Women on Boards - 20th Anniversary Series - Inspire | Influence | Impact

Women on Boards
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Impact | Influence | Inspire As we celebrate 20 years of Women on Boards in 2026, we are proud to launch a new podcast and vodcast series - 20 Years of Women on Boards. This series captures the story behind the movement; how it started, the challenges along the way, and the impact it has had on boardrooms across Australia and beyond. Delivered as both a podcast and vodcast, the series allows you to listen on the go or watch the conversations as they unfold, bringing the voices, stories and insights of our community to life. Across 2026, we will release a collection of episodes featuring our founders, key contributors and long-standing members. Together, they will reflect on the evolution of Women on Boards, the progress made, and the work still to be done. The series will explore: • The origins of Women on Boards and why it was needed. • The introduction of the 40:40:20 framework and its influence. • The role of research, including the Board Diversity Index, in driving accountability. • The lived experiences of members who have built board careers over the past two decades. • The future of governance, diversity and leadership. Visit our website www.womeonboards.net Watch the Vodcast at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaYKLvbTeR00Oj3GqMWbjEDcID1YevTVW

  1. 3 days ago

    E8 | Dr Bronwyn Evans AM: Engineering Intelligence, Leadership and the Boardroom

    Inspire | Influence | Impact As Engineers Australia celebrates International Women in Engineering Day under the theme Engineering Intelligence, our latest 20 Years of Women on Boards podcast with Dr Bronwyn Evans AM provides a powerful reminder that engineering is about far more than technology. One of Australia's most respected engineers, Bronwyn was the first female CEO of both Engineers Australia and Standards Australia, has held senior executive roles at Cochlear and GE Healthcare, and now serves as a non-executive director across a range of sectors. She is also a long-standing Women on Boards member. In conversation with Claire Braund, Bronwyn reflects on a career shaped by curiosity, pragmatism and a willingness to seize opportunities. Growing up in Wollongong during a period of significant industrial growth, she developed an appreciation for practical problem-solving, multicultural collaboration and the belief that education could create opportunities regardless of background. A recurring theme throughout the discussion is the value engineers bring to leadership and governance. Bronwyn believes engineers are uniquely equipped for board roles because of their systems thinking, ability to understand complex problems and disciplined approach to decision-making. While engineers are often associated with technical expertise, she notes that many progress into executive leadership, strategy, operations and transformation roles, making them valuable contributors in the boardroom. The conversation also explores the evolution of technology, from punch-card programming and early automation systems through to today's AI-enabled world. Having completed a PhD in real-time robotic control systems, Bronwyn reflects on how rapidly technology has evolved and why engineers must continue to adapt and embrace new tools while maintaining a focus on solving meaningful problems. As discussions around artificial intelligence continue to dominate board and executive agendas, Bronwyn offers a thoughtful perspective on both the opportunities and challenges ahead. She highlights the importance of maintaining trust, integrity and standards while recognising that AI will continue to reshape how organisations operate and innovate. Bronwyn also reflects on the important role Women on Boards has played throughout her governance journey. Having joined WOB in 2007 while working at Cochlear, she describes the organisation as an egalitarian community where women can test ideas, learn from one another and access opportunities. She recalls the influence of early WOB conferences and the insights gained from global discussions about increasing women's representation on boards. Looking to the future, Bronwyn sees the next challenge as increasing diversity in all its forms, including bringing younger women, culturally diverse women and more engineers into boardrooms. Her message is clear: diverse perspectives lead to better thinking, better governance and better outcomes. Asked to summarise her journey over the past two decades, Bronwyn chose three words: opportunistic, enjoyable and learning. They are fitting reflections from a leader who has spent her career embracing new challenges, championing engineering and helping create pathways for future generations of women leaders. Learn more about Women on Boards

    27 min

  2. 12 June

    E7 | Kerryn Newton on What Makes Great Boards Work

    Few people have observed Australian boardrooms as closely as Kerryn Newton. For almost two decades, Kerryn has advised boards, recruited directors and worked alongside organisations navigating governance challenges across the corporate, government and not-for-profit sectors. Through her work as Founder and Managing Director of Directors Australia, she has developed a unique perspective on what separates high-performing boards from those that struggle to achieve their potential. In this episode of our 20 Years of Women on Boards podcast series, Kerryn joins Claire Braund OAM to reflect on her governance journey, the lessons she has learned from hundreds of boardrooms and the advice she shares with aspiring directors. Kerryn discusses the importance of purpose, board culture and relationships, arguing that the effectiveness of a board is shaped less by its policies and processes and more by the quality of the conversations, trust and dynamics around the board table. She also shares her views on board diversity, AI governance and the future of board recruitment. Along the way, Kerryn reflects on the role Women on Boards has played in supporting better governance and reveals the three phrases that best describe her own journey: backing herself, resilience and bravery. Listen to hear Kerryn's practical insights on governance, board effectiveness and what it takes to build a meaningful board career. About Kerryn Newton Kerryn Newton is the Founder and Managing Director of Directors Australia, one of Australia's leading board recruitment and governance advisory firms. A lawyer by training and former Army Reserve officer, Kerryn founded Directors Australia in 2009 and has spent the past 17 years advising boards, recruiting directors and helping organisations strengthen governance and leadership capability. Throughout her career, she has worked with boards across the listed, private, government and not-for-profit sectors, developing a reputation for understanding board dynamics, leadership and what drives board effectiveness. Kerryn is a long-standing supporter of Women on Boards and has played an important role in improving transparency and access to board opportunities across Australia. Through her work, she has helped hundreds of organisations build stronger boards and assisted countless directors in navigating their governance journeys. Three Key Insights from Kerryn Purpose matters more than status Kerryn encourages aspiring directors to be clear about why they want to serve on a board. Organisations are looking for directors who genuinely connect with their purpose, not those simply seeking another line on their resume. Board effectiveness is built on relationships While governance frameworks and policies are important, Kerryn believes the most effective boards are characterised by trust, constructive challenge, strong relationships and a willingness to listen and learn. Be brave and back yourself For those seeking their first board role, Kerryn's advice is simple: put your hand up. Every board journey starts somewhere, and resilience is often the difference between those who achieve their goals and those who give up too soon. Learn more about Women on Boards Follow WOB on LinkedIN Follow Claire Braund on LinkedIn Follow Kerryn Newton on LinkedIn

    24 min

  3. 4 June

    E6 | Susan Benedyka on Rural Leadership, Purpose and Contribution

    Few people understand the power of regional leadership quite like Susan Benedyka. A passionate advocate for rural and regional Australia, Susan has spent decades helping communities, organisations and leaders create lasting impact. Her governance journey has taken her from community committees to influential board and leadership roles, all underpinned by a commitment to ensuring regional voices are heard where decisions are made. In this episode of our 20 Years of Women on Boards podcast series, Susan joins Claire Braund to reflect on her leadership journey, the lessons she's learned from years in the boardroom, and the advice she now shares with aspiring directors. Susan also discusses the evolving role of boards, the importance of understanding the broader environment in which organisations operate, and why diverse experiences and perspectives will be critical to the future of governance. Along the way, she shares how Women on Boards has supported her journey and reveals the three words that best capture her approach to leadership and contribution. Listen hear Susan's inspiring story and practical insights for current and future directors. About Susan Benedyka Susan Benedyka brings more than three decades of governance, leadership and regional development experience across government, regulatory, education, community and economic development sectors. Her board portfolio includes appointments to national regulatory bodies, local government, regional development organisations, higher education advisory boards and community-led initiatives. She currently serves as an Administrator of Moira Shire Council, helping oversee governance, leadership, community engagement and delivery of the Council Plan. She is also a Board Director and community member of the Psychology Board of Australia, part of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), contributing to the regulation of the psychology profession and protection of the public. Susan has chaired and served on numerous boards and advisory bodies, including Regional Development Australia Hume, the North East Integrated Water Management Forum, La Trobe University's Albury-Wodonga Regional Advisory Board, the Community University Centre Ovens Murray and Development Victoria's Junction Place Community Reference Group. Earlier in her governance career, she held appointments to national advisory bodies and government boards, helping ensure rural and regional perspectives were represented in decision-making. Alongside her board work, Susan is Managing Director of The Regional Development Company, a consultancy she founded in 1997. Through this work she has led more than 1,800 projects across local government, community and private sectors, building a reputation as a trusted advisor in governance, strategy, leadership development and community engagement. Her governance experience is underpinned by a lifelong commitment to strengthening rural and regional communities, developing future leaders and creating lasting impact through effective governance and collaboration. Read morre about Susan on LinkedIn

    24 min

  4. 25 May

    E5 | Amanda Heyworth on Curiosity, Growth and Contribution

    In this episode of the 20 Years of Women on Boards – Inspire | Influence | Impact series, WOB co-founder and CEO Claire Braund OAM speaks with Amanda Heyworth FAICD about building a board career while balancing executive leadership, family life and continuous professional growth. Amand is a professional company director with governance experience spanning startups to ASX 200 companies across technology, finance, property, innovation and venture capital. Amanda discusses the realities of building a board portfolio over time, including reducing executive commitments gradually while expanding her governance career. She also speaks candidly about the importance of finding boards where there is an "Amanda-sized hole" — a role where her skills, experience and perspective can genuinely add value.  Amanda shares practical advice for aspiring directors, emphasising the value of executive experience, governance education and strategic not-for-profit board roles that provide exposure to experienced directors and boardroom dynamics. She describes the Women on Boards community as instrumental in legitimising board careers for women and creating visibility through role models, mentoring and board opportunities.  She also shares insights into the evolution of Women on Boards, the changing expectations placed on directors, and why capability, diversity and lifelong learning remain critical to the future of governance. Asked to summarise her 20-year journey in three words, Amanda's answer perfectly captures the spirit of the episode: "curiosity, growth and contribution". Women on Boards https://www.womenonboards.net/ LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/women-on-boards

    29 min

  5. 18 May

    E4 | Julie Garland McLellan on Governance and the Evolution of Women in the Boardroom

    As part of the 20 Years of Women on Boards – Inspire | Influence | Impact vodcast series, WOB CEO and co-founder Claire Braund OAM speaks with governance expert Julie Garland McLellan about board careers, governance and the changing role of women in the boardroom over the past two decades.  A non-executive director, educator, author and producer and narrator of the Directors Dilemma newsletter, Julie reflects on a career spanning more than 27 years across boards, governance education and consulting. She shares lessons from board turnarounds; governance failures and the increasing expectations placed on directors today.  Julie also reflects on the early days of Women on Boards and the reaction when WOB first launched. At the time, she was serving on the council of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and recalls the "consternation" surrounding an organisation focused specifically on supporting women into boards, particularly during debates around quotas and targets.  She notes how much the governance landscape has changed since then. In the early days, governance events often had only a handful of women in attendance. Today, many are approaching gender parity -something Julie believes WOB has helped normalise over the past 20 years.  The episode also explores the importance of continuous learning, strong networks and understanding the practical realities of being a director, with Julie encouraging aspiring directors to gain hands-on board experience and continue building their governance knowledge throughout their career.

    32 min

  6. 3 May ·  Video

    E3 | Ruth Medd's Inspiration, Influence and Impact

    In this very special episode of the 20 Years of Women on Boards podcast series, Claire Braund sits down with Ruth Medd, the original architect behind the Women on Boards idea and co-founder of WOB,  a conversation that truly reflects Inspire, Influence and Impact in action.  This episode offers a rare and insightful reflection on how one idea, sparked in the early 2000s, grew into a national movement that has shaped the board landscape in Australia. From the earliest conversations following the Sydney Olympics to the formal launch of Women on Boards in 2006, Ruth's vision and persistence helped inspire a generation of women to consider the boardroom as a pathway.  In a candid and often humorous discussion, Ruth shares the thinking behind some of WOB's most defining initiatives, including the creation of the Vacancy Board, the push for women into paid board roles, and the role of data and advocacy in influencing real change across organisations and sectors. She reflects on the early days of challenging boardroom norms, including turning up at AGMs to ask difficult questions, and how these actions helped influence greater awareness and accountability at the highest levels.  The episode also captures the unique partnership between Ruth and Claire, whose combined efforts over nearly two decades created lasting impact, opening doors, creating access and supporting women to step into board roles with confidence.  As WOB celebrates 20 years, this episode is both a tribute and a powerful reminder of how one idea can inspire change, influence systems and deliver meaningful impact.  >> Learn more www.womenonboards.net

    30 min
  7. E2 | Cheryl Hayman's Purposeful, Reciprocal and Energetic Board Career

    19 Apr

    E2 | Cheryl Hayman's Purposeful, Reciprocal and Energetic Board Career

    Cheryl Hayman is one of WOB's longest serving and most successful Women on Boards members. Coming into boards at a relatively young age from a global marketing background, she had several hurdles to overcome. Her focus on how to build her own board brand, awareness of the need to adapt and innovate and willingness to learn and finesse her governance style has seen her step onto a range of boards across the listed, private and NFP sectors. She is a WOBSX Alumni, a WOBSX Program Chair and WOB Mentor. With a two-decade board career spans the rise of women and non -traditional skillsets into the boardroom Cheryl understands that effective governance is shaped as much by judgement, relationships and culture as it is by experience. Cheryl is an experienced Non-Executive Director and Remuneration and Nomination Committee Chair. She has held many roles, including as one of the first independent NEDs of Women on Boards and currently serves as a Non-Executive Director, Chief Executive Women, Ai Media (ASX:AIM), HJ Langdon & Co and Guide Dogs NSW/ACT and as a Council member of HCF Australia Cheryl's journey highlights the value of being strategic, intentional and highly networked. She found that by clearly articulating her strengths, maintaining a visible professional presence and investing in relationships, that opportunities followed. Inside the boardroom, her insight is direct. Frameworks matter, she says, but it is the quality of dialogue, trust and willingness to challenge that define outcomes. More about Cheryl Hayman on LinkedIn Women on Boards https://www.womenonboards.net/ LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/women-on-boards

    24 min
  8. E1 | The History of WOB with Claire Braund OAM

    5 Apr

    E1 | The History of WOB with Claire Braund OAM

    Inspire | Influence | Impact Lasting change begins by making opportunity visible and accessible. For 20 years, Women on Boards has done exactly that, helping reshape leadership and governance across Australia through the vision of co-founders Claire Braund and Ruth Medd. In this episode, Claire reflects on the origins of the organisation, from an informal network inspired by the Sydney Olympics to a national organisation driving measurable change in boardroom representation. She shares the challenges of confronting entrenched systems, the strategies that improved transparency and access, and the evolution towards broader diversity and leadership impact. She also discusses the power of advocacy, community, and persistence in shifting long-held norms, offering insight into how a clear purpose, strong partnerships, and unwavering belief can influence institutions and create enduring, systemic change.  Vide & audio production by Chris Ashmore Media. Host Chris Ashmore ------------------------------------------------------- Learn more or join at Women on Boards

    37 min
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About

Impact | Influence | Inspire As we celebrate 20 years of Women on Boards in 2026, we are proud to launch a new podcast and vodcast series - 20 Years of Women on Boards. This series captures the story behind the movement; how it started, the challenges along the way, and the impact it has had on boardrooms across Australia and beyond. Delivered as both a podcast and vodcast, the series allows you to listen on the go or watch the conversations as they unfold, bringing the voices, stories and insights of our community to life. Across 2026, we will release a collection of episodes featuring our founders, key contributors and long-standing members. Together, they will reflect on the evolution of Women on Boards, the progress made, and the work still to be done. The series will explore: • The origins of Women on Boards and why it was needed. • The introduction of the 40:40:20 framework and its influence. • The role of research, including the Board Diversity Index, in driving accountability. • The lived experiences of members who have built board careers over the past two decades. • The future of governance, diversity and leadership. Visit our website www.womeonboards.net Watch the Vodcast at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaYKLvbTeR00Oj3GqMWbjEDcID1YevTVW

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