Governance Bites

Hosted by Mark Banicevich

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Episodes

153

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-NZ

About the show

Mark Banicevich interviews a series of experts about governance, including company directors, lawyers, executive managers, and governance consultants. Each interview is on a different topic related to governance, tied to the guest's expertise. He also asks interviews for the best governance advice they've received, or they would give to new directors.

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June 10, 2026Episode 330 min

Governance Bites #153: Changing the board as the business scales, with Nigel Scott

Send us Fan MailHow does a board evolve from survival mode to strategic scaling? In this episode, Mark Banicevich interviews veteran director Nigel Scott on the high-growth governance journey. Discover why the hands-on "smart capital" approach of startups must shift as businesses mature. Nigel breaks down the "nose in, fingers out" philosophy, the necessity of skills matrices, and the warning signs that a board is no longer fit for purpose. From bootstrapping to offshore expansion, learn how to refine your leadership team and avoid the trap of hanging on too long.Nigel Scott is an accomplished Board Chair and Director, bringing a sharp strategic focus to his governance roles. He currently chairs the boards for Gilligan Sheppard and Peninsula Credit Fund, specialising in business transformation and risk management. His extensive experience includes serving as Interim Chair for BoardPro, a leading board management software firm, and holding Independent Directorships at Punakaiki Fund and Kōura Wealth. Nigel is renowned for his "outside-in" perspective, using commercial acumen to build consensus while pragmatically challenging boardroom views.#Governance, #CorporateGovernance, #Startups, #Scaleups, #BoardOfDirectors, #BusinessGrowth, #Entrepreneurship, #SmartCapital, #BoardLeadership, #ExecutiveStrategy, #NoseInFingersOut, #SkillsMatrix, #BoardEvaluation, #IndependentDirectors, #FounderAdvice, #VentureCapital, #PrivateEquity, #GovernanceBites, #LeadershipDevelopment, #StrategicScaling

June 3, 2026Episode 223 min

Governance Bites #152: Managing the board-management interface, with Laurence Kubiak

Send us Fan MailLaurence Kubiak brings a rare combination of executive leadership and boardroom governance experience across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. He is Chief Executive Officer of Nautech Electronics Ltd, New Zealand’s largest independent contract electronics manufacturer, and serves as a director of Northpower Ltd. Laurence previously chaired Trustees Executors Limited and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, bringing deep insight into governance across regulated, commercial and cultural organisations. Earlier, he was CEO of New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, advising decision-makers on economic policy and strategy. With an international career spanning energy, telecommunications and infrastructure, Laurence offers a global perspective on governance, regulation and strategic oversight.Where does oversight end and "meddling" begin? In this session, Laurence Kubaik joins Mark Banicevich to dissect the delicate balance of the board-management interface. They explore the critical Chair-CEO dynamic, strategies to transform "information overload" into actionable insight, and how to provide robust challenge without undermining executive authority. Laurence offers practical advice for maintaining trust, setting boundaries, and fostering a culture of candor that drives performance. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or a first-time director, this interview provides the roadmap for a high-functioning partnership that eliminates friction and focuses on results.#BoardManagement, #CorporateGovernance, #ExecutiveLeadership, #ChairCEO, #LeadershipDynamics, #BoardOversight, #StrategicLeadership, #BusinessGovernance, #OrganizationalCulture, #TrustInLeadership, #EffectiveBoards, #ManagementInterface, #DirectorTips, #CorporateStrategy, #BoardroomInsights

May 27, 2026Episode 114 min

Governance Bites #151: Board performance and composition, with Rosey Nathan

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Mark Banicevich speaks with Rosey Nathan about what truly drives board performance. Is underperformance a capability, behavioural, or leadership issue? They unpack the warning signs of ineffective boards, the evolving role of the chair, and whether board evaluations are delivering real value, or just ticking boxes. The conversation explores future-ready capabilities, mentoring at board level, and how organisations should develop the next generation of directors. Rosey also shares one powerful change that could transform board effectiveness, and the best governance advice she's ever received.Rosey Nathan is a values-led leader and clarity partner specialising in governance and executive capability advisory. Through her practice, Intent +Purpose, she works alongside boards and senior leaders to strengthen decision quality using evidence-based frameworks, stakeholder interviews, and skills-matrix analysis. Rosey currently serves as a Board Member for DEPOT, contributing to strategic planning, risk mitigation, and financial oversight, and sits on the HR Subcommittee. Alongside this, as Head of Career Programmes and Partnerships with the Blues Charitable Trust, she works closely with a high-performing board, giving her clear, practical insight into both sides of the governance relationship. A Chartered Manager and Fellow (CMgr FIML), Rosey brings over two decades of experience aligning organisational intent with measurable impact and purpose.#Governance, #CorporateGovernance, #BoardPerformance, #BoardEffectiveness, #BoardOfDirectors, #BoardLeadership, #ChairLeadership, #DirectorDevelopment, #BoardComposition, #Leadership, #StrategicLeadership, #RiskGovernance, #BoardroomDynamics, #GovernanceExcellence, #BoardEvaluation, #FutureOfBoards, #ExecutiveLeadership, #DirectorOnboarding, #Mentorship, #BusinessStrategy

May 20, 2026Episode 1021 min

Governance Bites #150: Fiscal stewardship and intergenerational responsibility, with Sir Bill Birch

Send us Fan MailSir William (Bill) Birch brings decades of high-level public leadership and governance experience to the conversation. A senior figure in New Zealand politics for more than two decades, he held several key ministerial portfolios, including Finance, National Development and Energy. During his time in government he was closely involved in major economic reforms and policy decisions that shaped modern New Zealand’s public sector governance. Since leaving Parliament, Sir Bill has remained active in the governance community, serving on a range of corporate and public sector boards. His experience spans government decision-making, board oversight, and strategic leadership, giving him a rare perspective on how governance works across both the public and private sectors.In this episode, Mark Banicevich interviews Sir William Birch on fiscal stewardship and intergenerational responsibility. Sir Bill unpacks how boards can move beyond short-term performance to safeguard long-term value, drawing on lessons from managing national and organisational balance sheets. The conversation explores capital discipline, financial resilience, and the governance structures that counter short-term pressure. With practical insights on risk, debt, and decision-making, this is essential listening for directors committed to leaving organisations stronger for future generations.Book: ""Bill Birch: Minister of Everything"" by Brad Tattersfield, https://natlib.govt.nz/records/42822277#governance, #fiscalresponsibility, #intergenerationalequity, #boardofdirectors, #corporategovernance, #financialstewardship, #longtermthinking, #riskmanagement, #capitalallocation, #financialresilience, #leadership, #strategy, #sustainability, #directors, #governanceinsights

May 13, 2026Episode 940 min

Governance Bites #149: How good governance leads to growth, with Josh Gould

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Mark Banicevich sits down with thebigword CEO Josh Gould to unpack how effective governance drives sustainable growth. From defining what growth-oriented governance looks like in practice to identifying the behaviours that separate high-performing boards from those that hold organisations back, this conversation is packed with practical insights. Josh shares the critical questions directors should ask, how to balance risk with bold decision-making, and why culture and long-term value must remain front of mind. A must-listen for directors and leaders seeking to turn governance into a genuine growth engine.Joshua Gould is the Group CEO and Director of thebigword, offering over 20 years of C-level leadership across the technology, defence, and healthcare industries. His governance experience includes serving in an advisory capacity as a Board Advisor for AI Research and Development and as an Export Champion for the UK Government’s Department for International Trade. As the former CEO and co-founder of TBW Global, he directed critical language services for NATO, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the UK Ministry of Defence. Joshua specialises in corporate strategy, M&A preparation, and the oversight of AI-driven business models. Recognised as European CEO of the Year, he manages global operations across 80 countries with a workforce of 15,000.#Governance, #CorporateGovernance, #BoardLeadership, #BoardOfDirectors, #Directors, #Leadership, #BusinessGrowth, #SustainableGrowth, #Strategy, #RiskManagement, #Boardroom, #GovernanceMatters, #LeadershipInsights, #BusinessStrategy, #DecisionMaking, #OrganisationalCulture, #LongTermValue, #ExecutiveLeadership, #BusinessSuccess, #Podcast, #YouTubeBusiness, #ThoughtLeadership

May 6, 2026Episode 812 min

Governance Bites #148: Emerging governance trends, with Rosey Nathan

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Mark Banicevich sits down with Rosey Nathan to unpack the trends reshaping modern boards. From overconfidence in readiness to the realities of cybersecurity, AI, and misinformation, this conversation challenges whether boards are moving fast enough, or relying too heavily on others. They explore digital literacy as a core director skill, the evolving nature of reputation risk, and whether risk frameworks are keeping pace. Rosey Nathan also shares sharp, practical advice for first-time directors navigating an increasingly complex governance landscape.Rosey Nathan is a values-led leader and clarity partner specialising in governance and executive capability advisory. Through her practice, Intent +Purpose, she works alongside boards and senior leaders to strengthen decision quality using evidence-based frameworks, stakeholder interviews, and skills-matrix analysis. Rosey currently serves as a Board Member for DEPOT, contributing to strategic planning, risk mitigation, and financial oversight, and sits on the HR Subcommittee. Alongside this, as Head of Career Programmes and Partnerships with the Blues Charitable Trust, she works closely with a high-performing board, giving her clear, practical insight into both sides of the governance relationship. A Chartered Manager and Fellow (CMgr FIML), Rosey brings over two decades of experience aligning organisational intent with measurable impact and purpose.#Governance, #CorporateGovernance, #BoardOfDirectors, #BoardLeadership, #DirectorDuties, #RiskManagement, #CyberSecurity, #ArtificialIntelligence, #DataGovernance, #DigitalTransformation, #DigitalLiteracy, #Leadership, #BusinessStrategy, #ReputationRisk, #Misinformation, #Boardroom, #ExecutiveLeadership, #FutureOfWork, #GovernanceTrends, #BoardEffectiveness

April 29, 2026Episode 723 min

Governance Bites #147: governance and leadership in national scale crises, with Sir William Birch

Send us Fan MailSir William (Bill) Birch brings decades of high-level public leadership and governance experience to the conversation. A senior figure in New Zealand politics for more than two decades, he held several key ministerial portfolios, including Finance, National Development and Energy. During his time in government he was closely involved in major economic reforms and policy decisions that shaped modern New Zealand’s public sector governance. Since leaving Parliament, Sir Bill has remained active in the governance community, serving on a range of corporate and public sector boards. His experience spans government decision-making, board oversight, and strategic leadership, giving him a rare perspective on how governance works across both the public and private sectors.In this episode, Mark Banicevich interviews Sir Bill Birch on governance and leadership during national-scale crises. Drawing on experience at the highest levels, Sir Bill explores how leaders make sound decisions amid uncertainty, balance speed with discipline, and maintain public trust under pressure. The discussion reveals parallels between government cabinets and corporate boards, practical steps for crisis readiness, and the enduring qualities that define effective leadership. A must-listen for directors and executives preparing for the unexpected.Book: ""Bill Birch: Minister of Everything"" by Brad Tattersfield, https://natlib.govt.nz/records/42822277#governance, #leadership, #crisismanagement, #boardofdirectors, #corporategovernance, #riskmanagement, #decisionmaking, #leadershipdevelopment, #publicsector, #executiveleadership, #trust, #strategy, #businesscontinuity, #resilience, #directors, #governanceinsights

April 22, 2026Episode 629 min

Governance Bites #146: Conflicts of interest, and how to handle them, with Steven Bowman

Send us Fan MailAre conflicts of interest a negative? Governance expert Steven Bowman, who has worked with boards for over 40 years, argues they are necessary — if you never have them, you likely have the wrong board. In this insightful conversation, interviewer Mark Banicevich explores how boards must shift from requiring a declaration of conflict of interest to a declaration of interest, allowing the board to collectively determine if a conflict exists. Steven outlines the three primary strategies boards use to manage real, potential, or perceived conflicts, and warns of the personal liability risks directors face if interests are not appropriately managed. Tune in for mature governance practices! Steven Bowman is founder of Conscious Governance, a global, independent advisory service specialising in strategic planning, board governance, leadership, and risk management consulting for Boards, CEOs, and directors. The firm provides resources and guidance to organisations across virtually all sectors, including health, education, government, faith, disability, and housing.The governance model promoted by Conscious Governance is defined as running an organisation with conscious awareness. This approach moves beyond 19th-century systems focused on policy and conformance, prioritising conscious leadership to steer the organisation toward a defined vision and align day-to-day management with organisational strategies. Conscious Board leadership is vital for improving both financial and social results. Core services include Board governance evaluations, risk management strategies, and leadership development, such as CEO performance management. Conscious Governance has reported completing over 500 successful strategic plan facilitations and serving more than 4200 clients.#Governance, #ConflictsofInterest, #BoardofDirectors, #CorporateGovernance, #DirectorLiability, #RegisterofInterests, #Boardroom, #BestPractice, #ConsciousGovernance, #GovernanceBites

April 15, 2026Episode 523 min

Governance Bites #145: Governance for value creation, with Laurence Kubiak

Send us Fan MailLaurence Kubiak brings a rare combination of executive leadership and boardroom governance experience across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. He is Chief Executive Officer of Nautech Electronics Ltd, New Zealand’s largest independent contract electronics manufacturer, and serves as a director of Northpower Ltd. Laurence previously chaired Trustees Executors Limited and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, bringing deep insight into governance across regulated, commercial and cultural organisations. Earlier, he was CEO of New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, advising decision-makers on economic policy and strategy. With an international career spanning energy, telecommunications and infrastructure, Laurence offers a global perspective on governance, regulation and strategic oversight.In this episode, Mark Banicevich sits down with Laurence Kubiak to explore the shift from oversight to insight. They dive into how boards can reframe their mandate to focus on long-term strategic value, capital allocation, and constructive management challenge. From defining "governance for value creation" to identifying the specific capabilities directors need today, Laurence shares actionable practices to move beyond quarterly metrics.Watch now to learn the one governance change that could transform your board’s impact and unlock sustainable organizational growth.#Governance, #ValueCreation, #BoardLeadership, #StrategicGovernance, #DirectorInsights, #CorporateGovernance, #BoardEffectiveness, #ExecutiveLeadership, #BusinessGrowth, #BoardOfDirectors, #StrategicPlanning, #LeadershipDevelopment, #ComplianceToValue, #ESG, #CorporateStrategy

April 8, 2026Episode 426 min

Governance Bites #144: a brief personal history, with Rt Hon Sir William Birch

Send us Fan MailSir William (Bill) Birch brings decades of high-level public leadership and governance experience to the conversation. A senior figure in New Zealand politics for more than two decades, he held several key ministerial portfolios, including Finance, National Development and Energy. During his time in government he was closely involved in major economic reforms and policy decisions that shaped modern New Zealand’s public sector governance. Since leaving Parliament, Sir Bill has remained active in the governance community, serving on a range of corporate and public sector boards. His experience spans government decision-making, board oversight, and strategic leadership, giving him a rare perspective on how governance works across both the public and private sectors.In this episode, Sir Bill talks briefly through his history - life, politics and governance. It is a fascinating conversation, from a man who was a Member of Parliament through both the Sir Robert Muldoon era, and the Jim Bolger era. Books: "Bill Birch: Minister of Everything" by Brad Tattersfield, https://natlib.govt.nz/records/42822277"Power Surge: How Think Big and Rogernomics Transformed New Zealand", John Boshier, https://upstartpress.co.nz/product/power-surge-how-think-big-and-rogernomics-transformed-new-zealand/#leadership, #corporategovernance, #boardcraft, #decisionmaking, #makingadifference, #ceo, #Governance, #GovernanceBites, #NZPolitics, #NewZealand, #SirWilliamBirch, #Leadership, #BoardOfDirectors, #MinisterOfFinance, #ThinkBig, #EnergyPolicy, #MauiGas, #ClydeDam, #MinisterOfEverything, #PublicSpeaking, #StrategicPlanning, #Freightways, #Surveying, #PoliticalHistory