Effective Transformation Governance with Julie Coates, Director, Scentre Group & Wesfarmers & Former CEO, CSR

Effective Transformation Governance with Julie Coates, Director, Scentre Group & Wesfarmers & Former CEO, CSR

Author: Boardcycle May 31, 2026 Duration: 15:02

"All transformation should come from strategy." - Julie Coates


Julie Coates, Director of Wesfarmers and Scentre Group, led the OneCSR transformation programme as CEO and Managing Director of CSR Limited — a programme that contributed directly to CSR's acquisition by Saint-Gobain at a significant premium. In this episode, Julie explains the governance architecture she put in place: the board's oversight role, the management board's accountability for driving change, a steering committee chaired by Julie herself, and the program office that ran all individual projects.

Drawing on her current NED experience, she also explains what non-executive directors should be focused on when overseeing a transformation — and why the quality of questions asked in the boardroom matters more than most directors appreciate.

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Note: Julie Coates was interviewed in September 2025. Since this interview, Julie has ceased to be a director of the Green Building Council of Australia and been appointed as a director of Scentre Group.

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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: 48

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