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. 3d ago

    E12 | Andrea Staines on Building a Board Career That Lasts - Professional Diversity, Personal Flexibility

    Most directors focus on securing their first board appointment. Andrea Staines OAM took a different approach. Nearly 20 years ago, she made the deliberate decision to build a portfolio career as a full-time non-executive director, long before it became a recognised career path. Today, Andrea is regarded as one of Australia's pioneers of the professional portfolio director, serving across transport, infrastructure and retail while continually evolving her career. Speaking on the latest 20 Years of Women on Boards podcast, she shares the principles that have guided her journey. One of Andrea's strongest messages is that directors need to manage their careers with the same discipline they would apply to running a business. "You have to think of yourself as a business," she says. That means continually building your network, keeping your profile current, investing in your professional development and always looking ahead to the next opportunity. Building a board portfolio doesn't stop once you've secured your first appointment, it requires ongoing business development and a clear understanding of the value you bring. Rather than pursuing every opportunity, Andrea carefully identified where her executive experience would have the greatest impact. She deliberately built a portfolio across transport, infrastructure and retail services, creating diversity while staying true to her expertise. Perhaps her most memorable observation is that the greatest rewards of board work aren't financial. "Don't do board work for the money. If you want the money, stay as an executive." Instead, she believes board careers offer something far more valuable: professional diversity, personal flexibility and the opportunity to keep learning. After nearly two decades in the boardroom, Andrea's message is simple. A successful board career isn't built on a single appointment, it's built through continuous learning, thoughtful choices and a willingness to keep evolving. Learn more about womenonboards Host: Claire Braund OAM Guest: Andrea Staines OAM

  2. Jul 13

    E11 | Chris Franks AM: Governance with Purpose

    What does great governance look like after more than two decades in the boardroom? In this episode of 20 Years of Women on Boards – Inspire | Influence | Impact, Claire Braund speaks with Chris Franks AM, an accomplished non-executive director whose governance career spans mutuals, financial services, international development, health and the not-for-profit sector. Chris reflects on an extraordinary career journey from nursing to research, international development and some of Australia's leading member-owned organisations. She shares how purpose has shaped every board appointment, why strong chairs matter more than ever, and why board performance and accountability remain among governance's biggest challenges. They also discuss: • Building a purpose-driven board career • The evolution of governance over the past 25 years • Why women have transformed the boardroom • The importance of board evaluations and performance • Leadership, culture and organisational purpose • Advice for aspiring directors Whether you're beginning your board journey or are an experienced director, this conversation offers practical insights into effective governance and values-led leadership.   >> Learn more about Women on Boards

  3. Jul 6

    E10 | Toni Brendish FAICD: From CEO to Chair – Building a Purposeful Board Career

    How do you successfully transition from leading global businesses to building a rewarding portfolio career in the boardroom? In this episode of the 20 Years of Women on Boards – Inspire | Influence | Impact podcast, Claire Braund OAM speaks with Toni Brendish FAICD about the experiences, decisions and leadership lessons that have shaped her journey from CEO to Chair and Non-Executive Director. Toni reflects on an adventurous childhood spent in remote Australia and Papua New Guinea, explaining how resilience, independence and adapting to change became the foundations of her leadership style. She also shares how an unexpected graduate role at Unilever launched a distinguished executive career spanning Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Europe with global organisations including Danone, Coca-Cola, Colgate-Palmolive and Kimberly-Clark. Now Chair of Fresh Produce Group and a Non-Executive Director of Cobram Estate Olives, Prolife Foods and Clover Corporation, Toni discusses the deliberate planning behind her transition into the boardroom, why purpose and values have always guided her career, and what executives should consider when preparing for their own portfolio careers. From building high-performing teams and leading business transformation to embracing new opportunities and preparing for a second career, this engaging conversation offers practical insights for aspiring and experienced directors. If you're thinking about your own board journey or curious about boards, Toni's story will leave you inspired to plan ahead, back yourself and lead with purpose. Visit www.womenonboards.net LinkedIn Facebook

  4. Jun 29

    E9 | Victoria Weekes on Building a Meaningful Board Career: Adventure, Courage and Joy

    What does it take to build a successful board career that spans healthcare, financial services, housing, agriculture and listed companies? For experienced non-executive director Victoria Weekes, it starts with being willing to learn, embracing uncertainty and remembering that board service is about purpose, not prestige. In the latest episode of the 20 Years of Women on Boards podcast, Victoria joins Women on Boards CEO and Co-founder Claire BraundOAM to reflect on her remarkable governance journey, from her first board appointment in 2008 to a portfolio spanning some of Australia's leading organisations. Drawing on an executive career in banking and financial services, Victoria explains that her move into the boardroom wasn't driven by a desire to leave executive leadership behind. Instead, she wanted broader impact across different sectors while applying her governance and risk expertise to organisations facing complex strategic challenges. One of her earliest board appointments, Cure Brain Cancer Foundation, proved transformational. Beyond strengthening governance in a growing organisation, it reinforced the importance of deeply understanding an organisation's purpose and the sector it serves. "You really have to understand both an organisation, its purpose and deeply understand what it does." Throughout the conversation, Victoria shares practical insights for aspiring and experienced directors alike. She encourages directors to plan their board careers deliberately while remaining open to unexpected opportunities, acknowledging that even the best-laid plans often take unexpected turns. She also challenges the perception that board careers are glamorous. "Sometimes it's just a long, hard slog. Things always happen a little slower than you think." Reflecting on board effectiveness, Victoria believes the best boards are characterised by trust, respect and the ability to come together during periods of uncertainty. In times of crisis, successful boards remain cohesive, have difficult conversations respectfully and keep their focus firmly on the organisation's long-term interests. She also offers an insightful perspective on board culture, suggesting that warning signs are often found in seemingly small behaviours rather than major governance failures. Respectful interactions, strong board hygiene, timely information and directors who genuinely identify with the organisation all contribute to healthy governance. As a long-time advocate for gender equality and one of the founders of the Australian Gender Equality Council, Victoria reflects on the significant progress women have made in Australian boardrooms while cautioning against complacency. Although female representation has improved considerably over the past two decades, she believes true success will only come when diversity extends beyond gender to include cultural diversity, age and broader lived experience. Looking ahead, Victoria sees the next frontier as increasing the number of women board chairs, expanding diversity across all sectors and continuing to create pathways for the next generation of directors. Having been a Women on Boards member since 2008, Victoria credits the organisation with providing not only practical support and board opportunities, but also a community of women travelling similar governance journeys. Asked to describe her own board career in just three words, Victoria chose: Adventure. Courage. Joy. Those three words capture not only her own experience, but also the spirit of a governance career built on curiosity, resilience and a genuine commitment to making organisations stronger.

  5. Jun 22

    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

  6. Jun 12

    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

  7. Jun 4

    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

  8. May 25

    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

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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

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