Women on Boards Executive Director Claire Braund travelled to Perth last Tuesday 11 October and then onto Brisbane on Thursday 13 October, to host two Director Lunches - the first with guest speaker Alison Gaines and then with Tonianne Dwyer in Queensland and WOB Qld representative Anna Hebron. In Adelaide WOB SA representative Wendy Teasdale-Smith was joined on the Tuesday by guest speaker Miriam Silva AM.
Clockwise from left (l-r): Anna Hebron and Tonianne Dwyer; Hannah Andreyev, Miriam Silva AM and Wendy Teasdale-Smith; Claire Braund, Alison Gaines and Kylah Morrison.
In Perth, Claire joined WOB WA representative Kylah Morrison and WOB members for the lunch hosted at Clayton Utz with special guest, board advisor and NED, Alison Gaines.
Founder of Gaines Advisory board search and board consulting practice, Alison is also a NED with West Australian Opera, Blackstone Minerals and an Independent Chair with ASX-listed Heremii Recruitment.
Alison was global CEO and head of the board practice for an international boutique search firm for fourteen years, following a career as a CEO of a law society for nine years and senior executive in government responsible for government boards and committees and the Senior Executive Service.
“It was a fabulous opportunity for current and aspiring directors to meet and gain insights from a leading company director. Alison candidly shared many learnings from her board journey and really honed in on some insightful tips for aspiring directors,” said Claire.
In Brisbane, Tonianne Dwyer - an Independent Non Executive Director with broad international experience and currently on several boards including Invotec Pivot, Chief Executive Women, Oz Minerals and ALS - shared with WOB members her career journey and transition to being a NED as well as the changes she has witnessed over her NED career - from evolving technology and the impact this has had on meetings to the increased focus on organisational ‘culture’ and the increase in the number of women on boards.
Tonianne also shared her views on remuneration and the rise of ESG. “There is a risk [that it is a distraction] when it is prosecuted by the Board as a compliance exercise to satisfy proxy advisors and ratings agencies, not a strategic value creator”.
She also talked about the importance of personal networks. “Don’t be afraid to ask your colleagues to help you”.
In Adelaide, Andreyev Lawyers hosted the Director Lunch with guest speaker Miriam Silva AM, Deputy Managing Director of Crescent Wealth.
The ever inspiring Miriam shared her career journey and leadership lessons, including the importance of authenticity and values-based leadership.
“What an inspirational speaker,” said Wendy. “Miriam openly, honestly and humbly shared her personal and career experiences. Amazing lessons and takeaways for all. Thanks again to Andreyev Lawyers for their loyal support of WOB SA.”
WOB wraps up its Director Lunch series at Clayton Utz Sydney on Friday, 21 October with guest speaker Penny Winn. The lunch follows a face-to-face Board Kickstarter workshop.
To register for the Board Kickstarter click HERE.