Are you a female leader who wants to master risk management and corporate governance? In this crucial episode of the Female Executive Survival Guide, host Lauren Eyles speaks with senior legal executive and Non-Executive Director Paula Davies about the essential tools and frameworks you need to manage risk effectively.

Lauren and Paula explore what "good governance" truly means and how you can gain a deeper understanding of your Board's risk appetite. They share powerful insights on ethical leadership and the vital role of leaders in safeguarding vulnerable populations, including children, people with disabilities, and older people.

This conversation goes beyond theory, offering a look into Paula's personal journey and the experiences that fueled her passion for creating safe environments. Learn how to navigate the complex dynamics between management and boards, take the long view in your career, and lead with purpose. This episode is your guide to becoming a more confident, ethical, and effective leader in an ever-changing world.

Key Discussion Points

Understanding Governance and Risk Management: A practical breakdown of the key frameworks and tools leaders use to manage risk effectively.

The Leader's Role in Safeguarding: Why safeguarding vulnerable individuals is not just a legal obligation but a moral responsibility of all leaders.

The Board-Management Dynamic: Insights into the relationship between executives and boards, and how to navigate it successfully.

Career Longevity: Advice on taking the long view in your career, staying resilient, and knowing when it's okay to say "enough."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Governance and Leadership

03:01 The Journey into Corporate Governance

05:56 Advice for New Executives

09:13 Understanding Risk Management

11:56 The Role of Safeguarding in Governance

14:48 Personal Experiences and Passion for Safeguarding

18:05 Navigating Board Dynamics

20:51 The Importance of Communication

24:07 Reflections on Leadership and Boundaries

26:54 Final Thoughts and Survival Tips

Bio: Paula Davies

Paula Davies is a Senior Legal Executive and a Non Executive Director who specialises in corporate governance and risk management.

She has led multidisciplinary teams that developed and managed effective compliance and ethics programs within large and complex organisations.

Paula believes that good decision making starts with a strong and ethical corporate culture.

In addition to her General Counsel and Company Secretary role with the Adelaide Primary Health Network, Paula is a Non Executive Director across many sectors, with a passion for safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of children and adults.  

Bio: Lauren Eyles

Lauren Eyles, Producer and Host of the Female Executive’s Survival Guide, inspires and supports women to thrive in leadership.

As an Executive Coach and Mentor she is a trusted guide to new and experienced Executives, helping them navigate times of growth and change.

She loves helping leaders find calm amid chaos, using her extensive experience as a Board Chair, Non Executive Director and Executive Leader.

Lauren started this podcast to support and inspire women in their first few years of executive leadership, as she found that being the only woman on the senior leadership team was a bit lonely.

Lauren is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has an MBA (Distinction), a Master of Sustainability and qualifications in coaching, change management, communication and project management.

Lauren would love to hear what you think of the podcast and what topics you'd like her to cover next. Please reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram.

Keywords

Women in Leadership

Risk Management

Corporate Governance

Female Leaders

Safeguarding

Board of Directors

Ethical Leadership

Lauren Eyles

Paula Davies

Career Development