Governance Bites

Mark Banicevich

Mark Banicevich interviews a series of experts about governance, including company directors, lawyers, executive managers, and governance consultants. Each interview is on a different topic related to governance, tied to the guest's expertise. He also asks interviews for the best governance advice they've received, or they would give to new directors. 

  1. 2D AGO

    Governance Bites #137: Governance in the world of AI, with Ian Fitzgerald

    Send a text In this essential episode, Mark Banicevich interviews governance veteran Ian Fitzgerald on the immediate and long-term impact of artificial intelligence on the boardroom. Ian breaks down how AI enhances the four pillars of governance—from using AI for scenario planning and deeper strategic insight to improving oversight and risk management through pattern recognition. The discussion covers practical tools for handling confidential board information securely and the critical importance of setting clear guardrails and understanding the dual risks of moving too slowly or too quickly. This is your guide to ensuring AI is a powerful tool, not a technological distraction. Ian Fitzgerald is an experienced company director and advisor based in Blenheim, New Zealand. A Chartered Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Directors, his career in governance spans the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. Ian began his career at the NZ Treasury, working on public policy and international economics, before moving into executive roles at Westpac in both New Zealand and Australia. In 1998, he founded the professional services firm Burleigh Evatt, where he advised senior executives on complex strategic issues. Since 2012, Ian's main focus has been on directorships and advisory assignments. His extensive governance portfolio highlights his diverse expertise. He is currently the Chair of the Niue Development Bank. His former leadership roles include serving as Chair of Public Trust, a Crown Entity; Deputy Chair of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand; Chair of Timaru District Holdings Limited; and Chairman of the Ngati Apā ki te Rā Tō Investment Company. He has also been a director for organisations such as World of WearableArt and Kiwibank. #AIGovernance, #CorporateGovernance, #BoardofDirectors, #ArtificialIntelligence, #AI, #FutureofWork, #DigitalTransformation, #RiskManagement, #Strategy, #Leadership, #Business, #Podcast, #YouTube, #DirectorDuties, #ExecEducation

    29 min

  2. FEB 11

    Governance Bites #136: Artificial intelligence and governance, with Tony Dench

    Send a text In this episode of Governance Bites, Mark Banicevich sits down with Tony Dench to explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence [AI] on boards and governance. They discuss why AI is no longer optional, the opportunities it creates, the risks boards must manage, and how to approach ethical and ESG [environmental, social and governance] considerations. Tony shares practical advice for directors feeling out of their depth and reveals how AI is reshaping decision-making, board reporting, and stakeholder engagement. A must-watch for leaders navigating the AI-driven business landscape. Tony Dench is an experienced board member and chair with a passion for applying governance principles in a practical and pragmatic manner. He has more than 30 years of combined international experience in leadership roles across financial services, accountancy, and law. As a leader, Tony has a proven track record of delivering impressive results through a hands-on, collaborative style that builds trusting relationships based on integrity and empathy. A strong advocate for purpose-driven strategy, he successfully implemented this approach as CEO of SHARE, where profits more than trebled under his leadership. Tony currently holds several governance roles, including Independent Director for Utilities Disputes and SBS Insurance, and serves on the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee for the New Zealand Law Society. #AI, #ArtificialIntelligence, #Governance, #BoardOfDirectors, #CorporateGovernance, #BusinessStrategy, #EthicalAI, #ESG, #Leadership, #DigitalTransformation, #RiskManagement, #Innovation, #FutureOfWork, #AIinBusiness, #ExecutiveLeadership, #AIethics, #AIadoption, #BusinessGrowth, #BoardLeadership, #GovernanceInsights

    18 min

  3. FEB 4

    Governance Bites #135: CEO and director remuneration, with Dr John Peebles

    Send us a text In this high-value episode of Governance Bites, interviewer Mark Banicevich speaks with Dr John Peebles, a governance PhD and experienced chair, on the explosive topic of CEO and Director Remuneration. Dr Peebles reveals how New Zealand’s executive pay is rapidly shifting from a conservative, base-salary model to an aggressive, US-style incentive structure, with potential short-term and long-term bonuses now soaring past 100% of base pay. They discuss why our low director fees are failing to compensate for rising liability, why New Zealand struggles to attract global talent, and the need for boards to abandon compensation surveys to reward extraordinary performance and asset return. Dr. John Peebles is a highly experienced board director, governance consultant, and executive search advisor. In 2008, he was named one of the 50 most influential search consultants in the world by Business Week. His extensive board experience includes current roles as Chairman of Premier Lifestyle Villages Limited and past roles as a Director for The Broadcasting Corporation of New Zealand. Dr. Peebles holds a Doctorate in Business and Administration from Massey University. His doctoral research focused on corporate governance, specifically investigating who determines the board's agenda in New Zealand's public companies. He found that directors often passively accept established agenda-setting systems, and his study suggests that competence and transparent boardroom processes are more critical to good governance than factors such as director independence, age, or gender. #CEOPay, #DirectorRemuneration, #IncentiveDesign, #CorporateGovernance, #ExecutiveCompensation, #NZBusiness, #Leadership, #BoardMeetings, #Productivity, #Governance, #GovernanceBites

    30 min

  4. JAN 28

    Governance Bites #134: six secrets to supercharge your board, with Tracey Cross

    Send us a text Is your board underperforming? Governance expert Tracey Cross, an independent director and legal advisor, joins Mark Banicevich on Governance Bites to reveal the ""Six Secrets to Supercharge Your Board Performance"". This discussion is essential, especially given that 67% of respondents to an important survey would like to replace a board member. Tracey emphasises the necessity of becoming one aligned team, supporting the often-overlooked Chair, and accepting that directors are people too, bringing their own bias and baggage to the table. Learn the counter-intuitive planning secret: meeting less often can boost productivity by avoiding operational creep and providing management time to execute. Finally, discover why boards must focus on their own internal 'hygiene' and demand challenging, strategic work. Tracey Cross is a highly respected legal and corporate governance expert, bringing over 25 years of experience in financial services regulatory compliance and strategy. As a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors, Tracey holds key Independent Director roles, currently serving on the Boards of AIA New Zealand and Mint Asset Management. Her board responsibilities include strategy, risk management, and chairing committees like Audit & Risk and ESG. Tracey is passionate about governance with purpose, driving the belief that good conduct and culture are fundamental to competitive and sustainable business. Currently practicing on her own account and working as a governance adviser at Grounded Governance Ltd, she specializes in providing pragmatic, commercially driven solutions, strategy development, and tailored legal and governance training for Boards and businesses. Her focus is on strong leadership and advocating change that results in the best customer outcomes. #Governance, #BoardPerformance, #CorporateGovernance, #BoardofDirectors, #Strategy, #BoardEffectiveness, #SuperchargeYourBoard, #BoardChair, #ProductiveBoard, #BoardHygiene, #AlignedTeam, #IndependentDirector, #GovernanceBites

    17 min

  5. JAN 21

    Governance Bites #133: CEO or managing director? with Steven Bowman

    Send us a text Join Mark Banicevich on Governance Bites as he talks with Steven Bowman, a governance expert with 45 years in the CEO and board space. They unpack the fundamental differences between a CEO and a Managing Director (MD). The core distinction is that an MD is both a manager and a voting director of the board. Steven shares the criteria for adopting the MD title, such as having a board vote or shares in the company. Crucially, they discuss how boards navigate the potential blurring between governance and management, often employing mechanisms like board only sessions (in camera) and external mentors. Discover the real meaning behind the titles and the best governance advice: be curious about everything. Steven Bowman is founder of Conscious Governance, a global, independent advisory service specialising in strategic planning, board governance, leadership, and risk management consulting for Boards, CEOs, and directors. The firm provides resources and guidance to organisations across virtually all sectors, including health, education, government, faith, disability, and housing. The governance model promoted by Conscious Governance is defined as running an organisation with conscious awareness. This approach moves beyond 19th-century systems focused on policy and conformance, prioritising conscious leadership to steer the organisation toward a defined vision and align day-to-day management with organisational strategies. Conscious Board leadership is vital for improving both financial and social results. Core services include Board governance evaluations, risk management strategies, and leadership development, such as CEO performance management. Conscious Governance has reported completing over 500 successful strategic plan facilitations and serving more than 4200 clients. #CEO, #ManagingDirector, #Governance, #BoardOfDirectors, #ExecutiveRoles, #CorporateGovernance, #Leadership, #Management, #FamilyBusiness, #FinanceSector, #BoardOnlySessions, #InCamera, #Mentoring, #GovernanceBites, #ConsciousGovernance

    17 min

  6. JAN 14

    Governance Bites #132: Public-to-private leadership lessons, with Dr Richard Carson

    Send us a text In this episode, Mark Banicevich interviews Dr Richard Carson on the leadership lessons gained from advising three state governors—and how they translate into today’s corporate boardrooms. They explore the culture shocks public leaders face when moving into private governance, from shifting accountability to adapting to faster decision cycles. Dr Carson shares crisis management strategies, coalition-building insights, and ways boards can leverage public sector skills to manage risk and drive purpose beyond profit. Packed with real-world parallels and practical advice, this episode is essential listening for directors, executives, and anyone navigating the intersection of public service and corporate governance. Richard H. Carson is a consultant, author, and academic researcher with a 40-year career focused on organisational change management. He is the CEO of Carson & Associates, a consultancy he established in 2017 to serve public-sector and non-profit organisations. The firm specialises in making organisations more performance efficient and cost-effective through services like strategic planning, human resources, and executive coaching. Dr Carson’s has served as a senior policy analyst for three Oregon governors and held numerous public sector management roles. His doctorate research in organisational psychology at Washington State University resulted in his trademarked “People Sustained Organizational Change Management (PSOCM) model”, a comprehensive, three-phase, 10-step framework for managing workplace transformation. Dr Carson authored “The Book of Change” (see https://www.bookofchange.com/ for a free PDF), a practical, step-by-step guide written for business and government executives, consultants, and students navigating organisational change. Dr Carson has also served on several boards, including the Oregon Development Network, the American Planning Association in Oregon and Washington, and Kit Carson Historic Museums. #LeadershipLessons, #Governance, #BoardOfDirectors, #CorporateLeadership, #PublicToPrivate, #ExecutiveInsights, #BusinessStrategy, #CorporateCulture, #CrisisManagement, #StakeholderEngagement, #PublicSectorLeadership, #BoardroomInsights, #LeadershipTransition, #CorporateGovernance, #PurposeDrivenBusiness

    24 min

  7. JAN 7

    Governance Bites #131: the importance of the 'S' in ESG, with Joseph Catanzariti AM

    Send us a text In this video, Joseph Catanzariti AM joins Mark Banicevich to unpack why the often-ignored “S” in ESG is fast becoming a strategic imperative for boards. From psychosocial risk and culture to stakeholder expectations, Joe explains how misunderstanding the social dimension can damage resilience, reputation, and long-term value. With real cases, practical indicators, and clear guidance on what boards should be asking for, this conversation reveals why directors must engage deeply with people, wellbeing, and organisational culture — not just policies. A must-watch for anyone serious about modern governance. Joseph Catanzariti AM is a highly regarded governance expert, Strategic Adviser, Mediator, Arbitrator, and Investigator. He draws on over 40 years of practical legal experience and possesses extensive Board level experience across Australia and internationally. In 2016, Mr Catanzariti was awarded a Member in the Order of Australia AM for significant service to the law, to legal education, to labour and employment relations, and to professional legal bodies. Mr. Catanzariti currently serves as the Chairman of The College of Law Australia (since 2008), a role accompanied by Board Member positions for institutions in the UK and New Zealand. During his tenure as a Director for the Law Council of Australia, his governance oversight included service as a Member of the Corporate Governance Committee and as a Member and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee. Furthermore, he advises Boards and Companies on crucial matters such as risk management and psychosocial hazards. Before transitioning to advisory roles, he completed an 11-year term as Vice President of the Fair Work Commission. #ESG, #SocialInESG, #CorporateGovernance, #BoardLeadership, #DirectorDuties, #GovernanceBites, #WorkplaceWellbeing, #PsychosocialRisks, #OrganisationalCulture, #BoardReporting, #PeopleAndCulture, #RiskManagement, #GovernanceExpertise, #LeadershipInsights, #DirectorEducation

    30 min

  8. 12/10/2025

    Governance Bites #130: Power cliques on boards, with Dr John Peebles

    Send us a text Uncover the hidden dynamics of corporate boards with Dr John Peebles, an expert with a PhD in governance and extensive experience as a director and executive search specialist. In this episode, Mark Banicevich talks with Dr Peebles about ""Power Cliques on Boards,"" revealing how informal groups control decision-making outside the boardroom. Learn why boards are not seamless units, the shocking prevalence of passive acceptance of agendas, and why transparency and a good process are more important than diversity metrics. Discover the key questions every Chair should be asking and the best governance advice for new directors. Tune in for essential insights into the real power structures governing your business. Dr. John Peebles is a highly experienced board director, governance consultant, and executive search advisor. In 2008, he was named one of the 50 most influential search consultants in the world by Business Week. His extensive board experience includes current roles as Chairman of Premier Lifestyle Villages Limited and past roles as a Director for The Broadcasting Corporation of New Zealand. Dr. Peebles holds a Doctorate in Business and Administration from Massey University. His doctoral research focused on corporate governance, specifically investigating who determines the board's agenda in New Zealand's public companies. He found that directors often passively accept established agenda-setting systems, and his study suggests that competence and transparent boardroom processes are more critical to good governance than factors such as director independence, age, or gender. #PowerCliques, #BoardAgenda, #CorporateGovernance, #BoardofDirectors, #BoardDynamics, #DirectorTips, #BusinessLeadership, #AgendaSetting, #GoodGovernance, #Transparency, #GovernanceBites, #Governance

    21 min
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About

Mark Banicevich interviews a series of experts about governance, including company directors, lawyers, executive managers, and governance consultants. Each interview is on a different topic related to governance, tied to the guest's expertise. He also asks interviews for the best governance advice they've received, or they would give to new directors. 

Information

  • Creator
    Mark Banicevich
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    137
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Governance Bites
  • Show Website
    Governance Bites