Answering the “Why You?” Question: Mastering Your Board Story | Ep. 133
Board Shorts Podcast
Every Board you approach, whether through an advertisement or a coffee meeting, is asking themselves one fundamental question: "Why you?" Why should they choose you over the other candidates? Why are you the risk worth taking? If you are struggling to answer this question concisely, or if your applications are being met with silence, the issue likely isn't your capability; it’s your Unique Board Value Proposition (UBVP). In this episode, I deconstruct exactly how to build a compelling Board Story. I break down the seven elements that make up your unique value proposition and provide the...
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The 90% Rule: Why You Probably Won’t Find Your Next Board Role Advertised
Board Shorts Podcast
If your Board search strategy consists of spending your Saturday mornings refreshing LinkedIn, searching through Institute listings, and waiting for an email alert to ping—this episode is your reality check. Today, I’m breaking down the "Iceberg Theory" of Board recruitment. The advertisements you see on public job boards represent less than 10% of the actual opportunities. The other 90% - the hidden Board seat market - are filled through trusted networks, private recommendations, and strategic conversations long before an advertisement is ever written. I explain why this ‘Board...
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Hope is Not a Strategy: Taking Control of your Board Career | Ep. 131
Board Shorts Podcast
If you are currently looking for a Board role, answer this honestly: Is your strategy based on searching for that perfect advertisement, waiting for head-hunters to call, or asking your network to "keep you in mind"? If so, you are likely hearing a lot of silence. In this episode, I am sharing a bit of a reality check. I am breaking down the four most common "strategies" aspiring Board Members use, and exactly why they don’t work in today’s market. Over 90% of Board roles are never advertised. If you are relying on the "Seek.com Approach," you are competing for less than 10% of the...
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The One Decision You Need to Make Before 2026 | Ep. 130
Board Shorts Podcast
Instead of giving you a lecture or a list of "10 things you must do over Christmas," I’m giving you the exact opposite: full permission to switch off. Tune in to hear why "strategic rest" is just as important as strategic action and learn about the one decision you need to make now to ensure 2026 is the year you finally land your Board role. In this episode, I discuss: Permission to Rest: Why you cannot be an effective, sharp Board Member if you are constantly running on fumes. The "One Decision": A visualisation exercise to ask yourself where...
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Three End-of-Year Moves to Boost Your Board Career in 2026 | Ep. 129
Board Shorts Podcast
The end of the year often feels like pure downtime, but we see it as a strategic window; a rare time when high-level professionals and current Board Members are more reflective and accessible. While everyone else is winding down (or watching the cricket!), you have an opportunity to make three highly focused, low effort moves that will put you miles ahead of the competition and guarantee a strong Board career launch in the new year. This isn't about the hustle; it's about strategic preparation so you can hit the ground running when the new year officially begins. In this episode, I cover three...
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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...
info_outlineAI 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 excitement from someone who has witnessed the journey from manual typewriters to today's AI capabilities.
This is a candid conversation for any Board Member, Company Secretary, or Board Administrator trying to understand, make sense of, and navigate the weird and wonderful world of AI in governance.
The AI Archetype Quiz
I referenced an interesting AFR statistic that approximately 1 in 5 (19%) Australians exaggerate their understanding of AI, and 32% of workers try to avoid the subject.
I took the AI Archetype quiz and was identified as The Cautious Optimist—someone who is excited but cautious about AI. This archetype:
- Balances curiosity and risk-aversion.
- Needs reassurance from authority or peers before committing to action.
- Is often motivated by seeing tangible wins before fully embracing change.
If you want to take the quiz, visit this AFR article.
Connect with Suzanne
If you're interested in connecting with Suzanne Rowe to follow up on this episode, or if you have your own insights into AI in the Boardroom, you can find her on LinkedIn.
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.
Links Mentioned in this Episode
AICD and Governance Institute: Effective Board Minutes and the Use of AI (A Joint Statement)
Know your AI Archetype (AFR quiz)
AI for Board Secretaries with Suzanne Rowe (Board Shorts Podcast Ep. 92)