The One Decision You Need to Make Before 2026
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...
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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...
info_outlineInstead 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 you want to be in December 2026—still aspiring, or wrapping up your year as a serving Board Member?
- A Major Announcement: A sneak peek at the new high-touch program launching in the new year, designed to stop the paralysis and get you Board-ready.
- The "Set and Forget" Strategy: How to plant a flag for your future-self right now so you can enjoy your holiday guilt-free.
Build Your Board Career
I’m officially announcing my brand new, high-touch program: Build Your Board Career.
This is a 3-month intensive starting on March 2, 2026, designed to build your brand, refine your value, and execute your Board search strategy. Crucially, the support doesn’t stop after the intensive; you get ongoing support to progress your Board goals throughout the year.
It is the solution for aspiring Board Members who want a Board Career Coach in their pocket to guide them, cheer for them, and hold them accountable.
Links & Resources:
Join the Waitlist for Build Your Board Career: Don't worry about filling out applications during your break. Simply put your details on the waitlist to get first access when doors open in February.
Connect with Me:
- Website: Get on Board Australia
- LinkedIn: Lisa Cook
Thank you for tuning in during 2025. Have a safe, rejuvenating break, and I will see you refreshed and ready to go in 2026!