Six questions with…Jason Cowan MInstD

Jason Cowan, MInstD sits on the Waikato branch committee of the Institute of Directors.

He is a corporate partner at the Bank of New Zealand and has been with BNZ for almost 25 years in a career spanning personal, commercial & and corporate banking.

Jason is currently a trustee on the Neuro Research Charitable Trust, which aims to find a cure for Parkinson’s Disease.

1. Why did you join the IoD?

I had witnessed first-hand the work the local branch committee had done to support directors and their businesses, along with the significant personal and professional development that the IoD provides.

2. How did you find yourself on a branch committee?

The opportunity presented itself following the resignation of BNZ staff member Hayden Dillon from the IoD Waikato committee. He nominated me. I already knew several committee members, in fact a couple of them are long-standing customers of mine. After being nominated, I was co-opted onto the committee and the rest is history.

3. What’s the best thing about being on the committee?

I have learned to appreciate the diverse and dynamic nature of people around the committee table. We all have different views and perspectives and it’s important to listen, reflect and then provide feedback or an alternative view if required. The committee includes some high-profile directors who provide the wider business community with excellent support and mentoring, which I am keen to become more involved with.

4. If you had one tip for a person interested in a governance career, what would it be?

Start small. The number of new directors who instantly want high-profile appointments is surprising. Personally, I have been involved in many for-purpose organisations (I currently sit on the board of The Neurological Research Charitable Trust. The feeling of giving back while providing tangible benefit to a for-purpose entity is very rewarding.

5. Where do the biggest opportunities lie for New Zealand post-COVID?

New Zealand must be courageous and forward thinking in its relationship with a world that is currently turning itself inside out. We need to get our borders open with Australia as soon as possible and develop and grow new markets to take advantage of our unique position at the bottom of the world.

6. What will your branch look like in 2024?

A diverse, dynamic and devoted group of individuals adding value for directors and the Waikato Business Community. This will be achieved by promoting the IoD’s absolutely first-rate programmes and courses, finding relevant and experienced speakers to present and provide insight to our members, and by continuing to develop ourselves.