Governance as a Strategic Competitive Advantage with Dr Dean Blomson | Ep. 99
Release Date: 11/12/2024
Where to Start as an Aspiring Board Member - Part Three | Ep. 128
Board Shorts Podcast
Finding and getting onto a Board is a strategic game, not a job hunt. This episode covers the necessary tools, networking strategies, and the recruitment process to ensure you move further, faster, and land on a Board where you can contribute at your highest level. In this episode, I share: Why the "Traditional" Approach Fails: I explain why waiting for advertisements and using a standard resume is slow, highly competitive, and largely ineffective, as approximately 90% of Board roles are not advertised. The Essential Tools You Need: Strategic Board...
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Where to Start as an Aspiring Board Member - Part Two | Ep. 127
Board Shorts Podcast
Do I have the right skills and experience for a Board? I’m back for Part 2 of our three-part series to guide you through the vital self-assessment step on your journey to the Boardroom. The big question: Do I have the right skills and experience to join a Board? The answer is almost certainly yes, but the key is finding the right Board that needs what you offer right now. In this episode, I help you: Define Your Whole Value: Your Unique Board Value Proposition (UBVP) is more than just your professional expertise. I explain why the "whole...
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The Indigenous Board Member Journey: Advice and Insights with Kyol Blakeney | Ep. 126
Board Shorts Podcast
In this essential and powerful episode, I am joined by Gomeroi man, Kyol Blakeney, who generously shares his profound insights into navigating the world of governance as an Indigenous leader. Kyol provides a candid look at the experience of "walking in two worlds"; from his personal journey transitioning from a small home community to joining several prominent Boards, and reveals what true inclusion requires. This conversation is a crucial call to action for every Director and Executive committed to creating genuinely diverse Boardrooms. In This Episode, We...
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AI in the Boardroom with Suzanne Rowe | Ep. 125
Board Shorts Podcast
AI is a hot topic, and its presence in the Boardroom is reaching a "fever pitch." In this episode, I revisit the topic of AI with Board administration guru, Suzanne Rowe, to get her current, real-world take on the rapidly advancing landscape. Suzanne and I dive into the evolving use of AI for Board Members and Board Administrators, from meeting preparation to minute-taking. We share our candid concerns and enthusiasm, covering the necessary considerations for proper adoption, the tribulations that arise from improper use (or no use at all), and the...
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Where to Start as an Aspiring Board Member - Part One | Ep. 124
Board Shorts Podcast
This episode kicks off a three-part series designed to help aspiring Board Members navigate the world of Board service. This first instalment tackles the most critical question: What does a Board Member actually do? We'll go beyond the Boardroom to shine a light on the full scope of the role, including the risks, commitments, and rewards. This episode addresses: The Core Responsibilities: the fundamental legal duties of an Australian Board Member/Company Director. We also break down the crucial difference between governance and management. Beyond the Boardroom: Discover the commitments that...
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How Im Navigating AI in Governance | Ep. 123
Board Shorts Podcast
How can Board Members navigate the rapid evolution of AI without succumbing to fear or hype? As a "Geriatric Millennial," I'm sharing how I’m navigating this rapidly evolving technology without falling into the trap of hype or fear. While GenAI presents risks, it also offers significant opportunities that Boards must understand and govern effectively. Key Takeaways for (Human) Board Members Human-in-the-Loop Approach: The most effective use of GenAI requires human interaction to correct for biases, hallucinations, and misinformation. Using it as a "colleague" rather than a...
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The Surprising Path to a Board Seat: Lessons from the Watermark Index | Ep. 122
Board Shorts Podcast
Watermark Search International – an executive and Board search firm – recently released their (somewhat) annual . This index reviewed the 2,100 Board Seats across the ASX300 Boards and evaluated those seats on a range of diversity attributes. As I read through this report, a few things jumped out at me that are worth diving a little deeper into, particularly for aspiring Board Members. In this episode, I discuss Formal Governance Credentials and Board Member Qualifications (do you need one to join a Board?), Director Location (competition for Board roles is international), and Age...
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A Better Way to Get on to Boards | Ep 121
Board Shorts Podcast
Welcome to a special masterclass edition! In this episode, I'm sharing the full recording of my live masterclass, originally held in our vibrant . If you've been wondering how to genuinely break into the Boardroom and truly make an impact, this episode is your strategic roadmap. I dive deep into the underlying theory and practical application of my proven 8-step approach from the Break into the Boardroom course. This isn't about luck; it's about intentional strategy. In this comprehensive masterclass, you'll discover: How to set a precise Board Goal: Defining where your first or...
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Your First 90 Days as a Board Member | Ep. 120
Board Shorts Podcast
Just landed that Board seat? Congratulations! But the real journey starts now. Your first 90 days as a Board member are critical for establishing credibility, building relationships, and making a tangible impact. In this episode, we'll walk you through a practical roadmap for making the most of your time as a baby Board Member. In this episode, you'll learn: Five essential self-onboarding strategies to get you up to speed quickly and independently, from deep-diving into foundational documents like the constitution and Board charter, to strategically introducing yourself to the wider...
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What to Know Before Your First Board Meeting | Ep. 119
Board Shorts Podcast
Congratulations, you've landed a Board seat! Now, what happens inside that Boardroom? This episode tackles the anxiety of your first Board meeting, sharing practical ways to build confidence and hit the ground running. This episode demystifies what to expect, covering: The Typical Board Meeting Flow: Understand the agenda, from "in camera" sessions to key reports and decision points. Essential Documents & Effective Reading: Learn about strategy updates, CEO reports, financials, and risk updates – and Lisa's method for efficiently processing large Board packs. Board Pack &...
info_outlineIn an era of rapid technological advancements, shifting regulatory landscapes, and evolving stakeholder expectations, traditional governance models may no longer suffice. It's time to rethink our approach and ensure that our governance practices are aligned with our organisation's unique needs and strategic goals.
My guest today is Dr Dean Blomson. Dean is a highly experienced strategy and transformation advisor, having previously served as a consulting partner with several global consulting firms. He has a strong interest in improving decision quality (and the probabilities of success), having been involved in leadership and governance over major capital commitments (M&A, capital projects, transformations), program disciplines and delivery.
Dean has a PhD in board governance of mergers and acquisitions, operates his own independent strategic advisory business, is a board director, and a part-time professor and regular teacher of executive MBAs.
Our conversation in this episode centres around the findings of a collaborative, thought-provoking research project in 2021 that Dean led and co-authored with EY’s Global Centre for Board Matters into Board Governance Models of the Future.
Specifically, we'll delve into the following questions:
- What is fit-for-purpose governance? How does it differ from the often adopted "governance by default"?
- What factors make governance "fit for purpose" or not? What are the key attributes of effective governance?
- How can we identify the signs that our governance practices are outdated or ineffective? What are the warning signals that should prompt us to take action?
- How can boards and organisations evolve their governance practices to be more fit for purpose? What are the best practices and strategies to adopt?
- What are the common pitfalls to avoid when modernizing governance? How can we navigate the challenges and ensure a successful transition?
By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear understanding of fit-for-purpose governance and be equipped to assess your Board's current practices. Join us as we explore how to build a strong foundation for long-term success.
Links Mentioned and Useful Resources
EY’s Global Centre for Board Matters into Board Governance Models of the Future
Risk Governance & Control: Financial Markets & Institutions / Volume 13, Issue 3, 2023, Virtus Press
For an overview of Dean’s fit-for-purpose governance model, I recommend watching the following webinars and downloading the slide resources.
Does governance need a reboot? Governance 4.0?
How to determine if your governance is fit for purpose
How to think differently about whole of business governance
Thanks to our sponsor BoardPro
Visit boardpro.com/boardshorts and use the promo code boardshorts – all one word, lowercase – to get a 30-day free trial AND 20% off the price of your first year on any plan.