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Today on the Take on Board podcast, I discuss the rise of phishing scams targeting board professionals and share two examples I’ve received: one that’s loudly “too good to be true,” with eye-watering compensation, and another, more subtle, flattering message that uses credible governance language. I explain the key red flags to watch for (vague details, missing recruiter credentials, Gmail addresses, and requests for money or ID), why these scams are increasing due to AI-driven web scraping, and the likely end games: selling services, harvesting identity documents, or profiling active email accounts. I also share practical steps to protect yourself—pause before responding, verify the recruiter and domain, cross-check via LinkedIn or by contacting the firm directly, and if it feels like a scam, don’t respond... block and delete. Upcoming TOB Events All events You might want to: Watch on YouTube Join the Take on Board Facebook community Join the Take on Board LinkedIn community Follow along on Twitter Work with me Join the Take on Board: Kickstarter group program Join the Take on Board: Accelerator group program Find out more about me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Giselle McLachlan about being a great board chair, and I’m delighted to welcome her back after her earlier appearance in the early days of video. Giselle is a reformed lawyer based in Wanaka on New Zealand’s South Island, and through her work at Grounded Governance, she coaches, teaches, facilitates workshops, and supports boards, particularly chairs, in doing their role well. We discuss why chairing is often misunderstood as simply “running the meeting,” why finishing on time isn’t the measure of good chairing, and the importance of the work before and after meetings. Giselle shares her “five Ts” framework—time, tone, talent, teamwork, and tikanga/traditions—and offers practical examples, including board connection practices, expectations for pre-reading, and how to manage differing director preferences. Links and Resources Giselle on LinkedIn Giselle's website - Grounded Governance Giselle's been on the podcast before: Episode 328: Giselle McLachlan wants to help prepare your boardroom for the future Upcoming TOB Events All events You might want to: Watch on YouTube Join the Take on Board Facebook community Join the Take on Board LinkedIn community Follow along on Twitter Work with me Join the Take on Board: Kickstarter group program Join the Take on Board: Accelerator group program Find out more about me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Shona McGlashan about inclusive board cultures. Shona is chair of Pain BC and vice-chair and governance committee chair of Bard on the Beach Theatre Society. Shona is a governance professional, board director, and consultant who believes boards are only as effective as the culture they create. Shona discusses why everyone in the boardroom must actively create inclusion, sharing an early-career lesson about “total football” and making space for people to speak up. She outlines practical accessibility and psychological safety practices, recruitment approaches that brought millennial directors onto Pain BC’s board, and how diverse lived experience strengthens decision-making while directors are not delegates. Links and Resources Shona on LinkedIn Shona's website You can find a series of governance-related articles here Upcoming TOB Events All events You might want to: Watch on YouTube Join the Take on Board Facebook community Join the Take on Board LinkedIn community Follow along on Twitter Work with me Join the Take on Board: Kickstarter group program Join the Take on Board: Accelerator group program Find out more about me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m coming from Banff, Alberta. I'm building on conversations from the Vancouver meetup with Nancy Maloney and Shona McGlashan about joining boards and building a portfolio. I explain why resilience is key—since you’ll apply for more roles than you’ll get—and how perseverance and feedback help you persist. I revisit Nancy’s early board interview story, reflect on my recent rejections, and share recruiter advice from Monique Fulmer (PeopleFusion): apply only if your skills match, lead with board experience on your resume, and separate board and executive experience. I also highlight committee roles as a pathway into boards and conclude with themes of resilience and alignment. Upcoming TOB Events All events You might want to: Watch on YouTube Join the Take on Board Facebook community Join the Take on Board LinkedIn community Follow along on Twitter Work with me Join the Take on Board: Kickstarter group program Join the Take on Board: Accelerator group program Find out more about me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Take on Board podcast, it's another Ask Me Anything. A few weeks ago, you heard me in conversation with Cathy Robinson from the Board Observership Program and Reena Rihan, an alum of the program, which led to a Q&A session with the Board Observership participants. They had so many awesome questions that we didn't get through them all in the 90-minute session. So today, Cathy is joining me again to ask me those questions. It might also be a good prompt to say I've just started a YouTube series called Ask Me Anything, where I give short, snappy responses to your governance questions. So if I don't answer your governance question today, or if you've got something not covered today or in the previous episode, send it in. Whatever your favorite way of getting in touch is, please reach out, ask me the question, and at some stage I will cover it in that YouTube short series.  Links and Resources The Observership Program Episode 369: The Observership Program and your board future Ask Me Anything - Send your questions Upcoming TOB Events All events You might want to: Watch on YouTube Join the Take on Board Facebook community Join the Take on Board LinkedIn community Follow along on Twitter Work with me Join the Take on Board: Kickstarter group program Join the Take on Board: Accelerator group program Find out more about me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I have an insightful conversation with Sara Harrup, a governance professional, entrepreneur, and board chair with a portfolio of board roles, including deputy chair of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. We explore her journey and expertise in neuro-inclusive governance, where she focuses on designing environments that accommodate different neurocognitive styles. Sara, an autistic woman with ADHD, brings professional and personal depth to challenging traditional board dynamics. Sara shares her experiences and discusses her recent decision to evolve her neuro-inclusion frameworks, reflecting on the insights that prompted this transformation. Links and Resources Sara on LinkedIn Unique Mind co. Diversity Council of Australia Episode 288: Sara Harrup explains what boards need to know about CEOs and executives who are neurodivergent Episode 294: Sara Harrup answers the thorny questions about neurodiversity in this community Q and A Upcoming TOB Events All events You might want to: Join the Take on Board Facebook community Join the Take on Board LinkedIn community Follow along on Twitter Work with me Join the Take on Board: Kickstarter group program Join the Take on Board: Accelerator group program Find out more about me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I'm speaking with Gabrielle Trenbath about her journey to the boardroom, and we'll probably touch on disability inclusion in the boardroom.  Gabrielle is on the boards of the National Disability Services Board and Hartley Life Care. She has previously served on the boards of Avivo, the Disability Service Commission, the Pat Giles Centre for Non Violence, and Music for Canberra. Gabrielle is a non-executive director with seven years' governance experience across community and human services. A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a chartered secretary, she works in the Australian Public Service in diversity, equity and inclusion, bringing lived experience of disability and a strong focus on strategy and impact.   Links and Resources Gabrielle Trenbath on LinkedIn Disability Leadership Institute The Observership Program Upcoming TOB Events All events You might want to: Join the Take on Board Facebook community Join the Take on Board LinkedIn community Follow along on Twitter Work with me Join the Take on Board: Kickstarter group program Join the Take on Board: Accelerator group program Find out more about me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Take on Board podcast, we're hosting a Take on Board community Q&A with Sarah Gray on managing perimenopause and menopause in the boardroom. This is the event that followed Helga and Sarah's mid-July conversation about managing perimenopause and menopause in the boardroom. Today, the women of the Take on Board community gathered to ask whether boards should have a menopause policy, how to handle resistance from people who think women should just “get on with the job,” and practical ways chairs and directors can create supportive conditions. Sarah recommends starting with education and awareness before policy, putting menopause on the governance agenda, and creating practical supports like comfortable meeting environments, earlier board papers, buddying up, confidential routes to seek help, and permission for short comfort breaks. She also discusses confidence and self-perception, encourages seeking feedback, and offers nutrition tips for meetings—hydration and brain-supporting snacks such as nuts and seeds (including walnuts) instead of lollies. Links and Resources Episode 365: (Peri)menopause and the boardroom: what you need to know with Sarah Gray Sarah's Book: It's Not You It's Perimenopause Sarah's website: The Nutrition Pharmacist Upcoming TOB Events All events You might want to: Join the Take on Board Facebook community Join the Take on Board LinkedIn community Follow along on Twitter Work with me Join the Take on Board: Kickstarter group program Join the Take on Board: Accelerator group program Find out more about me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I'm speaking with Micaela Drieberg about  board reports and her lessons learned from both sides of the table.  Micaela, CEO of Gender Equity Victoria is a strategic, collaborative leader with over 20 years of experience across for-purpose sectors, including all three levels of government, universities, not-for-profit organisations and peak bodies. Micaela has previously served as a Mayor and Ministerial Adviser. In addition to her work with GEN VIC she is also a Teaching Associate with Monash University and participates in several government advisory bodies Links and Resources Micaela Drieberg on LinkedIn Upcoming TOB Events All events You might want to: Join the Take on Board Facebook community Join the Take on Board LinkedIn community Follow along on Twitter Work with me Join the Take on Board: Kickstarter group program Join the Take on Board: Accelerator group program Find out more about me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Resources Pam MacDonald on LinkedIn Upcoming TOB Events All events You might want to: Join the Take on Board Facebook community Join the Take on Board LinkedIn community Follow along on Twitter Work with me Join the Take on Board: Kickstarter group program Join the Take on Board: Accelerator group program Find out more about me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I'm recording of a conversation with Cathy Robinson and Reena Rihan from The Observership program. They have asked me to do a session with their current participants around pathways to the boardroom. So for their current participants, as they're coming to the end of their year as an Observership participant, what can they be thinking about to get on a board? And we thought we would record an introductory Q&A session for people to watch before we come together for a live Q&A session.  So here is that conversation. Links and Resources The Observership Program Upcoming TOB Events All events You might want to: Join the Take on Board Facebook community Join the Take on Board LinkedIn community Follow along on Twitter Work with me Join the Take on Board: Kickstarter group program Join the Take on Board: Accelerator group program Find out more about me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Resources Board Payment Wizard Upcoming TOB Events All events You might want to: Join the Take on Board Facebook community Join the Take on Board LinkedIn community Follow along on Twitter Work with me Join the Take on Board: Kickstarter group program Join the Take on Board: Accelerator group program Find out more about me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Resources Darya Boukata on LinkedIn Upcoming TOB Events All events You might want to: Join the Take on Board Facebook community Join the Take on Board LinkedIn community Follow along on Twitter Work with me Join the Take on Board: Kickstarter group program Join the Take on Board: Accelerator group program Find out more about me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Resources Flourish After Fifty Upcoming TOB Events All events You might want to: Join the Take on Board Facebook community Join the Take on Board LinkedIn community Follow along on Twitter Work with me Join the Take on Board: Kickstarter group program Join the Take on Board: Accelerator group program Find out more about me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Resources Sarah Gray's Website - The Nutrition Pharmacist Upcoming TOB Events All events You might want to: Join the Take on Board Facebook community Join the Take on Board LinkedIn community Follow along on Twitter Work with me Join the Take on Board: Kickstarter group program Join the Take on Board: Accelerator group program Find out more about me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.