Director Download

Australian Institute of Company Directors

Stay governance-ready with Director Download from the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). This weekly podcast on contemporary governance practice brings you insights into what matters now and what's coming next, with views from AICD policy experts and Australia's leading governance specialists. From the rise of AI to director liability and geopolitical risk, each episode turns complex challenges and opportunities into clear, actionable insights for the board room. Download and subscribe to stay ahead, relevant and ready to lead in a fast-moving governance landscape.

  1. 6d ago

    Dr Philip Lowe: Why the ASX Governance Principles Need a Reset

    The ASX Corporate Governance Principles are undergoing a significant review, with proposed changes aimed at simplifying requirements, strengthening trust and ensuring the framework remains fit for today's governance environment. In this episode, Chair of the ASX Corporate Governance Advisory Group and former Reserve Bank Governor, Dr Philip Lowe, explains the thinking behind the proposed fifth edition of the ASX Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations. Philip discusses why the review aims to reduce unnecessary regulatory duplication while reinforcing the governance practices that matter most. He outlines the case for simpler, more principles-based governance, and explores key topics including board culture, diversity, skills, transparency and Australia's reputation as a trusted destination for investment. He also shares his views on Australia's broader economic challenges, from productivity and investment to AI and living standards, and explains why strong governance remains essential to building trust, attracting capital and supporting long-term prosperity.  We cover: (03:00) The biggest proposed changes and the thinking behind them (05:30) Why board oversight of organisational culture has become a greater governance priority (11:00) The evolving approach to board diversity and skills (14:30 )Why the skills matrix requirement has been removed (16:00 )What happens during the consultation process and what comes next (24:00) Philip Lowe's concerns about Australia's productivity and living standards  Learn more:  The AICD's update on the draft 5th edition of the ASX Corporate Governance Principles & Recommendations - https://www.aicd.com.au/good-governance/asx-corporate/corporate-governance-principles-5th-draft-edition.html The Governing Culture in a Complex World resource discussed in the conversation is also available to access: https://www.aicd.com.au/news-media/research-and-reports/culture-governance-principles.html Connect:  Dr Philip Lowe on LinkedIn - https://au.linkedin.com/in/philip-lowe-8179b01a2   AICD on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/school/australianinstituteofcompanydirectors/ Kulja Coulston on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kulja-coulston/ Bennett Mason on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennett-mason-10517336/  This episode Director Download was produced on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people. We recognise First Nations peoples' cultural and spiritual relationships to the Skies, Land, Waters, and Seas, and their rich contribution to society.

  2. Jul 21

    Why Director Wellbeing Is a Governance Issue

    Directors are expected to make sound judgements on complex issues, often under significant pressure. But how often do boards consider whether directors themselves are in the best position to make those decisions? In this episode, workplace wellbeing expert Dr Rebecca Chabot explains why director wellbeing is far more than a personal health issue, it's a governance issue. Drawing on neuroscience, Rebecca explores how chronic stress can impair judgement, decision-making and emotional regulation. She shares practical strategies to help directors think more clearly, recover effectively and perform at their best in the boardroom. We cover: (01:30) Why wellbeing is fundamental to good governance and better decision-making 05:00) The difference between resilience and simply pushing through (06:30) The neuroscience behind stress, and how chronic stress changes the way directors think (08:40) The warning signs that stress is affecting judgement, memory and emotional regulation (11:30) The role of social connection and psychological safety in effective boardrooms (13:40) The everyday habits that support clearer thinking, including sleep, movement and recovery (24:20) What well-functioning boards do differently to create the conditions for better thinking and stronger governance  Learn more:   Dr Rebecca Chabot's website - https://www.purewellnesstasmania.com  Connect:  Dr Rebecca Chabot on LinkedIn - https://au.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-chabot-phd-maicd-47b689  AICD on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/school/australianinstituteofcompanydirectors/ Kulja Coulston on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kulja-coulston/ Bennett Mason on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennett-mason-10517336/  This episode Director Download was produced on the traditional lands of the Gadigal and Wurundjeri peoples. We recognise First Nations peoples' cultural and spiritual relationships to the Skies, Land, Waters, and Seas, and their rich contribution to society.

  3. Jul 14

    How High-Performing Boards Govern Culture

    Organisational culture can be a powerful driver of performance, conduct and risk, yet it remains one of the most challenging governance responsibilities facing directors. In this episode, we're joined by Dr Juliet Bourke, Adjunct Professor at UNSW and Chair of Ovarian Cancer Australia, and Sally Linwood, Corporate Governance Lead at the AICD and lead author of an important new guide, Governing Culture in a Complex World. Drawing on the guide's five principles for governing culture, they explore what effective oversight looks like in practice. Together, they discuss why culture is a boardroom priority, how directors can develop a deeper understanding of what's happening across their organisation, the indicators boards should be paying attention to, and why human capital expertise deserves a stronger voice in today's boardrooms.  We cover: (03:10) Why organisational culture has become one of the board's most important governance priorities. (10:00) Why culture is so difficult to measure, and how boards can identify the "say-do gap". (11:20) Practical ways directors can gain a more accurate picture of organisational culture through site visits, stakeholder engagement and multiple data sources. (14:30) How board behaviour, leadership and "tone from the top" shape culture throughout an organisation. (19:30) What boards should do when culture has drifted off course.  Learn more:   The AICD's guide on Governing Culture in a Complex World - https://www.aicd.com.au/news-media/research-and-reports/culture-governance-principles.html  Connect:  Dr Juliet Bourke on Linkedin - https://au.linkedin.com/in/dr-juliet-bourke-gaicd-44a1824  Sally Linwood on LinkedIn - https://au.linkedin.com/in/sally-linwood-61457448  AICD on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/school/australianinstituteofcompanydirectors/ Kulja Coulston on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kulja-coulston/ Bennett Mason on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennett-mason-10517336/  This episode Director Download was produced on the traditional lands of the Gadigal and Wurundjeri peoples. We recognise First Nations peoples' cultural and spiritual relationships to the Skies, Land, Waters, and Seas, and their rich contribution to society.

  4. Jul 7

    How Boards Can Drive Meaningful Reconciliation in 2026

    This year marks 20 years since the introduction of Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs), alongside the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week.  Around 3,500 organisations now have RAPs, but meaningful reconciliation is about more than commitments on paper. It calls for leadership, accountability and sustained oversight from the board.  In this episode, Reconciliation Australia CEO Karen Mundine explores the board's role in turning commitment into impact. She discusses what distinguishes effective RAPs from box-ticking exercises, how directors can oversee progress and accountability, and why reconciliation remains a strategic governance issue. Karen also shares lessons from two decades of RAPs and outlines the leadership needed to drive meaningful change.  We cover: (05:00) What a Reconciliation Action Plan is, and why organisations choose to develop one.  (06:10) The board's role in governing a successful RAP. (08:50) Practical steps for organisations developing their first RAP. (18:00) How directors can distinguish between activity and meaningful outcomes. (22:30) How smaller organisations can engage with First Nations people.     Learn more:  Reconciliation Australia – www.reconciliation.org.au   AICD guide on creating a great Reconciliation Action Plan - https://www.aicd.com.au/company-policies/reconciliation-action-plan/reconciliation-action-plan.html  Connect:  Karen Mundine on LinkedIn - https://au.linkedin.com/in/karen-mundine-87412b61   AICD on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/school/australianinstituteofcompanydirectors/ Kulja Coulston on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kulja-coulston/ Bennett Mason on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennett-mason-10517336/  This episode Director Download was produced on the traditional lands of the Gadigal and Wurundjeri peoples. We  recognise First Nations peoples' cultural and spiritual relationships to the Skies, Land, Waters, and Seas, and their rich contribution to society.

  5. Jun 30

    The Three Questions Directors Need to Ask About AI Adoption

    Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from experimentation to organisation-wide adoption, creating both significant opportunities and new governance challenges.   As AI becomes embedded across business operations, boards are playing an increasingly important role in overseeing major technology investments, managing emerging risks, and supporting responsible and effective AI use.  In this episode, Professor Nicholas Davis, Co-Director of the UTS Human Technology Institute, shares what effective AI governance looks like in practice.  The conversation explores how boards can align AI initiatives with strategy, assess return on investment, and address the risks of "shadow AI" use by staff. It also examines the rise of agentic systems, the implications for oversight, and the level of AI literacy directors will need to govern with confidence.  We cover:  (04:30) The core questions directors are now asking about AI (08:00) Why measuring the return on investment from AI initiatives is challenging (10:30) The level of AI literacy required at the board level  (13:00) Understanding the hidden risks of shadow AI   (21:30) How to govern AI agents and systems  (27:40) The three questions every director should be asking management about AI today  Learn more:   AICD & HTI's new AI Governance Guide - https://www.aicd.com.au/news-media/research-and-reports/a-directors-guide-to-ai-governance  Connect:   Nicholas Davis on LinkedIn - https://au.linkedin.com/in/nicholasjdavis  AICD on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/school/australianinstituteofcompanydirectors/ Kulja Coulston on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kulja-coulston/ Bennett Mason on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennett-mason-10517336/  This episode of Director Download was produced on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people. We recognise First Nations peoples' cultural and spiritual relationships to the Skies, Land, Waters, and Seas, and their rich contribution to society.

  6. Jun 28 ·  Bonus

    Introducing: Boards with Purpose

    We'd like to introduce you to another podcast offering from the AICD - Boards with Purpose.  Every episode features CEOs, founders, executives and non-executive directors in conversation with Phil Butler, the AICD's NFP Sector Lead. They share their purpose-driven governance insights and experiences to guide, inspire, and inform those working within or alongside the NFP sector. Tune in every month to be inspired, strengthen your governance impact, and stay connected to the leaders shaping Australia's not-for-profit community. You can listen by searching 'Boards with Purpose' in your podcast player or by clicking the below link:  https://www.aicd.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/boards-with-purpose.html

  7. Jun 23

    Boardroom Dynamics Under Pressure: Why Culture and Candour Matter

    Effective governance relies on more than just technical expertise. The culture within the boardroom itself shapes how directors challenge assumptions, navigate conflict, and make decisions under pressure.  In this episode, global board adviser and author Joy Harcup explores the dynamics that shape board effectiveness. Drawing on her work with chairs, CEOs and directors, she explains how pressure influences behaviour in the boardroom, why constructive conflict is essential for good governance, and what separates high-performing boards from those that avoid having honest conversations.   You'll gain practical insights on how to strengthen board relationships and address unproductive dynamics or tendencies towards excessive harmony around the board table.   We cover:  (03:30) The common dynamics preventing board effectiveness   (09:30) Why challenge can be constructive   (12:30) How to navigate complex and unproductive dynamics   (18:30) The risks of complacency and excessive harmony   Learn more:   AICD's new-principles-based guide on culture:  Governing Culture in a Complex World - https://www.aicd.com.au/news-media/research-and-reports/culture-governance-principles.html  Joy's book 'The Art & Psychology of Board Relationships' - https://l1nq.com/ml5gc19   Connect:   Joy Harcup on LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/joy-harcup-9392352   AICD on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/school/australianinstituteofcompanydirectors/  Kulja Coulston on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kulja-coulston/  Bennett Mason on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennett-mason-10517336/  This episode Director Download was produced on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people. We recognise First Nations peoples' cultural and spiritual relationships to the Skies, Land, Waters, and Seas, and their rich contribution to society.

  8. Jun 16

    What Every Director Should Know Before a Crisis Hits

    Most organisations will face a crisis at some point. The question isn't whether it will happen, but whether you're prepared when it does.  In this episode, crisis management expert and SKMG co-founder Neil Shoebridge shares lessons from decades advising organisations through cyber-attacks, operational failures, reputational challenges and workforce restructures.  Neil explains what separates organisations that emerge stronger from those that struggle to recover. He highlights the importance of building reputational capital before a crisis occurs, responding quickly when issues arise, and communicating effectively under pressure.  For directors, the conversation offers practical guidance on the board's role before, during and after a crisis, from testing organisational preparedness and overseeing response plans to supporting management and protecting stakeholder trust when it matters most.  We cover:  (03:00) Why preparation matters more than crisis response   (10:00) What boards should and shouldn't do when a crisis hits   (12:30) The critical role of CEOs, chairs and directors during high-pressure events   (16:00) How organisations can protect trust and reputation in an era of misinformation   (17:30) Why workforce restructures and layoffs can quickly become reputational crises  Learn more:   AICD resource on creating a crisis management plan - https://www.aicd.com.au/company-policies/crisis-management.html  AICD resource on Governing Through a Cyber Crisis - https://www.aicd.com.au/risk-management/framework/cyber-security/governing-through-a-cyber-crisis-cyber-incident-response-and-recovery-for-australian-directors.html  Connect:   Neil Shoebridge on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-shoebridge-5518334/  AICD on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/school/australianinstituteofcompanydirectors/  Kulja Coulston on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kulja-coulston/  Bennett Mason on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennett-mason-10517336/  This episode Director Download was produced on the traditional lands of the Gadigal peoples. We recognise First Nations peoples' cultural and spiritual relationships to the Skies, Land, Waters, and Seas, and their rich contribution to society.

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Stay governance-ready with Director Download from the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). This weekly podcast on contemporary governance practice brings you insights into what matters now and what's coming next, with views from AICD policy experts and Australia's leading governance specialists. From the rise of AI to director liability and geopolitical risk, each episode turns complex challenges and opportunities into clear, actionable insights for the board room. Download and subscribe to stay ahead, relevant and ready to lead in a fast-moving governance landscape.

Information

  • Creator
    Australian Institute of Company Directors
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Show Website
    Director Download

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