Webinar
1
CPD
Join our next Young Directors’ Mentor Circle as we explore practical strategies for young directors to contribute confidently, challenge respectfully and build credibility around the board table.
Contributing confidently in the boardroom can be challenging, particularly when you are earlier in your governance career. You may be weighing up when to speak, how to frame a different perspective, and whether your contribution will add value - all while managing self-doubt and avoiding the perception that you are overstepping.
This mentor circle will explore practical ways for young directors to participate meaningfully in board discussions. Through an open, facilitated conversation, experienced directors will share how they prepare to contribute, raise concerns constructively, challenge assumptions respectfully, and build credibility over time.
The session will also consider the internal barriers that can hold emerging directors back, including imposter syndrome, fear of getting it wrong, and uncertainty about boardroom dynamics. Participants will leave with practical approaches for finding their voice, communicating with purpose, and contributing in a way that supports robust decision-making and effective governance.
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.
Come prepared to be an active participant, ask questions and contribute your perspectives throughout the session.
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Alana is a change leader with a proven track record delivering complex transformation across the public sector. In roles within the public sector, she has led large-scale initiatives spanning technology, operations and organisational culture, while advising executives and governance forums. She is known for her ability to influence at all levels and for taking a pragmatic, people-centred approach to her work.
Alana is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand, a member of Global Women, and a globally accredited Change Management Specialist, with governance roles in both New Zealand and internationally. She currently sits on the boards of AFS New Zealand, and the Change Management Institute which represents over 40 countries. With experience also spanning strategic communications for global brands, she brings a broad, commercially aware perspective. Alana is an emerging leader focused on shaping inclusive, high-performing organisations and delivering meaningful, large-scale impact.
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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.
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Franky is the Head of Asia Business Activation for the Bank of New Zealand. He significantly contributes to the development and execution of the BNZ Asia Strategy, an enterprises-wide national role, from the consumer & partners to SME divisions as well as corporate and institutional banking.
Other than banking, Franky volunteers with Cure Kids as the first and only Asian Special Advocate tasked with promoting the Cure Kids brand in the Asian community in New Zealand.
Franky also sits on the Board of New Zealand Asian Leaders, Basketball Development Trust and the Board of Kāhui Tū Kaha that is part of Ngāti Whātua. Franky is also an ICE Angel Investor growing start-up business in New Zealand.
Franky is currently sitting on the Institute of Directors (IoD) Auckland branch committee. He was a mentee of the IoD Mentoring for Diversity programme in 2019 and recently completed his IoD Company Director Course.
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Pauras is a Chartered Accountant with over 10 years of experience in accounting, investment analysis, and corporate advisory. He specialises in deals advisory, including mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, business growth, succession planning, private financing, capital restructuring, debt advisory, and management buyouts. Pauras has a proven track record of facilitating investments and completing successful transactions both locally and offshore.
Pauras began his career with PricewaterhouseCoopers and ASB Bank in New Zealand before joining Colliers International New Zealand Ltd as an Investment Manager and later became a Director in the Corporate Business Sales division at ABC Business Sales Ltd before co-founding Tiaki Capital.
Pauras is a shareholder and director of a private NZ Childcare Company and serve on the boards of the Aotearoa NZ Association of Social Workers (ANZASW), Event Finda Stadium (EFS), and New Zealand Asian Leaders (NZAL). He chairs the Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand (CA ANZ) Emerging Leaders Committee and am part of CA ANZ’s Local Leaders Committee. Additionally, Pauras is an active member of the Institute of Finance Professionals New Zealand Inc (INFINZ).
Should you have any 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
