Succession Planning that Actually Works: Building Future-Ready Boards (with Rachael McLennan, People for Purpose)
Release Date: 04/06/2026
Care Governance for Directors: Balancing Risk, Quality and Accountability in Today’s Environment (with Virginia Bourke, Mercy Health Australia and Martin Laverty, Aruma)
Boards with Purpose
In this episode of Boards with Purpose, Phil speaks with Martin Laverty, CEO of Aruma, and , Chair of Mercy Health, about the evolving landscape of care governance across aged care, disability, healthcare and early childhood sectors. Together, they explore how governance has matured in response to rising community expectations, regulatory reform and the lasting impact of Royal Commissions. The conversation highlights the shift from compliance-focused oversight to a more holistic, person-centred approach—where quality care is defined not just by safety, but by dignity, choice and lived...
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Succession Planning that Actually Works: Building Future-Ready Boards (with Rachael McLennan, People for Purpose)
Boards with Purpose
In this episode, Phil sits down with Rachael McLennan, co-founder of People for Purpose, for a thoughtful and practical conversation on succession planning in the not-for-profit sector. Together, they explore how rising community expectations, increased regulation and greater scrutiny are driving a more intentional approach to board and executive succession. Rachael highlights the shift from informal, relationship-based appointments to strategically aligned recruitment grounded in purpose, skills, diversity of perspective and future needs. She emphasises that effective succession planning is...
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Measuring Impact Without Losing Heart: Healthy Compassion in Action (with Zoe Black and Mark Osborn, Happy Paws Happy Hearts)
Boards with Purpose
In our debut episode of Board with Purpose, we sit down with Zoe Black, Founder & CEO of Happy Paws Happy Hearts, and Mark Osborn, the organisation’s chair, for a powerful conversation on the challenge of measuring impact in a not-for-profit organisation. Authentic, candid and full of practical insight, we delve into: How impact data informs governance, board decision‑making and strategic planning The importance of CEO wellbeing, including Zoe’s transformative three‑month sabbatical Balancing impact and sustainability in a changing NDIS landscape ...
info_outlineIn this episode, Phil sits down with Rachael McLennan, co-founder of People for Purpose, for a thoughtful and practical conversation on succession planning in the not-for-profit sector. Together, they explore how rising community expectations, increased regulation and greater scrutiny are driving a more intentional approach to board and executive succession. Rachael highlights the shift from informal, relationship-based appointments to strategically aligned recruitment grounded in purpose, skills, diversity of perspective and future needs. She emphasises that effective succession planning is not a moment in time, but a continuous, forward-looking discipline embedded in strategy.
The discussion also examines what high-performing boards are doing well — from setting clear term expectations and aligning director “superpowers” to strategy, to using robust board reviews and nominations committees to drive accountability and improvement. Rachael reflects on the importance of strong chairs, healthy board culture, and honest conversations about CEO succession, internal bench strength and risk appetite. Looking ahead, they consider the impact of AI, remuneration pressures, evolving workforce expectations and the growing complexity of leadership in the sector. The episode offers practical insights for boards and executives committed to building sustainable, future-ready governance in an increasingly demanding environment.
Learn more about People for Purpose: https://peopleforpurpose.com.au/
Find key resources for those in the NFP space in the AICD Not-for-Profit Resource Centre.