Advertise on podcast: Women on Boards - Leaders and Directors in Conversation

In this episode of the 20 Years of Women on Boards podcast, Claire Braund OAM speaks with Susan Rix AM, an accomplished business leader, chartered accountant and corporate adviser whose career has run alongside more than four decades of board service. From her first board role as treasurer of Noah's Ark Toy Library to major Queensland Government, infrastructure, education, community and private sector boards, Susan's board career has been built less around a carefully mapped plan and more around being willing to say yes, contribute her skills and keep learning. Susan reflects on growing up in Lismore, spending a formative year in Germany as a Rotary Exchange student and beginning a career in accounting that would eventually see her become a partner at BDO – and, for seven years, its only female partner in Australia. She shares how her accounting and governance skills opened doors at a time when far fewer women were sitting around board tables, and why some of the roles that mattered most were those where she could see the difference strong governance could make. Now Chair of CleanCo Queensland, Susan is still stepping into unfamiliar territory and learning new sectors – proof that a long board career doesn't mean you stop being challenged. The conversation also explores a question that has shaped Susan's approach to board service: is being a director a career, or is it also about service? Susan discusses why not every board role needs to be highly paid, what decades working with family businesses have taught her about succession, and why being the founder's son or daughter doesn't necessarily make someone the right person to run the business. She also reflects on what has changed for women in accounting and leadership, what she would tell her younger self, and why directors can't simply stay in their area of expertise as governance becomes more complex. And after 20 years as a Women on Boards member, Susan looks at what the next generation of directors will need to know – including why AI governance is something every director needs to start understanding. In this episode: Being BDO's only female partner in Australia for seven years Why a clearly defined skill set helped open boardroom doors The board role where she felt she could genuinely make a difference Why board service should be about more than remuneration The biggest mistake families can make in succession planning What has changed for women building careers and families Why directors need to keep learning beyond their area of expertise AI governance and the emerging challenges facing boards Susan's reflections on 20 years as a Women on Boards member It's a candid conversation about service, opportunity, resilience and staying curious throughout a long career – and why sometimes the most important career decision is simply being prepared to say yes.

With an extraordinary portfolio spanning health, education, water, banking and sport, Elizabeth Crouch AM FAICD has built a board career defined by leadership, continuous learning and a deep commitment to public service. In this episode of the 20 Years of Women on Boards podcast, Elizabeth joins Claire Braund to reflect on the experiences that have shaped her journey from a 16-year career in the federal public service to becoming one of Australia's most experienced Chairs. Today, Elizabeth chairs six organisations, including Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, the Customer Owned Banking Association, Catholic Schools Parramatta, Ochre Health, Hunter Water Corporation and Hearing Australia. She is also Deputy Chair of the NSW Institute of Sport, serves on the Council of the University of Newcastle and is Emerita Deputy Chancellor of Macquarie University. Despite the breadth of her portfolio, Elizabeth remains committed to making space to learn, reflect and challenge her own thinking. She is also, she admits, getting better at saying no. Leadership under scrutiny Elizabeth's career has included involvement in major public infrastructure and legacy projects, from hospitals and schools to the delivery of Sydney's Opal card. When she joined the RailCorp board, the ticketing project was already seven years overdue. As Chair, Elizabeth helped make the difficult decision to draw a line under the existing project and refocus on the outcome it needed to achieve. The experience reinforced lessons she continues to take into the boardroom: understand your stakeholders, make timely decisions and stay focused on the outcome. Above all, she says, when operating under intense scrutiny, directors need to "communicate, communicate, communicate." Staying ahead of emerging risk Continuous learning has remained a feature of Elizabeth's board career. Recognising the growing cyber threat facing organisations, she returned to university and completed a Master of Cybersecurity in 2021. It is knowledge she says she now uses every day. For directors, she believes two critical cyber questions are understanding who is in your business and supply chain, and how quickly your organisation can respond when something goes wrong. Elizabeth also discusses what different sectors can learn from each other - from the entrepreneurial thinking of founder-led companies to the close connection not-for-profits often have with their customers and stakeholders. Many pathways to the boardroom A long-standing Women on Boards member, Elizabeth recalls thinking WOB was the "missing link" when it was established - providing women with a forum and network to help build their board careers. She believes one of WOB's important contributions has been showing women that there are many pathways to achieving their board ambitions. Looking to the future, Elizabeth believes board diversity must extend beyond gender. She sees an important opportunity to bring more younger, digitally native people into boardrooms, particularly as organisations navigate AI and emerging technology. Asked to sum up her journey over the past 20 years in three words, Elizabeth chose: Opportunity. Resilience. Service. >> Learn more about Women on Boards www.womenonboards.net

In this episode of the 20 Years of Women on Boards podcast, Claire Braund OAM speaks with Nadia Moffatt OAM, a South Australian non-executive director, governance specialist and long-standing consumer advocate whose board career has been shaped by resilience, independence and a determination to ensure different perspectives are heard. Nadia's story begins with her Italian migrant family and an early introduction to business, helping with her father's accounts and compliance from a young age. At just 12, her life changed dramatically when she suffered a major brain haemorrhage. After being told she may never walk again, Nadia embarked on a long rehabilitation journey, eventually returning to school, completing Year 12 and beginning university. That experience would go on to influence a career grounded in consumer advocacy and representation. Nadia discusses how she moved into governance, the challenges of building a board career when you bring something different to the table, and why listening to a broad range of perspectives leads to better decision-making. She also explores the value of diversity in the boardroom, arguing that it should be embedded throughout organisations rather than treated simply as a compliance exercise. For Nadia, diversity is most powerful when combined with the skills, governance experience and strategic capability boards need. A long-standing Women on Boards member, Nadia also reflects on the role WOB has played in building her confidence and capability, including learning she believes contributed to securing an Energy and Water Ombudsman board appointment. It is a candid conversation about overcoming adversity, finding your voice, bringing lived experience into governance and continuing to pursue opportunities even when the pathway to the boardroom isn't straightforward. Asked to describe her journey in three words, Nadia chooses: "Challenging, rewarding and engaging."   Learn more about Women on Board www.womenonboards.net/join

Former CEO and experienced director Margie Haseltine has built an extensive portfolio career across listed and private companies, including Metcash, Inghams Group, Kennards Hire, Real Pet Food Company and Active Tree Services. In this episode of the 20 Years of Women on Boards podcast, Margie joins Claire Braund OAM to reflect on the journey from growing up on a dairy farm in New Zealand to becoming CEO of MasterFoods Australia and, ultimately, building a successful board career. Margie stepped away from executive life in 2007 after 20 years with Mars. With three young children and years of extensive travel behind her, she was ready for a different career. That same year, she joined Women on Boards. Breaking into the boardroom was not easy. With a background in supply chain rather than law or accounting, Margie recalls being told she was unlikely to secure an ASX-listed board role. Instead of being deterred, she built her experience through smaller boards and continued putting herself forward for opportunities. That persistence eventually led to ASX-listed Bapcor, after Women on Boards helped put her forward for the role. Margie later became Chair, leading the company through a particularly challenging period and learning first-hand just how different the responsibilities of a Chair can be from those of a NED. Today, Margie enjoys the different dynamics offered by both listed and private boards and continues to be drawn to organisations where she connects with the people, purpose and business. She also reflects on how boardroom risks have changed, from cyber and ESG to psychosocial safety and the rapidly evolving implications of AI. For senior executives considering a board career, Margie cautions against assuming it is automatically the right next step. Board life requires flexibility, resilience and the ability to respond when challenges arise. A Women on Boards member since 2007, Margie describes the WOB community as an important part of her journey. Looking ahead, her advice for navigating disruption and difficult decisions is simple: "Be calm, and the facts are our friends." Asked to sum up her journey in three words, Margie chose: Resilience. Determination. Passion. Learn more www.womenonboards.net/join

Chemical engineer and experienced director Kerry Skellern OAM has built a board career spanning infrastructure, financial services, housing and community organisations. In this episode of the 20 Years of Women on Boards podcast, Kerry joins Claire Braund to discuss how her technical background has shaped her approach to governance and why boards benefit from a broader mix of professional perspectives. Kerry's executive career included roles with ICI, James Hardie, CSR and GE, often in heavily male-dominated environments. It taught her the importance of speaking up and being prepared to make a point more than once. Her first board roles provided an opportunity to develop her governance experience while contributing to organisations making a difference in their communities. Today, she sits on the board of ASX-listed Fiducian Group and is a Chair with Vistage. Her pathway has not always been predictable. Kerry became the first female president in the 92-year history of her golf club, a role that ultimately led to connections that helped open the door to further board opportunities. For engineers and scientists who question whether their technical background is relevant to boards, Kerry's advice is clear: "Question that assumption." A Women on Boards member for almost 20 years, Kerry also reflects on the importance of maintaining momentum on board diversity and continuing to build the pipeline of women ready for senior leadership and board roles. Asked to describe her journey in three words, Kerry chose: Diverse. Rewarding. Unexpected. Kerrie Skellern OAM Claire Braund OAM Join or learn more about Women on Boards

Senior executive, lawyer, company secretary and experienced director Joanna Brand has built a career across corporate governance, capital markets, infrastructure, energy, aviation and the arts. In this episode of the 20 Years of Women on Boards podcast, Joanna joins Women on Boards CEO and Co-founder Claire Braundd OAM to reflect on the experiences that shaped her career, the value of curiosity and adaptability, and the governance challenges boards cannot afford to underestimate. Born in Brazil, Joanna spent her early childhood moving between Trinidad, the United States, the Netherlands and Australia before returning to the US alone at 17. She credits this international upbringing with building the resilience and adaptability that have remained central throughout her career. Her father's strong belief in education also had a lasting influence. Joanna went on to study commerce and law at the University of Melbourne, arts and political science at Duke University and law at Harvard. While learning has always supported her career, Joanna says curiosity is also deeply personal. "I am an intensely curious person. I get bored really easily, so I read a lot and I go to a lot of CPDs and I'm always thinking about what course I can sign up for." Joanna's executive career has taken her across banking, energy, retail and aviation, including senior legal and governance roles in complex, highly regulated organisations. She describes her preferred roles as 'T-shaped': positions that combine deep functional expertise with the opportunity to contribute across the whole business. At Jetstar, being part of the executive team meant having a view not only on legal and governance matters, but also on issues such as aircraft interiors, catering and operational crises. Her career has included helping complete a NASDAQ listing, selling a bank, responding to regulatory investigations and working across multiple jurisdictions. Yet one of the achievements she values most is the impact she has had on people. During a Powerlink board exercise, fellow directors were asked to identify each other's 'superpower'. Every response Joanna received focused on the genuine care she showed for people across the organisation. "If that is what people take away from working with me, I'm super happy with that." Joanna also offers a practical perspective on the evolving role of the company secretary. While the position can include a great deal of administration, she believes its strategic importance is often underestimated. Company secretaries work closely with chairs and directors, observe board dynamics and play an increasingly pivotal role as governance, risk, cyber, artificial intelligence and ESG converge. That intersection is particularly important in fast-moving sectors where there is no established governance playbook. Joanna shares lessons from her time at IREN, a renewable energy-powered data centre business that began in Bitcoin mining before expanding into AI computing. She explains that emerging industries can face additional complexity because regulators, investors and service providers may not fully understand the business model. Governance systems must therefore evolve quickly while the organisation continues to operate and grow. Looking ahead, Joanna believes boards are still underestimating the scale and speed of change that artificial intelligence will bring. Rather than maintaining a separate AI strategy, she argues that boards must consider how AI supports the organisation's core objectives, how returns will be measured, what the organisation's risk appetite is and when decisions should be escalated from technology to people. She also cautions that the human impact of AI will be critical. "How your organisation does with AI will be made or broken around that human engagement with your staff and your employees." A long-time Women on Boards member and participant in the Next Generation of Female Leaders program, Joanna also reflects on the importance of networks and community throughout a board career. One piece of advice has stayed with her: "It's not who you know, it's who knows you and what you want to do." As technology becomes an even greater part of professional life, Joanna believes these human connections will become more valuable, not less. Asked to describe her journey in three words, Joanna chose: Resilient. Adaptable. Curious. Learn more about Women on Boards www.womenonboards.net

In this episode of 20 Years of Women on Boards: Inspire | Influence | Impact, host Claire Braund sits down with Helga Svendsen OAM, facilitator, leadership and executive coach, non-executive director and podcaster,  for a conversation that traces a career built on empowering people. Helga takes us from her formative years in a close-knit Melbourne community, through leadership roles in government and as CEO of the Hotham Mission Asylum Seeker Project, to building an extensive board portfolio across health, government and the not-for-profit sector. She shares how the Williamson Community Leadership Program shaped her network for life, and the biggest misconception people have about landing their first board seat. She also opens up on why she believes "brain space" - long hikes with no phone, no podcasts, just thinking time -  is part of a director's duty of care, and where she thinks boards need to go next on diversity, equity and inclusion. Helga closes with a message to Claire Braund and Ruth: thank you for the advocacy, the community, and a jobs board she calls "the best one out there".  All of it, she says, has made her feel "supported and seen." Asked to sum up her 20-year journey in a few words, Helga doesn't hesitate: stronger together. Connect with Helga: linkedin.com/in/helgasvendsen Connect with Claire: linkedin.com/in/claire-braund

What do steelmaking, universities, ports, family businesses, cemeteries and rowing have in common? For experienced chair and non-executive director Robin Buckham, they've all played a role in shaping a remarkable governance career built on curiosity, transformation and making a meaningful contribution.  In the latest episode of the 20 Years of Women on Boards podcast, Robin reflects on a career that has never followed a conventional path. From an Arts degree and teaching, she unexpectedly found herself leading a major steel manufacturing business before moving into senior executive roles in higher education and, ultimately, a portfolio of board positions across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.  Rather than carefully planning every career move, Robin describes her journey as one shaped by opportunity, curiosity and a willingness to say yes. She believes careers often only make sense when viewed in hindsight, with each experience building the skills and confidence needed for the next challenge.  Throughout the conversation, Robin shares practical insights on board leadership, succession planning and strategy. She argues that one of the biggest mistakes boards make is becoming distracted by the latest trend instead of maintaining focus on long-term strategic priorities. Whether discussing AI, financial performance or organisational transformation, she believes boards must continually ask the right questions while remaining grounded in their purpose.  Looking back on her own governance journey, Robin says Women on Boards has played an important role by providing a practical, supportive community where aspiring and experienced directors learn from one another. She describes WOB as professional, realistic and refreshingly down-to-earth, helping women understand that successful board careers are built over time rather than achieved overnight.  As Women on Boards celebrates its 20th anniversary, Robin believes the next frontier for governance is broader diversity around the board table. While significant progress has been made in increasing the representation of women, she argues boards should continue expanding opportunities for people from different cultural backgrounds, regions and lived experiences, recognising that stronger governance comes from hearing a wider range of voices.  For Robin, the past two decades can be summed up in three words: diverse, fulfilling and useful—a fitting reflection on a career dedicated to making organisations stronger and leaving every board better than she found it.  >> Learn more about Women on Boards

In this Episode, Claire Braund OAM sits down with long-term Women on Boards member Ditta Zizi—corporate governance strategist, arts leader, opera-trained singer and experienced non-executive director—to explore the experiences that have shaped her unique governance career. Drawing on senior executive roles with Airservices Australia, the Department of Industry and the Department of Education and Training, together with board appointments across the arts and cultural sectors, Ditta shares why the fundamentals of good governance remain the same regardless of whether you're serving on a commercial, government or not-for-profit board. She reflects on leadership, risk management, stakeholder engagement and what she learned navigating governance during the Global Financial Crisis and through her work on international OECD committees. A passionate advocate for music, Ditta also explains how music develops empathy, teamwork and communication—qualities that are just as valuable in the boardroom as they are on the stage. Reflecting on her long association with Women on Boards, Ditta describes WOB as an advocate, a reality check and a trusted source of advice. She speaks candidly about the value of receiving honest feedback from Ruth Medd—even when it was difficult to hear—and why organisations that champion women in leadership remain as important today as they were 20 years ago. She also acknowledges Claire Braund and Ruth Medd for building a community that advocates for women, provides practical support and offers honest feedback that helps members grow as directors. When asked to sum up her board journey in just three words, Ditta's answer perfectly captures the reality of a governance career: 'Challenging, but fun.' Listen now to hear Ditta's thoughtful reflections on governance, leadership, lifelong learning and building a meaningful portfolio career. Learn more about Women on Boards

Most directors focus on securing their first board appointment. Andrea Staines OAM took a different approach. Nearly 20 years ago, she made the deliberate decision to build a portfolio career as a full-time non-executive director, long before it became a recognised career path. Today, Andrea is regarded as one of Australia's pioneers of the professional portfolio director, serving across transport, infrastructure and retail while continually evolving her career. Speaking on the latest 20 Years of Women on Boards podcast, she shares the principles that have guided her journey. One of Andrea's strongest messages is that directors need to manage their careers with the same discipline they would apply to running a business. "You have to think of yourself as a business," she says. That means continually building your network, keeping your profile current, investing in your professional development and always looking ahead to the next opportunity. Building a board portfolio doesn't stop once you've secured your first appointment, it requires ongoing business development and a clear understanding of the value you bring. Rather than pursuing every opportunity, Andrea carefully identified where her executive experience would have the greatest impact. She deliberately built a portfolio across transport, infrastructure and retail services, creating diversity while staying true to her expertise. Perhaps her most memorable observation is that the greatest rewards of board work aren't financial. "Don't do board work for the money. If you want the money, stay as an executive." Instead, she believes board careers offer something far more valuable: professional diversity, personal flexibility and the opportunity to keep learning. After nearly two decades in the boardroom, Andrea's message is simple. A successful board career isn't built on a single appointment, it's built through continuous learning, thoughtful choices and a willingness to keep evolving. Learn more about womenonboards Host: Claire Braund OAM Guest: Andrea Staines OAM

What does great governance look like after more than two decades in the boardroom? In this episode of 20 Years of Women on Boards – Inspire | Influence | Impact, Claire Braund speaks with Chris Franks AM, an accomplished non-executive director whose governance career spans mutuals, financial services, international development, health and the not-for-profit sector. Chris reflects on an extraordinary career journey from nursing to research, international development and some of Australia's leading member-owned organisations. She shares how purpose has shaped every board appointment, why strong chairs matter more than ever, and why board performance and accountability remain among governance's biggest challenges. They also discuss: • Building a purpose-driven board career • The evolution of governance over the past 25 years • Why women have transformed the boardroom • The importance of board evaluations and performance • Leadership, culture and organisational purpose • Advice for aspiring directors Whether you're beginning your board journey or are an experienced director, this conversation offers practical insights into effective governance and values-led leadership.   >> Learn more about Women on Boards

How do you successfully transition from leading global businesses to building a rewarding portfolio career in the boardroom? In this episode of the 20 Years of Women on Boards – Inspire | Influence | Impact podcast, Claire Braund OAM speaks with Toni Brendish FAICD about the experiences, decisions and leadership lessons that have shaped her journey from CEO to Chair and Non-Executive Director. Toni reflects on an adventurous childhood spent in remote Australia and Papua New Guinea, explaining how resilience, independence and adapting to change became the foundations of her leadership style. She also shares how an unexpected graduate role at Unilever launched a distinguished executive career spanning Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Europe with global organisations including Danone, Coca-Cola, Colgate-Palmolive and Kimberly-Clark. Now Chair of Fresh Produce Group and a Non-Executive Director of Cobram Estate Olives, Prolife Foods and Clover Corporation, Toni discusses the deliberate planning behind her transition into the boardroom, why purpose and values have always guided her career, and what executives should consider when preparing for their own portfolio careers. From building high-performing teams and leading business transformation to embracing new opportunities and preparing for a second career, this engaging conversation offers practical insights for aspiring and experienced directors. If you're thinking about your own board journey or curious about boards, Toni's story will leave you inspired to plan ahead, back yourself and lead with purpose. Visit www.womenonboards.net LinkedIn Facebook

What does it take to build a successful board career that spans healthcare, financial services, housing, agriculture and listed companies? For experienced non-executive director Victoria Weekes, it starts with being willing to learn, embracing uncertainty and remembering that board service is about purpose, not prestige. In the latest episode of the 20 Years of Women on Boards podcast, Victoria joins Women on Boards CEO and Co-founder Claire BraundOAM to reflect on her remarkable governance journey, from her first board appointment in 2008 to a portfolio spanning some of Australia's leading organisations. Drawing on an executive career in banking and financial services, Victoria explains that her move into the boardroom wasn't driven by a desire to leave executive leadership behind. Instead, she wanted broader impact across different sectors while applying her governance and risk expertise to organisations facing complex strategic challenges. One of her earliest board appointments, Cure Brain Cancer Foundation, proved transformational. Beyond strengthening governance in a growing organisation, it reinforced the importance of deeply understanding an organisation's purpose and the sector it serves. "You really have to understand both an organisation, its purpose and deeply understand what it does." Throughout the conversation, Victoria shares practical insights for aspiring and experienced directors alike. She encourages directors to plan their board careers deliberately while remaining open to unexpected opportunities, acknowledging that even the best-laid plans often take unexpected turns. She also challenges the perception that board careers are glamorous. "Sometimes it's just a long, hard slog. Things always happen a little slower than you think." Reflecting on board effectiveness, Victoria believes the best boards are characterised by trust, respect and the ability to come together during periods of uncertainty. In times of crisis, successful boards remain cohesive, have difficult conversations respectfully and keep their focus firmly on the organisation's long-term interests. She also offers an insightful perspective on board culture, suggesting that warning signs are often found in seemingly small behaviours rather than major governance failures. Respectful interactions, strong board hygiene, timely information and directors who genuinely identify with the organisation all contribute to healthy governance. As a long-time advocate for gender equality and one of the founders of the Australian Gender Equality Council, Victoria reflects on the significant progress women have made in Australian boardrooms while cautioning against complacency. Although female representation has improved considerably over the past two decades, she believes true success will only come when diversity extends beyond gender to include cultural diversity, age and broader lived experience. Looking ahead, Victoria sees the next frontier as increasing the number of women board chairs, expanding diversity across all sectors and continuing to create pathways for the next generation of directors. Having been a Women on Boards member since 2008, Victoria credits the organisation with providing not only practical support and board opportunities, but also a community of women travelling similar governance journeys. Asked to describe her own board career in just three words, Victoria chose: Adventure. Courage. Joy. Those three words capture not only her own experience, but also the spirit of a governance career built on curiosity, resilience and a genuine commitment to making organisations stronger.