Board Talk: Off the Cuff

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

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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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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 challenges and opportunities they face now, and into the future.

Listen to the trailer for a taste of what's to come - subscribe to the podcast for notifications.
Episodes drop monthly.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.