Podcast: Board Matters Season 4

Episode One: Knowing your Value Proposition

Do you really know your value when pitching yourself to a board? 

This pilot episode of Board Talk: Off the Cuff explores 'value proposition' - what it looks like, how to attract opportunities, why knowing yourself --  and understanding your skill set -- will make you a strong candidate for a board role, the importance of diversity as Aotearoa New Zealand's demographics evolve, and much more. 

This episode features voices from diverse sectors including finance, social purpose and commercial enterprise.

Special thanks to all of the participants in the podcast and to IoD sponsor Marsh.

In this episode, Helen van Orton MInstD explains the importance of AI as a co-pilot rather than setting it to autopilot, and the need for a human lens. Find out how she uses AI effectively in preparation for board meetings and the parameters that need to be set to safeguard sensitive information. 

Helen is an experienced board director and chair whose governance career spans financial services, insurance, agriculture, professional membership bodies and NFPs. She currently chairs Answer Services Ltd and serves on the boards of The Co-operative Bank Ltd, Centrix Group Ltd and The Co-operative Life Ltd. She is the founder of Directorly, a consultancy that helps boards and executive teams navigate the evolving AI governance landscape. Helen specialises in integrating Al into governance and decision-making, and brings first-hand insights into leveraging AI to enhance boardroom performance and operational efficiency. 

In this episode, Kate Bromfield CMInstD delves into the ways companies can effectively transition to become more sustainable and protect the environment while also making a profit. Find out why companies struggle in the short- to medium-term strategic transition to climate change, emissions reductions and environmental sustainability – and why short-term pain is often inevitable when transitioning to a sustainable business model. 

Kate has a PhD in marine palaeontology and climate change. She has built her career on enhancing environmental outcomes and sustainability within a sound economic framework.

In this episode, Mike Sang CMInstD shares why good companies attract great talent and the importance of staying true to your core values as leaders and businesses. He explores the cyclical nature of honey production and giving back to the environment, drawing meaningful parallels to board culture and productivity. Find out more, including why hierarchical power can obstruct open discussion between the board and management. 

Mike is a professional independent director. He is Director and Chair of Audit & Risk Committees for Orion NZ, Comvita, BRANZ and the Government Superannuation Fund Authority. He has more than 25 years’ experience working with and on boards. He has a finance background and an executive career in a variety of sectors, including roles as CEO of Ngāi Tahu Holdings and CFO of PGG Wrightson. Mike is a Chartered Accountant with CAANZ. 

In this episode, Ben Irving CMInstD explains what a return on capital looks like across different business models and why it’s sometimes difficult for boards to see what’s happening under the hood in the day-to-day operations. He shares how younger directors can get involved in governance, along with his own experience starting businesses and initiatives that benefit the community. Plus, he discusses why there is no single approach to governing technology, and the importance of balanced conversations and having the right people at the table.