Take on Board

This week, I’m sharing a short, focused solo episode on board inductions. I’ve been having numerous conversations with board chairs and directors, as well as with my own board, regarding this topic, especially since we have some new board directors joining soon. I’d like to share some ideas for creating an effective induction process. Like anything else, the best induction is tailored to your organisation. I’ll go through various ideas I've been discussing with others and have encountered. Feel free to take inspiration from these suggestions if they resonate with you.Links and ResourcesBoard induction checklistUpcoming 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 meContact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today is one of the sessions with just me, and I wanted to reflect on a conversation we had at one of the accelerator groups recently. As many of you know, I host a program called Take on Board Accelerator. Each month, a group of board directors comes together, and we pull apart a challenge.We share achievements and resources on the topic, and then somebody brings a challenge to the table. Now, I am not going to go into all the details of the challenge that was brought to the table, but I did think I would just touch on some takeaways and resources on the topic because it was super useful for the people in the room, and I reckon it'll be super useful for you. So the topic for this month was navigating the impact of kindness and niceness on boardroom effectiveness and decision-making. 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 meContact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day two of the Australian Governance Summit 2026 was filled with even more important governance insights, expanding on the themes from day one. We listened to an excellent group of speakers, starting with Kate Waterford on the vital need for boards to proactively utilise AI, moving beyond security concerns to address its full disruptive potential. I shared takeaways from Philip Chronican on Australia's economic position, emphasising agility, social cohesion as a key strength, and the urgency of the housing challenge. Melinda Clarke offered thoughtful reflections on the value of boardroom hypotheticals in crisis decision-making, and Katie Constantinou expertly explained the critical chair-CEO relationship, highlighting the importance of trust based on shared values and clear roles. Helen Hu offered valuable insights on shifting investor expectations toward long-term sustainability and active engagement, while my own reflections centered on the future of the care sector—specifically, the "delightful tension" around funding and the need for purpose-driven commercial balance in the boardroom. Finally, we ended the day with insights from Jane Davel on fostering psychological safety for difficult conversations and Karen Raitt's thoughts on sports governance, before Nicola Gibbs wrapped up with a discussion on linking productivity to investment risk appetite and the need to free up board time for strategic priorities.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 meContact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this solo episode of Take on Board, I share my keynote from the 2026 Board Observership Program launch. I discuss how the program helps emerging leaders under 40 and builds strong board succession pipelines. I highlight that diverse boards make better decisions, but only when inclusion and psychological safety are prioritized through intentional connections. My five tips for observers: connect broadly, stay curious, own your seat, use your fresh perspective early, and fully commit to meetings, training, and events (and have fun).Links and ResourcesUpcoming 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 meContact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this solo Take On Board episode, I introduce the Human Synergistics Group Styles Inventory (GSI) as a tool boards can use to increase effectiveness. I explain the Human Synergistics Circumplex with 12 group styles across three clusters: constructive (blue), passive/defensive (green), and aggressive/defensive (red), and I describe how each can show up in board dynamics. I share that Human Synergistics research links more effective groups with higher constructive styles and lower defensive/aggressive styles, and I outline how a board can measure itself after a meeting or a simulation, set actions, and remeasure later. I also describe an anonymised board simulation where we focused on increasing self-actualising and affiliative behaviours while reducing avoidant and power behaviours, and I emphasise that these actions should be owned by the whole board, not just the chair, CEO, or secretary.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 meContact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Take on Board, I discuss a topic that is sometimes overlooked: the crucial role of governance calendars for boards. Think of it as the board's essential work plan, a simple table or spreadsheet that lays out exactly when the board will tackle key topics (strategy, budget, compliance, CEO check-ins, etc.) over the next year or more.Links and ResourcesAICD Board CalendarsEffective Governance Calendar TemplateSavvy Director PrepAnnual Board & Compliance Calendar templateUpcoming 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 meContact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Take On Board podcast, I’ll be discussing risk and risk appetite statements. This topic has been on my mind because I recently facilitated a workshop with a board focused on their risk appetite.I’d like to walk you through the process I often use with groups and share some resources that I find helpful. Risk appetite is undoubtedly an important aspect that boards should consider and address. should be paying attention to. Links and ResourcesSetting your risk appetite: supplementary guidance (The Institute of Risk Management) 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 meContact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy 2026, Take on Boarders. It is fabulous to be back on the other side. I had a little break. During that period, just a week in Adelaide, between Christmas and New Year, lots of beautiful walks along the Torrens River, catching up with a few of the take on board community and just. Having a bit of a relax, really.As you know, one of the things I often do during the break is reflect a little more on my RSVP statement. Where I'd landed last year was that, for this year, it's about holding space for me and identifying what I'm not going to be doing. Doing a perhaps unsu to be new things.I have found that a little bit tricky, so I'm not as clear on that as I would like. However, I have made some progress, all things considered. It was actually gonna be about Take on Board and the podcast, and I was gonna drop it back to fortnightly. However, I've decided to hold off on that for at least a little while. So what is the plan for Take on Board? Well, you'll need to tune in here for all the news. You might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programContact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Candice Deville about AI and the missing AI conversation in the boardroom.Candice was formally on the board of Charity Bay, and she’s the founder of AI Co-pilot and a leading AI strategist with 20-plus years of experience in digital transformation, enterprise marketing and emerging tech. She advises boards, government, and growth-stage companies on responsible AI adoption, blending commercial insight with a sharp human-centered lens on the future of work.AI in the boardroom mini series playlist:Episode 314: AI in the boardroom mini series – Dr Henna Karna delivers the basics on AIEpisode 315: AI in the boardroom mini series – Candice DeVille explains what boards should be asking about AIEpisode 316: AI in the boardroom mini series – Dottie Schindlinger is sharing some AI research for boardsEpisode 317: AI in the boardroom mini series – Alice TangEpisode 318: AI in the boardroom mini series – Kate Larsen says it’s time to talk about the ethics of AIEpisode 319: Candice answers questions about AI in the boardroomLinks and ResourcesCandice DeVille on LinkedInCandice DeVille WebsiteThe AI-Ready Playbook: Navigating AI Like A Pro by Candice DeVilleFree AI PDFYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programContact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Take on Board Podcast, I’m speaking with Katie Constantinou about onboarding new directors.Katie is on the board of Harbison, an aged care organisation in regional New South Wales. She also sits on several committees: the New South Wales Justices Association Southern Highlands branch and the BDCU Grads Committee. She’s formerly been on the boards of Wingecarribee Adult Day Centres, a not-for-profit service that provides social opportunities within a group setting for older people and people living with dementia.Katie is a mother of two high school children and a proud nerd about governance and legal issues. She has a deep knowledge of administrative, legal and governance frameworks, policies and practices. She’s an experienced non-executive director, adviser, public servant, legal professional, and leader of diverse Government and Community Services. Katie’s passion lies in developing collaborative stakeholder relationships and partnerships.She holds a Bachelor of Arts in linguistics and modern Greek from the University of Sydney and a Bachelor of Laws from ANU. Katie is a New South Wales Justice of the Peace, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia.Board composition and effectiveness mini series playlist:Episode 289: steps for recruiting a board member with me!Episode 290: Katie Constantinou on onboarding new directorsEpisode 291: understanding board skills matrices with Leesa ChesserEpisode 292: Carmel Mulhern knows how to maximise a board agendaEpisode 293: Bernadette Northeast evaluates the importance of board evaluationsLinks and ResourcesKatie Constantinou on LinkedInThe Key to Director Onboarding (The Corporate Director Podcast) https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/inside-todays-boardrooms-the-key-to-director-onboarding/id1462449171?i=1000664068655AICDElevating the client voice to boards (AICD article) https://www.aicd.com.au/good-governance/public-trust/organisation/elevating-the-client-voice-to-boards.htmlRecruitment and onboarding process example (Word doc) https://helgasvendsen.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Take-on-Board-podcast-Recruitment-and-onboarding-process-example.docxBoard vacancy advertisement example (Word doc) https://helgasvendsen.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Take-on-Board-podcast-Board-vacancy-advertisement.docxInvitation to join as an Observer example (Word doc) https://helgasvendsen.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Take-on-Board-podcast-Invitation-to-join-as-an-Observer.docxUpcoming TOB EventsAll eventsYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityWork with meContact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the final Take on Board event for 2025. Dominique Hes is here to explore the innovative concept of integrating nature into boardroom governance. Dominique introduces the groundbreaking concept of treating nature as a guardian in the boardroom, inspired by a UK initiative. She explains how this approach promotes environmental responsibility within organizational governance.Dominique responded to questions from the Take on Board community. Here are a few to give you a sense of the dynamic conversation during the event.What inspired the idea of incorporating nature into the boardroom, and how do you envision it being implemented in Australia?Can you explain the legal framework being developed to govern nature and how it differs from existing corporate governance structures?What specific actions can organizations take to address their environmental risks, and how can the TNFD framework assist in that process?Links and ResourcesDominique Hes on LinkedInAll of Dominique's Take on Board episodesUpcoming 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 meContact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Take On Board podcast, I'm speaking with Diana Nestorovska about considering and managing geopolitical risk in the boardroom.Diana is Deputy chair of South Gippsland Water Corporation, and she has previously been on the boards of Melba Support Services Limited, Sexual Health Victoria and the University of Wollongong University Council. She's also been a member of the Latrobe University Human Research Ethics Committee and a public representative on the Australian Press Council.As of yesterday, Diana is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and she brings 20 years of experience across law, diplomacy, enterprise risk, and for-purpose leadership. She's a former Australian diplomat and has represented Australian interests in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.Links and ResourcesDiana on LinkedInFor a macro, global outlook: World Economic Forum Global Risk Report 2025 - Lowy Institute for an Australian and Asia-Pacific OutlookFor information on Australia's bilateral relationship with specific countries, DFAT Country Briefs are a great source of informationAICD for numerous articles on geopolitical risk aimed at directors and executives - www.aicd.com.auUpcoming 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 meContact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I'm speaking with Fiona David about understanding modern slavery risk. Fiona is on the boards of ACCESS-NRI, Australia's climate simulator, and the Coolaroo Foundation, a philanthropic organisation, and an alternate director on the Forrest Research Foundation for Nicola Forrest. Lawyer, human rights expert, and founder of Fair Futures, Fiona, is leading the charge in helping organisations tackle issues such as modern slavery in their supply chains.Having led the creation of the landmark Global Slavery Index, she is an expert in helping companies embed ethical and sustainable practices, proving that commercial success doesn’t need to come at the expense of human rights or the environment.Links and ResourcesFiona David on LinkedInFiona on the Fair Futures websiteRecent articles that give practical insights and tips for Board Directors on understanding modern slavery risk:Why Human Rights Need to Sit at the Board LevelHow to embed modern slavery human rights due diligence into strategyThe Walk Free Global Slavery Index provides valuable country-by-country information that Board Directors will typically see referenced in their organisations' MSA statements. 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 meContact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.