Building NFP Governance That Scales with Mike Gonski, Chair, ReachOut Australia & Carriageworks

Building NFP Governance That Scales with Mike Gonski, Chair, ReachOut Australia & Carriageworks

Author: Boardcycle November 9, 2025 Duration: 15:44

"In smaller organisations, I prefer a board director on my board who will err towards being more hands-on than hands-off." - Mike Gonski


Mike Gonski, Chair of ReachOut Australia and Carriageworks and partner at Herbert Smith Freehills, challenges conventional governance wisdom about board size and director involvement. He explains why he prefers larger boards where directors actively contribute their expertise rather than maintaining strict separation between board and management. Mike shares practical approaches for preventing director overreach, knowing when to move conversations offline, and why smaller NFPs genuinely need hands-on board contributions to fill capability gaps.

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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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