Take on Board

Helga Svendsen
  • 5.0 (3)
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Welcome to the Take on Board podcast, where we talk all things boards and governance. Being on a board can be interesting, valuable and exciting. Yet it can also be lonely, challenging and hard. Each week I talk to women who have been there, done that. Together we'll discover what we need to take on board to be your best in the boardroom. https://helgasvendsen.com.au/take-on-board-podcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 1d ago

    Building chair CEO relationships and setting boundaries with Pam Macdonald

    Today on the Take on Board podcast, I'm speaking with Pam Macdonald about the importance of the relationship between the chair and the CEO. Pam is the deputy chair of Intereach and president of Active Education Australia. She was formerly on the boards of Remembrance Park Central Victoria, Golden Dragon Museum, National Chinese Museum Australia, Community Foundation Central Victoria, Women's Housing Limited, Career Development Association, and the Australian Human Resources Institute. Pam has over 20 years' experience as a director and as a human resources professional, two skill sets she combines with her strategic mindset to ensure that the people and processes aspects of effective governance are brought to the fore. An experienced facilitator, Pam views the board as a team, albeit one with significant responsibility and the opportunity to harness the collective capability around the table to best serve the organization and community. Her consulting business also involves mentoring and coaching directors and board chairs from time to time, especially those referred to her when they are facing challenges. Links and Resources Pam MacDonald on LinkedIn Upcoming TOB Events All events You might want to: Join the Take on Board Facebook community Join the Take on Board LinkedIn community Follow along on Twitter Work with me Join the Take on Board: Kickstarter group program Join the Take on Board: Accelerator group program Find out more about me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. Aug 11

    The Observership Program and your board future with Cathy Robinson and Reena Rihan

    Today on the Take on Board podcast, I'm recording of a conversation with Cathy Robinson and Reena Rihan from The Observership program. They have asked me to do a session with their current participants around pathways to the boardroom. So for their current participants, as they're coming to the end of their year as an Observership participant, what can they be thinking about to get on a board? And we thought we would record an introductory Q&A session for people to watch before we come together for a live Q&A session.  So here is that conversation. Links and Resources The Observership Program Upcoming TOB Events All events You might want to: Join the Take on Board Facebook community Join the Take on Board LinkedIn community Follow along on Twitter Work with me Join the Take on Board: Kickstarter group program Join the Take on Board: Accelerator group program Find out more about me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Aug 4

    Helga goes solo: to pay or not to pay - there's a new tool for that

    This week on the Take on Board podcast, I introduce the Institute of Community Directors Australia’s new Board Payment Wizard and why it’s a useful way for boards to think through whether paying directors is right for their organisation. I share how the tool can be used individually or as a group, and the kinds of prompts it includes—legality, affordability, turnover, recruitment and retention, inclusion of consumers, director workload and expenses, accountability, and stakeholder support—without trying to deliver a single “tick-the-box” answer. There's also an example of a board adopting optional, request-based payments to support diversity, and I invite you to tell me if you try the wizard and what your board decides. Links and Resources Board Payment Wizard Upcoming TOB Events All events You might want to: Join the Take on Board Facebook community Join the Take on Board LinkedIn community Follow along on Twitter Work with me Join the Take on Board: Kickstarter group program Join the Take on Board: Accelerator group program Find out more about me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Jul 28

    Welcoming nature into the boardroom has surprising results with Darya Boukata

    Today on the Take On Board podcast, I am speaking with Darya Boukata about the presence of nature in the boardroom. This discussion builds on some episodes I recorded in late 2025 with the fantastic Dominique Hes, so if you're interested in hearing more, I encourage you to check those out. Darya is a PhD researcher at the University of Sydney Business School, where she investigates how the loss of nature is influencing corporate governance. Her research intersects business strategy, sustainability, and governance, with a focus on how company directors are addressing nature-related risks and opportunities. She is also the co-author of the recent report, *Nature Enters the Boardroom*, developed in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Company Directors. This report provides one of the first empirical insights into how boards engage with nature. Before her academic career, Darya worked in strategy consulting as an analyst at McKinsey & Company and as a consultant at Social Ventures Australia. She advised organsations across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. Additionally, she founded her own rescue ranch, where she rehabilitates horses and connects with neurodiverse kids seeking a greater connection to nature. Currently, Darya continues her PhD research, blending rigorous academic analysis with real-world insights from the boardroom. This makes her an invaluable voice on how businesses can transition from awareness to action regarding nature. Links and Resources Darya Boukata on LinkedIn Upcoming TOB Events All events You might want to: Join the Take on Board Facebook community Join the Take on Board LinkedIn community Follow along on Twitter Work with me Join the Take on Board: Kickstarter group program Join the Take on Board: Accelerator group program Find out more about me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Jul 21

    Take on Board x Flourish After Fifty: Is a Board Role Really for You? Helga Svendsen Answers All Your Questions

    This week on the Take on Board podcast, I'm a guest on Sue West's podcast Flourish After Fifty. I joined Sue on her show for a wide-ranging conversation. Our conversation demystifies what board work is really like for women in the second half of their careers. If you’ve ever imagined a board role as the “natural next step”, a meaningful way to contribute, shape strategy, and maybe create more flexible work, this episode will help you decide whether it’s genuinely a fit for you. I shared how my governance journey began and eventually led to multiple board roles and a career devoted to supporting women in governance. Thanks for having me Sue! Links and Resources Flourish After Fifty Upcoming TOB Events All events You might want to: Join the Take on Board Facebook community Join the Take on Board LinkedIn community Follow along on Twitter Work with me Join the Take on Board: Kickstarter group program Join the Take on Board: Accelerator group program Find out more about me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Jul 14

    (Peri)menopause and the board room what you need to know with Sarah Gray

    Today, on the Take on Board podcast, I am talking to Sarah Gray. Sarah is one of Australia’s only dual-qualified health professionals in pharmacy and nutrition, a certified menopause practitioner, and the author of "If It's Not You, It's Perimenopause." She sits on the boards of Moyne Health Services and the Advisory Board for Healthy Life, and is passionate about helping women thrive through perimenopause and menopause, especially in the boardroom. n this conversation with Helga, Sarah shares practical advice and insight into supporting yourself and others through this important life stage—both individually and as part of a board or workplace community. Sarah will be a guest at the August 27th Take on Board Online Event. Please sign up here. Links ad Resources Sarah Gray's Website - The Nutrition Pharmacist Upcoming TOB Events All events You might want to: Join the Take on Board Facebook community Join the Take on Board LinkedIn community Follow along on Twitter Work with me Join the Take on Board: Kickstarter group program Join the Take on Board: Accelerator group program Find out more about me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Jul 7

    Fiona Bennett wants you to plan your board chair communications

    Today on the Take On Board podcast, I'm speaking with Fiona Bennett about clear and planned communication for board chairs.  Fiona is the chair of Australian Mutual Bank, and she's also on the board of Neami. She's a certified practicing accountant with extensive experience in financial management, governance, audit, and risk management across listed companies, New South Wales government, and banking. Fiona lives in Central West New South Wales and is passionate about equity of access to healthcare.  Links ad Resources Mastering boardroom communication: five essentials for executives Upcoming TOB Events All events You might want to: Join the Take on Board Facebook community Join the Take on Board LinkedIn community Follow along on Twitter Work with me Join the Take on Board: Kickstarter group program Join the Take on Board: Accelerator group program Find out more about me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. Jun 30

    Helga goes solo: Lessons from the Larapinta Trail

    In this episode, I’m recording from the beautiful Larapinta Trail in Central Australia, where I’ve just wrapped up a 14-day end-to-end trek. Disconnected from the outside world, I’ve had plenty of time to reflect on governance, drawing parallels between the wilderness and the boardroom. I share lessons on adopting a "starry night" perspective for strategy, the critical need for robust risk assessment and scenario planning—highlighted by our team's experience navigating a medical emergency—and why governance, just like hiking, is truly a team sport. I also touch on the importance of celebrating small wins and take a moment to acknowledge the Arrernte people, on whose stunning land this journey took place Upcoming TOB Events All events You might want to: Join the Take on Board Facebook community Join the Take on Board LinkedIn community Follow along on Twitter Work with me Join the Take on Board: Kickstarter group program Join the Take on Board: Accelerator group program Find out more about me . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Take on Board podcast, where we talk all things boards and governance. Being on a board can be interesting, valuable and exciting. Yet it can also be lonely, challenging and hard. Each week I talk to women who have been there, done that. Together we'll discover what we need to take on board to be your best in the boardroom. https://helgasvendsen.com.au/take-on-board-podcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Helga Svendsen
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    374
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Helga Svendsen
  • Show Website
    Take on Board

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