Board Matters

In this episode, Ben Irving delves into return on capital (ROC), risk and technology, why it can be difficult for boards to see what's under the hood, and how boards can attract younger directors. Plus, insights of entrepreneurship from a young age, and what it means to drive initiatives that benefit the wider community.  

In this episode, Mike Sang shares why good companies attract great talent and the importance of businesses staying true to their core values. He delves into the cyclical nature of honey production and giving back to the environment, drawing parallels for board culture, productivity and financial performance. Find out more, including why hierarchical power can obstruct open discussion between the board and management.  Mike is a professional independent director with over 25 years’ experience working alongside and sitting on boards. He has a background in finance with an executive career spanning diverse sectors, including as CEO of Ngai Tahu Holdings, and CFO of PGG Wrightson. A Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors (IoD) and a Chartered Accountant with CAANZ his board roles include Director and Chair of Audit & Risk Committees for Orion NZ, Comvita, BRANZ and Government Superannuation Fund Authority. 

 In this episode, Kate Bromfield delves into the ways companies can effectively transition to a sustainable business model that protects the environment while also making a profit.  Find out why companies struggle in the short to medium term strategic transition to climate change, emissions reductions, and environmental sustainability, but why short-term pain is inevitable when working towards a longer-term climate vision.   Kate is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors (CMInstD), and has a PhD in marine palaeontology and climate change -- she has made her career enhancing environmental benefits and sustainability in a sound economic framework. 

In this episode, Helen van Orton explains the importance of seeing AI as a co-pilot rather than a a default autopilot, and the need for a human lens. Find out her tips to use AI effectively in preparation for board meetings and the parameters needed to safeguard sensitive information in and out of the board room.  Helen specialises in integrating Al into governance and decision-making and brings firsthand insights into leveraging AI to enhance boardroom performance and operational efficiency.  She is an experienced board director and chair whose governance career spans financial services, insurance, agriculture, professional membership bodies, and NFPs. She currently chairs Answer Services Ltd and serves on the boards of The Co-operative Bank Ltd, Centrix Group Ltd, and The Co-operative Life Ltd., and is the founder of 'Directorly', a consultancy that helps boards and executive teams navigate the evolving AI governance landscape.

In this episode, Paul Reid shares his experience about what it means to be a high performing chair, including the red flags to look out for, the elements of a great board, the need to be adaptable and why there isn’t one style or approach to chairing a board effectively. He also provides an insight into working with highly creative industries and his time on the board of Pukeko Pictures.     Paul is a governance professional with extensive experience scaling technology companies, expanding international business, and raising public and private capital. He’s held board positions across ASX & NZX listed, private equity-backed, and crown-owned organisations; and is currently Chair of Virsae Limited, Deputy Chair New Zealand Post Limited and a director of Christchurch International Airport Limited.  He is the immediate past Chair of Volpara Health Technologies, Optimal Workshop, Figured and Pukeko Pictures Limited.   

Find out what’s front of mind for directors in New Zealand in the new season of Board Matters, including return on capital, climate as a competitive edge, the need to adapt rapidly to new technology, and the importance of a high performing chair.   Steven Moe will be looking at the long and short-term impacts for directors, and how these will inform decisions at the board table in the year ahead. 

If you find yourself second-guessing at a board meeting, chances are you won’t be alone. Gavin Fernandez CMInstD explains why being comfortable enough to share your concerns with other board members will enrich discussion and, importantly, help to navigate risk. Listen to the episode to find out more. Board Matters is brought to you by the Institute of Directors with support from the Advanced Directors Course. To find out more or to access governance resources and tools head to iod.org.nzExplore governance courses here.

When an approach isn’t working at the board table, everyone should feel entitled to speak up, according to director Bella Takiari-Brame CMInstD, who says this also needs to be done with respect. Listen to the episode to find out the difference between operating in an international environment versus a New Zealand one, and why leaving egos at the door and leading with aroha and respect makes for a better board.  Board Matters is brought to you by the Institute of Directors with support from the Advanced Directors Course. To find out more or to access governance resources and tools head to iod.org.nzExplore governance courses here.

What does it take to lay a foundation where people can ‘call out behaviour’ that doesn’t meet the needs of an organisation? While this might feel like dangerous territory, Eugene Berryman-Kamp CMInstD shares his experience of being called out in the boardroom, and why it has changed his approach as chair, leading to better performance from his board. Board Matters is brought to you by the Institute of Directors with support from the Advanced Directors Course. To find out more or to access governance resources and tools head to iod.org.nzExplore governance courses here.