Governance Bites
Mark Banicevich interviews a series of experts about governance, including company directors, lawyers, executive managers, and governance consultants. Each interview is on a different topic related to governance, tied to the guest's expertise. He also asks interviews for the best governance advice they've received, or they would give to new directors.
Governance Bites #98: purpose and governance, with Steven Moe
Send us a text
In this episode, Mark Banicevich asks Steven Moe about purpose and governance. He asks what we mean by "purpose", the role of governance in an organisation, and why purpose is at the heart of governance. They discuss how purpose influences governance and board meanings practically, other tools a board can use to understand and implement purpose, and repercussions that may exist if the board deviates from the entity's purpose. Steven also shares advice he would give to a new director.
Steven Moe is a Partner of commercial law at Parry Field Lawyers i...
Governance Bites #97: Robert's Rules of Order, with Susan Leahy
Send us a text
In this episode, Mark Banicevich talks to Susan Leahy about Robert's Rules of Order. He asks what they are and how they evolved, the benefits of using Robert's Rules, and common misconceptions about them. Susan outlines the seven key types of motion, and how they work. They discussed when they might be adjusted for specific settings, and challenges Susan has encountered when boards implement them. They talk about available resources, and Susan shares advice she would give to a new director.
Susan Leahy teaches boards and committees to run effective meetings, specifically us...
Governance Bites #96: conflicts of interest, with Heather Roy
Send us a text
In this episode, Mark Banicevich talks to Heather Roy about conflicts of interest. Heather outlines conflicts of interest, and why it is important to address them. They discuss types of conflicts, and a conflicts of interest process. Heather talks about identifying, disclosing and dealing with conflicts of interest, and they discuss issues such as when a director fails to disclose a relevant interest, what to do when many directors are conflicted, and when perceived conflicts can be as harmful as actual conflicts. Heather also shares advice for directors who sit on a board...
Governance Bites #95: developing not-for-profit directors, with Stephen Upton
Send us a text
In this episode, Mark Banicevich talks to Stephen Upton about developing directors in not-for-profit organisations (who are usually on tight budgets). Stephen outlines the key skills and competencies required for a not-for-profit board. They discuss how elected, passionate organisation advocates can be trained in governance, and continually developed, including outlining low cost or free sources of governance training. They discuss the importance of devoting time, particularly when directors are often volunteers or paid less than market rates, mentoring, and how a not-for-profit board can overcome gaps in its combined skills. Stephen also shares a...
Governance Bites #94: chairs and board members, with Steven Moe
Send us a text
In this episode, Mark Banicevich talks with Steven Moe about chairs and boards. Mark asks Steven to outline the typical board member job description, and then how the role of the chair differs. They discuss the amount of extra work involved in being a chair, additional relationships, and whether additional liability exists. They discuss how the chair interacts with other board members, including inducting new board members, and what happens if the chair is suddenly unavailable. They discuss succession planning for the chair, and the role of the deputy chair. Steven also shares...
Governance Bites #93: healthy board meeting dynamics, with Susan Leahy
Send us a text
In this episode, Mark Banicevich talks to Susan Leahy about healthy board meeting dynamics. Mark asks about establishing and maintaining healthy meeting dynamics, and Susan shares some great tips. They discuss the roles of directors and other members in board culture, and strategies for handling disagreements. Mark asks about gaining diverse perspectives, and dealing with disruptive or ineffective board members. Susan outlines the impact of new board members, and shares the best governance advice she has received.
Susan Leahy teaches boards and committees to run effective meetings, specifically using Robert’s Rules of...
Governance Bites #92: board evaluations, with Heather Roy
Send us a text
In this episode, Mark Banicevich talks to Heather Roy about board evaluations. Heather outlines what they are, why they should be done, and how they can be performed. They discuss stakerholder involvement, common challenges, and addressing underperformance. Heather also shares the best governance advice she has received.
Heather Roy is a professional director and business consultant through her company Torquepoint Ltd (https://torquepoint.co.nz/). Her current board roles include independent chair of Financial Advice NZ and the Security and Reliability Council (an advisory body to the Electricity Authority), and a director o...
Governance Bites #91: moving and seconding motions, with Steven Moe
Send us a text
In this episode, Mark Banicevich asks Steven Moe about moving and seconding motions in meetings. They discuss the history behind this practice, and introduce Robert's Rules of Order. They talk about the role of seconding, and what happens if a motion is not seconded. They also discuss alternatives to moving and seconding motions. Finally, Steven shares the best advice he has received.
Links from the episode:
Institute of Directors, moving and seconding motions: https://www.iod.org.nz/news/articles/moving-seconding-but-why#
Robert's Rules of Order: https://robertsrules.com/
Steven Moe...
Governance Bites #90: incorporated society constitutions, with Stephen Upton
Send us a text
In this episode, Mark Banicevich talks to Stephen Upton about incorporated society (not-for-profit) constitutions. They start by discussing the organisation's purpose, how this can proliferate, and keeping it concise. They talk about the components of a constitution, changes required by New Zealand's Incorporated Societies Act 2022, and the challenges in updating a constitution. Stephen also shares advice he would give to a new incorporated society director.
Note that the Companies Office has a Constitution Builder, https://isb.companiesoffice.govt.nz/constitutionbuilder/startscreen, and useful information about incorporated societies, https://is-register.companiesoffice.govt.nz/.
Governance Bites #89, directors and officers insurance part 2, with David Burroughs
Send us a text
In this episode, Mark Banicevich talks to David Burroughs further about directors and officers (D&O) insurance. Mark asks who provides D&O insurance in NZ, policy limits and excesses, and optional features and common fishhooks of which directors should be aware. They also discuss how policies work for businesses operating internationally. David briefly outlines the application and claims processes, and shares the best governance advice he has received.
David Burroughs is a founding partners at Long Burroughs (https://longburroughs.co.nz/), a business risk advice business based in Auckland. Prior to e...
