Board Shorts Podcast

Finding and getting onto a Board is a strategic game, not a job hunt. This episode covers the necessary tools, networking strategies, and the recruitment process to ensure you move further, faster, and land on a Board where you can contribute at your highest level.

In this episode, I share:

• Why the "Traditional" Approach Fails: I explain why waiting for advertisements and using a standard resume is slow, highly competitive, and largely ineffective, as approximately 90% of Board roles are not advertised.
• The Essential Tools You Need:
• Strategic Board Resume: This is a maximum two-page document that clearly communicates your Unique Board Value Proposition (UBVP) and demonstrates your governance experience. (For help, check out episodes 111, 113, and 114).
• Strong Personal Brand: Your professional reputation and credibility, reflected in a purposeful LinkedIn profile, act as essential due diligence tools for potential Board Members and recruiters.
• Networking: The Key to Winning: Learn why strategic networking is critical, focusing on clarity around your Board goal and UBVP, starting with your existing network, and using warm introductions to expand your connections.
• Engaging with Board Search Firms: Understand the role of professional search specialists, how to align your ambitions with the right firm, and the importance of going in prepared (the search specialist will not do the work for you!). Patience is vital, as the process can take many months, sometimes up to two years.
• Navigating the Search Process: I cover the steps sophisticated Boards take to recruit, and how to best prepare for a Board interview, including thorough research, preparing for behavioural and values-based questions, and conducting your own due diligence before accepting an offer.

Actionable Takeaway:

Your Board journey starts now. If you've listened to the whole series (Episodes 124, 127, and 128), immediately begin creating or updating your strategic Board Resume and schedule a coffee meeting with an existing professional connection to seek their guidance about your Board aspirations.

Links Mentioned in this Episode

• Episode 121 – A Better Way to Get on Boards
• Episode 111 – The Key Elements of a Winning Board Resume
• Episode 113 – Telling Your Board Story Through Your Board Resume
• Episode 114 – Your Strategic Board Resume in Action
• Board Resume Resources on Get on Board Australia Website
• Program: Build Your Board Resume

Board Search Firms (Australia)

• Derwent Search
• Future Leadership
• HattonNeale
• Johnson Partners
• Omera Partners
• Meritòs

Board Search Firms (International)

• KornFerry
• Heidrick and Struggles
• Spencer Stuart
• Watermark Search
• Russell Reynolds

Do I have the right skills and experience for a Board?

I'm back for Part 2 of our three-part series to guide you through the vital self-assessment step on your journey to the Boardroom.

The big question: Do I have the right skills and experience to join a Board? The answer is almost certainly yes, but the key is finding the right Board that needs what you offer right now.

In this episode, I help you:

• Define Your Whole Value: Your Unique Board Value Proposition (UBVP) is more than just your professional expertise. I explain why the "whole basket of goods"—your soft skills, lived experience, and unique attributes—is what can truly opens Boardroom doors.
• The Power of Alignment: Learn the crucial steps to calibrate your UBVP with your Board goal. I share how to strategically research your target Board to ensure your skills are precisely what they need, making your candidacy a 'winnable' game.
• The Reality Check: I explain the importance of getting candid feedback from a trusted advisor with Board experience to gain an objective view of your Board readiness.

Actionable Next Steps:

• Set Your Goal: If you haven't yet, listen to Episode 102 to set your Board goal.
• Audit Your Value: Explore Episodes 98 and 103 to clearly define your Unique Board Value Proposition.
• Download the Resource: Access the Board Skills Self-Assessment resource (PDF).

Resources & Opportunities:

• Episode 102 – Break into the Boardroom – Setting a Board Goal
• Episode 98 – The Ingredients for your Unique Board Value Proposition
• Episode 103 - Break into the Boardroom: Understanding your Board Value Proposition
• Board Skills Self-Assessment Resource (PDF)

Want to accelerate your Board journey?

• Break into the Boardroom Course: My online course guides you through a 4-step process taking you from Board hopeful to Board Member. Use the code BOARDREADY at checkout to get $100 off your enrolment.

What's Next?

You've done the hard work of self-assessment. Now, let's go find that seat!

Join me for Part 3 of this series, Episode 128, where we'll tackle the burning question: "How do I find and get on a Board?" That episode will come out on 19 November 2025.

In this essential and powerful episode, I am joined by Gomeroi man, Kyol Blakeney, who generously shares his profound insights into navigating the world of governance as an Indigenous leader. Kyol provides a candid look at the experience of "walking in two worlds"; from his personal journey transitioning from a small home community to joining several prominent Boards, and reveals what true inclusion requires.

This conversation is a crucial call to action for every Director and Executive committed to creating genuinely diverse Boardrooms.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The Unseen Hurdles: Kyol details the unacknowledged barriers that Indigenous aspiring Board Members face, including the constant, exhausting pressure to justify one's position and the systemic issue of tokenism.
• Covert Racism in Governance: Why relegating Indigenous Board Member's professional skills (like finance or education) solely to Indigenous-specific portfolio matters is a form of covert racism that stifles their full contribution.
• What Boards Get Wrong: How existing Boards often unknowingly hold back Indigenous candidates, and the concrete steps they must take to move past the fear of "doing it wrong" through active recruitment and meaningful engagement.
• Beyond the Checklist: Kyol offers a nuanced perspective on whether every Board needs a First Nations person, stressing that the inclusion must be strategic, purposeful, and essential for any organisation engaging with Country or community.
• Advice for Aspiring Leaders: Kyol's powerful recommendations for Indigenous individuals looking to join Boards: prioritise building deep, genuine relationships, never stop learning, and be ready to share your cultural knowledge to ensure that all can "walk together" in the future of governance.

Useful Links or Mentioned Links

Kyol Blakeney on LinkedIn

2025 Watermark Board Diversity Index

Yalari

AI is a hot topic, and its presence in the Boardroom is reaching a "fever pitch." In this episode, I revisit the topic of AI with Board administration guru, Suzanne Rowe, to get her current, real-world take on the rapidly advancing landscape.

Suzanne and I dive into the evolving use of AI for Board Members and Board Administrators, from meeting preparation to minute-taking. We share our candid concerns and enthusiasm, covering the necessary considerations for proper adoption, the tribulations that arise from improper use (or no use at all), and the excitement from someone who has witnessed the journey from manual typewriters to today's AI capabilities.

This is a candid conversation for any Board Member, Company Secretary, or Board Administrator trying to understand, make sense of, and navigate the weird and wonderful world of AI in governance.

The AI Archetype Quiz

I referenced an interesting AFR statistic that approximately 1 in 5 (19%) Australians exaggerate their understanding of AI, and 32% of workers try to avoid the subject.

I took the AI Archetype quiz and was identified as The Cautious Optimist—someone who is excited but cautious about AI. This archetype:

• Balances curiosity and risk-aversion.
• Needs reassurance from authority or peers before committing to action.
• Is often motivated by seeing tangible wins before fully embracing change.

If you want to take the quiz, visit this AFR article.

Connect with Suzanne

If you're interested in connecting with Suzanne Rowe to follow up on this episode, or if you have your own insights into AI in the Boardroom, you can find her on LinkedIn.

Thanks to our sponsor BoardPro

Visit boardpro.com/boardshorts and use the promo code boardshorts – all one word, lowercase – to get a 30-day free trial AND 20% off the price of your first year on any plan.

Links Mentioned in this Episode

AICD Guide to AI Governance

AICD and Governance Institute: Effective Board Minutes and the Use of AI (A Joint Statement)

Know your AI Archetype (AFR quiz)

AI for Board Secretaries with Suzanne Rowe (Board Shorts Podcast Ep. 92)

This episode kicks off a three-part series designed to help aspiring Board Members navigate the world of Board service. This first instalment tackles the most critical question: What does a Board Member actually do?

We'll go beyond the Boardroom to shine a light on the full scope of the role, including the risks, commitments, and rewards.

This episode addresses:

• The Core Responsibilities: the fundamental legal duties of an Australian Board Member/Company Director. We also break down the crucial difference between governance and management.
• Beyond the Boardroom: Discover the commitments that go beyond attending meetings. We cover committee work, stakeholder engagement, and the time required for meeting preparation and follow-up, which can be significant.
• The Board's Dynamic: We delve into the importance of a healthy Board culture, emphasising trust, constructive debate, and the need for a unified front. The vital role of the Board Chair is also highlighted, as this person significantly influences the Board's effectiveness and your experience as a Board Member.

This episode is your first step to a full awareness of what it truly means to be a Board Member. Key Takeaways:

• Board service is a serious commitment with legal duties, but it can also be highly rewarding.
• The key duties for an Australian Company Director include acting with care and diligence, not improperly using your position, and preventing the company from trading while insolvent.
• The line between governance and management is often fluid, and it's essential for the Board and executive team to agree on their dynamic.
• Board work extends beyond meetings. Be prepared for commitments like committee work, stakeholder engagement, and extensive preparation time.

A Board's culture and the influence of the Chair are critical to your success and enjoyment in the role. Stay Tuned:

• Episode 2 of this series will be released in November 2025, focusing on Do I have the right skills and experience for a Board?
• Episode 3 will follow, with a roadmap on How do I find and get on a Board?

Submit Your Question If you have a question or that you would like me to answer in a future episode, please fill out my short online survey. Subscribe and Share: If you found this episode valuable, please subscribe and leave a review. For more information and resources, visit our website at getonboardaustralia.com.au.

How can Board Members navigate the rapid evolution of AI without succumbing to fear or hype?

As a "Geriatric Millennial," I'm sharing how I'm navigating this rapidly evolving technology without falling into the trap of hype or fear. While GenAI presents risks, it also offers significant opportunities that Boards must understand and govern effectively.

Key Takeaways for (Human) Board Members

• Human-in-the-Loop Approach: The most effective use of GenAI requires human interaction to correct for biases, hallucinations, and misinformation. Using it as a "colleague" rather than a replacement for human work results in a higher quality outcome.
• A Governance-Centric View: GenAI should be viewed through the lens of risk management and compliance. Boards have a legal duty to address issues like data privacy, confidentiality, and intellectual property. Check out this straightforward, structured approach to assessing AI risk, outlined by Helen van Orten and Alexie O'Brien, and other BoardPro webinars and resources.
• Integrating AI into Board Work:
  • Caution with Confidential Information: Consider the risks of uploading confidential Board materials like Board packs.
  • Strategic Use for Research: Use AI to analyse publicly available information to generate insightful questions for Boardroom discussions.
  • Enhancing, Not Replacing, Preparation: If using AI for Board meeting preparation, use it as a supplement to, not a replacement for, personal reading, analysis, and reflection.
• Lean on Colleagues and Experts: It is impossible to be an expert in everything. Ask questions, share resources, and lean on your Board colleagues and internal team members to build a shared understanding of AI's impacts and opportunities.
• Stay Engaged and Balanced: While AI is a hot topic, it's important to not neglect the foundational aspects of governance, such as strategy, risk, and financial oversight. Staying informed about AI's evolution from a variety of neutral sources is key to making sound decisions.
  • Learn how to use AI tools with Tim Martin from Net 101

If you have a question or a topic that you'd like covered in a future episode, please fill out our short online survey.

Watermark Search International – an executive and Board search firm – recently released their (somewhat) annual Board Diversity Index. This index reviewed the 2,100 Board Seats across the ASX300 Boards and evaluated those seats on a range of diversity attributes.

As I read through this report, a few things jumped out at me that are worth diving a little deeper into, particularly for aspiring Board Members. In this episode, I discuss Formal Governance Credentials and Board Member Qualifications (do you need one to join a Board?), Director Location (competition for Board roles is international), and Age diversity (when is the best time to pursue a listed company Board role?).

To dive deeper into the topics covered today, here are some links to explore:

• Watermark Search International 2025 Board Diversity Index
• Break into the Boardroom (online course)
• Episode 103: Understanding Your Board Value Proposition
• Episode 113: Telling Your Board Story through Your Board Resume

Thank you to Watermark Search International for providing additional survey data beyond the published index.

If you have a question or a topic that you'd like covered in a future episode, please fill out this short online survey.

Welcome to a special masterclass edition! In this episode, I'm sharing the full recording of my live masterclass, originally held in our vibrant Board Talk Facebook Community.

If you've been wondering how to genuinely break into the Boardroom and truly make an impact, this episode is your strategic roadmap. I dive deep into the underlying theory and practical application of my proven 8-step approach from the Break into the Boardroom course. This isn't about luck; it's about intentional strategy.

In this comprehensive masterclass, you'll discover:

• How to set a precise Board Goal: Defining where your first or next step on your Board journey truly lies.
• Cracking your Unique Board Value Proposition (UBVP): Understanding what makes you uniquely attractive to Boards and how to articulate it powerfully.
• Crafting standout Personal Brand Assets: Especially your LinkedIn profile, to align with your Board ambitions.
• Preparing a compelling Board Resume: That effectively sells your Boardroom potential.
• Developing a strategic networking plan: To unlock hidden Board opportunities.
• Proactively creating Board opportunities: Beyond just applying for advertised roles.
• Mastering the Board application process: To maximise your chances of success.
• Preparing for the Boardroom itself: Including due diligence, interview preparation, and onboarding techniques to deliver value quickly.

This masterclass gives you the complete framework. If you're ready to stop dreaming and start leading, this episode is a must-listen.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Ready to stop wondering "what if" and start leading? For a limited time, get the complete A-to-Z roadmap to not only breaking into the Boardroom but thriving once you're there with my special End-of-Financial-Year Board Readiness Bundle. This includes my Break into the Boardroom and Boardroom Bootcamp courses for a strategic saving of $250 AUD!
• Click here to learn more and secure your Board Readiness Bundle before June 30, 2025.
• Want to dive deeper into Board interview preparation? Listen to my previous episode on How I Prepare for a Board Interview for more insights.
• Listen here

Join the Conversation! Come connect with me and other aspiring and current Board Members in our Board Talk Facebook Community.

Connect with Me:

• Website: https://getonboardaustralia.com.au
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamcook/

If you have a question or a topic that you'd like covered in a future episode, please fill out our short online survey.

Just landed that Board seat? Congratulations! But the real journey starts now. Your first 90 days as a Board member are critical for establishing credibility, building relationships, and making a tangible impact.

In this episode, we'll walk you through a practical roadmap for making the most of your time as a baby Board Member.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Five essential self-onboarding strategies to get you up to speed quickly and independently, from deep-diving into foundational documents like the constitution and Board charter, to strategically introducing yourself to the wider organisation and even getting involved in the day-to-day (just once!).
• How to add value in your first 90 days, including the power of asking thoughtful questions, the importance of keen observation, and identifying early opportunities for strategic contribution.
• The vital role of curiosity and courage in the Boardroom, equipping you with the mindset to ask the right questions at the right time.
• Insights into understanding Board culture by outlining five critical questions to ask, and how to "date" your Board to build crucial informal connections and psychological safety.
• Common pitfalls new Board members face and personal mistakes I've made, so you can learn from them and avoid them in your own journey.

As you reflect on this episode, what's one specific action you'll take into your new Board role? Share your thoughts on social media using the hashtag #BoardShortsPodcast.

Exclusive Offer: The Board Readiness Bundle Getting on the Board is a huge achievement, but the Board Readiness Bundle goes further. This special, short-term offer combines my two signature programs: Break into the Boardroom and Boardroom Bootcamp. It not only prepares you for that crucial first step but also equips you with the strategies to thrive once you're there, ensuring you make a real difference from day one. Places are genuinely limited as I want to ensure every participant receives personalised attention. Discover what's included and claim your $250 discount at getonBoardaustralia.com.au/bundle.

If you have a question or a topic that you'd like covered in a future episode, please fill out our short online survey.

Congratulations, you've landed a Board seat! Now, what happens inside that Boardroom? This episode tackles the anxiety of your first Board meeting, sharing practical ways to build confidence and hit the ground running.

This episode demystifies what to expect, covering:

• The Typical Board Meeting Flow: Understand the agenda, from "in camera" sessions to key reports and decision points.
• Essential Documents & Effective Reading: Learn about strategy updates, CEO reports, financials, and risk updates – and Lisa's method for efficiently processing large Board packs.
• Board Pack & Meeting Preparation Etiquette: Navigate when to email questions versus saving them for the meeting, always being mindful of the executive team's time.
• Making Impactful Contributions: Discover how to contribute effectively without overstepping, including what questions to ask (and when), even as a new member.
• Strategic Listening: Understand this active approach to gain insights, identify opportunities, and inform your decision-making.
• Grasping Strategic Priorities: How to quickly understand the organisation's key challenges and objectives from a governance perspective through due diligence.

Reduce intimidation and feel competent from day one.

Ready to fully prepare for your board journey?

While this episode builds your meeting confidence, our Board Readiness Bundle offers the complete toolkit – from landing your role to mastering boardroom dynamics. Unlock your full potential and save $250 until June 30, 2025!

Learn more: getonboardaustralia.com.au/bundle

Further Listening & Reading

Podcast: The Board Member's Mindset Shift: From Executive to Director

Article: How to Prepare for a Board Meeting

Podcast: Etiquette in the Boardroom

Podcast: Finding Your Voice in the Boardroom

If you have a question or a topic that you'd like covered in a future episode, please fill out our short online survey.