Board Talk: Off the Cuff

From the Olympic track to the boardroom, we meet former New Zealand Olympic runner, Anne Hare, who explains what it's like to compete and train under pressure to become a world class athlete who transitioned to boards in the hopes to create change. In this episode, Anne provides a vital insight into why boards need to listen to their stakeholders -- the players and athletes who put their bodies on...

What does it really mean to lead with heart in the boardroom? In this episode of Board Talk: Off the Cuff , we hear from directors Natasha Harvey and Susan Henson with insights into navigating difficult conversations, balancing empathy with accountability, and the importance of staying true to your values. Natasha reflects on finding her voice as a leader — what it means to challenge expectations,...

Cyber risk is no longer an IT issue, but a boardroom one. The question is: how should boards navigate what is largely unknown territory?  As breaches escalate and regulators sharpen their focus, cyber incidents now carry serious financial, legal and reputational consequences . In this episode, we examine why cyber security has become one of the most urgent governance risks facing boards and d...

In Aotearoa’s boardrooms, power has long looked and sounded the same. But with Pasifika communities making up a growing share of our population — and bringing deep cultural governance experience with them — the call for change isn’t just timely, but overdue. This episode of Board Talk – Off the Cuff , explores the rise of Pasifika voices in governance: why boards need them, the invisible barriers...

How should a board deal with tension, or create positive change in an organisation without creating divisions? And how can individual authenticity lead to positive collective purpose? This episode explores boardroom dynamics, and goes deep on the bigger issues at play.  Eileen Basher discusses what it means to make hard decisions when times are tough, how to give voice to the quieter people i...

In this episode, host Sonia Yee continues the exploration of the Top Five Issues for Directors in 2026 .  Independent director Helen Robinson shares tips on the evolving relationship between chairs and CEOs and how leadership dynamics shape organisational success. Louise Broekman explains why advisory boards and committees help to de-risk the decision making process and boost agility, and Cha...

Over the next two episodes, we explore the Top Five Issues that directors need to be aware of in 2026, including governing for growth, the rise of advisory boards and committees, the changing nature of the stakeholder environment and why the Chair-CEO relationship is pivotal for the success of any organisation, and much, much more.   This episode includes:    Nick Tuf...

Knowing yourself could be your make or break, if you want to make an impression at the board table This pilot episode explores 'value proposition' - what it looks like, how to attract opportunities, why knowing yourself - and understanding your skill set - will make you a strong candidate for a board role, the importance of diversity as Aotearoa New Zealand's demographics evolve, and much more.&nb...

Forget fireside chats, Board Talk: Off the Cuff is a new podcast with real people talking about the issues affecting their organisations in the boardroom and beyond. Brought to you by the Institute of Directors in New Zealand , the series is produced and presented by international award-winning producer Sonia Yee who brings to light the issues that are top of mind for directors - and the challenge...