Governance Bites

• Governance Bites #127: What makes a high performing board? with Ian Fitzgerald

  Send us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich interviews governance expert Ian Fitzgerald, as he shares lessons from over 35 years in boardrooms in New Zealand and overseas. Ian breaks down what truly defines a high-performing board.Discover the fundamental elements: trust-based teamwork, clarity of purpose, and diversity of thought. Ian reveals how boards balance short-term pressures with long-term value creation, the role of constructive culture and candour, and the power of regular board evaluations. Learn the critical importance of the Chair's role in fostering a safe, high-value discussion. Whether you're on a small company board or a large organisation's, Ian's advice on advancing the conversation and building collective value is a must-listen.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 Wearable Art and Kiwibank.#CorporateGovernance, #HighPerformingBoards, #BoardofDirectors, #Leadership, #BusinessStrategy, #BoardCulture, #Teamwork, #Director, #GovernanceBites, #ValueCreation

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• Governance Bites #126: Why most change initiatives fail, with Dr Richard Carson

  Send us a textIn this episode, Mark Banicevich speaks with Dr Richard Carson about why most change initiatives fail — and what boards can do differently. They explore the common traps leaders fall into, the importance of people-centred strategies, and how governance structures can support rather than hinder transformation. With real-world examples and practical governance advice, Dr Carson highlights how boards can secure employee buy-in, measure meaningful progress, and challenge top-down approaches that miss the human element. Packed with insights for directors, executives, and governance professionals, this conversation offers a roadmap for leading change that truly sticks.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.#ChangeManagement, #Leadership, #Governance, #BoardOfDirectors, #OrganisationalChange, #FutureOfWork, #EmployeeEngagement, #BusinessTransformation, #ChangeLeadership, #CultureMatters, #BoardroomInsights, #DirectorAdvice, #PeopleCentredChange, #CorporateGovernance, #ChangeThatSticks

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• Governance Bites #125: family office or family council, with Sandy Kimpton

  Send us a textIn this episode of Governance Bites, Mark Banicevich sits down with family governance expert Sandy Kimpton to discuss a crucial topic: what is true intergenerational success?Discover why family governance is about more than just wealth management; it's about developing human capital and preserving your family’s legacy and values. Sandy explains the power of "operating with intentionality", providing practical steps to align family and business. Learn how a long-term family perspective differs from short-term business thinking  and why an independent voice on a family council is essential.Website: https://kimptonandco.co/In this episode of Governance Bites, Mark Banicevich sits down with expert Sandy Kimpton to demystify family governance structures.They explore the critical differences between a Family Office, which focuses on managing assets, and a Family Council, which nurtures relationships, values, and long-term unity. Sandy explains why these structures aren't just for the ultra-wealthy but are essential for any family wanting to prepare the next generation for inheritance and ensure longevity. Discover how the right choice fosters trust and prevents future conflict.#FamilyGovernance, #FamilyOffice, #FamilyCouncil, #Governance, #FamilyBusiness, #SuccessionPlanning, #WealthManagement, #IntergenerationalWealth, #LegacyPlanning, #FamilyValues, #NextGen, #NZBusiness, #GovernanceBites

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• Governance Bites #124: Transitioning to full time director, with Tony Dench

  Send us a textIn this episode of Governance Bites, Mark Banicevich talks with Tony Dench about making the leap from executive leadership to a full-time governance career. Tony shares the realities of the transition — from losing the security of a salary to learning to run a small business, build a board portfolio, and shift from operational decision-making to strategic influence. They explore what it really takes to succeed as a professional director, the importance of patience, humility, and listening, and why strategy is never a one-day event. A must-watch for executives considering life on the other side of the board table. 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. #Governance,  #BoardsOfDirectors, #FromExecutiveToDirector, #LeadershipJourney, #ProfessionalDirector, #BoardroomInsights, #GovernanceBites

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• Governance Bites #123: Parsley on Fish, with Dr John Peebles

  Send us a textUnlock the essentials of effective governance with Dr John Peebles, author of the insightful and intentionally non-serious book, 'Parsley on Fish'. In this episode of Governance Bites, Mark Banicevcih talks with Dr Peebles about simplifying corporate governance principles, drawing on 30 years of experience. Learn why boards can't be "decorative but useless," why financial literacy is crucial, and the importance of having a robust process for electing a Chair. Dr Peebles shares his vital 'Three Gs' rule for directors and discusses challenging prevailing governance orthodoxies. Tune in for essential, bite-sized advice for every director and aspiring leader! 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. #CorporateGovernance, #BoardofDirectors, #GovernanceBites, #ParsleyOnFish, #LeadershipDevelopment, #BusinessStrategy, #ThreeGs, #DirectorTips, #FinancialLiteracy, #Podcast, #YouTube, #ViralMarketing, #ExpertInterview, #Consulting

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