Matters Arising that Actually Matter with Julie Coates, Director, Wesfarmers & Former CEO & Managing Director, CSR

Matters Arising that Actually Matter with Julie Coates, Director, Wesfarmers & Former CEO & Managing Director, CSR

Author: Boardcycle October 12, 2025 Duration: 14:07

"There shouldn't be two lists. There should just be the list of things that need to be done." - Julie Coates

Julie Coates, Director of Wesfarmers and former CEO and Managing Director of CSR, shares practical guidance for managing board actions/matters arising effectively. Drawing from experience on both sides of the boardroom table, Julie explains why action items without context can be unhelpful and how company secretaries can apply disciplined thinking to distinguish between actions that add value and those that don't.

She discusses the importance of post-meeting conversations between the chair, CEO, and company secretary to refine action lists, why management often already has the information boards request, and techniques for dealing with unrealistic or unfocused board requests during meetings.

This episode provides company secretaries and governance professionals with concrete strategies for making board actions more effective whilst maintaining credibility with both boards and management teams.

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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: 46

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