Take on Board

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I'm speaking with Pam Macdonald about the importance of the relationship between the chair and the CEO. Pam is the deputy chair of Intereach and president of Active Education Australia. She was formerly on the boards of Remembrance Park Central Victoria, Golden Dragon Museum, National Chinese Museum Australia, Community Foundation Central Victoria, Women's Housing Limited, Career Development Association, and the Australian Human Resources Institute. Pam has over 20 years' experience as a director and as a human resources professional, two skill sets she combines with her strategic mindset to ensure that the people and processes aspects of effective governance are brought to the fore.An experienced facilitator, Pam views the board as a team, albeit one with significant responsibility and the opportunity to harness the collective capability around the table to best serve the organization and community. Her consulting business also involves mentoring and coaching directors and board chairs from time to time, especially those referred to her when they are facing challenges. Links and ResourcesPam MacDonald on LinkedInUpcoming TOB EventsAll eventsYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityFollow along on TwitterWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programFind out more about me

This week on the Take on Board podcast, I introduce the Institute of Community Directors Australia’s new Board Payment Wizard and why it’s a useful way for boards to think through whether paying directors is right for their organisation. I share how the tool can be used individually or as a group, and the kinds of prompts it includes—legality, affordability, turnover, recruitment and retention, inclusion of consumers, director workload and expenses, accountability, and stakeholder support—without trying to deliver a single “tick-the-box” answer. There's also an example of a board adopting optional, request-based payments to support diversity, and I invite you to tell me if you try the wizard and what your board decides.Links and ResourcesBoard Payment WizardUpcoming TOB EventsAll eventsYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityFollow along on TwitterWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programFind out more about me

Today on the Take On Board podcast, I am speaking with Darya Boukata about the presence of nature in the boardroom. This discussion builds on some episodes I recorded in late 2025 with the fantastic Dominique Hes, so if you're interested in hearing more, I encourage you to check those out.Darya is a PhD researcher at the University of Sydney Business School, where she investigates how the loss of nature is influencing corporate governance. Her research intersects business strategy, sustainability, and governance, with a focus on how company directors are addressing nature-related risks and opportunities. She is also the co-author of the recent report, *Nature Enters the Boardroom*, developed in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Company Directors. This report provides one of the first empirical insights into how boards engage with nature.Before her academic career, Darya worked in strategy consulting as an analyst at McKinsey & Company and as a consultant at Social Ventures Australia. She advised organsations across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. Additionally, she founded her own rescue ranch, where she rehabilitates horses and connects with neurodiverse kids seeking a greater connection to nature. Currently, Darya continues her PhD research, blending rigorous academic analysis with real-world insights from the boardroom. This makes her an invaluable voice on how businesses can transition from awareness to action regarding nature.Links and ResourcesDarya Boukata on LinkedInUpcoming TOB EventsAll eventsYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityFollow along on TwitterWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programFind out more about me

This week on the Take on Board podcast, I'm a guest on Sue West's podcast Flourish After Fifty. I joined Sue on her show for a wide-ranging conversation.Our conversation demystifies what board work is really like for women in the second half of their careers. If you’ve ever imagined a board role as the “natural next step”, a meaningful way to contribute, shape strategy, and maybe create more flexible work, this episode will help you decide whether it’s genuinely a fit for you.I shared how my governance journey began and eventually led to multiple board roles and a career devoted to supporting women in governance. Thanks for having me Sue!Links and ResourcesFlourish After FiftyUpcoming TOB EventsAll eventsYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityFollow along on TwitterWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programFind out more about me

Today, on the Take on Board podcast, I am talking to Sarah Gray. Sarah is one of Australia’s only dual-qualified health professionals in pharmacy and nutrition, a certified menopause practitioner, and the author of "If It's Not You, It's Perimenopause."She sits on the boards of Moyne Health Services and the Advisory Board for Healthy Life, and is passionate about helping women thrive through perimenopause and menopause, especially in the boardroom.n this conversation with Helga, Sarah shares practical advice and insight into supporting yourself and others through this important life stage—both individually and as part of a board or workplace community.Sarah will be a guest at the August 27th Take on Board Online Event. Please sign up here.Links ad ResourcesSarah Gray's Website - The Nutrition PharmacistUpcoming TOB EventsAll eventsYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityFollow along on TwitterWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programFind out more about me

Today on the Take On Board podcast, I'm speaking with Fiona Bennett about clear and planned communication for board chairs. Fiona is the chair of Australian Mutual Bank, and she's also on the board of Neami. She's a certified practicing accountant with extensive experience in financial management, governance, audit, and risk management across listed companies, New South Wales government, and banking.Fiona lives in Central West New South Wales and is passionate about equity of access to healthcare. Links ad ResourcesMastering boardroom communication: five essentials for executives Upcoming TOB EventsAll eventsYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityFollow along on TwitterWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programFind out more about me

In this episode, I’m recording from the beautiful Larapinta Trail in Central Australia, where I’ve just wrapped up a 14-day end-to-end trek. Disconnected from the outside world, I’ve had plenty of time to reflect on governance, drawing parallels between the wilderness and the boardroom. I share lessons on adopting a "starry night" perspective for strategy, the critical need for robust risk assessment and scenario planning—highlighted by our team's experience navigating a medical emergency—and why governance, just like hiking, is truly a team sport. I also touch on the importance of celebrating small wins and take a moment to acknowledge the Arrernte people, on whose stunning land this journey took placeUpcoming TOB EventsAll eventsYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityFollow along on TwitterWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programFind out more about me.

Today on the Take On Board podcast, I'm speaking with Davina Stanley about how boards can maximize the effectiveness of their board papers.Davina previously served on the University of Technology Sydney Executive MBA Advisory Board, and she enjoys the "aha!" moment when a client discovers a breakthrough idea hidden amid the noise. She humorously notes that she is likely the only kindergarten teacher ever hired by McKinsey.She is also among the very few individuals Barbara Minto has approved to teach the Pyramid Principle (if you know, you know). Combining her backgrounds in teaching, corporate communication, and consulting with her life experiences enables her clients to make better and faster decisions.Links and ResourcesDavina Stanley on LinkedInClarity FirstUpcoming TOB EventsAll eventsYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityFollow along on TwitterWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programFind out more about me