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Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Karen Tisdell about LinkedIn. I had Karen on the podcast a couple of years ago, and this episode is an update to that discussion. As you listen to this episode, please note any questions you might have, because Karen will be joining the Take on Board Community for an online event on Thursday, May 21, 2026. Reserve your spot here. Karen transitioned from recruitment to working directly with individuals in 2009. Since then, she has helped board members and senior leaders use LinkedIn to build trust, increase visibility, and develop relationships that open doors. Karen particularly enjoys working with board directors because successful board careers are built not only on capability but also on connection. Links and Resources Karen on LinkedIn Karen's website Take on Board online event with Karen Tisdell (21 May 2026) Take on Board episode 160 with Karen Tisdell: LinkedIn for board members—tips and tricks for being recruited and networking 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 Contact 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 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 Contact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I'm speaking with Julie Lyford about the critical role of the board chair as the unifying force within the board, along with the challenges and benefits of that philosophy. Julie is the chair of WELA, the Women's Environmental Leadership Australia. She's also on the boards of the Green Institute and Gloucester Transitions Incorporated. She was formally on the Boards of Regional Development Australia Hunter, The Sunrise Project, and various local government boards including Hunter Councils. A few things about Julie, she immigrated to Australia at 18. She's lived in Gloucester for 40 years, which is a wonderful rural community. She's a former registered nurse. She's been a local government counselor, and she's passionate about climate, social justice, and good governance. In 2015, she was an awarded a Order of Australian Medal for work with the community, local government and environmental activity.  Links and Resources Julie 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 Contact 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 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 Contact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, on the Take on Board podcast, we have the crowdsourced Day 1 recap from the Australian Governance Summit (March 2026, Sydney). It covers key themes raised across sessions. The summit opened with an Acknowledgement of Country linking stillness and shared purpose to stronger governance. That session was followed by AICD chair Naomi Edwards on boardroom diversity progress, collective board accountability, lessons from the Star Casino case (including board responsibility for information and board packs), and bringing secure, well-briefed AI into board decision-making. Helen Hu summarises CBA chair Paul O’Malley on stewardship, structural forces reshaping strategy, and disciplined capital allocation for resilience. Kate Waterford reports on geopolitics as a mainstream board risk, with cyber as a priority and practical near-term de-risking actions. Claire Schonfeld relays ASIC chair Joe Longo on growing complexity, judgment beyond compliance, innovation, and AI as board-level priority. It was a pack day of sessions including chair expectations in recruitment, payroll compliance risks and data sovereignty, Pamela Hanrahan’s regulatory update (hard/soft regulation and AI’s impact), future-proofing director skills through digital and AI literacy, and Chris Bradley’s optimistic “strategic realities” framing of global shifts. We'll be back next week with day two. 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 Contact 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 Resources 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 Contact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, on the Take on Board podcast, I'm talking to Olivia Giudice about chairing your boards risk committee. Olivia is a Board Director, former Chair of the Audit, Finance & Risk Committee and current CEO of Homeward Bound, a global leadership initiative for women leaders with a STEMM background. She has also held several Chief Risk Officer, risk and audit roles across public sector and ASX-listed environments. Olivia has a keen interest in how people experience risk through behaviour, decisions and culture. Links and Resources Olivia 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 Contact 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 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 Contact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Take On Board podcast, I'm speaking with Solai Valliappan about learning how to be a board chair. Solai is a Sydney-based technology investor, advisor, and board director. Starting her career as an Actuary, she transitioned into the startup world 10 years ago. She has been leveraging her finance expertise to advise family offices, venture capital firms, accelerators, and startups across Australia, including investing as an angel investor. She discusses the importance of structure, feedback, and clear boundaries between governance and operations, especially within small organizations and not-for-profits. Solai emphasizes learning on the job, drawing on resources like podcasts and peer feedback, and encourages others to take on new challenges in board leadership. Links and Resources Solai on LinkedIn Solai's Substack Solai's YouTube 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 Contact 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 Resources AICD Board Calendars Effective Governance Calendar Template Savvy Director Prep Annual Board & Compliance Calendar template 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 Contact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I'm speaking with Suzie Thoraval about governance of risk and audit.  Suzie is the independent chair of the finance, audit and risk Committee at the Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, and she's a member of the finance, risk and audit committees at the Judicial College of Victoria and the cities of Greater Dandenong, Knox and Whittlesea. She's previously been on the advisory board for the College of Law's Centre for Legal Innovation and the Chair of Dear Dyslexic Foundation, and on the School Council of Camberwell Primary School. Suzie is a seasoned legal governance and strategic leadership professional with deep expertise in audit risk and corporate governance. She brings 25 years of experience, including 13 years in senior leadership in government. She brings a Master of Laws and a strategic, inquisitive mindset to every conversation. Links and Resources Suzie Thoraval on LinkedIn Suzie's past newsletters are on her website along with YouTube videos: www.suziethoraval.com and https://www.youtube.com/@SuzieThoraval 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 Contact 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 Resources Setting your risk appetite: supplementary guidance (The Institute of Risk Management) 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 Contact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Take On Board podcast, I'm speaking with Daralyse Lyons about non-executive roles and executive director positions. We may even hear the story of why she resigned from a role in which she excelled, and how the board influenced that decision. Daralyse is a journalist and author with prior experience in business development and financial management. She has written more than two dozen books, several short stories, and countless articles. She is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and the former Vice President of Philadelphia's chapter of NLGJA. Daralyse graduated summa cum laude from New York University, where she earned a double major in English and religious studies and a minor in history. In 2023, she received the Pennsylvania City and State Impact Award, recognizing her as one of the 75 most impactful individuals in Pennsylvania. More recently, she became a Who's Who Honoree. Currently, she serves as the Chief Revenue Officer for Bucks County Beacon. 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 Contact 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 community Join the Take on Board LinkedIn community Work with me Join the Take on Board: Kickstarter group program Join the Take on Board: Accelerator group program Contact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Linh Do about the Take on Board accelerator program. This is a program I run, and many of you will know that earlier this year, I did a miniseries on the podcast about professional development options and forgot to do my own. Linh is the chair of the Climate Action Network Australia and AktivAsia, and a board member of the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation. She’s also a member of the research committee at the Centre for Policy Development. She was formerly on the board of the Centre for Sustainability Leadership because I was on the board there as well, although I don’t think we were on it at the same time. And she’s been on a range of government advisory groups. Linh has a background in climate advocacy in leadership, and she’s currently the director of the Wattle Fellowship at the University of Melbourne. Professional development for board directors mini series playlist:​​Episode 326: Francie Doolan asks do you have the skills to govern in a changing world?Episode 325: Kim Sullivan’s fresh perspective on the AICD Company Directors courseEpisode 324: Ngaire Anderson experienced the AICD Boardroom Mastery programEpisode 323: Jane Davel has options for New Zealand board membersEpisode 322: Jennifer Duncan on the virtues of the Governance for Social Impact programEpisode 321: Professional development in governance with Kiki Paul You might want to: Join the Take on Board Facebook community Join the Take on Board LinkedIn community Work with me Join the Take on Board: Kickstarter group program Join the Take on Board: Accelerator group program Contact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.