Governance Bites

Hosted by Mark Banicevich

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Episodes

164

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

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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60 recent

August 26, 2026Episode 427 min

Governance Bites #164: regulatory preparedness, with Jerry Hall

Send us Fan Mail Regulatory change is reshaping governance, and boards can no longer treat compliance as someone else's responsibility. In this episode, Mark Banicevich speaks with Jerry Hall, an international insurance executive and governance expert, about why regulatory preparedness is now a board-level issue. Drawing on experience from the UK, Europe and New Zealand, Jerry Hall explains how directors can move beyond a tick-box approach, ask better questions of management, engage effectively with regulators, and build a culture that delivers strong customer outcomes while reducing regulatory risk. Essential viewing for directors, executives and governance professionals navigating an increasingly complex regulatory environment. Jerry Hall is a Chartered Accountant (ICAEW) and seasoned CFO with more than 25 years of international leadership across financial services and insurance. His governance experience spans board reporting, audit committees, regulatory compliance, risk oversight and strategic finance across the UK, Middle East and Asia-Pacific. Jerry has led organisations through complex acquisitions, private equity ownership, post-merger integration and multi-jurisdiction regulatory challenges, working closely with regulators in the UK, UAE, Hong Kong and beyond. From building governance frameworks for global start-ups to advising CEOs and boards on regulatory strategy, he brings a practical, board-level perspective on governance, accountability and sustainable organisational growth. #Governance, #CorporateGovernance, #BoardLeadership, #BoardDirectors, #GovernanceBites, #RegulatoryPreparedness, #Compliance, #RiskManagement, #FinancialServices, #Insurance, #BoardEffectiveness, #CorporateStrategy, #Leadership, #Directors, #GovernanceProfessionals, #FinancialRegulation, #BusinessLeadership, #CustomerOutcomes, #Boardroom, #NewZealandBusiness, #boardcraft, #decisionmaking, #makingadifference, #ceo

August 19, 2026Episode 323 min

Governance Bites #163: effective board chairs, with Giselle McLachlan

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Governance Bites, Mark Banicevich speaks with Giselle McLachlan about what separates an effective board chair from an average one. They explore the practical framework of the Five Ts of Chairing—time, tone, talent, teamwork and tikanga (traditions)—and how these elements shape stronger board performance. The conversation covers common mistakes chairs make, building trust with directors and CEOs, preparing for meetings, encouraging balanced board discussions, and why great chairing is a skill that can be learned. A practical episode packed with insights for current and aspiring board chairs. Giselle McLachlan CFInstD is a governance specialist dedicated to helping organisations flourish through "down to earth" advice and strategic leadership. As a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors and Managing Director of Grounded Governance Ltd, she brings decades of experience as a lawyer, insurance executive, and CEO. Giselle currently serves as Board Chair for AbacusBio and ARC Committee Chair for Gore District Council and Local Government New Zealand. With a portfolio including past roles at the Medical Council of New Zealand and the Earthquake Commission, she excels at future-proofing organisations and coaching directors. She provides the fresh, honest insights needed to take the "bored" out of the boardroom. #Governance, #CorporateGovernance, #BoardLeadership, #BoardChair, #Boards, #BoardDirectors, #Leadership, #GovernanceBites, #DirectorDevelopment, #BoardEffectiveness, #BoardMeetings, #Chairing, #GovernanceExcellence, #LeadershipDevelopment, #Boardroom, #Strategy, #RiskManagement, #NotForProfit, #BusinessLeadership, #NewZealandBusiness, #boardcraft, #decisionmaking, #makingadifference, #ceo

August 12, 2026Episode 230 min

Governance Bites #162: my governance journey, with Dr Peter Crow

Send us Fan Mail What separates outstanding boards from merely competent ones? In this episode of Governance Bites, Mark Banicevich interviews Dr Peter Crow about the journey to becoming an effective director. Drawing on decades of governance experience, Dr Crow shares the lessons that shaped his board career, the misconceptions many new directors have, the habits that distinguish high-performing boards, and why preparation, curiosity and asking better questions matter more than having all the answers. Whether you're an aspiring director, an experienced board member or a governance professional, this conversation offers practical insights to strengthen your contribution in the boardroom. Dr Peter Crow has a PhD in corporate governance and strategy. Not only is he an experienced chair and director, he has also designed and delivered governance courses in New Zealand (for the Institute of Directors, and Governance New Zealand), and overseas, in countries including India, Kenya, Lithuania and Ireland. He has presented about governance on five continents, and he works with and advises boards around the world. #Governance, #CorporateGovernance, #BoardOfDirectors, #BoardLeadership, #DirectorDevelopment, #BoardEffectiveness, #GoodGovernance, #GovernanceLeadership, #ProfessionalDirectors, #BoardExcellence, #Leadership, #StrategicLeadership, #DecisionMaking, #Boardroom, #GovernanceEducation, #ContinuousLearning, #AspiringDirectors, #GovernanceBites

August 5, 2026Episode 123 min

Governance Bites #161: Engineering Upward Economic Mobility, with Steve Bambury

Send us Fan Mail Why do so few companies capture the majority of economic profit — and what separates the winners from everyone else? In this episode, Seve Bambury joins Mark Banicevich to explore how governance can become a genuine engine of value creation rather than simply a system of oversight. They unpack the “5 Big Moves” framework, why boards often avoid bold decisions, and how organisations can engineer upward economic mobility through smarter capital allocation, strategic execution, and future-focused governance. Essential listening for directors, founders, and executives who want their boards to drive growth, not just monitor it. Steve Bambury is a Strategic Growth Catalyst and Faraday certified chair with over 33 years of hard-won commercial experience. Specialising in transitioning purpose-led organisations from founder-dependency to system-driven leadership, Steve helps businesses shatter the "complexity ceiling" through high-performance governance. He specialises in establishing Professional Advisory Boards that shift focus from mere compliance to forward-looking, strategic performance. Currently serving as a Non-Executive Director and Board Chair, Steve implements proven frameworks that drive exponential growth and commercial rigour. He is passionate about engineering an "engine room" built to last where leaders reclaim their freedom. By integrating applied neuroscience, he provides the strategic clarity required for teams to execute "unreasonable" goals. #Governance, #CorporateGovernance, #BoardLeadership, #BusinessGrowth, #ValueCreation, #StrategicLeadership, #BusinessStrategy, #EconomicGrowth, #Leadership, #ExecutiveLeadership, #CapitalAllocation, #ScalingBusiness, #GrowthStrategy, #FutureOfBusiness, #DirectorInsights, #Boardroom, #InnovationLeadership, #FounderLedBusiness, #OrganisationalPerformance, #BusinessTransformation

July 29, 2026Episode 1015 min

Governance Bites #160: People and culture in governance, with Rosey Nathan

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Mark Banicevich sits down with Rosey Nathan to explore how boardroom culture shapes decision quality and outcomes. They unpack early warning signs of underperformance, the fine line between constructive challenge and destructive behaviour, and how chairs can manage dominant voices while drawing out quieter perspectives. The discussion tackles whether toxic cultures can truly be fixed, the behaviours that matter most in a crisis, and the people risks boards still underestimate. Rosey also shares practical advice for new chairs on shaping a high-performing board culture from day one. 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, #BoardCulture, #BoardLeadership, #BoardOfDirectors, #Leadership, #OrganisationalCulture, #BoardroomDynamics, #BoardEffectiveness, #ChairLeadership, #ConstructiveChallenge, #BoardPerformance, #CrisisLeadership, #GovernanceExcellence, #LeadershipDevelopment, #TeamDynamics, #BoardroomBehaviour, #ExecutiveLeadership, #CultureAndLeadership, #HighPerformingTeams

July 22, 2026Episode 919 min

Governance Bites #159: Breaking the "Experience Ceiling", with Steve Bambury

Send us Fan Mail Every business eventually hits an “experience ceiling” — the point where growth is constrained by the leadership team’s current level of knowledge and problem-solving capability. In this episode, Steve Bambury joins Mark Banicevich to unpack how purpose-led organisations can break through by “renting” the experience of seasoned operators who have already solved the challenges ahead. They explore the Faraday framework, the power of subject matter mentors, faster decision-making, governance dynamics, and how boards can accelerate growth without creating dependency. A compelling conversation for founders, directors, and leaders serious about scaling with wisdom, not guesswork. Steve Bambury is a Strategic Growth Catalyst and Faraday certified chair with over 33 years of hard-won commercial experience. Specialising in transitioning purpose-led organisations from founder-dependency to system-driven leadership, Steve helps businesses shatter the "complexity ceiling" through high-performance governance. He specialises in establishing Professional Advisory Boards that shift focus from mere compliance to forward-looking, strategic performance. Currently serving as a Non-Executive Director and Board Chair, Steve implements proven frameworks that drive exponential growth and commercial rigour. He is passionate about engineering an "engine room" built to last where leaders reclaim their freedom. By integrating applied neuroscience, he provides the strategic clarity required for teams to execute "unreasonable" goals. #Governance, #CorporateGovernance, #Leadership, #BusinessGrowth, #AdvisoryBoard, #BoardLeadership, #FounderLedBusiness, #StrategicLeadership, #ScalingBusiness, #DecisionMaking, #BusinessStrategy, #ExecutiveLeadership, #GrowthMindset, #Mentorship, #LeadershipDevelopment, #BusinessAdvisory, #OrganisationalGrowth, #InnovationLeadership, #FutureOfWork, #DirectorInsights

July 15, 2026Episode 829 min

Governance Bites #158: Due diligence before joining a board, with Nigel Scott

Send us Fan Mail Thinking of joining a board? Don’t let ego cloud your judgment. In this episode, Mark Banicevich interviews director Nigel Scott, who reveals why board due diligence is the "underestimated" shield for your professional reputation. We dive into Nigel’s essential 40-hour checklist: from scrutinising board packs and D&O insurance, to the power of the "try before you buy" advisor role. Learn to identify the red flags that mean it's time to walk away and why your first directorship is your most critical. Protect your legacy. Master the art of due diligence today. 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, #BoardOfDirectors, #BoardDueDiligence, #CorporateGovernance, #NonExecutiveDirector, #LeadershipDevelopment, #RiskManagement, #DirectorLiability, #ProfessionalReputation, #BoardDynamics, #GovernanceBites, #DirectorLife, #BoardOversight, #BoardManagement, #CareerGrowth, #NZBusiness, #ExecutiveLeadership, #BoardAdvisor, #ProfessionalDirector, #BusinessIntegrity

July 8, 2026Episode 718 min

Governance Bites #157: Decision-making and accountability, with Rosey Nathan

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Mark Banicevich interviews Rosey Nathan on what really drives boardroom decision, and where they go wrong. Is it flawed information, judgment, or a lack of courage? They explore how boards can sharpen decision quality, prioritise what truly matters, and ensure accountability is more than rhetoric. From managing dissent to learning from failure, this conversation reveals the habits that separate high-performing boards from the rest. Rosey also shares one critical shift that could dramatically improve how boards make decisions in an increasingly complex world. 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, #BoardDecisionMaking, #BoardAccountability, #BoardOfDirectors, #BoardLeadership, #DecisionMaking, #Leadership, #StrategicDecisionMaking, #RiskManagement, #Boardroom, #GovernanceExcellence, #Accountability, #BoardEffectiveness, #ChairLeadership, #BusinessStrategy, #OrganisationalLeadership, #BoardroomDynamics, #DecisionQuality, #ExecutiveLeadership

July 1, 2026Episode 624 min

Governance Bites #156: The Shift from "Pilot" to "Air Traffic Controller", with Steve Bambury

Send us Fan Mail Most founders start as the pilot of the business, but many never leave the cockpit. In this episode, Steve Bambury joins Mark Banicevich to explore why growth stalls when the founder remains the single point of decision-making. They unpack how high-performing advisory boards act as “air traffic control” - providing strategic visibility, challenge, coordination, and future-focused thinking. From founder blind spots and governance mindset shifts to distributed intelligence and scalable leadership, this conversation is packed with practical insights for owners, directors, and growth-stage businesses looking to professionalise without losing entrepreneurial edge. Steve Bambury is a Strategic Growth Catalyst and Faraday certified chair with over 33 years of hard-won commercial experience. Specialising in transitioning purpose-led organisations from founder-dependency to system-driven leadership, Steve helps businesses shatter the "complexity ceiling" through high-performance governance. He specialises in establishing Professional Advisory Boards that shift focus from mere compliance to forward-looking, strategic performance. Currently serving as a Non-Executive Director and Board Chair, Steve implements proven frameworks that drive exponential growth and commercial rigour. He is passionate about engineering an "engine room" built to last where leaders reclaim their freedom. By integrating applied neuroscience, he provides the strategic clarity required for teams to execute "unreasonable" goals. #Governance, #CorporateGovernance, #AdvisoryBoard, #BusinessGrowth, #Leadership, #FounderLedBusiness, #Entrepreneurship, #BoardLeadership, #BusinessStrategy, #ScalingBusiness, #DirectorInsights, #StrategicLeadership, #BusinessAdvisory, #GrowthMindset, #FounderJourney, #GovernanceMatters, #ExecutiveLeadership, #FutureOfBusiness, #LeadershipDevelopment, #Boardroom

June 24, 2026Episode 525 min

Governance Bites #155: What endures when politics, technology, & fashion change, with Sir Bill Birch

Send us Fan Mail Sir 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 what truly endures in governance as politics, technology, and trends evolve. Drawing on decades of leadership experience, Sir Bill reveals the timeless principles that continue to underpin effective boards, the role of judgement versus frameworks, and why institutional memory matters more than ever. The discussion challenges assumptions about modern governance, highlighting where experience, values, and discipline still outweigh changing tools. A compelling listen for directors seeking to build governance that stands the test of time. Book: ""Bill Birch: Minister of Everything"" by Brad Tattersfield, https://natlib.govt.nz/records/42822277 #governance, #leadership, #corporategovernance, #boardofdirectors, #leadershipdevelopment, #decisionmaking, #boardleadership, #governanceinsights, #institutionalmemory, #longtermthinking, #experience, #strategy, #businessleadership, #futureofwork, #directors