Governance Bites

Send us Fan Mail In 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...

Send us Fan Mail In 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 t...

Send us Fan Mail In 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...

Send us Fan Mail In 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...

Send us Fan Mail In 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 Manage...

Send us Fan Mail In 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 boa...

Send us Fan Mail In 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 kno...

Send us Fan Mail In 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, succeed...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Mark Banicevich asks Glenys Talivai about governance in autonomous Crown Entities in New Zealand. He asks how they differ from government departments, and how governance differs from private sector and for-purpose organisations. Mark asks how board members are appointed, and how they remain independent and autonomous. Glenys outlines the role the board plays in se...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Mark Banicevich asks Dr Peter Crow about boards in crisis situations. His questions include asking about critical leadership qualities, balancing the needs for quick decisions with thorough analysis, and prioritising issues. He also asks about the board's role in managing relationships, building organisational resilience, and post-crisis reviews.  Dr Peter Cr...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I talk to Angus Ogilvie about Chartered Secretaries. He outlines what a Chartered Secretary is, and what is involved in becoming one. I ask about the role of the Chartered Secretary, and who could benefit from having one. He outlines the benefits of a Chartered Secretary, and the various ways an entity could engage one (particularly if the entity does not have the...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Mark Banicevich asks Simona Turin about working as an executive in one company, while working as a director in others. They discuss advantages and challenges, and Simona shares how she manages the workload. She also shares the best advice she has received as a director.  Simona Turin is Chief Executive Officer of AcademyEX, succeeding Frances Valintine. She is pre...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Mark Banicevich asks Dauniika Maclean about board workplans. He asks what they are, and what key elements they contain. He asks how far in advance they are created, who is involved in creating them, and how they are reviewed and adjusted through the year. He also asks what tools or platforms are used to manage and track them, and how to manage accountability and c...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I talk to Angus Ogilvie about board charters. I ask what they are, and their purpose. Angus outlines their contents. I ask about how an entity can write a board charter, who writes it, and how it is implemented. We discuss how they influence board meetings, and how they are used in director induction. We also discuss reviews and breaches. Angus also shares some ad...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Mark Banicevich talks to Shamubeel Eaqub about changing social demographics, and how they could impact a business. He asks how a strong board can prepare for these types of changes, and asks about the demographic trends that are likely to impact New Zealand businesses over the next few decades. They discuss the uncertainty of change, and how a board can manage thi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Mark Banicevich asks Glenys Talivai about women in governance. He asks about the key barriers and challenges, and how these manifest at different stages of a woman’s career. They discuss how diversity on boards enhances performance. Glenys shares thoughts on how boards can create a culture of inclusivity, and how men and women can advocate for gender diversity in...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Mark Banicevich asks Dauniika Maclean about artificial intelligence, particularly large language models (LLMs, such as GPTs), in the boardroom. He asks about the risks of their use, and how to mitigate them. He asks about time saving. Mark also asks about board software, and how they are using AI.  Dauniika Maclean is a professional company secretary, and a Charte...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I talk to Angus Ogilvie about the Chartered Governance Institute (CGI) of New Zealand (https://cginz.org/). CGI was established in London in 1891, and in New Zealand in 1937. It is now in 80 countries. Angus introduces CGI, and outlines the benefits of membership. He talks about the annual CGI conference, and the biennial Women in Governance Awards. He also shares...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Mark Banicevich talks to Shamubeel Eaqub about directors and their knowledge of the political, social and economic environment. He asks why current knowledge of these factors is important, and about examples of when such knowledge has impacted board decisions. They discuss how directors should keep abreast of these factors, and how they can optimise their time kee...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Mark Banicevich asks Dauniika Maclean about recruiting a board secretary. He asks about the skills and competencies required, and necessary knowledge and experience. They discuss communication skills, interpersonal skills and technological proficiency. Dauniika outlines professional development for board secretaries, onboarding, and pitfalls to avoid when recruiti...

Send us Fan Mail In this interview, Mark Banicevich asks Richard Coon about the agreements and key terms that form part of angel investment arrangements. Richard outlines the term sheet, its purpose, and its contents. He talks about other documents, such as the company constitution, shareholder agreement, and founder agreement. Mark asks about when angel investors might seek a seat on the board, a...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Mark Banicevich talks to Shamubeel Eaqub about the value of an economist on the board. He asks about what an economist brings to a board that differs from lawyers and accountants, and what timeframes he considers in the boardroom. Mark asks about divergent thinking, and any similarities among divergent thinkers he has encountered. He also asks about the best advic...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Mark Banicevich asks Dauniika Maclean about board minutes. They discuss minutes templates and meeting preparation, legal requirements, content of board minutes, and the process for creating and approving board minutes. Mark also asks Dauniika about the best governance advice she's received.  Dauniika Maclean is a professional company secretary, and a Chartere...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Mark Banicevich asks Craig Mulholland about board tenure and avoiding stagnation. Mark starts by asking how the board can ensure a balance between continuity and fresh perspectives, particularly regarding director tenure. They discuss the benefits and drawbacks of limiting board tenure. Craig also shares some great techniques that can be used to refresh board thin...

Send us Fan Mail In this video, Mark Banicevich asks Richard Coon about angel investing. This conversation will help directors of startup or early-stage businesses. Mark asks about pitch decks, business valuations, monitoring performance, and how involved angel investors may get in the business. Mark also asks the best advice Richard received as a director.  Richard Coon, ONZM, was co-founder of t...