Shows
Governance BitesGovernance Bites #111: directors managing multiple boards, with Jamie GreenSend us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich asks Jamie Green about challenges faced by directors who sit on multiple boards. Mark asks about how directors grapple with the volume of information, and effective methods Jamie has encountered for dealing with it. He asks about the root cause of the challenge, and how realistic it is for directors to connect the dots over time and across boards. Jamie shares some pitfalls that this situation can create, and how tools can be used to address the problem. They discuss how AI may become a valuable assistant in...2025-07-3022 minGovernance BitesGovernance Bites #110: leadership in sports governance, with Professor Lesley FerkinsSend us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich talks to Professor Lesley Ferkins about leadership in sport governance. Lesley starts by talking about how Professor Keith Grint (Emeritus Professor at Warwick University) talks about leadership. They discuss healthy board dynamics, and collaborative decision making, they key characteristics of an effective board enacting collaborative leadership, and how boards ensure that individual directors contribute effectively. Mark asks how collective leadership at the board level can influence organisation culture, the specific skills required of the board chair, and the division of roles between the chair and the CEO. Lesley...2025-07-2326 minGovernance BitesGovernance Bites #109: how boards can make their CEOs successful with Rob EverettSend us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich talks to Rob Everett about how boards can make their CEOs (Chief Executive Officers) successful. He asks what makes a board-CEO relationship work, and the role the board plays in the CEO’s success. They discuss CEO onboarding plans, the role of governance processes, and the tension between oversight and giving the board space to lead. Mark asks about performance reviews, and balancing performance assessment with genuine support for CEO development. They discuss how boards can unintentionally undermine the CEO, and how support for a first-time CEO differs fr...2025-07-1623 minGovernance BitesGovernance Bites #108: challenges preparing for board meetings, with Jamie GreenSend us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich asks Jamie Green about the challenges directors have preparing for board meetings. He asks about the signs of directors being overwhelmed, and the characteristics of board packs that make preparing for meetings challenging. They discuss how directors digest information both within board packs, and across board meetings over time, including background reading. Mark asks about types of board meetings that are more challenging to prepare for, and the role of quality and clarity in the board pack. They also discuss the future of technology in the board room. 2025-07-0915 minGovernance BitesGovernance Bites #105: collaborative governance in sport, with Professor Lesley FerkinsSend us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich talks to Professor Lesley Ferkins about collaborative governance in sport. Lesley outlines what she means by "collaborative governance", and how it relates to federated sports structures (e.g., with national bodies, regional bodies, and local clubs). She talks about critical success factors for it to work effectively, common pitfalls, and challenges. Mark asks about whether this can lead to conflicts of interest, the role of communication and information sharing, and issues of power imbalance. They also discuss the impact of organisational and national culture. Lesley shares advice she...2025-06-1827 minGovernance BitesGovernance Bites #103: safe spaces in the boardroom, with Steven MoeSend us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich asks Steven Moe about safe spaces in the boardroom. Steven opens by explaining the context, and who safe spaces are for. They discuss whey safe spaces may be necessary, how they are implemented, and what sort of behaviour results in needing safe spaces. They discuss the importance of safe spaces, and how they enhance an entity's governance. Steven also shares advice for experienced directors. Steven Moe is a Partner of commercial law at Parry Field Lawyers in Christchurch, and an experienced director. Steven qualified as a lawyer i...2025-06-0418 minGovernance BitesGovernance Bites #102: startup governance and advisory boards, with Jon DaviesSend us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich talks with Jon Davies about governance in startups and advisory boards. He asks about the journey that startups take towards governance: their value, common mistakes, what founders should seek, and the ideal size of an advisory board. They also discuss the best way to remunerate directors, keeping them engaged and motivated, and how to deal with an adviser who isn't working out. Jon also shares advice with a founder looking into structured governance. Jon Davies is the CEO of InsuredHQ, an award-winning insurtech headquartered in New Zealand, h...2025-05-2820 minGovernance BitesGovernance Bites #101: recruiting directors for not-for-profits, with Stephen UptonSend us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich talks to Stephen Upton about how not-for-profit organisations can recruit directors. Stephen outlines the key skills and competencies required for a not-for-profit board. They discuss the process of identifying skills on the board, and skill gaps, and the role of diversity in board composition. They discuss the challenges attracting and recruiting both appointed and elected directors to not-for-profit directors. They also discuss overcoming skill gaps in boards that are entirely elected. Stephen outlines useful sources for recruiting directors, and one way to induct new directors effectively. He also...2025-05-2134 minGovernance BitesGovernance Bites #100: developing governance in sport, with Martin SneddenSend us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich talks with Martin Snedden about the Sport and Active Place Sector Governance Project that he runs for Sport New Zealand. Martin outlines the project, its inception, some of the sports that are involved, and what the programme entails. Martin shares feedback he's received, his biggest learnings, and the programme's key success factors. He also shares the best governance advice that he's heard shared during the programme. Martin Snedden CNZM is a well-known and highly experienced Chief Executive Officer and director, mostly in the sports industry. He is c...2025-05-1430 minGovernance BitesGovernance Bites #99: future directors, with Heather RoySend us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich talks to Heather Roy about future directors. Heather defines the topic, outlines the purpose of future director programmes, and shares her experience with future directors. They discuss the target audience for future directors, recruitment, training and mentoring. Mark asks about their legal position (particularly around liability), and transitioning future directors into formal board roles. Heather also shares advice for new directors. Heather Roy is a professional director and business consultant through her company Torquepoint Ltd (https://torquepoint.co.nz/). Her current board roles include independent chair of F...2025-05-0718 minGovernance BitesGovernance Bites #98: purpose and governance, with Steven MoeSend us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich asks Steven Moe about purpose and governance. He asks what we mean by "purpose", the role of governance in an organisation, and why purpose is at the heart of governance. They discuss how purpose influences governance and board meanings practically, other tools a board can use to understand and implement purpose, and repercussions that may exist if the board deviates from the entity's purpose. Steven also shares advice he would give to a new director. Steven Moe is a Partner of commercial law at Parry Field Lawyers i...2025-04-3020 minGovernance BitesGovernance Bites #97: Robert's Rules of Order, with Susan LeahySend us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich talks to Susan Leahy about Robert's Rules of Order. He asks what they are and how they evolved, the benefits of using Robert's Rules, and common misconceptions about them. Susan outlines the seven key types of motion, and how they work. They discussed when they might be adjusted for specific settings, and challenges Susan has encountered when boards implement them. They talk about available resources, and Susan shares advice she would give to a new director. Susan Leahy teaches boards and committees to run effective meetings, specifically us...2025-04-2332 minGovernance BitesGovernance Bites #96: conflicts of interest, with Heather RoySend us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich talks to Heather Roy about conflicts of interest. Heather outlines conflicts of interest, and why it is important to address them. They discuss types of conflicts, and a conflicts of interest process. Heather talks about identifying, disclosing and dealing with conflicts of interest, and they discuss issues such as when a director fails to disclose a relevant interest, what to do when many directors are conflicted, and when perceived conflicts can be as harmful as actual conflicts. Heather also shares advice for directors who sit on a board...2025-04-1626 minGovernance BitesGovernance Bites #95: developing not-for-profit directors, with Stephen UptonSend us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich talks to Stephen Upton about developing directors in not-for-profit organisations (who are usually on tight budgets). Stephen outlines the key skills and competencies required for a not-for-profit board. They discuss how elected, passionate organisation advocates can be trained in governance, and continually developed, including outlining low cost or free sources of governance training. They discuss the importance of devoting time, particularly when directors are often volunteers or paid less than market rates, mentoring, and how a not-for-profit board can overcome gaps in its combined skills. Stephen also shares a...2025-04-0921 minGovernance BitesGovernance Bites #94: chairs and board members, with Steven MoeSend us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich talks with Steven Moe about chairs and boards. Mark asks Steven to outline the typical board member job description, and then how the role of the chair differs. They discuss the amount of extra work involved in being a chair, additional relationships, and whether additional liability exists. They discuss how the chair interacts with other board members, including inducting new board members, and what happens if the chair is suddenly unavailable. They discuss succession planning for the chair, and the role of the deputy chair. Steven also shares...2025-04-0227 minGovernance BitesGovernance Bites #93: healthy board meeting dynamics, with Susan LeahySend us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich talks to Susan Leahy about healthy board meeting dynamics. Mark asks about establishing and maintaining healthy meeting dynamics, and Susan shares some great tips. They discuss the roles of directors and other members in board culture, and strategies for handling disagreements. Mark asks about gaining diverse perspectives, and dealing with disruptive or ineffective board members. Susan outlines the impact of new board members, and shares the best governance advice she has received. Susan Leahy teaches boards and committees to run effective meetings, specifically using Robert’s Rules of...2025-03-2621 minGovernance BitesGovernance Bites #92: board evaluations, with Heather RoySend us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich talks to Heather Roy about board evaluations. Heather outlines what they are, why they should be done, and how they can be performed. They discuss stakerholder involvement, common challenges, and addressing underperformance. Heather also shares the best governance advice she has received. Heather Roy is a professional director and business consultant through her company Torquepoint Ltd (https://torquepoint.co.nz/). Her current board roles include independent chair of Financial Advice NZ and the Security and Reliability Council (an advisory body to the Electricity Authority), and a director o...2025-03-1919 minGovernance BitesGovernance Bites #91: moving and seconding motions, with Steven MoeSend us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich asks Steven Moe about moving and seconding motions in meetings. They discuss the history behind this practice, and introduce Robert's Rules of Order. They talk about the role of seconding, and what happens if a motion is not seconded. They also discuss alternatives to moving and seconding motions. Finally, Steven shares the best advice he has received.Links from the episode: Institute of Directors, moving and seconding motions: https://www.iod.org.nz/news/articles/moving-seconding-but-why# Robert's Rules of Order: https://robertsrules.com/ Steven Moe...2025-03-1219 minGovernance BitesGovernance Bites #90: incorporated society constitutions, with Stephen UptonSend us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich talks to Stephen Upton about incorporated society (not-for-profit) constitutions. They start by discussing the organisation's purpose, how this can proliferate, and keeping it concise. They talk about the components of a constitution, changes required by New Zealand's Incorporated Societies Act 2022, and the challenges in updating a constitution. Stephen also shares advice he would give to a new incorporated society director. Note that the Companies Office has a Constitution Builder, https://isb.companiesoffice.govt.nz/constitutionbuilder/startscreen, and useful information about incorporated societies, https://is-register.companiesoffice.govt.nz/.2025-03-0527 minGovernance BitesGovernance Bites #89, directors and officers insurance part 2, with David BurroughsSend us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich talks to David Burroughs further about directors and officers (D&O) insurance. Mark asks who provides D&O insurance in NZ, policy limits and excesses, and optional features and common fishhooks of which directors should be aware. They also discuss how policies work for businesses operating internationally. David briefly outlines the application and claims processes, and shares the best governance advice he has received. David Burroughs is a founding partners at Long Burroughs (https://longburroughs.co.nz/), a business risk advice business based in Auckland. Prior to e...2025-02-2625 minGovernance BitesGovernance Bites #88, directors and officers insurance part 1, with David BurroughsSend us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich talks to David Burroughs about directors and officers insurance. He outlines what it is, who it covers, and what kinds of events it covers. Mark asks about the types of costs it covers, common exclusions, and how the cover period works (claims made). David outlines run-off cover, and then shares advice he would give to directors. David Burroughs is a founding partners at Long Burroughs (https://longburroughs.co.nz/), a business risk advice business based in Auckland. Prior to establishing the firm, David worked at two major i...2025-02-1923 minGovernance BitesGovernance Bites #87: succession planning for business owners, with Josh ComrieSend us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich talks with Josh Comrie about succession planning for business owners. Josh talks about considerations for family-owned businesses, and closely held companies. They discuss maintaining corporate culture and values while transitioning to new leadership, common challenges in transitioning ownership, and the role of the board in streamlining the process. They also discuss appropriate timelines for succession planning. In closing, Mark asks what advice Josh would give to entrepreneurs who are just beginning to think about succession planning.Josh Comrie is a recovered serial entrepreneur. Now he is a...2025-02-1224 minGovernance BitesGovernance Bites #86: data to knowledge to insight, with Paul BrownSend us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich asks Paul Brown about board reporting – specifically about converting data, to knowledge, to wisdom and insight. Paul describes key features of an effective board report, and how data can be summarised into clear and concise insights for board members. Mark asks about the types of questions board members should ask to derive deeper insights from reports, and how boards can move beyond data and knowledge to wisdom. They discuss the importance of the governance framework, and what structures should be in place to assure materially credible information is re...2025-02-0515 minGovernance BitesGovernance Bites #85: Company secretary in a listed company, with David Callanan.Send us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich talks to David Callanan about being a company secretary in a listed company. He asks about what the role of company secretary involves, and how it differs for listed companies and private companies. They also discuss closely held and widely dispersed ownership in private companies. David outlines the duty of disclosure, and how that impacts the company secretary. They discuss the interaction between the company secretary and the chair, the board, and the CEO. David also shares advice for new company secretaries. David Callanan General Manager of C...2025-01-2918 minGovernance BitesGovernance Bites #84: managing tension in the boardroom, with Josh ComrieSend us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich speaks with recovering entrepreneur Josh Comrie about managing tension and conflict in the boardroom. He asks how you identify early signs of tension, and how you address them before they escalate. Josh outlines strategies he has found effective for resolving conflicts and maintaining productivity in board meetings. They discuss preparing for potentially contentious topics on the agenda, how to encourage healthy debate, and dealing with power dynamics. Josh also shares advice for newer directors who find themselves dealing with this type of conflict.Josh Comrie is a...2025-01-2216 minGovernance BitesGovernance Bites #83: learning boards, with Paul BrownSend us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich asks Paul Brown about learning boards. They discuss the role of continuous education in board effectiveness, and how it influences strategic decision-making. Mark asks how a board can foster a culture of continuous learning, common pitfalls to avoid, and strategies a board can employ to ensure directors remain engaged and continue to develop. He also asks Paul the best governance advice he’s received. Paul Brown is Managing Director of Boardworks (https://boardworks.nz/), who perform governance services such as board evaluations and governance structure reviews. His gov...2025-01-1511 minGovernance BitesGovernance Bites #82: KiwiSaver and managed fund supervision, with David Callanan.Send us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich talks to David Callanan about supervising KiwiSaver schemes and managed funds, which is like a separate layer of governance to the board of directors. David outlines supervision and custody, and how the supervisor interacts with the fund manager's board of directors. They discuss the key issues facing managed funds, and the macro-economic and societal issues facing fund managers. David also shares his advice for new directors. David Callanan General Manager of Corporate Trustee Services at Public Trust. He is a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia, a...2025-01-0830 minGovernance BitesGovernance Bites #81: CEO working with the chair, with Rhiannon McKinnonSend us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich asks Rhiannon McKinnon about the CEO working with the board chair. He asks about this special relationship, and how this differs from executives reporting to the CEO. They discuss the remoteness of the relationship, and the types of decisions and information that are delegated entirely, or reported. Rhiannon talks about the importance of trust in the relationship, and how to establish boundaries. She also shares advice she would give to a new CEO about working with a chair.Rhiannon McKinnon helps new and aspiring CEOs step up...2025-01-0115 minGovernance BitesGovernance Bites #80: board evaluations, with Paul BrownSend us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich asks Paul Brown about board evaluations. He asks about the process, frequency, and impacts. Paul talks about internal evaluations, and addressing gaps identified during board reviews. Mark also asks what advice Paul would give to a new director.Paul Brown is Managing Director of Boardworks (https://boardworks.nz/), who perform governance services such as board evaluations and governance structure reviews. His governance experience includes Stephenson & Turner architects and engineers, Emergency Alliance, Independent Living Services, Panuku Development Auckland and Council for International Development NZ. He was also CEO...2024-12-3011 minGovernance BitesGovernance Bites #79: governance in developing countries, with Dr Peter CrowSend us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich talks to Dr Peter Crow about governance in developing countries. Peter outlines governance challenges in developing countries, and the impact of factors such as political and regulatory environments, corruption, and weak institutions. He talks about the impact of cultural differences, including the history of Western colonialism. They also discuss effective ways to improve governance capability in developing nations. Dr Peter Crow has a PhD in corporate governance and strategy. Not only is he an experienced chair and director, he has also designed and delivered governance courses in N...2024-12-2535 minGovernance BitesGovernance Bites #78: Corporate Trustee Services, with David CallananSend us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich talks to David Callanan about Corporate Trustee Services. They discuss how Corporate Trustees interact with Boards of Directors, and the biggest challenges both groups face. David also gives his thoughts on governance in Australia and New Zealand, and shares the best governance advice he's received in his career. David Callanan General Manager of Corporate Trustee Services at Public Trust. He is a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia, and has been Chief Risk Officer at Public Trust, Tower Insurance, and RACQ Insurance in Australia (often including C...2024-12-1918 minGovernance BitesGovernance Bites #77: CEO working with the board, with Rhiannon McKinnonSend us a textIn this video, Mark Banicevich asks Rhiannon McKinnon about the role of the chief executive, working with the board of directors. He asks about reporting to the board, the challenge of shifting from management to board meetings, and how to discover and alleviate directors' biggest concerns. They also discuss other issues, such as the benefits for the CEO of working with a board, working with each director, and the challenge of dysfunctional boards. He also asks what advice Rhiannon would give to a new CEO. Rhiannon McKinnon helps new and aspiring CEOs s...2024-12-1609 minGovernance BitesGovernance Bites #76: ethical dilemmas in governance, with Dr Peter CrowSend us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich talks to Dr Peter Crow about ethical dilemmas in governance. Dr Crow outlines the importance of directors' individual values aligning with the entity's values, and they discuss various situtations where the entity's values may conflict when making a decision. Dr Crow refers back to director duties, and the importance of directors knowing these well, and they discuss director options when their values contrary to a board decision. * At 24:30, Dr Crow mentions an external resource. You can find it here: https://www.blueprintforbusiness.org/the-principles/Dr Peter C...2024-12-1225 minGovernance BitesGovernance Bites #75: balancing strategy, risk and BAU, with Simona TurinSend us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich asks Simona Turin about boards balancing strategic discusions with discussions about risk and business as usual. They discuss how director liability can incentivise conservativism, and how boards can find a better balance with strategy. Simona also shares some advice with new directors. Simona Turin is Chief Executive Officer of AcademyEX, succeeding Frances Valintine. She is presently a director of Fidelity Life, and two tech startups. Simona has an extensive background in information technology. She has started her own companies, and has held senior and executive roles in c...2024-12-0910 min