Governance & Leadership

It's an undeniable fact that New Zealand lags behind many other developed nations in terms of women's participation in the top jobs and governance positions across both the business sector and professional services.  

If this statement surprises you, then spend some time in the articles in this area to read the facts for yourself.  We take great care to ensure the content we have here is backed by up to date research to support informed discussion.  

If you already know the rather gloomy situation, then what you'll find here are many and varied articles on the topic of governance and leadership.  We have book reviews, research summaries and relevant statistics and interviews with some of New Zealand's most impressive leaders, both men and women.  These include, to name but a few, Justice Lowell Goddard and John Palmer, Chair of Air New Zealand.  

We hope to, stretch, enlighten, provoke (in a good way) and inspire you as well as to provide you with practical tips on being an effective leader and a governor.

Latest articles

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  • 21 May 2013 By Joanna Grochowicz of Bugle Comments: 0
    Innovation Leads to Growth

    Joanna Grochowicz talks with Ranjna Patel, the joint-founder and Director of East Tamaki Healthcare about how her business has grown and developed from one small doctor's surgery on East Tamaki Road, to a network of 20 practices in South, West and Central Auckland. Ranjna also shares about her personal life and her passion for giving back to the community.

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  • 25 April 2013 By Galia Barhava-Monteith Comments: 0
    Interview with Marisa Fong, Chair – Professionelle Foundation

    As well as being the new chair of the Professionelle Foundation, Marisa Fong is a fantastic role model for working women all over New Zealand. Marisa shares with Galia BarHava-Monteith some of her core values and keys to success as well as some of the obstacles she has had to overcome.

  • 17 April 2013 By Nicola Rowe Comments: 3
    Lean In: Ambition starts with alpha, and so does advice

    Nicola Rowe reviews Sheryl Sandberg's recent book "Lean In". Prompted by Nicola's recent experiences of gender pay disparity among the very highly educated, and the attitudes that seemed to underlie them, she found much to recommend in the book. She has selected some particularly juicy quotes which you will also enjoy!

  • 22 March 2013 By Sarah Wilshaw-Sparkes Comments: 1
    Lean in - but prepare to be leaned on

    Struck by the reception of Sandberg's book "Lean In", and by the angry reaction to Mayer's ban on teleworking, Sarah explores the drivers of the often negative reactions to successful women who speak up and lead from the front. Gender bias and tokenism make for a toxic mix. As Sarah asks, should we encourage our daughters to "lean in" to succeed if it comes with the challenge of being "leaned on" down the track?

  • 12 December 2012 By Sarah Wilshaw-Sparkes Comments: 0
    End of 2012 Reading Round-Up

    As the year winds to a close, it's time to share some of our favourite pieces of fresh research and also thought-provoking articles from the last 12 months.

  • 26 October 2012 By Altris Comments: 0
    Getting on Board

    The dynamics of a board, and the basis of relationships that you will find there, can be a little different to the team environments that you may have found within business. So if you've taken the step, it's time to think about 'on-boarding to the board'. Altris explain key steps to get aware, get smart, get connected and get real!

  • 25 October 2012 By Sarah Wilshaw-Sparkes Comments: 2
    Female Role Models (why we need more women at the top)

    Sarah argues that providing relevant and engaging role models for younger women is a key reason we need to have women in senior positions in business and other fields. She identifies two different ways in which 'women at the top' can inspire and guide us.

  • 22 September 2012 By Frances Denz of Stellaris Comments: 0
    Selling yourself to a Board

    Gaining a board position is a marketing exercise that matches your unique selling point with the perceived need of existing boards. As Frances discusses, your USP is a blend of your skills, experience, personal brand, contacts and more.

  • 16 July 2012 By Jayne Muller of Altris Comments: 0
    Stop Apologising

    Do women value themselves as highly as they should? Jayne ponders if we really understand our worth and the benefits we bring to organisations, given our self-effacing and apologetic tendencies. Could we be limiting our progression to leadership and governance positions in the process?

  • 01 July 2012 By Professionelle Comments: 1
    Coaching Women onto Boards

    We garnered some wonderful advice and practical insights to help women onto boards from the three experienced female directors who were panellists at our 'Power Coaching Women onto Boards" event hosted at AUT Business School.