Up Close with Julie Green

4/11/2019

We had a great WOBMeet in Melbourne on Monday night with guest panellist Julie Green at the Emerald Peacock.  We were delighted to see many regular WOBers, including Sheena Wilson, Ruth Wilson, Marlene Elliot and more.

Claire Braund, WOB Executive Director, got up close with Julie Green to discuss her boardroom journey and what she’s learned along the way.

 

Julie has an impressive and broad range of Directorships with RACV, RACV Finance, Loddon Mallee Waste and Resource Recovery, Greening Australia, Bendigo Health and Maldon Hospital.  This follows a successful Executive career in infrastructure, transport, utilities and healthcare.  She is a Fellow Chartered Accountant in England and Wales, Fellow of Australian Institute of Company Directors and Fellow of Leadership Victoria, and lives in Maldon Victoria.
 
It was clear from listening to Julie that she has a considered and pragmatic approach to being a non-executive director (NED).  She distinguished the role from being a senior executive, where you can “just get things done”, to that of a key influencer, explaining that you don’t partake in the act of “doing things”, and that you can only make decisions & change if you have a majority board wanting those decisions.  Success largely rests with your ability to work with and influence other board members to get the right outcome for the organisation.
 
Julie talked about her role as a director on the RACV Club, where she is now in her second term.  The RACV is one of Australia’s largest membership organisations where directors are elected by members. 
 
WOB first got to know Julie well when she was first up for election.  Living in Maldon, Victoria, Julie knew that she was the only regional nominee, so smartly undertook a regionally focused campaign.  Julie took to the campaign trail, becoming a regular feature on regional radio to connect with members.  *WOB also promoted Julie through its network, to seek the support WOB RACV members to encourage them to vote for Julie. And it worked. Julie is now in her second four-year term with the RACV (they have a maximum 10 year tenure).
 
Julie also talked about the importance of mentors and the impact of having a sounding-board who you don’t actually work with.
 
Claire and Julie touched on a broad range of subjects, from cyber security in hospitals, to carbon emissions and Julie's ‘profit for purpose’ ethos for NFPs.  Julie shared that it took time to build her portfolio, which keeps her busy 4-5 days a week, allowing her to squeeze in a couple of gym sessions and a bike ride.
 
We look forward to watching Julie’s portfolio continue to evolve.

*WOB always endeavours to support members when they are up for election. Let us know if you have an election looming.

Further Reading

Find out about WOB's mentoring program

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