Podcast: Board Matters Season 4

In this episode, Paul Reid MInstD discusses his experience as a chair, including the red flags, being adaptable, how listening is a superpower, and why there isn’t a single style or approach for a high-performing chair. He also shares his experience of being on the board of Pukeko Pictures and chairing a creative industry board.   

Paul is a governance professional with extensive experience of scaling technology companies, expanding international business, and raising public and private capital. He has held numerous board positions across ASX & NZX-listed, private equity-backed, and Crown-owned organisations and is currently Chair of Virsae Limited, Deputy Chair of New Zealand Post Limited and a director of Christchurch International Airport Limited. He is the immediate past chair of Volpara Health Technologies, Optimal Workshop, Figured and Pukeko Pictures Limited. 

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.