Episode 03: An Interview with Non Executive Director Donna McMaster

In this episode of Non Executive Director Insider Insights, we discuss maximising value through a diverse board portfolio with Kerry Ryan. Kerry has broad experience across various consumer-facing industries - retail, FMCG, sport, professional services, education, fitness, health and wellbeing, and social services.Through her diverse board portfolio, Kerry was able to embrace opportunities that challenged her growth enabling her to strengthen her skills and enhance her  opportunity to add greater value.In this episode of Insider Insights, we explore:Kerry's journey to joining the board of the Richmond Football ClubStrategies for preparation and presentation for board interviewsDeal breakers when evaluating board role offersOvercoming some of the hurdles faced by Non Executive DirectorsTips for embarking on your first board roleKerry's 5 Cs framework for assessing board role candidatesRecommendations for those who make the shortlist for board positionsIf you haven’t listened to our previous episode on An Interview with Non Executive Director Rob Hale, check out Episode 11. Quotes"You need to be very certain about your value proposition. Look at the values and strategy of the organisation and get a feel for whether that fits with your values." -Kerry Ryan"It's important to identify where you want to play, the industries that interest you, and then understand how you can add value." -Kerry Ryan"Board roles are not just about attending meetings, it's about all the other things that you need to do outside the boardroom that take up a lot of time." -Kerry Ryan

In this episode of Non Executive Director Insider Insights, we chat with Rob Hale. Rob is a client of the Board Coaching Institute who has recently launched his board career. Building on his stellar career in technology, Rob recently landed a board role in the mutual banking space which nicely rounds out his portfolio as a Government and Industry Advisory Board member, and fintech executive. Whilst Tech challenges are high on board agendas, there are few executives who can successfully bridge the gap between having deep operational technical insights and being able to translate this into board level knowledge to form the basis for sound decision making.For Rob, the keys to board success staying true to his value proposition for helping people, being transparent, listening closely, and translating complex technical issues into actionable business strategies. In this episode of Insider Insights, we explore:The defining moment for Rob's Board CareerThe significance of getting clear with your values and purposeStruggles of identifying your Board Value PropositionThe biggest challenges for NEDsAdvantage of having both Executive and Non-Executive rolesRob's advice to anyone starting in the board roleIf you haven’t listened to our previous episode on The Benefits of a Purpose-Driven and Profitable Board with Sanchia Aranda AM, check out Episode 10. Quotes“I've learned so much about how a board operates that my understanding of what a board needs from an executive team is now elevated.” -Rob Hale  “I am lucky that my boardroom is about a four hour drive away. That's a great opportunity to put some podcasts on. Slow down and think about what I'm about to go into, get my head in the zone, and start thinking like a board director.”  -Rob Hale“You find yourself thinking really carefully before you say anything, don't say too much. Play a few words, but the high value contribution, that's what I'm trying to do.” - Rob Hale

Managing an organisation requires strategies that can increase profitability without sacrificing purpose. Profit may be the same across organisations but the purpose varies. So how can the board encourage goal-driven values that don’t hamper profit in executives and non-executive positions?In this episode of Non Executive Director Insider Insights, we speak with Sanchia Aranda AM. Her professional career started out in nursing and has now extended to over 40 years of expertise in cancer control. At the time of this recording, Sanchia was a Board Chair for Scope Australia and Deputy Board Chair for the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Alliance.Sanchia firmly believes that profit is not the main driver for non-profit businesses; it’s the purpose or the mission. Although a financial legacy is often seen as a valuable component, having a corporate social responsibility is what sets an organisation apart from others.When profit and purpose are used in tandem, the board becomes better mobilised to achieve its goals. They contribute better to the organisation and make a difference.In this episode of Insider Insights, we explore:The challenges in clinical governanceThe importance of having a profit and purpose-focused boardThe difficulty of defining purpose for organisationsHow to better support diversity and capability in the boardroom The ability to leverage profits and to reinvest those skillfully in alignment with the voice of the beneficiary is the key to a well-run NFP health entity. If you haven’t listened to our previous episode on Getting Into the Boardroom: How To Do It And What Comes With It With Wendy Stops, check out Episode 09. Quotes"You need to build an extreme level of trust between the board and the executives. To do this, you need to remove the culture of blame and encourage a culture of inquiry and understanding." -Sanchia Aranda AM"You can write the policy and procedures, put safeguards and training but that doesn't give boards assurance. So you need to bring in the things that go well and don't into the boardroom." -Sanchia Aranda AM

Making the leap from the executive world to the boardroom can sometimes seem so effortless by some. While many others struggle to even get an interview for a board role, let alone get appointed to a board. If you’re in search of a magic button to have a successful board career, this episode sheds light on how to approach your board career and how to add value through customer advocacy. In this episode of Non Executive Director Insider Insights, we’re joined by Wendy Stops. At the time of this recording, Wendy was a Non Executive Director of the Commonwealth Bank, Coles Group Ltd and Fitted for Work, and Chair of the Industry Advisory Board for the Centre for Business Analytics at the Melbourne Business School. Since then she has also become Chair of Blackmores and Deputy Chancellor at the University of Melbourne. She completed her tenure at CBA in Oct 2020.Wendy shares her insights on how to make securing your seat on a board possible, with tips on networking and establishing yourself as a leader. In this episode of Insider Insights, we explore:The difference between strategic and operational researchHow to complete due diligence in the board roomUnderstanding the board’s financialsThe importance of networkingTaking control of your professional future and moving up in the corporate world doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right attitude and knowledge about navigating corporate politics, anyone can get ahead at work—and even end up ruling over one of these powerful rooms! If you haven’t listened to our previous episode on Finding Your Purpose and Passion in the Boardroom with Dr. Delyth Samuel, go back and check out Episode 08. 

Are you looking to find your true purpose and passion in the boardroom? We all know that success comes from hard work, but without purpose and passion you’ll struggle to maintain long-term motivation or inspiration in your board role.In this episode of Non Executive Director Insider Insights, we’re joined by Dr Delyth Samuel. Delyth has spent over 20 years juggling full time work with board work. Her first role was a state appointed role as a result of her industry expertise with the International Fibre Centre. At the time of recording, she was secretary of the local tennis club and Non Executive Director at the Mulgrave Country Club.Understanding how to make an impact in the boardroom that speaks to your purpose and passion can help open up possibilities and set you on a path towards true satisfaction. It’s never too late to start making meaningful changes and building a life that you can truly be proud of.In this episode of Insider Insights, we explore:The value of purpose and passion in the boardroomHow to deal with salary benchmarkingThe value of making a differenceBeing in the boardroom is a challenge, and it can sometimes feel overwhelming. It can be hard to add value in the boardroom when you feel like you're just going through the motions, but Dr Samuel has some great advice on how to make the most of your board career. If you haven’t listened to our previous episode on Encouraging Creative and Dynamic Thinking in the Boardroom with Anita Muller, check out Episode 07. 

Boardrooms have been ingrained with conventional perspectives that are often difficult to challenge. This might explain why people in board positions often find themselves in comfortable, yet critically complacent situations.How can you recognise and break away from these limitations and biases and move beyond the traditional boardroom boundary?In this episode of Non Executive Director Insider Insights, we’re joined by Anita Muller, who at the time of the recording was running her consultancy business Running Tall, and sitting on the board at Matthews Steer Accountancy and Advisory.Anna firmly believes that modern-day board roles need to take a leap forward to achieve effective board leadership by encouraging creative and dynamic thinking in the boardroom.Being too comfortable has historically been a defining factor for big businesses who have failed. Reigning supreme just sets you up in the headlights of fast-moving up-and-coming competition. Think Kodak. Think Blockbuster. Think Nokia. Tension is needed to inspire creativity and innovation in organisations, to protect businesses failing from a false sense of security. In order for the board to harness different ways of thinking, it must first acknowledging the value of creative input from others. This breeds diversity and inclusion which results in openness to new possibilities and better information on which to base decisions.In this episode of Insider Insights, we explore:The changes in modern board leadershipWhy complacency stifles growthHow to encourage progressive thinking on the boardThe role of feedback in the boardroomA board director is responsible for creating value, and this often requires thinking outside the traditional box and encouraging others to be open to potential changes.If you haven’t listened to our previous episode on The Five-Point Challenge of Board Roles with Robin Buckham, check out Episode 06. 

The transition from an executive position to a Non Executive Director involves many different types of hurdles. This exciting challenge requires you to quickly skill up in a multitude of personal and professional areas and to allow yourself to enjoy the stretch.These challenges will come from various areas - being heard, soliciting ideas, finding your style in how you govern and manage, etc. As well as building new relationships with members of the board and executive team. And not everyone is on the same page, so what are the keys to landing on your feet and hitting the ground quickly?In this episode of Non Executive Director Insider Insights, we’re joined by Robin Buckham. At the time of this recording Robin was the Chair at Gippsland Port and on the boards at Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust and the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians. She has since completed her tenure with ACSEP and joined the boards at Rice Growers Australia, and the Law Institute of Victoria. Simply put, if you’re not up for challenges, a board position is not for you. Enjoy this episode and feel inspired to take a step back and assess how you can best thrive in this environment. In this episode of Insider Insights, we explore:The role of the Interim Executive and where they sit in the delineation between the board and executive management team.The challenges of being a Non-Executive DirectorRobin's advice for executives wanting to transition into a board roleWhy knockbacks might be the key to successA board role demands a complete change of lifestyle paired with a different set of challenges from the executive position. Being mindful of these tests and adjustments allows you to strategise and withstand obstacles in your board pursuits.If you haven’t listened to our previous episode on Creating a Winning NED Portfolio and Networking For Board Roles with Michelle McLean, check out Episode 05. Quotes"You have to be clear-eyed about what you're good at and what you're not." -Robin Buckham"Your interests and what you’re good at align. You need to be clear on where your strengths are and how you can best add value." -Robin Buckham "Sometimes we think we need more experience -be more, do more, and have more. But actually, this goes against the grain of the board." -Sally Parrish

It can frustrating trying to get your board career off the ground, and what seemed to work like magic for you in your executive career, doesn’t open doors to board opportunities. Getting rejected after putting in so much effort in applications and interviews can be confronting and may even lead to self-doubt. In this episode of Non Executive Director Insider Insights, we’re joined by Michelle McLean who at the time of this recording was sitting on 13 boards and committees which included the CFA and East Gippsland Water. Michelle joins us to share her winning formula for building a fulfilling NED portfolio and developing a successful network of board connections. Having a great network is key to opening doors to new board opportunities. However, building a network takes time and it needs to be nurtured constantly. In this episode of Insider Insights, we explore:The impact of the crisis management on Michelle’s portfolioThe challenges in being a NEDAdvice on how to find a Board Mentor What to do when you don’t land your dream roleHaving people who genuinely advocate for you helps you to narrow down your purpose and passion and discover how you can be of service to an organisation.If you haven’t listened to our previous episode on Highlighting Social Impact as a Value Proposition for Board Opportunities with Professor Andrew MacLeod, check out Episode 04. Quotes"Don't find a mentor because of what they can deliver for you. Find someone who you genuinely respect and have a connection with." -Michelle McLean "It's not just about rocking the boardroom, sitting there, and asking a few questions. You need to learn and understand the business." -Michelle McLean "The more board roles you get, the more genuine relationships you build and the more willing mentors out there to help you with your board journey." -Sally Parrish

Getting appointed to a board role will require having more than just referrals and an impressive resumé! You have to figure out how to effectively sell yourself to the business. With lots of executives vying for the position, how can you make sure you successfully land that board role?In this episode of Non Executive Director Insider Insights, we’re joined by Professor Andrew MacLeod. At the time of this recording, Andrew was Non Executive Chair at Griffin Law, NED for Burnham Global, the Outdoor Education Group, Arabian Leopard Fund and also held advisory board roles at LendSend and Keele University.Most executives who want to get onto a board put emphasis on how they can increase an organisation’s profitability by focusing on traditional metrics. But Andrew highlights the significant value board members can add to organisations when they apply a social impact lens.Andrew demonstrates his deep expertise in this space as he contemplates various board discussion scenarios and focuses on ESG and its role in increasing company value, managing risks and creating opportunities.In this episode of Insider Insights, we explore:The impact of good corporate behaviour to profit, people, planet, and purposeHow the board can deal effectively with the challenges in international lawsThe importance of performing a social audit before accepting a board appointmentUnderstanding how to set yourself apart from the competition and negotiate with the organisations where your skillset is needed most, to better market yourself. If you haven’t listened to our previous episode on Exploring The Void: Preparing for a Transition Into a Board Role with Donna McMaster, check out Episode 03. Quotes"You have to understand what your skill set is and you're trying to market into a board that doesn't have that skill set." -Professor Andrew MacLeod "It's equally important to understand when you don't stand out and don't take it personally." -Professor Andrew MacLeod"Standout and make sure you understand why you're different." -Sally Parrish

Transitioning into any new role requires learning new things, but how do you prepare for a role that operates in a totally different arena to any other role you have held previously? The delineation between the board and the executive team can be a minefield for new Non Executive Directors. In fact, the shift from an executive position to a board role can feel like starting over again and you might even find yourself struggling to know how and when to apply your executive skills and experience to board discussions. In this episode of Non Executive Director Insider Insights, we’re joined by Donna McMaster who at the time of this recording was serving on three boards; Gale Pacific Ltd, YMCA Services Pty Ltd and Dandenong Market Pty Ltd and also held the role of Chair role in some of various board committees of these organisations. She was also an Executive Advisor to the consumer and retail sector and the proud winner of the Telstra Business Women of the Year award. Her transition into a board role initially caused her to reflect and question her value at board level. She quickly discovered how to contribute effectively and shares her insights today so you too can hit the ground running. Donna shares her story and how meeting great mentors, working with amazing people, and being a life-long learner have all contributed to her success. In this episode of Insider Insights, we explore:How to handle the transition from an executive to a Non Executive roleThe common challenges in the Non Executive Director roleAdvice for Executives transitioning from executive roles to board rolesAny form of board transition will present challenges, and learning as much as you can gives added support to the new career you’re embarking on. If you haven’t listened to our previous episode on Understanding When To Take On Board Roles with Sandra Dodds, check out Episode 02.