The Crisis-Ready Company Secretary with Catherine Livingstone AC, Chancellor, UTS; Chair, Pacific National & Former Chair, CBA & Telstra

The Crisis-Ready Company Secretary with Catherine Livingstone AC, Chancellor, UTS; Chair, Pacific National & Former Chair, CBA & Telstra

Author: Boardcycle August 31, 2025 Duration: 14:12

"You want a Company Secretary that's helping you work out how things can be done, not telling you why they can't be done." - Catherine Livingstone AC

Catherine Livingstone AC, Chancellor of UTS, Chair of Pacific National and Director of The Australian Ballet, reveals what separates exceptional Company Secretaries from competent ones during periods of intense governance pressure.

Drawing on her experience leading organisations through Australia's most challenging governance transformations, including Commonwealth Bank during the Banking Royal Commission, Catherine explains how Company Secretaries must exercise judgement about which processes matter most whilst enabling rapid decision-making.

She discusses the delicate balance between serving the Board and being part of the management team, and reveals why technology literacy has become essential for modern governance roles.

_____________

Follow Podcast Host ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Conway⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on LinkedIn

Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠boardcycle⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on LinkedIn

Visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠boardcycle website


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

Minutes by boardcycle: Directors | Executives | Governance
Podcast Episodes