Board Talk: Off the Cuff

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 standing in their way, and how cultural intelligence could transform the future of decision-making in Aotearoa.

Featuring powerhouse director Mele Wendt, alongside emerging leaders and experts from the Institute of Directors' Tautua Pasifika Mentoring Programme and its new Pacific Directors Connect series.

The conversations in this episode capture the unfiltered voices of what it means to be bold, to stand out, and to lead with wisdom, authority and integrity in a Pakeha dominated world where various forms of discrimination continue to be perpetuated within organisations -- including at the board table -- reinforcing the need for greater for greater diversity in the decision making process, that will empower organisations for years to come.

Participants include: Mele Wendt, Litia Brighouse-Fuavao, Jill Steffert, Bev-Anne Jennings and Greg Dearsly.
Host/ Producer: Sonia Yee

For more information about governance and for access to board kits tools and resources head to iod.org.nz

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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 in the room, and why reflecting on the board's performance is integral to building governance capability.

The Institute of Directors’ Wayne Church explains why board evaluations can illuminate blind spots and elevate the board’s performance for future success.

And last-but-not-least, Professor Johannes Karl delves into the psychology, socio-cultural, political and environmental factors that inform decision making, from how we choose our leaders, why the Kiwi style of communicating can be challenging for the migrant communities, and the key ingredients to building ‘cohesive group dynamics’ that lead to successful collective outcomes.

If you want to find out more about governance, courses, or to access free board tools and resources, head to iod.org.nz
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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 Charles Finney outlines the geopolitical pressures boards that directors need to monitor in 2026—including shifting supply chains, friend‑shoring, trade tensions, and the ongoing balancing act between major markets like the U.S. and China.

Listen to the episode for practical tips and future-focused perspectives to guide your strategy and sharpen your mindset in 2026 and beyond.

For more governance tools and resources, or to access the Top Five Issues for 2026 head to the Institute of Directors.
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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 Tuffley, Chief Economist, ASB
Suse Reynolds MInstD, Independent Director
Hinerangi Raumati Tua ONZM, Chair and Director

For more about governance, including information about courses, access to articles and resources, head to iod.org.nz

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

This episode features voices from diverse sectors including finance, social purpose and commercial enterprise.

Special thanks to all of the participants in the podcast and to IoD sponsor Marsh.

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