Board Talk: Off the Cuff

Institute of Directors
  • 0.0 (0)
  • BUSINESS

Board Talk: Off the Cuff is a new podcast from the Institute of Directors in New Zealand, featuring candid conversations with emerging and seasoned governance professionals with insights and practical tools to support those navigating leadership and the boardroom.  Through the series, you'll gain useful tips from directors with diverse industry sector knowledge that will open the doors to the boardroom with real people sharing their perspectives on the obstacles, challenges and positive benefits of contributing at the board table, including why they're giving back to the community (or their organisations of choice), and why people are at the heart of good governance. -------------------------- The Institute of Directors is a not-for-profit organisation in Aotearoa New Zealand led by a vision to support directors to positively transform the future. To find out more, or for free access to board toolkits and resources head to iod.org.nz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

  1. MAY 1

    Hacked, Hijacked and Held to Ransom - Cyber Threats Boards Can't Ignore

    Cyber risk is no longer an IT issue, but a boardroom one. The question is: how should boards navigate what is largely unknown territory?  As breaches escalate and regulators sharpen their focus, cyber incidents now carry serious financial, legal and reputational consequences. In this episode, we examine why cyber security has become one of the most urgent governance risks facing boards and directors across New Zealand. You'll find out what boards should be asking, what separates organisations that recover fast from those that spiral into crisis, and the daunting and emotional toll of dealing with a cyber attack in real-time.  In this episode: Patrick Sharp, General Manager - Aura Information Security discusses global trends and the vulnerabilities that lead to attacks, Susan Cuthbert, Principal Advisor – Governance Leadership Centre (IoD) explains the measures that need to be put in place to ensure regulatory measures leave appropriate room for directors to make the best decisions for their organisations. And company director Shayne Hunter recalls what it was like to assist in a cyber response, in what was labelled as the worst ever ransomware attack New Zealand has ever seen.  For more information or access to board tool kits and free resources head to iod.org.nz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    33 min

  2. MAR 29

    Cultural Intelligence and the Power of Pasifika Voices

    In Aotearoa’s boardrooms, power has long looked and sounded the same. But with Pasifika communities making up a growing share of our population — and bringing deep cultural governance experience with them — the call for change isn’t just timely, but overdue. This episode of Board Talk – Off the Cuff, explores the rise of Pasifika voices in governance: why boards need them, the invisible barriers standing in their way, and how cultural intelligence could transform the future of decision-making in Aotearoa. Featuring powerhouse director Mele Wendt, alongside emerging leaders and experts from the Institute of Directors' Tautua Pasifika Mentoring Programme and its new Pacific Directors Connect series. The conversations in this episode capture the unfiltered voices of what it means to be bold, to stand out, and to lead with wisdom, authority and integrity in a Pakeha dominated world where various forms of discrimination continue to be perpetuated within organisations -- including at the board table -- reinforcing the need for greater for greater diversity in the decision making process, that will empower organisations for years to come. Participants include: Mele Wendt, Litia Brighouse-Fuavao, Jill Steffert, Bev-Anne Jennings and Greg Dearsly. Host/ Producer: Sonia Yee For more information about governance and for access to board kits tools and resources head to iod.org.nz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    28 min

  3. FEB 25

    Blind Spots, Tough Calls and Cohesive Teams: What Great Boards Do Differently

    How should a board deal with tension, or create positive change in an organisation without creating divisions? And how can individual authenticity lead to positive collective purpose? This episode explores boardroom dynamics, and goes deep on the bigger issues at play.  Eileen Basher discusses what it means to make hard decisions when times are tough, how to give voice to the quieter people in the room, and why reflecting on the board's performance is integral to building governance capability. The Institute of Directors’ Wayne Church explains why board evaluations can illuminate blind spots and elevate the board’s performance for future success.  And last-but-not-least, Professor Johannes Karl delves into the psychology, socio-cultural, political and environmental factors that inform decision making, from how we choose our leaders, why the Kiwi style of communicating can be challenging for the migrant communities, and the key ingredients to building ‘cohesive group dynamics’ that lead to successful collective outcomes.   If you want to find out more about governance, courses, or to access free board tools and resources, head to iod.org.nz  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min

  4. JAN 26

    Where Trust Meets Tension: Guiding CEOs, Boards, and the World Beyond the Boardroom in 2026

    In this episode, host Sonia Yee continues the exploration of the Top Five Issues for Directors in 2026.  Independent director Helen Robinson shares tips on the evolving relationship between chairs and CEOs and how leadership dynamics shape organisational success. Louise Broekman explains why advisory boards and committees help to de-risk the decision making process and boost agility, and Charles Finney outlines the geopolitical pressures boards that directors need to monitor in 2026—including shifting supply chains, friend‑shoring, trade tensions, and the ongoing balancing act between major markets like the U.S. and China.  Listen to the episode for practical tips and future-focused perspectives to guide your strategy and sharpen your mindset in 2026 and beyond.  For more governance tools and resources, or to access the Top Five Issues for 2026 head to the Institute of Directors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    20 min

  5. 12/22/2025

    Why your Plan B matters and spotting the 'aha' moments in 2026

    Over the next two episodes, we explore the Top Five Issues that directors need to be aware of in 2026, including governing for growth, the rise of advisory boards and committees, the changing nature of the stakeholder environment and why the Chair-CEO relationship is pivotal for the success of any organisation, and much, much more.   This episode includes:   Nick Tuffley, Chief Economist, ASB   Suse Reynolds MInstD, Independent Director   Hinerangi Raumati Tua ONZM, Chair and Director   For more about governance, including information about courses, access to articles and resources, head to iod.org.nz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    21 min

  6. 11/17/2025

    Knowing Your Value Proposition

    Knowing yourself could be your make or break, if you want to make an impression at the board table This pilot episode explores 'value proposition' - what it looks like, how to attract opportunities, why knowing yourself - and understanding your skill set - will make you a strong candidate for a board role, the importance of diversity as Aotearoa New Zealand's demographics evolve, and much more.  This episode features voices from diverse sectors including finance, social purpose and commercial enterprise. Special thanks to all of the participants in the podcast and to IoD sponsor Marsh. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    26 min

  7. TRAILER

    Board Talk: Off the Cuff is coming soon!

    Forget fireside chats, Board Talk: Off the Cuff is a new podcast with real people talking about the issues affecting their organisations in the boardroom and beyond. Brought to you by the Institute of Directors in New Zealand, the series is produced and presented by international award-winning producer Sonia Yee who brings to light the issues that are top of mind for directors - and the challenges and opportunities they face now, and into the future. Listen to the trailer for a taste of what's to come - subscribe to the podcast for notifications. Episodes drop monthly. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    2 min

Trailer

About

Board Talk: Off the Cuff is a new podcast from the Institute of Directors in New Zealand, featuring candid conversations with emerging and seasoned governance professionals with insights and practical tools to support those navigating leadership and the boardroom.  Through the series, you'll gain useful tips from directors with diverse industry sector knowledge that will open the doors to the boardroom with real people sharing their perspectives on the obstacles, challenges and positive benefits of contributing at the board table, including why they're giving back to the community (or their organisations of choice), and why people are at the heart of good governance. -------------------------- The Institute of Directors is a not-for-profit organisation in Aotearoa New Zealand led by a vision to support directors to positively transform the future. To find out more, or for free access to board toolkits and resources head to iod.org.nz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Institute of Directors
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Institute of Directors
  • Show Website
    Board Talk: Off the Cuff

You Might Also Like