Preparing for Life as a Board Member with Dr Keith Dorsey | Ep. 116
Release Date: 05/13/2025
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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_outlineI'm so excited to share this conversation with you! I've found a kindred spirit in Dr. Keith Dorsey, who, like me, is dedicated to helping people navigate the often-uncharted territory of embarking on a board career.
Dr. Keith D. Dorsey is an executive coach, author, and expert in leadership development and corporate governance. With over 25 years of experience, Keith is passionate about helping senior leaders secure seats at the corporate boardroom table. His new book, The Boardroom Journey: Practical Guidance for Women to Secure a Seat at the Table, offers actionable strategies for aspiring board members and independent directors seeking their next board seat.
In this episode, we tackle some of the most pressing questions for anyone considering a board role: How do you really know you're ready? What's the best way to take that first step, and what kind of support system do you need to succeed? Dr. Dorsey brings a unique perspective to these questions, drawing from his extensive experience and his doctoral research.
Keith and I explore the five essential types of capital needed for your board journey – with a special focus on the often-underestimated "commitment capital." We also delve into the vital roles of self-belief and perseverance, and uncover practical strategies for finding and leveraging mentors, sponsors, and allies.
Plus, for those who are eager to prepare for the boardroom but aren't quite ready to launch their search, Dr. Dorsey shares actionable steps you can take right now to build your skills and readiness.
Specifically, in this episode, we discuss:
- How you know - or get to know - that you’re ready for Board service.
- The first step you should take on your Board career journey.
- The five types of Capital required for your Board journey.
- Why self-belief and perseverance are so important for a Board journey.
- How you can best find and use mentors, sponsors, and allies to support your Board aspirations.
- What are the steps or actions that you can take now to skill-up for the Boardroom (particularly if you’re not quite ready to start your Board journey but it is on your horizon)?
Get ready for an insightful and empowering conversation that will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to take control of your board career journey.
Links Mentioned in this Episode
Dr Keith's Website: boardroomjourney.com
Book: The Boardroom Journey: Practical Guidance for Women to Secure a Seat at the Table
Program: Build Your Board Resume (open for enrolment until Sunday, 18 May 2025)
Course: Break into the Boardroom (self-paced and always open for enrolment)
If you have a question or a topic that you’d like covered in a future episode, please fill out our short online survey.