What I’m Reading – Neerali Parbhu

Tāmaki Makaurau-based Neerali Parbhu sits on not-for-profit (NFP) boards Kiwibots and Camp Quality NZ, and works for the Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Foundation. Last year, she received an Institute of Directors’ educational scholarship, which was offered to directors in the NFP space with an opportunity to improve their governance capability.

Neerali is a second-generation New Zealand-born Indian who became involved in governance through her full-time role reporting to a board, which inspired her to sit on the other side of the table and influence causes she’s passionate about. This week, she shares a book about the fundamental drivers of success.

What is the name of the governance/business book you’re reading (or can recommend)?

High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard.

How would you describe the style of writing?

Informative and instructive. I am still very early on in the book, but from what I have read so far, it is definitely resonating with me.

What drew you to the book? 

This book was recommended to me by a friend, someone I look up to as a ‘go-getter’ who pushes the boundaries to succeed professionally, while also maintaining a work-life balance with their whānau.

What resonated with you the most?

High performance isn’t about one-off success, it is about consistently performing to a high standard. 

What is something you’ve taken away from reading that now follows you into your board roles?

A key takeaway so far is around consistency and manageability. Burning yourself out to achieve greatly on one occasion is not setting yourself up to succeed long term. Being realistic with expectations and work-life balance is so important to continue operating at a high level.

How does reading feed into your continued governance practice/learning?

As someone new to governance and not-for-profits, continuous learning and development is a huge part of my role. Figuring out ways to learn how to do things better and continuously pushing myself to push boundaries, I believe, is key to making a difference in the not-for-profit sector.

Who should read this book and at what stage in their governance career?

I think this book is applicable to anyone at any stage of their career, especially those interested in excelling at whatever they are doing.

When you’re not reading books on business or governance, what kind of books are you likely to pick up? 

Autobiographies. I love hearing the stories of individuals and their life experiences that led them to where they are.

What are some of the most pertinent governance issues at the top of mind for you currently, and why?

That the society in which we operate is always changing, alongside the needs of the organisations we serve. How can we, as board members, ensure the services our organisation offer continue to best serve our target communities while still ensuring sustainability of the organisation?

What has been the most surprising thing you’ve discovered about yourself and others while being on a board?

Recognising the diversity of thought and value I can bring to the kōrero around the board table and having confidence in myself. Although I don’t have a lot of prior governance experience, I bring a wealth of other expertise from my current role, as well as lived experience that in many cases differs to the others who sit on the boards I’m on. 

If there was anything you want to see more of at the board table, what would it be, and why?

More diversity, more people who represent those in the community/organisations they serve.