In this special Decision84-related episode, we have two amazing guests, Sharon Sutherland and Dr. Dean Blomson, discussing the future of boards. Sharon is the leader with Ernst Young’s Global Center for Board Matters. In her work, she enables board members and directors to navigate their increasingly complex roles. Dr. Dean Blomson is a highly experienced business transformation strategist and professor at UTS Business School in Sydney. In this episode, we chat about Decision84, our upcoming annual virtual board governance summit, and give a sneak peek into the opening session featuring Sharon and Dean: How do we make sure the board can ask the right questions at the right time on the right topics and with the right information? How do you exercise stewardship, focusing on how to leave something in a better shape than you found it? What ways can the investments in the major capital projects be better thought through and better implemented? What are the global megatrends affecting society, organizations, and communities in the longer term? Technology and transformational change. Shift in geographical dynamics and values dynamics. How can the organization address the challenges by looking at the root cause? How do we know as a board that our operating model is fit for purpose? Connect with Sharon: LinkedIn Connect with Dean: LinkedIn Connect with Paul: LinkedIn  Future Directors Follow Future Directors on LinkedIn If you enjoyed the show, we'd love to know!  Leave a quick review here: Future Directors on iTunes

Boardroom Hustle

Episode 66: BOARDROOM 2.0: Governance Models of the Future

This special episode features Paul Smith chatting with this podcast's former co-host, Anna Byrne, about our upcoming virtual board governance summit, Decision84. Decision84 is the world’s leading board governance virtual summit. Held over 2 weeks from 31 August to 9 September, hundreds of decision-makers come together to learn, connect, debate and stretch their thinking. Decision84 is the only international event designed exclusively for those ready to stretch their thinking, push boardroom boundaries and help create the next era of governance. In this episode, you will find out: Why did Anna and Paul start Decision84 last year? What were the highlights of the inaugural event in 2020? Why is it called Decision84? What makes the summit different from other governance conferences? What will be discussed at Decision84 this year? What is the special discount code for listeners of the podcast? Check out www.decision84.com for more information. Connect with Anna: LinkedIn NeuroPower Group Connect with Paul: LinkedIn  Future Directors Follow Future Directors on LinkedIn If you enjoyed the show, we'd love to know!  Leave a quick review here: Future Directors on iTunes

Episode 65: Special Episode: Decision84

Quick reminder that this is Part 2 of Charlotte’s episode. If you’ve not already listened to Part 1, we suggest checking it out first, then coming back to enjoy the second half. In Part 2, Charlotte and Paul question why board governance just doesn’t seem exciting to many people – and we think they’ve found the answer. Listen to the episode to find out. You’ll also hear about: The benefits of reverse mentoring How to overcome intergenerational clashes How do these clashes feed into the bigger picture? Do we need less ‘numbers people’ and more ‘people people’ in the boardroom? What are Charlotte’s hopes for the future of governance, and what are her fears? Charlotte’s essential tips for aspiring directors (of any age/gender/experience) Why vulnerability and authenticity are key attributes for great directors If you loved this, you’ll love hearing Charlotte speak at our upcoming Decision84 event.  Connect with Charlotte Valeur: LinkedIn Effective Directors: The Right Questions to Ask Connect with Paul: LinkedIn  Future Directors Follow Future Directors on LinkedIn If you enjoyed the show, we'd love to know!  Leave a quick review here: Future Directors on iTunes

Episode 64: (Part 2) Charlotte Valeur: Why you should find (board) governance fascinating

Charlotte Valeur is an experienced non-executive director and listed company Chair, with over 35 years of executive and governance experience. She is a former Chair of the Institute of Directors (UK) and now heads up the Global Governance Group. Her board resume is highly impressive.  Charlotte is also neurodiverse. She first spoke publicly about her autism diagnosis last year (2020) and now works to showcase the strengths and talents of neurodiverse people, especially in the boardroom.  In this first of two episodes with Charlotte, you’ll hear about: Charlotte’s experience opening up about her autism diagnosis Why aren’t more directors and executives able to speak up? Has Charlotte’s diagnosis changed the way she approaches her role on boards? How can we create inclusive decision-making cultures? Is ‘fitting in’ dangerous for good governance? How can board directors balance fitting in and being different? How to deal when people get defensive to new ideas If you loved this, you’ll love hearing Charlotte speak at our upcoming Decision84 event.  Connect with Charlotte Valeur: LinkedIn Effective Directors: The Right Questions to Ask Connect with podcast host and award-winning author Paul Smith: LinkedIn  Future Directors Follow Future Directors on LinkedIn If you enjoyed the show, we'd love to know!  Leave a quick review here: Future Directors on iTunes

Episode 63 (Part 1): Charlotte Valeur: Championing neurodiversity in the boardroom

This episode features Scott Baldwin, certified board director, governance advisor and founder of DirectorPrep and the Savvy Director.  Scott is well-known as a board director who asks really good questions, so it was exciting getting him on the show and asking him some (hopefully) really good questions. As it turns out he turned the tables on Paul and started asking him great questions!  In this episode, we find out what initially got Scott into board governance and why he’s on a mission to create environments where collaboration and inclusivity are the norm. The chat also dived into: Why is it that too many CEOs dread board meetings? Who should drive an organisation’s board agenda? What’s the number one tool a board has that can effectively control their focus and priorities? Which type of board director can be highly valuable, but not often heard at the table? How can we create collaborative, inclusive boardroom cultures? What are some of the trends in the boardroom at the moment? If you loved this conversation, you will definitely enjoy the conversations we’ll have at our upcoming virtual and international board governance summit, Decision84. Back for its 2nd year, this ground-breaking event is brought to you by Future Directors, NeuroPowerGroup and BoardPro. Decision84 is the event for those directors, governance specialists and business leaders looking to challenge their assumptions and stretch their thinking as high performance decision-makers. With an international lineup of speakers, multiple timing options so anyone, anywhere can attend live, PLUS the opportunity to connect meaningfully with an extraordinary group, this is an event that can’t be missed.  Grab your ‘VIP Early Adopter’ ticket now for exclusive discounts + digital goodie bag worth almost the same as the ticket price + exclusive replays and more. This ticket is limited to the first 84 attendees only). Group discounts are also available.   (CAN WE ADD A BANNER)   Connect with Scott:   LinkedIn    DirectorPrep.com  Connect with Paul: LinkedIn  Future Directors Follow Future Directors on LinkedIn If you enjoyed the show, we'd love to know!  Leave a quick review here: Future Directors on iTunes

Episode 62: Scott Baldwin on building a collaborative boardroom culture

We’ve been on a short hiatus while lining up a number of awesome Australian and international guests. But, we’re kicking back into gear with our latest guest Maali Khader, CEO of the Middle East Institute of Directors. Maali is driving change within the corporate culture of the Middle East. She focuses on building awareness, education and behavioural change across governance, diversity and corporate social responsibility practices. She’s also a speaker in our upcoming Decision84 event and it was a pleasure to chat to her about: What does ‘good governance’ mean? How diversity affects decision-making processes What’s the common trigger that leads to discussions around diversity and inclusion?  Why are we so slow to adopt diversity on a corporate level? Does this change across different cultures? Can we measure the impact and effectiveness of a board One question all board members should be asking themselves Connect with Maali: Middle East Institute Of Directors (MEIoD)  LinkedIn  Connect with Paul: LinkedIn  Future Directors Follow Future Directors on LinkedIn If you enjoyed the show, we'd love to know!  Leave a quick review here: Future Directors on iTunes

Episode 61: Defining Good Governance with Maali Khader

We’re back with Part 2 of our latest episode with Erin Essenmacher, the award-winning documentary film writer, director, producer, and former president and chief strategy officer of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD).  (Haven’t listened to Part 1 yet? We suggest you do that first. Context!) In Part 2, Erin and Paul focus on the big question: should there be agreed standards or even legislation around the required education for directors?  Erin and Paul also dive into: Which mindset is found most often in the boardroom; growth, learner or fixed? How inexperience can be a positive addition to diversity Is it up to companies to educate board members, or the individual directors?  The benefits of working with people from different backgrounds, skills and experiences Do boards have the right controls in place to make sure the diverse voices feel important and can contribute? What does Erin think will change most in the boardroom over the next 20 years? Connect with Erin: LinkedIn - Erin Essenmacher Erin Essenmacher Mine - Award-winning Documentary Connect with Paul: LinkedIn  Future Directors Follow Future Directors on LinkedIn If you enjoyed the show, we'd love to know!  Leave a quick review here: Future Directors on iTunes

Episode 60: Erin Essenmacher: Required education for board directors, yay or nay?

This episode features Erin Essenmacher, who has a long list of achievements we can mention after her name; she’s an award-winning documentary film writer, director, producer, and former president and chief strategy officer of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD).  Oh, and she’s also a cancer survivor. As we’re sure you can already guess, Erin’s story is amazing. In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Erin and Paul discuss her passion of innovation and disruption, as well as the importance of understanding your boardroom audience – and how Erin’s filmmaking experience enables her to do that. Erin and Paul also dive into: Why storytelling is such an essential skill for directors to have How boards can better mitigate the constant uncertainty in the world The common view that age and experience are intertwined The best way to create stronger connections within your network What is the one factor that some boards and businesses have in common, that has helped them thrive through the COVID pandemic? The highest priority skill Erin would look for in directors if she were to build a board from scratch Connect with Erin: LinkedIn - Erin Essenmacher Erin Essenmacher Mine - Award-winning Documentary Connect with Paul: LinkedIn  Future Directors Follow Future Directors on LinkedIn If you enjoyed the show, we'd love to know!  Leave a quick review here: Future Directors on iTunes

Episode 59: Erin Essenmacher shares an essential skill for board directors – do you have it?

Welcome to the second part of our ‘Youth in the Boardroom’ panel, with governance specialists Nurain Janah, Hannah Stenning and Matt Fullbrook.  Part 2 is just as awesome as Part 1, and a must-listen for any young person considering a role as a director – or perhaps more importantly, for any young person who has NEVER considered a role as a board director.  We think it’s also important for any board who hasn’t looked at a bit of age diversity yet.  In Part 1, Paul and his guests discussed why young people make excellent directors, and indeed, what an ‘excellent director’ actually is. In Part 2, they ruminate on the topic: how to get more young people into the boardroom? What can we do collectively to make the boardroom an exciting place for young people? How can we help ideal would-be directors understand that they can be directors? Young people’s potential misconceptions about the boardroom, and how we can change their view of it If our panel were putting a board together from scratch, how would they go about it? (Hannah lets loose here!!) Is the reverence that comes with a board, only existent because of the seniority of its members? How can we convince non-believers that young people can belong in the boardroom? What does modern leadership look like? How does it relate to young people? And, what can young people, who are already on boards, do to build a pipeline of young directors to follow in their footsteps? Connect with Nurain: LinkedIn Nurain Janah Connect with Hannah: LinkedIn Twitter  Leading Through The Pandemic: Unconventional Wisdom from Heartfelt Leaders Connect with Matt: LinkedIn Fullbrook Board Effectiveness ‘One Minute Governance’ on Apple Podcasts or Android  Connect with Paul: LinkedIn  Future Directors Follow Future Directors on LinkedIn If you enjoyed the show, we'd love to know!  Leave a quick review here: Future Directors on iTunes

Episode 58: How do we get more young people serving in the boardroom?

We have an amazing episode of the podcast for you this week, part 1 of a double episode. Paul has invited three of his governance friends to join him in a discussion about one of our favourite topics: intergenerational diversity, or more accurately the role of younger people in the boardroom. Paul is joined by previous podcast guests, Nurain Janah (Episode 48 – How to influence in the boardroom as a young director) and Matt Fullbrook (Episode 33 – Redefining governance), as well as Future Directors Alumni Hannah Stenning.  All three of Paul’s guests are aged under 40 (just). Nurain is not yet 30. Paul himself is technically 'Board Young' at 44. But, they all have a rich pedigree in the world of board governance, as directors, chairs and advisors.  This incredibly thought-provoking episode contains so many soundbites of inspiration, information and motivation, we had a problem summarising it. The panel discuss: What positives do young people bring to board governance? Why it’s important to redefine what boards look for in directors Should the role of young board directors be ‘to bring experience’? The one word that isn’t used in the boardroom enough Is inexperience an advantage? Imposter syndrome, and the pressures faced by young board members How are Chairs typically chosen? There is a better way to choose, but what is it? The worst enemy of good governance Which tools should be given to younger directors in their board orientation (or on-boarding)? The ONE thing that young people can do if no one is listening to them in the boardroom Connect with Nurain: LinkedIn Nurain Janah Connect with Hannah: LinkedIn Twitter  Leading Through The Pandemic: Unconventional Wisdom from Heartfelt Leaders Connect with Matt: LinkedIn Fullbrook Board Effectiveness ‘One Minute Governance’ on Apple Podcasts or Android  Connect with Paul: LinkedIn  Future Directors Follow Future Directors on LinkedIn If you enjoyed the show, we'd love to know!  Leave a quick review here: Future Directors on iTunes

Episode 57: Do young people belong in the boardroom? (Part 1)

My first podcast guest for 2021 is Shannon Sedgwick; cyber security and tech expert, board director, consultant, and keynote speaker. We cover a lot of ground but make sure you stick around to the end for some very practical boardroom tips on cyber risk. Shannon is renowned in both corporate and government circles through his ability to provide future-focused leadership to executives and boards in relation to their cyber security and technologies, which, as we discuss in the episode, are two particularly timely topics. We also get into: What Shannon learned from his years in the military, and how he applies that to business, governance and life Taking the leap by moving to the US in the early stages of his career The book that helped Shannon overcome anxiety and burn-out The benefits of physical activity, and the positive mindset it can encourage Unconscious bias as a barrier to true diversity Shared frustrations towards ‘The Director’s Club’ (check out Episode 55 for more on that topic) Cyber security and tech, and why they should be on the radar of every boardroom The practical steps every board can take, whether they are new to cyber or already taking steps, to mitigate this critical and growing core business risk Resources: Shannon Sedgwick – Blog ACSC | Cyber.gov.au Connect with Shannon: Shannon Sedgwick: Home LinkedIn: Shannon Sedgwick GAICD - Senior Managing Director Connect with Paul: LinkedIn  Future Directors Follow Future Directors on LinkedIn If you enjoyed the show, we'd love to know!  Leave a quick review here: Future Directors on iTunes

Episode 56: Shannon Sedgwick: What does your board need to know about cyber risk?

This episode of the podcast features Craig Dunn, a highly regarded business leader with over 20 years of both senior executive and non-executive experience. He is on the boards of two of Australia’s largest listed companies, telecommunications giant Telstra and the Westpac Banking Group. Craig is also chair of the Australian Ballet.  Paul and Craig get into the following: What was Craig’s route to the boardroom, especially his most senior positions?  How many board roles is too many, and should directors limit their roles to avoid overwhelm, information overload and underperformance?  Craig’s tips for maintaining peak director performance? Board role hoarding, and the ‘Director’s Club’ that is alleged to exist Could businesses be doing more to develop diverse director talent pipelines?  Should boards cast their nets wider than just the C-Suite and executive talent pool? Paul drops an idea on Craig…. introducing probationary periods for non-executive directors? What’s working well in the boardrooms of today? And, what’s missing? Follow/Connect with Craig: LinkedIn Follow/Connect with Paul: LinkedIn  Future Directors Follow Future Directors on LinkedIn If you enjoyed the show, we'd love to know!  Leave a quick review here: Future Directors on iTunes

Episode 55: Craig Dunn: Does the ‘Director’s Club’ exist?

After the latest episode with impact specialist Rosemary Addis, she and Paul sat down in the green room to keep the conversation going... (We recommend checking out that episode first). They continue to ask essential questions like: What steps can directors take to introduce the impact investment conversation into their boardroom? How can this approach act as a revenue generator? The Holy Grail of ‘untied funds’ What boardroom mindset is essential when discussing impact investing? And, Paul has Rosemary both ask and answer her ideal interview question Social Impact Resources: Companies need to make impact count to stay ahead of the game The Impact Principle SDG Impact | United Nations Development Programme Impact Management Project: Home Connect with Rosemary: LinkedIn Impact Strategist  Connect with Paul: LinkedIn  Future Directors Follow Future Directors on LinkedIn If you enjoyed the show, we'd love to know!  Leave a quick review here: Future Directors on iTunes

Episode 54: In the Green Room with Rosemary Addis

This week on the podcast we have Rosemary Addis AM, a globally recognised social innovation and impact investment specialist.  With an international portfolio of both advisory and board roles, Rosemary encourages big conversations to be had where big decisions are being made – the boardroom. Rosemary delivers an unparalleled depth and breadth of practical knowledge on all things impact and innovation. In this episode, she and Paul discuss: Defining social innovation and impact investment, in terms of governance and the board agenda How to introduce essential impact conversations into the boardroom, a space renowned for being too fixated on what’s been done in the past, instead of what to do in the future The critical differences between the conversations happening (or not) in government, NGO, nonprofit and corporate boardrooms The correlation between successful economic performance and social innovations Rosemary’s advice for anyone wanting resources and information about bringing social innovation into the boardroom, or elevating existing discussions Rosemary’s hopes and fears for the future of social innovation and the role that boards will, and must, play in its development and success Social Impact Resources: Companies need to make impact count to stay ahead of the game The Impact Principle SDG Impact | United Nations Development Programme Impact Management Project: Home Connect with Rosemary: LinkedIn Impact Strategist  Connect with Paul: LinkedIn  Future Directors Follow Future Directors on LinkedIn If you enjoyed the show, we'd love to know!  Leave a quick review here: Future Directors on iTunes

Episode 53: Rosemary Addis: Social innovation in the boardroom

Welcome back to the second part of Beverly Cole’s podcast. We think it was well-worth the wait, with Beverly and Paul continuing to discuss big questions like: What kind of director is the best for recruiting? Who should take responsibility for properly on-boarding new directors? Are boards just not looking hard enough for the right people? Or are there too few ‘right people’? Getting into the boardroom is one thing – influencing the boardroom is another. But is it just about building relationships? Is ‘fitting in’ a good thing in governance? How can directors and leaders be receptive to learning about the culture of their fellow board members and employees? Is there a difference between culture and race? And, what advice would Beverly give to her younger self? Connect with Beverly: LinkedIn Connect with Paul: LinkedIn  Future Directors Follow Future Directors on LinkedIn If you enjoyed the show, we'd love to know!  Leave a quick review here: Future Directors on iTunes

Episode 52: Beverly Cole (Part 2): Are boardrooms getting recruitment wrong?

If you’re a director or aspiring board member interested in learning how to bring your best self into the boardroom, then this podcast is definitely for you. Boardroom Hustle is all about thinking about who you are and the way you operate, so that you can learn how to build a successful career as a director.

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Boardroom Hustle

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