Keeping the board on track: lessons from the driver’s seat
Like an F1 race, governance moves fast. George Adams CFInstD shares the instincts that set great chairs apart.
Webcast
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CPD
Join us for our inaugural Young Directors' Network Mentor Circle – facilitated by young directors for young directors. Refine your unique leadership style and sharpen your voice in the boardroom.
Great governance starts with knowing who you are as a leader. In this interactive Mentor Circle online, we’ll dive into what it means to show up with clarity, confidence and authenticity as a director.
You’ll explore how your values, experiences and perspective shape your governance identity—and how to bring that to life around the board table.
Guided by experienced young directors Amy Cavanaugh CMInstD, Guy Alexander CMInstD, Jonathan Chambers CMInstD and Cullum Peni-Wesche MInstD. This session is the first of our Young Directors’ Network Mentor Circle series - designed for emerging directors in the early stages of their governance career.
Our YDN Mentor Circles offer an opportunity to connect with other aspiring directors across the motu, share experiences and hear insights to help you grow as a purpose-driven leader.
We encourage open conversations in a safe and confidential environment. Come prepared to be an active participant, ask questions and contribute your perspectives throughout the session.
CMInstD
Amy Cavanaugh started her governance career five years ago when she was appointed Independent Director at a boutique investment fund. Having worked in financial services for over ten years and holding an executive position at insurance and finance companies, taking on a governance role was the next step up. She is now on the board for two Not-for-profit organisations and is Head of Transformation - Corporate Trustee Services at Public Trust.
With a career aspiration to lead New Zealand organisations to make a difference for businesses and communities in Aotearoa, Amy continues to work studiously to create opportunities for herself and others to be successful.
CMInstD
Since joining his first board at age 19, Guy has served on nine boards, both in the non-profit and start-up spaces, gaining invaluable experience. He's gone full circle, having started his governance career with CanTeen Aotearoa as a "member director", rejoining the board in 2024 as an independent director. He also serves as a Trustee of Katoa Connect Trust and recently stepped down as an independent director for AUT Student Association.
In addition to his governance roles, Guy leads Go-to-market for Critical Infrastructure Company, Vector Fibre. Prior to this, he was Chief Sales Officer at Groov - a wellbeing startup co-founded by Sir John Kirwan, and GM, Enterprise Segment at Global software company, Xero. He's passionate about coaching and bringing out the best in people, with several private clients, and is a mentor with BMNZ.
In his downtime, you'll find Guy being walked by his dog, Lola (black lab staffie cross), or on his road bike training for an event he's signed up for.
CMInstD
Jonathan is a board member of the Te Whangai Trust, an enterprise founded on a SEEC quadruple-bottom line model. Over the last 15 years the Trust has given chronically unemployed and at-risk youth and adults the tools and support to achieve sustainable employment.
Jonathan is passionate about building sustainable communities and investing to achieve broader outcomes. He is a chartered environmental engineer with a focus in flood risk and stormwater management and is a Chartered Member of the IoD.
MInstD
Cullum is the National Advisor for Operational Assurance at Fire and Emergency New Zealand, where he provides independent and objective advice to foster continuous improvement across an organisation of 14,500 paid staff and volunteers. He currently sits on the Board of the Institute of Public Administration NZ (IPANZ), where he leverages his background in risk management, compliance, and Māori strategy to make a positive impact for the organisation. Cullum maintains his operational capability through national and international deployments and stays connected to his community as a volunteer firefighter. Additionally, Cullum is also a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors, and an alumnus of the Young Pacific Leaders program operated by the U.S. Department of State.
Should you have any dietary, mobility, cultural or other requirements, you can let us know on the registration form.
By registering for this event you are confirming that you agree to adhere to our event terms and conditions.
Regrettably, registration fees cannot be refunded when cancellations are received within two working days prior to any branch event. See our standard terms and conditions for more information.
Litia Brighouse-Fuavao
Diversity Programmes Manager
+64 274 447 371
Litia.Brighouse-Fuavao@iod.org.nz
The Institute of Directors acknowledges the generous support of national partners and sponsors
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