Balancing Representation & Risk on NFP Boards with Mike Gonski, Chair, ReachOut Australia & Carriageworks

Balancing Representation & Risk on NFP Boards with Mike Gonski, Chair, ReachOut Australia & Carriageworks

Author: Boardcycle March 8, 2026 Duration: 15:30

"I think dealing with risk is really hard - especially without good experience or mentors around you." - Mike Gonski

NFP chair and Herbert Smith Freehills partner Mike Gonski addresses the governance tension at the heart of many not-for-profit boards: how to give voice to the people your organisation exists to serve, while managing the very real risks that come with putting inexperienced directors in governance roles.

Mike shares what ReachOut learned from its experiment with mandated youth board membership, what effective observer programs actually look like, and why the "empty chair" concept has genuine merit without the governance complications of a board seat.

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Ever wondered what really happens behind the closed doors of a board meeting? Minutes by boardcycle: Directors | Executives | Governance pulls up a chair at that table. Host Richard Conway sits down with Australia's most prominent boardroom leaders, cutting through the jargon to uncover the human dynamics and strategic thinking that steer organizations. These conversations get straight to the point: how seasoned directors navigate high-stakes decisions, the often-unspoken paths that built their careers, and the practical realities of collaborating effectively at the highest level. This isn't about abstract theory. Each episode delivers focused, actionable insights in under twenty minutes, designed for the busy schedules of directors, executives, and anyone invested in governance. You'll hear firsthand accounts of pressure, persuasion, and pivotal moments, transforming the boardroom from a concept into a tangible learning experience. Tune in to this podcast for a rare, unfiltered look at the craft of leadership and the lessons learned when the stakes are at their highest.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 45

Minutes by boardcycle: Directors | Executives | Governance
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