Take on Board

In this solo Take On Board episode, I introduce the Human Synergistics Group Styles Inventory (GSI) as a tool boards can use to increase effectiveness. I explain the Human Synergistics Circumplex with 12 group styles across three clusters: constructive (blue), passive/defensive (green), and aggressive/defensive (red), and I describe how each can show up in board dynamics. I share that Human Synergistics research links more effective groups with higher constructive styles and lower defensive/aggressive styles, and I outline how a board can measure itself after a meeting or a simulation, set actions, and remeasure later. I also describe an anonymised board simulation where we focused on increasing self-actualising and affiliative behaviours while reducing avoidant and power behaviours, and I emphasise that these actions should be owned by the whole board, not just the chair, CEO, or secretary.Upcoming TOB EventsAll eventsYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityFollow along on TwitterWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programFind out more about meContact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Take On Board podcast, I'm speaking with Solai Valliappan about learning how to be a board chair.Solai is a Sydney-based technology investor, advisor, and board director. Starting her career as an Actuary, she transitioned into the startup world 10 years ago. She has been leveraging her finance expertise to advise family offices, venture capital firms, accelerators, and startups across Australia, including investing as an angel investor.She discusses the importance of structure, feedback, and clear boundaries between governance and operations, especially within small organizations and not-for-profits. Solai emphasizes learning on the job, drawing on resources like podcasts and peer feedback, and encourages others to take on new challenges in board leadership.Links and ResourcesSolai on LinkedInSolai's SubstackSolai's YouTubeUpcoming TOB EventsAll eventsYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityFollow along on TwitterWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programFind out more about meContact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Take on Board, I discuss a topic that is sometimes overlooked: the crucial role of governance calendars for boards. Think of it as the board's essential work plan, a simple table or spreadsheet that lays out exactly when the board will tackle key topics (strategy, budget, compliance, CEO check-ins, etc.) over the next year or more.Links and ResourcesAICD Board CalendarsEffective Governance Calendar TemplateSavvy Director PrepAnnual Board & Compliance Calendar templateUpcoming TOB EventsAll eventsYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityFollow along on TwitterWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programFind out more about meContact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I'm speaking with Suzie Thoraval about governance of risk and audit. Suzie is the independent chair of the finance, audit and risk Committee at the Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, and she's a member of the finance, risk and audit committees at the Judicial College of Victoria and the cities of Greater Dandenong, Knox and Whittlesea.She's previously been on the advisory board for the College of Law's Centre for Legal Innovation and the Chair of Dear Dyslexic Foundation, and on the School Council of Camberwell Primary School. Suzie is a seasoned legal governance and strategic leadership professional with deep expertise in audit risk and corporate governance.She brings 25 years of experience, including 13 years in senior leadership in government. She brings a Master of Laws and a strategic, inquisitive mindset to every conversation.Links and ResourcesSuzie Thoraval on LinkedInSuzie's past newsletters are on her website along with YouTube videos: www.suziethoraval.com and https://www.youtube.com/@SuzieThoravalUpcoming TOB EventsAll eventsYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityFollow along on TwitterWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programFind out more about meContact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Take On Board podcast, I’ll be discussing risk and risk appetite statements. This topic has been on my mind because I recently facilitated a workshop with a board focused on their risk appetite.I’d like to walk you through the process I often use with groups and share some resources that I find helpful. Risk appetite is undoubtedly an important aspect that boards should consider and address. should be paying attention to. Links and ResourcesSetting your risk appetite: supplementary guidance (The Institute of Risk Management) Upcoming TOB EventsAll eventsYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityFollow along on TwitterWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programFind out more about meContact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Take On Board podcast, I'm speaking with Daralyse Lyons about non-executive roles and executive director positions. We may even hear the story of why she resigned from a role in which she excelled, and how the board influenced that decision.Daralyse is a journalist and author with prior experience in business development and financial management. She has written more than two dozen books, several short stories, and countless articles.She is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and the former Vice President of Philadelphia's chapter of NLGJA. Daralyse graduated summa cum laude from New York University, where she earned a double major in English and religious studies and a minor in history. In 2023, she received the Pennsylvania City and State Impact Award, recognizing her as one of the 75 most impactful individuals in Pennsylvania.More recently, she became a Who's Who Honoree. Currently, she serves as the Chief Revenue Officer for Bucks County Beacon.Upcoming TOB EventsAll eventsYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityFollow along on TwitterWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programFind out more about meContact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy 2026, Take on Boarders. It is fabulous to be back on the other side. I had a little break. During that period, just a week in Adelaide, between Christmas and New Year, lots of beautiful walks along the Torrens River, catching up with a few of the take on board community and just. Having a bit of a relax, really.As you know, one of the things I often do during the break is reflect a little more on my RSVP statement. Where I'd landed last year was that, for this year, it's about holding space for me and identifying what I'm not going to be doing. Doing a perhaps unsu to be new things.I have found that a little bit tricky, so I'm not as clear on that as I would like. However, I have made some progress, all things considered. It was actually gonna be about Take on Board and the podcast, and I was gonna drop it back to fortnightly. However, I've decided to hold off on that for at least a little while. So what is the plan for Take on Board? Well, you'll need to tune in here for all the news. You might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programContact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Linh Do about the Take on Board accelerator program. This is a program I run, and many of you will know that earlier this year, I did a miniseries on the podcast about professional development options and forgot to do my own.Linh is the chair of the Climate Action Network Australia and AktivAsia, and a board member of the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation. She’s also a member of the research committee at the Centre for Policy Development. She was formerly on the board of the Centre for Sustainability Leadership because I was on the board there as well, although I don’t think we were on it at the same time. And she’s been on a range of government advisory groups.Linh has a background in climate advocacy in leadership, and she’s currently the director of the Wattle Fellowship at the University of Melbourne.Professional development for board directors mini series playlist:​​Episode 326: Francie Doolan asks do you have the skills to govern in a changing world?Episode 325: Kim Sullivan’s fresh perspective on the AICD Company Directors courseEpisode 324: Ngaire Anderson experienced the AICD Boardroom Mastery programEpisode 323: Jane Davel has options for New Zealand board membersEpisode 322: Jennifer Duncan on the virtues of the Governance for Social Impact programEpisode 321: Professional development in governance with Kiki PaulYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programContact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I’m speaking with Candice Deville about AI and the missing AI conversation in the boardroom.Candice was formally on the board of Charity Bay, and she’s the founder of AI Co-pilot and a leading AI strategist with 20-plus years of experience in digital transformation, enterprise marketing and emerging tech. She advises boards, government, and growth-stage companies on responsible AI adoption, blending commercial insight with a sharp human-centered lens on the future of work.AI in the boardroom mini series playlist:Episode 314: AI in the boardroom mini series – Dr Henna Karna delivers the basics on AIEpisode 315: AI in the boardroom mini series – Candice DeVille explains what boards should be asking about AIEpisode 316: AI in the boardroom mini series – Dottie Schindlinger is sharing some AI research for boardsEpisode 317: AI in the boardroom mini series – Alice TangEpisode 318: AI in the boardroom mini series – Kate Larsen says it’s time to talk about the ethics of AIEpisode 319: Candice answers questions about AI in the boardroomLinks and ResourcesCandice DeVille on LinkedInCandice DeVille WebsiteThe AI-Ready Playbook: Navigating AI Like A Pro by Candice DeVilleFree AI PDFYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programContact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Take On Board Podcast, I'm speaking with Louise Brockman about well, all things advisory boards. This is part of an advisory board mini-series in today's episode one, where we will discuss the history, purpose, structure, and impact of advisory boards. Louise is on the advisory board of the Advisory Board centre, so if that's not the peak of all advisory boards, I'm not sure what is. And she's been on, well, heaps of advisory boards. She's the founder and CEO of the Advisory Board centre, and having had first-hand life-changing experience with her advisory board in a previous business, Louise researched and tested the advisory board sector for five years before establishing the world's first professional body for the advisory board sector.She knows all there is to know.Advisory board mini series playlist:Episode 303: Louise Broekman outlines the history and importance of advisory boardsEpisode 304: Sandra Gamble on advisory boards in the energy and sustainability sectorsEpisode 305: Cynthia Payne on advisory boards in the health and aged care sectorsEpisode 306: Heather Disher on business sector advisory boardsEpisode 307: Louise Broekman’s rundown of the Advisory Board Centre’s upcoming State of the Market Report 2025-2027Episode 308: Advisory board mini series – Louise Broekman answers questions on the advisory board marketEpisode 309: Advisory board mini series – Mary Goodwin on her experiences with the Advisory Board Centre’s Certified Chair CourseLinks and ResourcesLouise Broekman on LinkedInAdvisory Board CentreABF101 Advisory Board Best Practice Framework2025 Megatrends SummitUpcoming TOB EventsAll eventsYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programContact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Take on Board Podcast, I’m speaking with Katie Constantinou about onboarding new directors.Katie is on the board of Harbison, an aged care organisation in regional New South Wales. She also sits on several committees: the New South Wales Justices Association Southern Highlands branch and the BDCU Grads Committee. She’s formerly been on the boards of Wingecarribee Adult Day Centres, a not-for-profit service that provides social opportunities within a group setting for older people and people living with dementia.Katie is a mother of two high school children and a proud nerd about governance and legal issues. She has a deep knowledge of administrative, legal and governance frameworks, policies and practices. She’s an experienced non-executive director, adviser, public servant, legal professional, and leader of diverse Government and Community Services. Katie’s passion lies in developing collaborative stakeholder relationships and partnerships.She holds a Bachelor of Arts in linguistics and modern Greek from the University of Sydney and a Bachelor of Laws from ANU. Katie is a New South Wales Justice of the Peace, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia.Board composition and effectiveness mini series playlist:Episode 289: steps for recruiting a board member with me!Episode 290: Katie Constantinou on onboarding new directorsEpisode 291: understanding board skills matrices with Leesa ChesserEpisode 292: Carmel Mulhern knows how to maximise a board agendaEpisode 293: Bernadette Northeast evaluates the importance of board evaluationsLinks and ResourcesKatie Constantinou on LinkedInThe Key to Director Onboarding (The Corporate Director Podcast) https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/inside-todays-boardrooms-the-key-to-director-onboarding/id1462449171?i=1000664068655AICDElevating the client voice to boards (AICD article) https://www.aicd.com.au/good-governance/public-trust/organisation/elevating-the-client-voice-to-boards.htmlRecruitment and onboarding process example (Word doc) https://helgasvendsen.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Take-on-Board-podcast-Recruitment-and-onboarding-process-example.docxBoard vacancy advertisement example (Word doc) https://helgasvendsen.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Take-on-Board-podcast-Board-vacancy-advertisement.docxInvitation to join as an Observer example (Word doc) https://helgasvendsen.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Take-on-Board-podcast-Invitation-to-join-as-an-Observer.docxUpcoming TOB EventsAll eventsYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityWork with meContact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This year’s final podcast episode is always a special one for me—it’s my chance to pause, reflect, and invite you into the RSVP process that’s become a yearly ritual. I love grabbing a pen, scribbling on the worksheet (available below) and taking a proper look back at the year that’s just gone.Here is a high-level breakdown of the RSVP!Reflect / ReviewSuperpowers / StrengthsValuesPurposeI walk you through all the steps in the podcast and the YouTube video.Thank you to my amazing team, the Take on Board community, and everyone who has been part of this year. I hope you’ll use the RSVP worksheet and take some well-deserved time to reflect as the year wraps up!Links and ResourcesRSVP WorksheetUpcoming TOB EventsAll eventsYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityFollow along on TwitterWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programFind out more about meContact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the final Take on Board event for 2025. Dominique Hes is here to explore the innovative concept of integrating nature into boardroom governance. Dominique introduces the groundbreaking concept of treating nature as a guardian in the boardroom, inspired by a UK initiative. She explains how this approach promotes environmental responsibility within organizational governance.Dominique responded to questions from the Take on Board community. Here are a few to give you a sense of the dynamic conversation during the event.What inspired the idea of incorporating nature into the boardroom, and how do you envision it being implemented in Australia?Can you explain the legal framework being developed to govern nature and how it differs from existing corporate governance structures?What specific actions can organizations take to address their environmental risks, and how can the TNFD framework assist in that process?Links and ResourcesDominique Hes on LinkedInAll of Dominique's Take on Board episodesUpcoming TOB EventsAll eventsYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityFollow along on TwitterWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programFind out more about meContact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Take On Board podcast, I'm speaking with Linh Do about the Take On Board accelerator program. This is a program I run, and many of you will know that earlier this year, I did a miniseries on the podcast about professional development options and forgot to do my own.Linh is the chair of the Climate Action Network Australia and AktivAsia, and a board member of the Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation. She's also a member of the research committee at the Center for Policy Development. She was formerly on the board of the Center for Sustainability Leadership because I was on the board there as well, although I don't think we were on it at the same time. And she's been on a range of government advisory groups.Linh has a background in climate advocacy in leadership, and she's currently the director of the Wattle Fellowship at the University of Melbourne. Links and ResourcesLinh Do on LinkedInJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programUpcoming TOB EventsAll eventsYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityFollow along on TwitterWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programFind out more about meContact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Take On Board podcast, I'm speaking with Diana Nestorovska about considering and managing geopolitical risk in the boardroom.Diana is Deputy chair of South Gippsland Water Corporation, and she has previously been on the boards of Melba Support Services Limited, Sexual Health Victoria and the University of Wollongong University Council. She's also been a member of the Latrobe University Human Research Ethics Committee and a public representative on the Australian Press Council.As of yesterday, Diana is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and she brings 20 years of experience across law, diplomacy, enterprise risk, and for-purpose leadership. She's a former Australian diplomat and has represented Australian interests in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.Links and ResourcesDiana on LinkedInFor a macro, global outlook: World Economic Forum Global Risk Report 2025 - Lowy Institute for an Australian and Asia-Pacific OutlookFor information on Australia's bilateral relationship with specific countries, DFAT Country Briefs are a great source of informationAICD for numerous articles on geopolitical risk aimed at directors and executives - www.aicd.com.auUpcoming TOB EventsAll eventsYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityFollow along on TwitterWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programFind out more about meContact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Take on Board podcast, Ari Magalhaes joined a great group of Take on Board community members to answer any and all questions about organisational turnarounds, building on her previous insights from our recent podcast episode. Ari emphasised the critical importance of understanding financial statements for board directors and outlined specific key performance indicators (KPIs) that signal potential risks within organizations.Links and ResourcesAri Magalhaes on LinkedInOmniStrategic Impact Framework Episode 225: Ari Magalhaes uses her years of experience of analysing risk and employing strategy in the boardroomEpisode 327: Ari Magalhaes knows business turnarounds and says you can tooUpcoming TOB EventsAll eventsYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityFollow along on TwitterWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programFind out more about meContact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I'm speaking with Fiona David about understanding modern slavery risk. Fiona is on the boards of ACCESS-NRI, Australia's climate simulator, and the Coolaroo Foundation, a philanthropic organisation, and an alternate director on the Forrest Research Foundation for Nicola Forrest. Lawyer, human rights expert, and founder of Fair Futures, Fiona, is leading the charge in helping organisations tackle issues such as modern slavery in their supply chains.Having led the creation of the landmark Global Slavery Index, she is an expert in helping companies embed ethical and sustainable practices, proving that commercial success doesn’t need to come at the expense of human rights or the environment.Links and ResourcesFiona David on LinkedInFiona on the Fair Futures websiteRecent articles that give practical insights and tips for Board Directors on understanding modern slavery risk:Why Human Rights Need to Sit at the Board LevelHow to embed modern slavery human rights due diligence into strategyThe Walk Free Global Slavery Index provides valuable country-by-country information that Board Directors will typically see referenced in their organisations' MSA statements. Upcoming TOB EventsAll eventsYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityFollow along on TwitterWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programFind out more about meContact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I'm speaking with Moira Junge about the importance of sleep for board directors. Moira was on the Sleep Health Foundation Board for six years before stepping into the inaugural CEO role. She's also an advisory board member at Healthylife. Moira is a public health advocate, a clinical health psychologist, an adjunct associate professor, and a former registered nurse.After three decades on the front lines treating mental and physical health challenges, she made the switch from intervention to prevention. Moira aims to bring clarity, credibility, and urgency to one of the most overlooked and misunderstood pillars of mental and physical health - sleep.Links and ResourcesMoira Junge on LinkedInUpcoming TOB EventsAll eventsYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityFollow along on TwitterWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programFind out more about meContact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I'm speaking with Giselle McLachlan about creating the future in the boardroom. Giselle is on the boards of AbacusBio and Chairs the Audit and Risk Committee of Local Government New Zealand. Grounded founder Giselle is a governance and leadership specialist. Giselle is all about down-to-earth governance and business advice, and thrives on building sustainable businesses alongside healthy leaders and lives.Giselle loves working with others who love learning, growing, and creating a better future.Links and ResourcesGrounded GovernanceGiselle on LinkedInUpcoming TOB EventsAll eventsYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityFollow along on TwitterWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programFind out more about meContact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Take on Board podcast, I'm speaking with Ari Magalhaes about business turnarounds.Ari is on the boards of Palliative Care Tasmania, serves as Deputy Chair of Women's Health Tasmania, and is part of the Community Advisory Committee of Red Nose Australia. Ari is a global economist, non-executive director, and board advisor with a track record helping ASX private and purpose-led organisations navigate disruption and deliver measurable value.She's driven over $110 million in outcomes, a five to 10% profit uplift across sectors such as energy, health, government, and aged care. Ari helps boards and senior leadership turn complexity into clarity, whether managing regulatory change, financial pressure, emerging technologies (like AI) or internal misalignments.She designs decision systems that make tough trade-offs visible, oversight effective, and strategy executable. She'll tell you what's ahead, show you the red pill or the blue pill, and help you choose the best possible next step.Links and ResourcesEVENT: Organisational Turnarounds with AriAri Magalhaes on LinkedInOmniStrategic Impact Framework Episode 225: Ari Magalhaes uses her years of experience of analysing risk and employing strategy in the boardroomUpcoming TOB EventsAll eventsYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityFollow along on TwitterWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programFind out more about meContact me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.