She is a Melbourne based facilitator. Lina works with people who value positive social outcomes and want to improve how they work and her specialty is getting things done, calmly.

Links and Resources

Leading with Intent 2021 - report on US NFP board composition, practices, performance, and culture

Australian Institute of Company Directors Non-for-profit governance Principle

Global Impact

Living Futures Institute Australia

Take Me with You: My Story of Making a Global Impact remarkable origin story of Scott Jackson, CEO of Global Impact

Upcoming TOB Events

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How to recruit a board member: Your three-phase checklist

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Helga goes solo: Steps for Recruiting a Board Member

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 13:00:10 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, you're just going to be hearing from me, as I take you through steps to recruit a board member.

This is one of the things I get asked all the time, where do I start? What do I need to do? What are the steps? So I've made a checklist for you. And I thought I would take you through that checklist.

Now, of course, in the show notes, you will find the downloads for the checklist and some of the other resources that I refer to as we go through the process today.

Links and Resources

Victorian Government Board Guidelines

AICD Board Recruitment Tool

Victoria Health Board Capability Framework

Upcoming TOB Events

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Reconciliation Action Plans (RAP)

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Karen Mundine outlines why reconciliation matters to business and boards

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 13:00:12 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Karen Mundine about why reconciliation matters to business and to boards.

Karen Mundine is from the Bundjalung Nation of northern NSW. She is a board member of Gondwana Choirs, Sydney Festival, the Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre (AILC), and Australians for Constitutional Recognition. She is a member of Chief Executive Women. As the CEO at Reconciliation Australia, Karen brings to the role more than 25 years’ experience leading community engagement, public advocacy, communications and social marketing campaigns. An architect of the landmark Australian Reconciliation Barometer, Karen works with governments, the business sector and civil society to advocate for change and is currently a member of the Australian Government’s Referendum Engagement Group.

Over the course of her career, she has been instrumental in some of Australia’s watershed national events including the Apology to the Stolen Generations, Centenary of Federation commemorations, Corroboree 2000 and the 1997 and 2021 Australian Reconciliation Conventions. Karen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and was the winner of the 2021 Indigenous Australian UTS Alumni Award. Karen has wide-ranging board experience and a true sense of country and home.

More on Karen Mundine

Links and Resources

Reconciliation Australia

Indigenous Governance Program

Uluru Statement from the Heart

Close the Gap Report

Upcoming TOB Events

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Scary Smart: The Future of Artificial Intelligence and How You Can Save Our World, by Mo Gawdat

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Samar Mcheileh navigated a management buyout and says it's worth the risk

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 13:00:18 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Samar Mcheileh about boardroom culture, finances and navigating a management buyout.

Samar is on the finance and investment committee for InTouch, and organisation providing services, programs and responses to family violence in migrant and refugee communities. She is also a former Board member of YWCA Victoria.

Samar Mcheileh is the co-CEO at Scale Investors. An early stage angel syndicate that invests in exceptional gender diverse entrepreneurs. Samar began her career in logistics and commodity trading, then went to London and got into finance, before coming home and spending 10 years at JBWere in various executive roles. Principally however, she managed the markets desk working on a range of deals across all asset classes.

More on Samar Mcheileh

Scale Investors

Links and Resources

The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

Connect to Capital, a podcast series by Scale Investors

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Melissa Donnelly brings strategic planning into the boardroom to maximize lived experiences

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 13:00:03 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Melissa Donnelly about the importance of strategic planning as a vehicle for bringing the lived experience of staff and clients/customers/members into the board room.

Melissa is the Chair, Domestic Violence Prevention Centre (Gold Coast)

Melissa has been called a brain surgeon for brands. She extracts the DNA of businesses from the CEO's brain and injects it across the organisation. In her 35 year-plus career, she's triaged, rebooted and launched brands internationally and domestically. Melissa has been a brand builder for household names like MTV, ESPN, Microsoft and Telstra, plus brands that are rock stairs in their own industries. If communications are at the heart of an issue, then chances are Melissa has seen it, mapped it and solved for it. This is the lens she brings to her Board role where Melissa focusses on building a culture of intentional communications that connects Board members, the organisation and stakeholders.

More on Melissa Donnelly

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Podcast takeover – a 4th birthday celebration!

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 13:00:08 GMT

SURPRISE! Buffy, here – Helga’s podcast producer.

Lisa – Helga’s business manager – and I reached out to the fabulous peeps in the Take on Board community to record messages in celebration of the podcast’s 4th birthday.

This episode is full of words of appreciation and gratitude for the podcast’s 4 years of sharing governance wisdom and for the evolving community which keeps on supporting and cheering on each other’s boardroom journeys.

A big thanks to everyone who took part in this podcast takeover celebration. You’re all why Helga keeps on doing this with enthusiasm and joy week in and week out.

Congratulations Helga! You’re an awesome host. I look forward to the next 4 years of great storytelling...

Upcoming TOB Events

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Organisational Mergers: Lessons from the coalface

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Take on Board Breakfast: Riwka Hagen knows how to navigate a merger and has tips

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 13:00:22 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, Riwka Hagen joins me at the Take on Board Breakfast event. Riwka presents Organisational Mergers: Lessons from the coalface. Riwka knows how to navigate organisational mergers because she's successfully overseen the process.

Hear her presentation and answers to audience questions. You can learn a lot from her success and challenges!

This podcast is an edited version of the Take on Board Breakfast. Sign-up for information about future events like the breakfast. Start your day networking, meeting like-minded women and hearing about open board roles and opportunities in the Board Marketplace.

Links and Resources

More on Riwka Hagen

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Centre for Leadership Advantage

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Marcele de Sanctis has thoughts on using metrics to find the right board mix

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 13:00:38 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Dr. Marcele de Sanctis about Board Capability and Culture

Marcele has 10 years experience working with global, ASX-listed, private and Government organisations, supporting Boards, CEOs, C-level executives and senior leaders in capability development and competency architecture, leadership assessment, leadership development, executive coaching, talent management, L&D, OD, executive search and recruitment.

She currently sits on the National Education Advisory Committee for the AICD.

Marcele commenced her career in Executive Search appointing Chairs, Directors, C-level Executives and leaders across a range of sectors including industrial, consumer, retail, education and health.

She is now the Managing Partner of Centre for Leadership Advantage, leading a team of organisational psychologists/scientist-practitioners, leadership specialists and thought-leaders who deliver leadership assessment, development, transition and wellbeing solutions throughout Australia for global, ASX-listed, large private and public sector clients. CLA takes an evidence-based approach to extraordinary leadership.

Links and Resources

Marcele on LinkedIn

Future Leadership Capability Framework

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Gina Balarin says marketers play a huge role on boards

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 13:00:32 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Gina Balarin about her journey to the boardroom.

Gina is on the boards of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), a UK-based organisation serving an international audience and ProjectDisplaced, an Australia-based organisation helping coach Australians out of work to get their mojo back.

Gina Balarin is an inspirational TEDx and keynote speaker, storyteller and B2B marketing leader, who sits on the boards of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and ProjectDisplaced. She's an FAMI FCIM Chartered Marketer, with a Master's of education in management communication and a member of the Professional Speaking Association.

The author of The Secret Army: Leadership, Marketing and the Power of People, she loves finding the essence of information and distilling it into meaningful communication that makes positive change happen. She is the Director of Verballistics, a Marketing Communications Consultancy.

Links and Resources

Gina on LinkedIn

Upcoming TOB Events

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View the Strategic Planning Framework diagram as mentioned in this episode

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Take on Board x Lead to Soar - How Women Can Build & Demonstrate Strategic Acumen with Helga Svendsen

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 13:00:18 GMT

In this special Take on Board x Lead to Soar cross over episode, I was the guest on the Lead to Soar podcast and was interviewed by Michelle Redfern. She invited me to discuss strategy. My conversation with Michelle was part of the Lead to Soar - "How Women Can" web series.

Do you know what strategy is?

Do you know why strategy is set?

Do you know why boards are interested in strategy?

Can you describe the relationship between strategy and business outcomes?

Being able to answer all these questions means you're likely to have strategic acumen.

In this episode, Helga Svendsen FAICD and Michelle Redfern discuss Helga's experience from both sides of the boardroom table - as an executive and CEO as well as a Board Chair and Director, as well as provide practical advice about how women can build and demonstrate their strategic acumen.

Links and Resources

Lead to Soar

Michelle Redfern

Episode 133: Michelle Redfern takes lessons from the pitch into the boardroom

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Uluru Statement from the Heart

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Helga goes solo: “Be a Voice for Generations” this National Reconciliation Week

Tue, 30 May 2023 12:00:02 GMT

This week in Australia it’s National Reconciliation Week.

So, today, I'm covering the following:

Talk about NRW 2023, the theme and what it means for all of us
Talk about NRW more broadly – it’s history and what it’s about
Talk about the Uluru statement from the Heart – I’ll read it to you
Share some ideas for your board to support the Uluru statement from the Heart
Share some resources, including showcasing the first nations women that have previously been on ToB

I'd love to hear from you about what your board or what you're doing as an individual to support some of these actions. See you next week.

Links and Resources

National Reconciliation Week

Episode 10: Amber Roberts on rethinking the meaning of ‘country’ and how we can be allies in the boardroom (re-run as episode 100 too)

Episode 19: Sheena Watt on breaking down preconceptions in the boardroom

Episode 138: Jillian West gives us the whats, whys and hows of reconciliation action plans – and the role of the board

Episode 139: Rachelle Towart OAM reveals the secrets of getting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on your board

Episode 164: Take on Board Breakfast with Jillian West. An introduction to the basics of cultural competency

Episode 194: Nareen Young explains what Australian boards get wrong about diversity and Indigenous governance

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Ursula Lepporoli on the diverse perspectives of expats on boards

Tue, 23 May 2023 13:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Ursula Lepporoli about having expats on your board to diversity perspectives.

Ursula Lepporoli is a partner at KPMG. She has 17 years of extensive experience as a strategic global mobility tax expert providing a full suite of tax services to companies, expatriates and high net worth individuals.

Ursula enjoys sharing her knowledge. She is a frequent guest on podcasts speaking about leadership and tax. She joined Adam Grant earlier this year on WorkLife. She was recently invited to join the ATO’s Tax Practioners Stewardship Group.

Ursula enjoys the arts and when not taking photos herself as an amateur photographer she serves on the board of Multicultural Arts Victoria.

Links and Resources

Ursula on LinkedIn

Upcoming TOB Events

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The Commission for Gender Equality in the Public Sector

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Red Dearnley on breaking the binary in the boardroom, intersectional inclusion and gender equity

Tue, 16 May 2023 14:00:53 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Red Dearnley about breaking the binary in the boardroom: Improving intersectional inclusion and gender equity

Red is WIRE (Deputy Chair) and Speak Australia (Chair) and former Be Slavery Free (Chair).

Red is an experienced executive and non-executive leader in the for-purpose sector. They are CEO of Birth for Humankind, and Founder and Principal Consultant of Influence Global, a social change consultancy. They are also currently Deputy Chair of WIRE and Chair of Speak. With an activist heart and (self-confessed) governance nerd’s head, they are passionate about enabling systemic change, by applying intersectional feminist principles across organisational culture, governance and operations.

Links and Resources

Red on LinkedIn

Minus 18

IDAHOBIT Day

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Board Privacy Readiness Checklist

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Penelope Barr says there's no excuse for not taking privacy and security seriously

Tue, 09 May 2023 12:00:55 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Penelope Barr about privacy and security in the boardroom. Penelope has previously been a director of The 100% Project - working towards gender equity in the workplace; and Hearts4Heart - a Health Board, focusing on the patient experience.

Penelope speaks startup and big end of town. With 25+ years’ leading local and global digital, technology, agile, product, innovation & transformation businesses, she’s motivated by solving complex problems.

As an Award-winning intrapreneur she uses a genuinely creative approach to generate business value and drive excellence. She’s been at the forefront of most major changes in digital, tech, innovation, product & data across fintech, legaltech, proptech, climatetech and enterprises. She’s worked in Tech for so long, she was part of the team creating NAB's first Internet Banking solution, then National online trading, the first SMS messages, first online sales apps and progressed from there.

A connector of people, ideas, opportunity and things, she turns good ideas into great business and bring a new ways of working kitbag to create products, generate revenue, improve savings or return on assets. She applies analytical insight, thorough planning, rapid implementation and deliver in highly ambiguous situations.

She’s an author, advisor, mentor, coach and startup founder, passionate about making the most of the time I have been given.

Links and Resources

Penelope Barr on LinkedIn

Upcoming TOB Events

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Stella Young TED Talk - I am not your inspiration, thank you very much

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Emma Olivier on Girl Guides leading to a career in assessing risk

Tue, 02 May 2023 12:00:30 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Emma Olivier about managing risk. Emma is on the boards of Leadership Victoria , Audit and Risk Committee for Life Saving Victoria

Emma is the founder and CEO of Twenty Percent, a disability Advisory working with Corporate Australia. With over 30 years consulting experience and having been born without a left hand, she understands from her own lived experience the challenges and opportunities of having a disability in corporate Australia.

She has extensive corporate experience working across a number of industries' both in Australia and overseas. As a Managing Director at Accenture, she was the Executive Sponsor for Disability Inclusion in ANZ Accenture for 2 years. Over this time, the Employee Reference Group grew significantly and was a finalist in the Australian Network of Disability awards in 2021.

Emma is an active member of her community at a local and state level. She is Victoria's first one armed Lifesaver and was appointed to Lifesaving Victoria's Audit, Finance and Risk Committee in 2019. In 2018, Emma participated in the Williamson Community Leadership Program run by Leadership Victoria and was appointed to the Board of Leadership Victoria in 2021. Emma was a nominee for Citizen of the year in Bayside council for Australia Day 2021. She has been a member of Bayside Councils Disability Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee since its inception.

Links and Resources

Emma Olivier on LinkedIn

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AICD - Disability Leadership Program

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Helga goes Solo - Insights on Program with the AICD and Australian Network on Disability

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 12:00:25 GMT

Today on the ToB podcast I’m going to give you some details about a program I recently participated in. It was part of the Disability Leadership Program, the Australian Network on Disability(AND) facilitated a series of Leader-to-leader conversations. I participated in the Melbourne session.

The program aims to provide an opportunity to learn through storytelling and connection. AND connects Australian Directors and selected leaders with disability participating in our Disability Leadership Program. As a Director, I was matched up with a leader with a disability to have a discussion. Simple as that.

Listen to hear about experiences, challenges and opportunities, with an aim to increase the understanding of the barriers people with disability face across business and the community.

Links and Resources

Australian Network on Disability

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Julia Spicer challenges you to hear all voices in the board room

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 12:00:12 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Julia Spicer about ensuring we are hearing all voices in the boardroom.

Julia is on the boards of

Motherland Australia,
GEN Australia,
Qld Government Innovation Advisory Council,
Tie Up the Black Dog Committee

She’s formerly been on the boards of

Australian LAnd MAnagement Group,
Qld Small Business Advisory Council,
Regional Development Australia DDSW,
YWCA Qld,
Care Goondiwindi,
Goondiwindi Training and Technology

Julia grew up in a small rural community and learned from an early age the value of everybody contributing. Everyone would volunteer, regardless of age, skill, or ability. Working shoulder to shoulder with her family and others gave her a strong sense of community, and of banding together to HELP. Julia founded Engage & Create Consulting upon these principles.

Today Julia sits on several business and community boards and these help ensure that she has her finger on the pulse of what is happening where a regional woman’s voice needs to be heard. She has been shortlisted for a number of prestigious business awards and is recognised as a compelling authority on women in rural business roles. She is currently Queensland's Chief Entrepreneur.

Links and Resources

Julia Spicer on LinkedIn

The Fish Rots from the Head by Bob Garrett

All things Brene Brown!

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El Gibbs says boards need to include people with lived expertise ASAP

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 13:00:25 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with El Gibbs about the importance of lived expertise on Boards, the Disability Royal Commission findings for disability services.

El is on the board of Australian Progress and was previously on the boards of Electronic Frontiers Australia, Blue Mountains City Council, Radio Blue Mountains.

El Gibbs is an award-winning writer with a focus on disability and social issues. El works as a consultant for a wide range of disability and community organisations, big and small, providing expertise in strategy, policy, communications and change making advocacy.

Links and Resources

Nareen Young explains what Australian boards get wrong about diversity and Indigenous governance

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 13:00:45 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Nareen Young about whether Australia's boards reflect its makeup (spoiler alert – no!) and how can you meld Indigenous governance with mainstream governance?

Professor Nareen Young is on the boards of BlakDance, Per Capita, Evolve Housing and has previously been on the boards of Souths Cares, Diversity Arts Australia, Indigenous Business Australia. She is also on the Indigenous Advisory group of National Australia Bank and the Aboriginal Advisory group of Insurance Australia Group

She is one of Australia’s leading and most respected workplace diversity practitioners and thinkers. Influenced by her Indigenous and culturally diverse heritages, Nareen has made a major contribution to awareness and understanding of diversity in Australian business and workplaces and in the wider community.

Prior to her work in diversity employment, Nareen was a Trade Union official and has led two influential and successful diversity peak bodies, the Diversity Council Australia and the NSW Working Women’s Centre.

Nareen has received numerous awards and acknowledgements for her work, including the inaugural AFR 100 Women of Influence honour for Diversity, receiving the top honour in that category in 2012. In the same year, she was named by prominent news and lifestyle website Daily Life as one of the 20 most influential female voices in Australia Nareen has presented her research nationally and internationally, and is a published researcher. She is also a regular contributor to the public debate about diversity, writing for and speaking to the media.

Links and Resources

Nareen Young on LinkedIn

Desert Island Discs

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Christina Matthews applies lessons from a competitive cricket career to board strategy

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 13:00:59 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Christina Matthews about culture and strategy.

Christina is on the boards of Youth Focus and Leadership WA. She’s formerly been on the board of the Bradman Foundation. Christina is Chief Executive Officer of WA Cricket and a former Australian cricketer. Christina is a well-respected voice within the Australian cricket community and she has proven herself to be an effective and courageous leader since taking on the role of CEO at WA Cricket in 2012 and has redefined the way WA Cricket approaches its business.

Christina brings with her 35 years’ experience in various management, coaching and development roles within sporting organisations, including cricket, hockey and Australian rules football. A significant contributor to the development of cricket, she has spent many years supporting community cricket associations and sits on a number of boards and committees.

In 2022 Christina was named WA Sports Administrator of the Year and one of the 500 most influential people in WA.

Resources and Links

Christina on LinkedIn

AICD Magazine

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Megan Buntine makes the case to start succession planning now

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 13:00:33 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Megan Buntine about Succession planning, and subsequent boards consolidation/strengthening

Megan is on the boards of

Into Our Hands Community Foundation
Alpine Valleys Community Leadership
Morcare Services

She was formerly on the boards of

Alexandra District Health
Rivers and Ranges Community Leadership
Victorian Public Tenants Association
Kinglake Ranges Foundation

Megan has always had an interest in governance since she was a teenager and tapped on the shoulder to be the Treasurer for her Venturer Crew. Her work for government only increased her interest in good governance and the areas that underpin it.

She now works and volunteers in the governance space - both through her paid work with NFP organisations, helping their boards and executives strengthen their organisational governance, as well as sitting on NFP boards.

Resources and Links

Megan on LinkedIn

Justice Connect - Not-for-Profit-Law

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My AICD Australian Governance Summit 2023 recap

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 13:00:04 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I recap the Australian Institute of Company Directors conference and share my reflections.

Here is what I heard during the two-day conference peppered with some of my thoughts on topics that were raised and things for you to think about – it was jam packed. Thanks to my guest ToB correspondents – Chaman Sidhu, Hannah Browne, Clare Schonfeld, Melissa Donald, Nikki Fraser and Riwka Hagen.

There are numerous topics I’ll be covering in the future on the podcast, so if there is a takeaway that resonated with you, please get in touch and let me know.

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Wendy McCarthy on feminist activism in the boardroom and aiming for 50/50

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 13:00:16 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Wendy McCarthy about her journey to the boardroom.

Wendy McCarthy AO – an Australian businesswoman, activist and former university administrator – joined her first board of directors almost 50 years ago.

It was 1974. Feminism’s second wave was in full swing. Members of the Women’s Electoral Lobby, (WEL) were encouraged to join the Family Planning Association of Australia (FPA) to vote for a new board, to drive reform and change, such as accessible contraception. Wendy was WEL’s Sydney chapter co-deputy convenor. She joined FPA and was elected to the board. WEL gained control of the association. “To my surprise I was elected, albeit at the bottom of the bottom of the ticket,” she wrote in her 2022 memoir, Don’t Be Too Polite, Girls. “It was my first board appointment and I was excited and apprehensive about the task.

Then, in 1983, she joined the ABC board. The 50-year-old ABC had just turned into a corporation “to become more innovative and competitive”. The secretary of the Department of Communications called Wendy to ask if she’d be deputy or chairman of the board. She was appointed, without an interview. As said in the Don’t Be Too Polite, Girls extract below, her “advocacy had to be for the advancement of women in the corporation”

Today Wendy is on the board of For purpose Investment Partners

Dhe’s previously been on the boards of ABC Circus Oz, IMF Bentham, Goodstart Early Learning and many others – we’ll hear more about that today.

Wendy is a a feminist activist who believes 50 /50 is a good framework for Board participation and engagement in community life.

Resources and Links

Wendy on LinkedIn

Don't Be Too Polite, Girls by Wendy McCarthy

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Are Your Board’s Onboarding Practices Effective and Inclusive?

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Lesley Antoun can explain strategic decision making and board dynamics in English et en français

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 13:00:14 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Lesley Antoun about strategy, strategic decision making and board dynamics..

Lesley is on the boards of The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges, Inc.; Wainbee Ltd.; The Canadian Real Estate Association and Concordia University Alumni Association.

She was previously on the board of Literacy Unlimited.

Lesley is a successful executive, leadership coach, consultant and speaker with over 25 years of experience in strategic planning, program and risk management, partnership development and stakeholder management with multinationals, private corporations, governments, First Nations organizations and non-profits. Her expertise has benefited organizations in various industries, including infrastructure, passenger rail, aerospace and manufacturing.

Ms. Antoun is also an active member of several professional associations, including the Institute of Corporate Directors and Women Corporate Directors. Her contributions include numerous speaking and writing engagements. Whilst serving on the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee of one non-profit board, and chairing the Human Resource Committee of the board of a small privately held company, she authored an article for the National Association of Corporate Directors – which, for Australian listeners is the equivalent of our AICD - on diversity and inclusion in the boardroom, drawing on her past experiences as a new board member as well on research into the topic.

Lesley is fluently bilingual. She holds a mechanical engineering degree from the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science and an MBA from McGill University. In 2022, she was named one of Concordia University’s Top 50 Under 50 Shaping Tomorrow.

Links and Resources

Lesley Antoun

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Monica Rosenfeld uses storytelling to communicate key messages

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 13:00:02 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Monica Rosenfeld about curiosity mindset and personal brand.

Monica Rosenfeld is a Communication Keynote Speaker and workshop facilitator, comedian and founder of Stories that Stir, storytelling events and podcast. She has worked in the media all her professional life and is on a mission to facilitate human connection through inCredible Communication.

Links and Resources

Monica Rosenfeld

Stories that Stir

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Jo Fisher Future Board Scholarship

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Michelle Loader shares all the details of the Future Board Scholarship

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 13:00:10 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast I’m speaking with Michelle Loader about the Future Board Scholarship – a scholarship program aimed at building in a capability lens to bring diversity forward.

Michelle is on the Board of Future Leadership and on the advisory boards of CEDA (Committee for Economic Development Australia) and Committee for Melbourne. She a former board member of

Global International Women’s Forum - Co-Chair
IWF Global Conference International Women’s Forum Australia - Founding Director & Vice President
Chandler MacLeod Group - Director
Cornerstone Global Partners - Director
AHS Hospitality - Director

Michelle is a board and executive specialist. She is an inclusive and resilient leader with an endless curiosity to ask ‘why?’ which is diligently followed up by an abundance of energy to make change happen. Her extensive experience in collective talent and performance enables her to guide teams to future focused solutions and accelerate team performance. Michelle has deep experience in people services, having worked in all areas of the human resource pipeline from Planning, Sourcing, Assessing, Developing and Managing talent and workforces. She is a specialist in the changing world of work the impact of Artificial Intelligence and is passionate about changing the Human Resource Sector with Technology and Services for the future.

Michelle graduated from Harvard Business School Boston, and her versatility has been demonstrated as an Owner, CEO and Director. Michelle is a former Telstra Business Woman and founding director of the Australian chapter of The International Women's Forum, she is also an ambassador for the Global Movement jargonfreefridays.com and is committed to accelerating boards and lifting others as a coach to many established and emerging leaders.

Links and Resources

The Future Leadership Capability Framework

Michelle Loader

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Derryn Heilbuth on LinkedIn

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Derryn Heilbuth helps companies strategise and communicate all things ESG

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 13:00:29 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Derryn Heilbuth about ESG considerations for boards.

Derryn is the Exec Chair of BWD, which she founded over 30 years ago and which now has offices in Sydney, Brisbane, New York, Penang and Raglan in New Zealand.

When Derryn founded BWD she understood then – as now – that communicating strategy requires an ability to think strategically, tell a compelling story and write, design, illustrate or animate messages in a way that connects intellectually and emotionally. Studying French in Paris and English literature under author J.M. Coetzee instilled a love of language. Covering women’s issues as a newspaper journalist in apartheid South Africa taught her to question orthodoxies. Working on magazines and in television brought an appreciation of how each communication medium requires similar fundamentals: well-expressed, engaging content. And running Westpac’s publications team introduced her to corporate storytelling.

Links and Resources

BWD Strategic

Making Sense with Sam Harris (PODCAST)

Saturday Extra (PODCAST)

The Economist

Melbourne Writers Festival

Upcoming TOB Events

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Amy Edmondson's TED Talk on Psychological Safety

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Belinda Loke on building board acumen outside of the AICD

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 13:00:16 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Belinda Loke about her recent participation in the McKinsey Board program.

Belinda is a Non Executive Director and Board Secretary of Kids Hope Australia, Australia’s largest early intervention, school-based one-on-one mentoring program. Formerly part of World Vision Australia and established in 2004, Kids Hope Australia has been impacting the lives of over 20,000 disadvantaged children in primary schools across Australia.

Resources and links

Belinda on LinkedIn

McKinsey Board Program

Upcoming TOB Events

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The Disability Leadership Institute

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Christina Ryan says 2023 is the perfect year to diversify your board and become an ally

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 13:00:30 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Christina Ryan on diversity and inclusion in the boardroom

Christina is on the board of The National Disability Research Partnership Working Group and was previously on the boards of

Canberra Rape Crisis Centre Sexual Health and Family Planning
ACT Northside Community Services
Disability Advocacy Network of Australia
Women With Disabilities ACT
Havelock Housing Association

In 2016 Christina took one of the most radical steps in her long career of activism and change making: she put the two words disability and leadership into the same sentence. Her next step was founding the Disability Leadership Institute. We’ll find out more in our discussion today!

Resources and links

National Register of Disability Leaders

Disability Business Directory

Take on Board podcast episode 65: Tricia Malowney on why boardroom diversity and allyship is more than ticking a box

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Welcome to 2023 - Helga Checks in with RSVP and community tips

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 13:00:31 GMT

Hello and welcome to 2023 Take on Board!

Yes, I know you’ve been enjoying the summer series over the past few weeks – so you’re already been ‘in’ 2023 Take on Board – this is the first new episode of the year.

I've got an update on my RSVP - it's going well so far. Plus, I have gathered tips from the Facebook Community to share with you - tips around diversity, technology, asking great questions on the boardroom and so many more.

Oh and my producer says you should listen all the way to the end... there's a little surprise - should I be nervous?

Upcoming TOB Events

Board Accelerator 2023

You might want to:

Episode 1: Sandra Loader on depth and breadth in the boardroom

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Take on Board Summer Series - Hugs in the boardroom? Yes says Cassandra Kelly

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 13:00:25 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I am speaking with Cassandra Kelly about love and kindness in the boardroom.

Businesses and leaders who dare to challenge the status quo and solve the most complex problems leverage Cassandra to accelerate their impact and to find the extra confidence required to make difficult and important decisions.

Cassandra is the Chair of Treasury Corporation of Victoria, a Director of Pink Hope, Pottinger and EU Global Tech Panel.

She has a long list of previous board roles including Allpress Espresso, Flight Centre, and Women in Banking and Finance.

She uses her global experience, and her own mix of compassion, empathy and commitment to action to help leaders and their management teams define meaningful and exciting futures and to achieve them. Her cut through, and ability to inspire and compel organizations has resulted in numerous accolades including her recent Order of Australia.

Cassandra works as both board member, advisor and is an invited speaker at the world’s most influential organizations including the G20, European Union, African Union, World Government Summit and NATO.

More Take on Board

Episode 2: Rachel Lowry on getting clear about intentions in joining a board

Episode 3: Michelle Shepherd on how to not let imposter syndrome get in your way to the boardroom

Episode 4: Llewellyn Prain on courageous questions in the boardroom

Upcoming TOB Events

Board Accelerator 2023 - EARLY BIRD PRICING UNTIL 31 DEC

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Episode 1: Sandra Loader on depth and breadth in the boardroom

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Take on Board Summer Series - Megan May maximised her mentorship - she's got tips for you

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 13:00:02 GMT

Up next: Today on the Take on Board podcast, I am speaking with Megan May about her Mentoring experiences and her journey as a young female Director.

Megan is a board member of Ballarat Community Health. She joined the BCH Board as a green 27 year old health professional and small business wonder. Six years later she now chairs the Quality of Care Committee and has just completed the AICD Directors Course.

Contact Megan or find out more about her:

Resources Mentioned in this episode

VHA - Mentoring program

Other Information

VHA mentoring highlights - How the program helped

More Take on Board

Episode 2: Rachel Lowry on getting clear about intentions in joining a board

Episode 3: Michelle Shepherd on how to not let imposter syndrome get in your way to the boardroom

Episode 4: Llewellyn Prain on courageous questions in the boardroom

Upcoming TOB Events

Board Accelerator 2023 - EARLY BIRD PRICING UNTIL 31 DEC

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/brynnobrien/

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Take on Board Summer Series - A Deep Dive into ESG with Brynn O'Brien - A Climate Change Conversation

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 13:00:55 GMT

First up: Today on Take on Board, Brynn O’Brien shares her years of ESG insights with the Take on Board Community with a focus on climate change - the time to act was yesterday and this will help you help your boards get started if you haven’t.

This presentation was part of August’s Take on Board Breakfast event. Brynn has tips on how to approach ESG, how to get buy in from the board and encourage them to start pulling together policies around ESG and climate change. You can access the presentation here.

Connect with Brynn:

Resources Mentioned:

Brynn's presentation

Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility

IPCC Working Group report

More Take on Board

Episode 1: Sandra Loader on depth and breadth in the boardroom

Episode 2: Rachel Lowry on getting clear about intentions in joining a board

Episode 3: Michelle Shepherd on how to not let imposter syndrome get in your way to the boardroom

Episode 4: Llewellyn Prain on courageous questions in the boardroom

Upcoming TOB Events

Board Accelerator 2023 - EARLY BIRD PRICING UNTIL 31 DEC

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It's time to RSVP: Reflections on 2022 and goals for 2023

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 13:58:38 GMT

Welcome to the final episode of Take on Board for 2022.

And what a year it’s been.

We do this in the final session of Board Accelerator – my program for women board members. So at the end of this episode, you’ll hear some of the reflections from the group.

So, what’s the RSVP formula? Listen now to find out.

And thank you for joining the Take on Board community on this wild adventure of a year. We have some exciting things to come in 2023, so stay tuned. We’ll be back on January 18 with all new episodes. Until then, happy holidays and stay safe out there.

Resources and links

Board Accelerator 2023 - EARLY BIRD PRICING UNTIL 31 DEC

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Cathy Jones explains the benefits of being new to a board

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 13:00:35 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Cathy Jones about her observations on being fresh board member!

Cathy is on the boards of Goulburn Valley Health (Shepparton) EACH Community Health and Transport Accident Commissions (TAC) Victoria

Cathy has had 25 years in both public and private health/hospitals, as executive responsible for clinical governance, quality & risk management & patient experience.

Her work around clinical governance, quality and risk is extensive covering, lecturing, publishing research, involvement on various government committees and hosting the popular No Harm Done podcast.

Cathy started working life as a Speech Pathologist. To relax she likes nothing better than watching a full 5 days of test match cricket.

Resources and links

Find a board role: boards.vic.gov.au

Why We Sleep

No Stupid Questions

No Harm Done

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Take on Board Breakfast: Rosslyn Noonan on the push and pull between strategy and operations

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 04:05:15 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast Rosslyn Noonan shares her take on balancing the strategic and operational push and pull in the boardroom. She takes questions from the participants.

Rosslyn Joy Noonan CNZM is a New Zealand politician and trade unionist. She was an organiser for several trade unions and the Labour Party and served for a time in local government. Later she served as New Zealand's Human Rights Commissioner.

More on Rosslyn Noonan

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Nikki McClure says sporting organisations and good governance do fit together

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 13:00:21 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Nikki McClure about board culture and how education is key in sporting organisations

The 99th A.G.M. of Kingston Heath was held on Saturday 21 May 2022 and Nikki McClure was elected as President of the Club, the first woman to fill this role. Only a week earlier she had concluded her term as Women’s Captain, during which time she was instrumental in establishing the highly successful Women’s Gateway Program.

Aside from her involvement at Kingston Heath, in 2017 Nikki formed the online forum, “Fairway Birdies”, providing women a pathway into Victoria’s golfing community. In addition, in May 2020 she was appointed as a Director of Golf Victoria. She has 20 years' experience in the fitness industry: this work involved project managing sports events as well as the management of fitness clubs.

Resources and links

Tee for Two

Kingston Heath Golf Club

Fairway Birdies

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Ellen Hooper knows the governance questions to ask when starting a business

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 20:43:03 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Ellen Hooper about the governance of a lifestyle business.

Ellen is an executive coach and leadership specialist. She and Michelle Maugueret co-founded the Growth Collective, a company that specialises in leadership development for new and emerging leaders.

She is at the start of her Board career as both an Executive Director with the Growth Collective and a recent appointment as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of Early Childhood Management Services (ECMS). Ellen is also Integrity Commissioner with Cricket Victoria and recently appointed to the Merit Protection Board in Victoria

Resources

The Growth Collective

Upcoming TOB Events

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Silencing Your Inner Critic

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Mags Bell says you can quiet your inner critic and she says it in a Scottish accent

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 13:00:12 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Mags Bell about ‘Silencing The Inner Critic’

Mags Bell is an international speaker, author and awareness expert, who works with major influencers and leaders around the world, to Cut, Polish and Reset their inner diamonds allowing them to step up into LeadingME®

With her 25yrs+ in business and speaking, also over 60,000hrs in coaching, she assists those top influencers and leaders to their authentic balanced self, which makes them a better decision maker, leading to a less complicated life both privately and in business. She enables them to bring out their own brilliance which propels the creation of powerful results.

She lives with her love and partner in life of 32yrs Paul & her fur-baby Rory on the Gold Coast, Australia.

Resources mentioned

https://magsbell.com/

Upcoming TOB Events

Take on Board Book Club - 15 November 2022 | 7pm - 8.30pm, Zoom, Me First: The Guilt-free Guide to Prioritising You, by Kate Christie

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Net effects: examining strategies for women’s inclusion and influence in ASX200 company boards

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Deb Verhoeven breakdown what the data REALLY shows about gender equity on ASX 300 boards

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 13:00:53 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Deb Verhoeven about her recent research into gender equity and ASX300 boards.

Deb Verhoeven is Canada 150 Research Chair in Gender and Cultural Informatics at the University of Alberta. Prior to this position she was Associate Dean of Engagement at UTS.

An agitator, commentator and critic, Deb is a longstanding advocate and leader in academic-community engagement. In 2013 she was recognised as Australia’s most innovative academic for her efforts in creating crowdfunding opportunities for academic researchers.

Deb is a former Board member and CEO of the Australian Film Institute and was inaugural Deputy Chair, National Film and Sound Archive (Aust.) and holds a current position on the board of CANARIE, Canada’s peak digital research infrastructure provider. She has served on the boards of the Victorian eResearch Strategic Initiative (VeRSI) and the Tasmanian government’s Digital Futures Advisory Council. Professor Verhoeven is a leading proponent of the Digital Humanities.

Her recent research has addressed how we can use the tools of big data, networks and an understanding of digital infrastructure to shed light on power relationships and inequities. In her work as a digital humanities scholar, Professor Verhoeven is enlisting machine learning to redress the persistent domination of power elites.

Resources mentioned

Upcoming TOB Events

Take on Board Book Club - 15 November 2022 | 7pm - 8.30pm, Zoom, Me First: The Guilt-free Guide to Prioritising You, by Kate Christie

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Gabrielle Dolan says "practice makes better" and more storytelling advice

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 13:00:20 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Gabrielle Dolan about story-telling for board members.

Gabrielle has previously been on the boards of IABC Asia Pacific and International Women's Forum - IWF - Victorian chapter.

She is an international keynote speaker and author on storytelling and real communication. Her career highlight was meeting Barack Obama while I was delivering storytelling training for the Obama Foundation.

Links and Resources

Gabrielle Dolan - site and LinkedIn

Books by Gabrielle

Upcoming TOB Events

Take on Board Breakfast - 9 November 2022 | 7.30am - 9.30am, Zoom. With human rights consultant, Rosslyn Noonan

Take on Board Book Club - 15 November 2022 | 7pm - 8.30pm, Zoom, Me First: The Guilt-free Guide to Prioritising You, by Kate Christie

You might want to:

FutureCrunch - Positive news

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Suzanne Brown on how —and why— to use storytelling in your board role

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 13:34:07 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Suzanne Brown about the importance of story-telling for board members. Almost straight out of school Suzanne talked her way into a job at the ABC, where she worked on everything from kids shows, news and current affairs, documentaries, drama and arts programs. Since the ABC, she’s been producing, writing and editing stories for industry, corporate, magazines, blogs, not-for-profits, and social impact projects. Suzanne loves the power of a story to broaden perspectives, remind us of our common humanity, make people care and create change.

Links from the show

The blog article that inspired the episode - Why board members need to be good storytellers

Karen Ebar - why storytelling is more trustworthy then presenting data

The NonProfit Alliance Purpose Workshop - 6 images, 6 moments

Brene Brown, - The imperative of owning your own stories

Story 10x by Michael Margolis - Book.

Upcoming TOB Events

Take on Board Breakfast - 9 November 2022 | 7.30am - 9.30am, Zoom. With human rights consultant, Rosslyn Noonan

Take on Board Book Club - 15 November 2022 | 7pm - 8.30pm, Zoom, Me First: The Guilt-free Guide to Prioritising You, by Kate Christie

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Should you become an AICD Fellow? Short answer - YES!

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 13:00:28 GMT

I get asked all the time about becoming a Fellow of the AICD. It allows you to put the letters FAICD after your name, and has a whole host of other benefits. I encourage all who are eligible to apply for this if you can – and to help you out I go through the legibility criteria and process right here.

What is AICD

AICD is a founding member of the Global Director Development Circle, now known as the Global Network of Directors Institutes. GNDI is composed of membership organisations for directors from Australia, the UK, US, Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand, Brazil and South Africa.

If you’re eligible I encourage you to do this – whether it’s for the A or whatever international chapter of the GNDI you are with.

So today I am going to take you through the criteria and steps. I also include my own application as a download, so you can refer to that if you need it.

Upcoming TOB Events

Take on Board Breakfast - 9 November 2022 | 7.30am - 9.30am, Zoom. With human rights consultant, Rosslyn Noonan

Take on Board Book Club - 15 November 2022 | 7pm - 8.30pm, Zoom, Me First: The Guilt-free Guide to Prioritising You, by Kate Christie

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Stacey Williams of Representation Matters on women in Honors list

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 13:00:58 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Stacey Williams about Recognition Matters – what it is and why it’s important. Stacey manages the Recognition Matters campaign at Department of Premier and Cabinet in Victoria.

Less than one-third of nominations in Australia’s Honours system are for women. This means fewer awards go to women. Men have consistently received around 70% of the awards since the Order of Australia began in 1975. Men have also received more awards in the higher levels, such as the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC). Women are often at the lower level, the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

Gender equity is important because it creates more visible role models for women, and it helps close the gender gap. Recognition Matters was created after talking to 56 Victorian leaders about what would help increase nominations.

Upcoming TOB Events

Take on Board Breakfast - 9 November 2022 | 7.30am - 9.30am, Zoom. With human rights consultant, Rosslyn Noonan

Take on Board Book Club - 15 November 2022 | 7pm - 8.30pm, Zoom, Me First: The Guilt-free Guide to Prioritising You, by Kate Christie

You might want to:

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Julie Hyne - On dressing for boardroom success (at least from the waist up)

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 13:00:32 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Julie Hyne about the relevance and importance of dressing for success in a post-pandemic world (if we are there yet?).

Julie is former has recenlty steped down from the board of the Association of Image Consultants International - Australia Board as Secretary.

Julie Hyne is an experienced and Certified Image Consultant who helps senior executive women learn how to dress for boardroom success so that they always look great and are recognised in leadership circles.

Through her established Style For Life program, Julie removes the daily frustration of time and decisions women experience getting dressed to replace it with clarity, confidence and personal power.

Julie has been an Image Consultant for 20 years and has helped hundreds of senior executive women who hold key positions of influence in Australia.

Find Julie on LinkedIn

Upcoming TOB Events

Cultural Competency Training with Jillian West - Saturday 8 October, Brunswick, Victoria

Take on Board Breakfast - 9 November 2022 | 7.30am - 9.30am, Zoom. With human rights consultant, Rosslyn Noonan

You might want to:

Blood Lust, Trust & Blame (In the National Interest) - by Samantha Crompvoets

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Robyn Weatherley on Board capacity and effectiveness - and how to achieve both

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 12:00:09 GMT

Robyn is a practitioner advisor and published author in corporate governance, board operations and board effectiveness. She has worked across listed and government entities, financial services and health, and she's passionate about what great governance can do for our society and economy. She was also previously on a board of a very small theatre company.

For those of you that are listening who have done board the Board Kickstarter, Robyn will be very familiar to you. Because not only is her book, Eyes Wide Open - a first time as guide to the real world of boards and company directorships a reference text, but Robin comes and speaks to the last session our groups.

So it is awesome to finally get her here to share her wisdom on how to build a capable and effective board.

Mentioned in this episode

Eyes Wide Open by Robyn Weatherley - a first time guide to the real world of boards and company directorship.

Upcoming TOB Events

Take on Board Book Club - 27 September, virtual - Leaders Who Ask: Building a Fearless Culture by Telling Less and Asking more, by Corrinne Armour

Cultural Competency Training with Jillian West - Saturday 8 October, Brunswick, Victoria

Take on Board Breakfast - 9 November 2022 | 7.30am - 9.30am, Zoom. With human rights consultant, Rosslyn Noonan

You might want to:

Cultural Competency Training with Jillian West

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Nicola Nye on what boards should know about data protection

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 12:00:44 GMT

Nicola Nye talks about what boards need to know about data privacy and governance. Nicola is on the boards of Fastmail, and Correggio Advisory Group and is chair of Tech Diversity Lab. She has previously been the chair of a scouting group committee. Nicola serves as Fastmail's Chief of Staff covering all areas of the company's operations, from overseeing their compliance and legal responsibilities to managing complex projects with external partners to building a more effective internal culture across the global team. She's a firm believer in hope punk, cats, and chocolate.

Resources from the episode

Salinger Privacy blog

Electronic Frontier Foundation - A digital privacy advocacy group

Tech Diversity Lab

Fastmail

Upcoming TOB Events

Take on Board Book Club

You might want to:

Read Melanie's many comics about feminism and gender in the workplace

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Melanie Ho on creative ways to explore Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the boardroom

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 12:00:07 GMT

Melanie Ho's first board was as a 27-year-old graduate student in 2006, when she chaired the board of directors for the Associated Students at UCLA, a $75 million campus business with 1300 employees.

Today, Melanie is the author of 'Beyond Leaning In - gender equity and what organizations are up against' a unique award winning business book written as a novel. Beyond leaning in explores a wide range of professional dynamics in a fictionalized company, including between the CEO Deborah and her board chair George.

Melanie is also a leadership consultant and speaker focused on future visioning, leadership development, diversity, equity and inclusion.

Connect with Melanie Ho on LinkedIn

You might want to:

Join us for the next Take on Board Book club, discussing 'Leaders who Ask: Connect deeply. Build engagement. Transform results.' By Corrinne Armour. WHEN Tuesday 27 September 2022 | 7pm - 8.30pm

Hear Corrinne in Episode 30 of the podcast, and we hope to see you on the ZOOM then!

Join us for a full day of face-to-face cultural competency with Jillian West, WHEN Saturday 8 October 2022 | 9.30am - 4.30pm

WHERE, Brunswick, Victoria: Book tickets

Take on Board Breakfast with human rights consultant, Rosslyn Noonan, WHEN Wednesday 9 November 2022 | 7.30am - 9.30am

Virtual, via Zoom.

Or:

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Take on Board Breakfast - Jillian West on cultural competency

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 14:23:44 GMT

This August's Take on Board Breakfast featured Jillian West who introduces the basics of cultural competency of working with and being respectful of the culture of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations. She introduces the three pillars of aboriginal culture and outlines welcome to country and acknowledgment of country ceremonies.

Jillian from Nomuckerlener has worked extensively in the Indigenous space for 20 years and is strongly committed to working alongside community organisations, developing partnerships, and building cultural capacity. Jill strives to give Aboriginal people a voice through mentoring employment and education with the aim of closing the gap.

Enjoyed this Episode? Join us for full day of cultural competency training with Jillian West, Saturday 8 October.

Nomuckerlener provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness training to businesses to help create a culturally safe environment both for workers and customers.

The purpose of this training is to:

Increase participants’ knowledge and understanding of the issues, past and present, that affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies and communities.
Provide information that will help participants to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Please download the brochure here which outlines the topics covered during the training session.

Upcoming TOB Events

Canberra Meet Up - September 7 (The day of publishing!) Meet other like-minded women to talk 'all things governance'!

Take on Board Book Club - Wednesday 9 November 2022

A Full day of face-to-face cultural competency with Jillian West, WHEN Saturday 8 October 2022 | 9.30am - 4.30pm

WHERE, Brunswick, Victoria: Book tickets

You might want to:

Join the Take on Board community on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter

Cultivate: How neuroscience and well-being support rural leaders to thrive

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Cynthia Mahoney - on mapping emotional intelligence in the boardroom

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 12:00:19 GMT

Cynthia Mahoney talks to us about Emotional Capital Reports and how they might be of value in the boardroom. Cynthia was previously on the boards of Australasia Pacific extension network, and Northeast Rural Financial Counseling Service.

Today Cynthia is a facilitator, coach, mentor, speaker and author with a passion for personal disruption, neuroscience, positive psychology, and well being. Her mantra. taken from the latest neuroscience research is that happier people are higher performing, and she strives to help leaders and teams achieve this in the workplace.

Her first book, 'Cultivate' is about how neuroscience and well being support rural leaders to thrive. It helps leaders understand how to use the latest brain science and positive psychology and add to their toolkits with practical ways to thrive in our modern world that is full of disruption and change.

Cynthia has created a way to combine her entrepreneurial spirit with her passion for developing people to be their best and her skills and talent in facilitation. Her journey of self discovery along with her empathy, authenticity, and commitment to courage, growth, and self leadership, enable her to help people, teams and organizations make positive change and achieve professional and personal success.

Cynthia Mahoney and Cynthia on LinkedIn

Emotional Capital Report (ECR)

You might want to:

Join us for the next Take on Board Book club, discussing 'Leaders who Ask: Connect deeply. Build engagement. Transform results.' By Corrinne Armour.

Hear Corrinne in Episode 30 of the podcast, and we hope you can join us!

Or:

The Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV)

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Joyce Cacho on influencing in the board room by using your skills

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 00:16:34 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Joyce Cacho about leveraging business operations, intrapreneur experience, for governance and risk oversight as a board director.

Joyce is on the boards of Sunrise Banks, N.A.; World Benchmarking Alliance. She was formerly on the Board of Land O'Lakes, Inc. Joyce is a Corporate board director with regulated industry experience, where she builds on intrapreneur, C-suite leadership roles in Banking and Manufacturing.

Resources

How Women Lead

KPMG podcast on how emerging companies can be anti racist

You can't get there from here: It's time to really talk about ESG materiality

ESG and the Board: Linking organizational purpose with strategy to foster sustainability

Upcoming TOB Events

Canberra Meet Up - Meet other like-minded women to talk 'all things governance'!

Take on Board Book Club

Cultural Competency Training with Jillian West

You might want to:

Julia Cookson on LinkedIn

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Julia Cookson on board dynamics, and the 4 board personality types

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 11:58:48 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Julia Cookson about board dynamics and culture. Julia is on the boards of Connect Health and Project Respect. She was formerly on the board of Lorne Community Health.

Julia has a portfolio career. Her revenue streams include interim executive roles, Advisory work and Directorships across Government, NFPs and community services. She started her career in HR and has built out across finance, governance and risk and guiding businesses through complex change.

Julia shares her insights from being a new chair, managing board dynamics in two very different organizations and shares the four different personalities you will find on every board!

Hard decisions made easy by Paul Gordon

You might want to:

Join us for the next Take on Board Book club, discussing 'Leaders who Ask: Connect deeply. Build engagement. Transform results.' By Corrinne Armour.

Early Bird pricing for the Book Culb is on until August 30.

Hear Corrinne in Episode 30 of the podcast, and we hope you can join us!

Or:

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Karen Tisdell - on LinkedIn for board members, tips and tricks for being recruited and networking

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 12:00:56 GMT

Today on the take on board podcast, I'm speaking with Karen Tisdell, about LinkedIn and what board directors need to know about using LinkedIn for networking and being visible to board searches. Many of you already know that I'm a fan of LinkedIn, today, you'll get to hear from somebody else about why it's important.

Karen says: "I started using LinkedIn in 2005, I was an early adopter, using LinkedIn to headhunt for people and went on maternity leave was a bit bored, had an argument with my husband about returning to work. And so now just start writing LinkedIn profiles from home, and it has just grown and grown and grown. So I do also do quite a bit of LinkedIn training as well. But LinkedIn profile writing is my core thing. So I'm really thrilled to be giving lots of tips to your audience today."

Resources

Karen Tidell on LinkedIn

KarenTisdell.com

You might want to:

Get early bird pricing (before Aug 10) for An introduction to cultural competency with Jillian West on Wednesday 17 August 2022 | 7.30 am - 9.00 am

Sand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World' by Tyson Yunkaporta

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Kate Waterford on how to reform a board to improve diversity and skills

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 14:00:00 GMT

Kate is the Chair of two organisations - AusCam Freedom Project (an anti-trafficking charity) and Australasian Birth Trauma Association. She’s also a board member at Physiotherapy Board of Australia and Corryong Health and a Councillor, AICD ACT Divisional Council. She’s also the Chair of Amnesty International Australia's Nominations Committee (and in the process of joining Governance Committee for Fred Hollows Foundation).

She was formerly the Vice Chair of Amnesty International Australia.

Kate is a non-executive director and chair specialising in the healthcare sector, and in various human rights causes, across a range of government and charity boards. Kate is also a partner of Canberra law firm Maliganis Edwards Johnson, where she leads a practice in health and medical law; and she edits a major legal encyclopedia on medical law. Kate is the eternal optimist when it comes to finding ways to work towards a better world.

Resources

'Tiddas' by Anita Heiss

You might want to:

Join the Take on Board Book Club, 26th July at 7pm Eastern Australian Time. Discussing - Stewards of the Future, by Helle Bank Jorgensen after the recent interview with the author.

SXSW Keynote: Technological Determinants of Health in the Future

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Shweta Maniar - On getting your first board position, and how to bring diverse thinking to it.

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 14:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Shweta Maniar about how she networked her way to the board room, including non-traditional roles and background and how that can bring diversity of experience, thought and decisions to the boardroom.

Shweta is on the boards of Seaspine (NASDAQ: SPNE), a global spinal technology company, and for RXSight (NASDAQ: RXST), an ophthalmic medical technology company. Shweta brings an extensive network of established healthcare system relationships across Digital Health & Technology, Investor, Pharmaceutical, Medical Device, and Hospital Systems Industries. She is passionate about keeping current with trends in medical devices, data, wearables, IoT, EHR (EMR), and machine learning.

At Google Cloud, Shweta is the strategy and market solution leader responsible for BioPharma in Healthcare and Life Sciences. Shweta has quickly risen through the ranks as a well-known innovator, game-changer, and relationship ambassador. She has proven time and time again how valuable relationships can be by enabling dozens of start-up firms with access to capital from Federal grants and VC firms alike.

Shweta Maniar on LinkedIn and Twitter

From this Episode:

You might want to:

Board Diversity Index 2022 - Governance Institute of Australia and Watermark Search International

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Pauline Vamos on the 2022 Board Diversity Index

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 14:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Pauline Vamos about the 2021 Board Diversity Index recently released by the Governance Institute of Australia.

Pauline Vamos, is deeply experienced in broad financial services in the listed, commercial and not for profit space as a non-executive director and Chair. She is currently Chair of Interaction Disability Services Limited, Governance Institute of Australia and Moneytech Group Ltd as well as a NED of the Banking and Finance Oath (BFO), Chief Executive Women and Mercer Superannuation Australia Limited.

Pauline is a recognised and proven leader, communicator and stakeholder manager with both local and overseas experience with expertise in insurance, superannuation, funds management, distribution, technology, non financial risk, strategy, governance, regulation, public policy and safe harbour.

I’m speaking to her today in her role as Chair of the Governance Institute of Australia, who co-authored the 2021 Board Diversity Index.

From this episode:

Pauline Vamos on linkedIn and Twitter

You might want to:

50/50 Women on Boards workshop - Get on Board!

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Alissa Hsu Lynch - tips and tricks for a graceful transition to the boardroom.

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 14:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Alissa Hsu Lynch about her journey to corporate board service – how she landed her first public board seat and what’s it been like to serve as a first-time director.

Alissa is a health technology executive who leads Global MedTech Strategy for Google Cloud, following a successful career at Johnson & Johnson. She’s a Board Director of Pulmonx Inc., a Governing Trustee of American Ballet Theatre, and a Henry Crown Fellow of the Aspen Institute. In her prior life, she was a professional modern dancer.

From this episode

Him for Her - Him For Her is a social impact venture aimed at accelerating diversity on corporate boards. We connect the world’s most talented women to board service.

Pioneering Collective - a community of coaches, professionals, and peers helping leaders expand their influence and accelerate their impact.

Grit by Angela Duckworth (book) + TED Talk.

You might want to:

Join the Take on Board Book Club, 26th July at 7pm Eastern Australian Time. Discussing - Stewards of the Future, by Helle Bank Jorgensen after the recent interview with the author.

NAIDOC Celebrations directory

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Lessons from the Larapinta + Third Birthday celebrations!

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 14:00:00 GMT

Hello fabulous take on board community and welcome to this special third birthday celebratory episode of The Take on Board Podcast!

In this episode, we do two things. Firstly, we'll open with some of the words from the Take on Board community at our third birthday party. Then in the second part, we'll get into some of my reflections on governance– prompted by my recent trip to the Northern Territory.

Yes, governance reflections on a hike. I truly am a governance nerd.

From this episode:

Episode 120: Cris Parker on practical ways to get ethics on your board agenda

Episode 119: Cris Parker on the ethical questions swirling around your head

The Larapinta Trail - NT gov.

You might want to:

Join the Take on Board Book Club, 26th July at 7pm Eastern Australian Time. Discussing - Stewards of the Future, by Helle Bank Jorgensen after the recent interview with the author.

For Purpose Business Model Workbook

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Take on Board Breakfast - May 3, 2022, Q&A with Tara Anderson - Governing for Profit and Purpose

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 14:00:00 GMT

Last week we heard fascinating and incredibly practical and valuable advice from Tara Anderson on governing for profit and purpose. As always at the Take on Board Breakfasts, there was a lively Q&A session. That's what you will hear this week, including some questions we didn't have time to get to at the event. I have no doubt you will find it just as valuable as Tara's words of wisdom from last week.

From this episode

The Dragonfly Collective - an international consultancy supporting for-purpose businesses to be strong and successful.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Tara Anderson on LinkedIn

You might want to:

Join the Take on Board Book Club, 26th July at 7pm Eastern Australian Time. Discussing - Stewards of the Future, by Helle Bank Jorgensen after the recent interview with the author.

For Purpose Business Model Workbook

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Take on Board Breakfast - from May 3, 2022, with Tara Anderson - Governing for Profit and Purpose

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 14:00:00 GMT

Today’s podcast was recorded at the second Take on Board Breakfast event on 3 May 2022.

Breakfast guests heard from Tara Anderson of the Dragonfly collective. We talked about governance for profit and purpose, and purpose is the part to emphasize there.

Many of the Take on Board Community are involved in the governance of a range of organizations, and my view is every organization, especially not for profits need to be financially sustainable.

Tara has some incredible and practical wisdom to share here about governing for profit and purpose. She's worked in organizations across the world. So she or she has a great wealth of experience to draw on.

We heard about some fabulous resources and frameworks that I think will help all of us in these conversations that we wrestle with now, and even more so into the future, in the boardroom.

Tune in next week for the animated Q&A session from this breakfast, plus questions we didn’t have time for in the Take on Board Breakfast.

From this episode

The Dragonfly Collective - an international consultancy supporting for-purpose businesses to be strong and successful.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Tara Anderson on LinkedIn

You might want to:

Attend our third birthday party celebration! - Tuesday 28 June 2022 | 7.30am or 5.00pm - via zoom, meet the community + giveaways!

Join the Take on Board Book Club, 26th July at 7pm Eastern Australian Time. Discussing - Stewards of the Future, by Helle Bank Jorgensen after the recent interview with the author.

Helle Bank Jorgensen on linkedIn

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Helle Bank Jorgensen - Stewards of the Future: what your board needs to know.

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 14:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Helle Bank Jorgensen about her new book Stewards of the Future: A Guide for Competent Boards. This is the subject of the next Take on Board Book Club - a relaxed Zoom conversation with adult drinks and casual conversation for just 12 people on the 26th July at 7pm Eastern Australian Time. Early bird tickets available until 28th June.

Helle is the CEO and Chair of Competent Boards and a Board member of the Danish Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

She has a long list of previous boards including Chair of the Canadian Chapter of the UN Global Compact, Finance and Audit Committee for the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance and board of the European Policy Centre.

Helle is an internationally recognized expert on sustainable business practices, with a 30-year record of turning environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks into innovative and profitable business opportunities.

In 2021 she was chosen by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as an Expert for Corporate Governance, Leadership, and Emerging Multinationals.

And, as I mentioned in the introduction, Helle is the author of the newly published book "Stewards of The Future: A Guide for Competent Boards."

From this episode:

Buy Stewards of the Future – Dymocks, Booktopia, Amazon.com.au

FOR MORE TAKE ON BOARD INFORMATION

Competent Boards - online environment, social, governance (ESG) and Climate education programs for board directors and senior business professionals.

You might want to:

Join the Take on Board Book Club, 26th July at 7pm Eastern Australian Time - Stewards of the Future, by Helle Bank Jorgensen

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah Morse on making sense of the Modern Slavery Act and it's implications for ALL boards.

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 14:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Sarah Morse about the Modern Slavery Act and its requirements for boards.

Sarah is a former (NSW) Young Australian of the Year, she draws on 20 years as a nurse and humanitarian to bring a uniquely global and deeply human perspective to the way humans think, work and behave.

Most recently, Sarah worked as a Health Advisor in a safe house in Spain for survivors of human trafficking. On returning to Australia, Sarah and her husband Stephen saw a gap in the market in helping companies comply with the Modern Slavery Act. In her current role as Director of Unchained Solutions, Sarah inspires Australians to be leaders in making an impact on modern slavery.

From this episode:

Sarah Morse on LinkedIn

Unchained Solutions Inc

Reverse Culture Shock

FOR MORE TAKE ON BOARD INFORMATION

You might want to:

Join the Take on Board Book Club - Stewards of the Future, by Helle Bank Jorgensen

The 2018 modern Slavery Act (Federal Register of Legislation)

Also mentioned in this episode:

How boards must comply with the Modern Slavery Act (AICD)

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Victoria Crane - Three reasons you should consider the Board Observership Program

Tue, 31 May 2022 14:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Victoria Crane about the Board Observership program. Victoria is the Treasurer of Regional Arts Victoria and the Secretary for The Learning for Life Autism Centre.

With a Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws (Hons) Victoria originally practised as a corporate solicitor before transitioning across to banking, holding various positions in ANZ's Institutional Bank. Family circumstances necessitated a career change leading her to the not for profit sector and she is now General Manager and Board Secretary of The Learning for Life Autism Centre.

Victoria is also an Alumni of the Board Observership Program and now welcomes Observers onto her board!

From this episode:

Victoria Crane on LinkedIn

The Observership Program

FOR MORE TAKE ON BOARD INFORMATION

You might want to:

Peggy O'Neal on One Plus On (ABC TV)

Also mentioned in this episode:

Regional Arts Victoria

The Learning for Life Autism Centre

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Carly Jordan - Exactly what it takes to join your first board, and why it's such a good idea.

Tue, 24 May 2022 14:00:00 GMT

In September 2021, Carly joined the board of South West Community Foundation, a philanthropic trust created by the people of South West Victoria, funded by donations from the region, with the goal to provide small but vital grants to community organisations across the region.

She is the Co-Founder and Project Manager of City2Country - an innovative project assisting migrants and refugees to relocate from the cities to south west Victoria to build resilient, diversified and sustainable intercultural communities.

Carly’s vast life experiences – including working in international aid and development in a remote village in Cambodia – brings a global perspective to her local region. Her experience has affirmed her innate respect for people of all cultures and shaped her as a leader who is passionate and driven to help migrants and refugees create meaningful lives in regional communities. She is bringing her passion for building cultural diversity, to her role in the Healthy, Engaged Communities team at Warrnambool City Council. She also hosts her own podcast: Me, Mark and a Migrant.

Carly has been recognised for her achievements as the Sally Isaac Memorial Scholarship Award in 2021, Inspiring Women of Moyne Award in 2020, and State Finalist in the Victorian Agrifutures Rural Women’s Award in 2019 for her contribution to building and supporting culturally diverse regional communities.

From this episode:

Carly Jordan on LinkedIn

Me, Mark and a Migrant - Carly's awesome podcast

Leadership Great South Coast - and nationwide

FOR MORE TAKE ON BOARD INFORMATION

You might want to:

Blinkist - read more, faster.

Also mentioned in this episode:

Legacy by James Kerr

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Sandy Hansen-Wolff - unpacking the value in unconventional thinking

Tue, 17 May 2022 14:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I'm speaking with Sandy Hanson-Wolff about unconventional boards. First, let me tell you about Sandy. Sandy is on a University Board and an advisory board for ITL labs, a large training platform for entrepreneurs and leaders. She was previously on the development board for a monastery and an economic development board for many years.

Sandy has owned her speaking, coaching and consulting business for decades. She has managed several turnarounds in times of extreme chaos and overwhelm. Sandy assumed responsibility of her late husband's company in 2003, which she successfully sold in 2020.

Sandy now coaches business owners, executives and leaders and speaks on topics of negotiation, business success, scaling strategies, emotional intelligence, employee engagement and culture, rebuilding business, as well as aligning intuitive strategies to profits. She's a certified executive and leadership coach and a certified emotional intelligence assessor.

She is also a mastermind peer group facilitator of business leaders, and serves on boards. You can see why I got Sandy here today she's talking the Take on Board language!

About Sandy at www.sandyhansenwolff.com

Sandy Hansen-Wolff on Twitter

Sandy Hansen-Wolff on linkedIn

You might want to:

Micaela Drieberg on LinkedIn

Also mentioned in this episode:

On-air strategy session – application form

Take on Board breakfast: climate governance in the boardroom (3 May 2022)

Take on Board book club: Dare to Lead, by Brené Brown (10 May 2022)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Micaela Drieberg on the benefits and pitfalls of using local council governance roles in a board bound strategy

Tue, 10 May 2022 14:00:00 GMT

Today, I'm speaking to Micaela Drieberg about how being on a local council compares to being on a board. Micaela is a director of South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network and Connect Health & Community. She's previously chaired the board of governance for Women's Health East.

She has over 20 years of experience in public health, education and community engagement, and has previously served as mayor and a ministerial adviser. In addition to this role, she is also a teaching associate and course advisor for Monash University.

Micaela is particularly passionate about how our gender and where we live, work and play can influence our lives.

From this episode:

Book: Get Elected, by Ruth McGowan - https://ruthmcgowan.com/book/

The Take on Board episodes featuring Megan May, a mentee in the program and Sandi De Wolf, a mentor.

FOR MORE TAKE ON BOARD INFORMATION

You might want to:

Also mentioned in this episode:

On-air strategy session – application form

Take on Board breakfast: climate governance in the boardroom (3 May 2022)

Take on Board book club: Dare to Lead, by Brené Brown (10 May 2022)

Kate Jenkins: Respect at Work: Australian Human Rights Commission

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Strategy session - Mallory Pehm takes her first steps into the boardroom

Tue, 03 May 2022 14:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, we are doing an On Air Strategy session looking at first steps into the board room with Mallory Pehm. Mallory has an education and background in public health, and is currently in the early stages of her career, currently working in strategy and planning at a public health service in Victoria. She has been involved through that role in organisational strategy development, implementation and performance measurement.

Mallory has always been interested in pursuing leadership roles but only recently, through talking to peers and mentors, she realised, volunteering on a board now could be a really great way to develop those leadership and governance skills now, rather than waiting to gain experience in those things later in her career.

Helga met Mallory at a program called Asista, which is a mentoring program run through the YWCA, where volunteer mentors get matched up with a young woman and work with her on agreed goals.

Mallory is looking at options for starting on her very first board role and we look at ways she can get started!

Mallory Pehm on LinkedIn

Resources mentioned in this episode:

YWCA Board Traineeship

YWCA Asista program

The Observership program

You might want to:

Contact Zivit or find out more about her

Also mentioned in this episode:

On-air strategy session – application form

Take on Board breakfast: climate governance in the boardroom (3 May 2022)

Take on Board book club: Dare to Lead, by Brené Brown (10 May 2022)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zivit Inbar - Leading from the top and avoiding all kinds of bias in the boardroom

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 14:00:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I'm speaking with Zivit Inbar about leading organizational culture from the top and shielding from biases in the boardroom. Zivit is on the boards of rural Northwest Health and a member of Standards Australia AI trustworthiness and governance committees. She is also a member of the Harvard Alumni entrepreneurs leadership team in Australia.

Zivit is also the founder and CEO of Different Thinking, a consulting practice that specializes in people culture, leadership and performance strategies for growth. It has over 20 years of experience at executive and board levels spanning private and listed local and global organizations. Additionally, she is an adjunct professor at Deakin University's MBA program, a graduate of Harvard Kennedy School executive program in leadership decision making and leadership in uncertain times, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and a fellow certified member of the Australian Human Resources Institute.

She also has a Ph.D. focused on strategic thinking and strategy implementation by Western companies operating in China. Finally, Zivit is the author of the Ethical Kaleidoscope: Values, Ethics and Corporate Governance with co-author, Doug Long.

DifferenThinking - Zivit's consultancy for people, culture, leadership and performance strategies for growth

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Book: The Ethical Kaleidoscope

Apolitical newsletter – Build the knowledge, skills, and connections you need to succeed in the public service.

Edx – Online courses from leading universities.

AICD Learning – Designed by expert educators with the input of experienced directors and subject matter experts, AICD courses offer contemporary content that is updated annually. Course materials include recent case studies and real-life examples to ensure relevancy for directors of today and tomorrow.

http://aicd.companydirectors.com.au/education

You might want to:

Marianna O'Gorman on linkedIn

Also mentioned in this episode:

On-air strategy session – application form

Take on Board breakfast: climate governance in the boardroom (3 May 2022)

Take on Board book club: Dare to Lead, by Brené Brown (10 May 2022)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Take on Board Breakfast Q&A with Marianna O'Gorman on Climate Governance.

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 14:00:00 GMT

welcome to part two of this series which is a recording of a live Take on Board event with Marianna O’Gorman.

If you haven’t already listened to part one, it might be an idea to take a listen to that one first. There’s a link in the shownotes. In this episode, Marianna gives us an excellent overview of what climate governance is all about, why it’s important, and 10 tips for us to take into the boardroom.

As is always the case at these events, there’s a lively Q&A section. This episode is that sectin. You’ll hear guests asking questions and Marianna’s refelctions.

Briefly about our expert for today - Marianna O'Gorman - Marianna is a non-executive director with a focus on climate governance and risk and she works with organisations who want to transition to a cleaner economy Marianna has represented Australia at international climate negotiations; helped develop climate change education programs at the World Bank; contributed to the design and implementation of a national carbon price; worked on the foundation of (and later at) Australia’s Green Bank, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation; and conducted academic research on decarbonisation.

Also a plug – if you’d like to come to the next Take on Board event, where we’ll hear from Tara Anderson on governing for profit and purpose, it’s on Tuesday 3rd May

The presentation from the ToB Breakfast - Episode 143

You might want to:

Marianna O'Gorman on linkedIn

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Insights from the Take on Board Breakfast - Marianna O'Gorman on climate change in the board room - risk, legislation and responsibility.

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 14:00:00 GMT

Today on the take on board podcast you'll be hearing from Marianna O’Gorman as she takes us through some tips for climate governance. Firstly, the carbon budget and how much of it we have left. Secondly, some small and some big steps you can make some small, and some big steps you can make in the boardroom to address climate change risk and governance, including setting emission reduction targets and providing transparent carbon disclosures. Thirdly, directors' duties in relation to climate change, and how regulators are defining those duties and monitoring enforcement. Fourth, and finally, she will also briefly address the two national policy proposals being taken to the next federal election by the major parties, and what impact each may have.

This episode was recorded at a take on board event in March. So even though she touches on the two national policy proposals being taken to the next election, it hadn't been called at that time. As this goes to air in April, the federal election in Australia has just been called. This information might now be of even greater relevance.

Because it was recorded at an event. you'll not only get to hear from Marianna you'll also hear questions from guests and the responses that Marianna has. Now first, let me tell you a little bit about our speaker. Marianna O’Gorman works with organizations who want to transition to a cleaner economy. She is a non-executive director with a focus on climate governance and risk. Marianna has represented Australia at international climate negotiations helped develop climate change education programs at the World Bank, contributed to the design and implementation of a national carbon price worked on the foundation of and later at Australia's Green Bank, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and has conducted academic research on decarbonisation.

Marianna is passionate about the ocean and its protection. Most mornings you'll find her swimming with turtles rays, and the occasional baby shark. Now, I should say that on some mornings, you might also find Marianna walking up mountains, which is what she and I did together on a trip up to Noosa, we did a beautiful hike up Mount Cooroora, a short and rather challenging mountain track.

Can I also add that Marianna and I met at one of my Take on Board meetups in Noosa, we caught up again at a recent Take on Board meetup in Noosa, which is where we did the hike together. I guess it's just a little encouragement that if you hear about a Take on Board meet up happening somewhere, please come along, I adore meeting the community. I adore bringing the community together. And hey, you might end up on the podcast or we could end up hiking a mountain somewhere together!

You might want to:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Barbara Ryan - On Pharma and Biotech boards, M&A and an NYC clone of Take on board!

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 14:01:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I talk to Barbara Ryan about her journey to the boardroom. Barbara began her career on Wall Street as a sell side analyst covering the large-cap pharma industry for over 30 years. Following her career on the street. She founded her own capital market strategic advisory firm in 2013 and has led the investor relations and communication efforts for a variety of biopharma companies.

She has played a leading role in raising well over $1.5 billion in capital for development and early commercial-stage biotechs and has advised on large M&A transactions including Shire + AbbVie and Shire + Bexalta. She's a corporate board member in both public and private boardrooms with expertise in healthcare and life science capital markets.

Barbara is currently on the boards of INVO Bioscience, MiNK Therapeutics, OcuTerra and Safecore Health. Barbara is also the founder of Fabulous Pharma Females, a nonprofit organization and a community of empowered women leaders with a shared commitment to elevating women across the biopharmaceutical industry.

Barbara Ryan on linkedIn

You might want to:

Also mentioned in this episode:

Fabulous Pharma Females

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2022 AICD Australian Governance Summit 2022 recap

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 17:41:00 GMT

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I recap the Australian Institute of Company Directors conference and share my reflections.

Here is what I heard during the two-day conference peppered with some of my thoughts on topics that were raised and things for you to think about – it was jam packed. This year, I crowdsourced key takeaways from the amazing members of the Take on Board community, so it’s not just me!

You might also want to have a look at my Twitter feed from this period. I live tweeted most of the sessions. There are numerous topics I’ll be covering in the future on the podcast, so if there is a takeaway that resonated with you, please get in touch and let me know.

Stay safe out there.

You might want to: