Director Accelerator Lunch

Overview

This workshop is a valuable networking opportunity to work with senior directors who will equip you with information on: 

• How to win director appointments
• Hot topics that are a focus around board tables, and
• Stories that illustrate real boardroom challenges

Whether you’re looking to gain further directorships, or you’re a seasoned executive looking for your first role, this workshop will provide you with practical insights on how to promote and equip yourself to succeed.

Experienced directors will convene open discussions in small groups, with attendees expected to have considered the discussion topics that may include:

• Understanding your value proposition

How directors position themselves

Sector knowledge

Director skills

Identifying your competencies and playing to your strengths

• The different types of directorships

Advisory, not-for-profit, corporate, public, private, family governance

Pursuit of all directorships or interest-related only?

Specialist knowledge positions on boards

• Building your career as a professional director

How to prepare for a board interview

Due diligence on offers of appointment

How directors add value

Effective boardroom behaviours

Key boardroom processes

Director liabilities

• Growing your networks

 

If you have any specific questions you would like addressed at the workshop, please email these to the Auckland Branch Manager, Becky Hare becky.hare@iod.org.nz or telephone 027 6421099 ahead of the day.

Workshop numbers are limited to 28 participants, with four senior directors leading discussion tables. A working lunch is provided.

Facilitators

Phil Doak

CMInstD

Phil has over 30 years of experience in the financial services sector.  He has held senior executive leadership positions spanning the strategy, distribution, operations, programme management and technology functions in banking and funds management organisations. He now consults to the financial services sector as a Partner in a privately owned consulting firm.  

In that capacity he leads a range of client assignments spanning governance, regulatory responses, risk management, operating model design, commercial engagements (incl M&A), technology reviews and the design and establishment of programmes of work. 

Phil’s governance background includes a range of director and oversight roles in public and privately-owned financial services entities, sports administration, and education. 

In addition to his academic qualifications, Phil has attended executive leadership programmes at both London and Harvard Business Schools. 

Jo Brosnahan

CFInstD 

Jo is an experienced board chair in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, with a particular passion and expertise for leadership and governance.  She currently chairs Maritime New Zealand (the nation’s maritime agency), Harrison Grierson (NZ urban engineering and planning consultancy), and Ambassadors for Leadership NZ.  Past governance roles have included Chair of Northpower Fibre (ultra-fast broadband) and Landcare Research, board member of Housing New Zealand, Taitokerau Education Trust, and Advisory Board for the Centre for Brain Research. 

Jo founded Leadership New Zealand, which has over 700 alumni, was Chair of the LNZ Trust, and now chairs the ambassadors.  As a Harkness Fellow and Aspen Scholar, Jo spent a year researching leadership in the USA.  She researches and writes about leadership, develops and facilitates leadership and governance programmes, and undertakes board reviews. 

Jo was previously the CEO of the Northland Regional Council and of the Auckland Regional Council.  She was awarded a QSO in 2005 for Public Services and a DNZM in the King’s Birthday and Coronation Honours in 2023 for services to governance and business. 

Gráinne Troute

CFInstD

Gráinne is a director of NZX-listed companies Tourism Holdings (THL), Summerset Group Holdings and Investore Property Ltd. She is also a board member of legal firm Duncan Cotterill and has recently joined the board of Montana Group Limited as Chair. Grainne has just completed a three-year term as Chair of Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) during which time she also co-chaired the government’s Tourism Industry Transformation Plan (ITP). Prior to her governance career, Grainne had many years’ experience in senior executive roles, including as General Manager, Corporate Services at SKYCITY Entertainment Group and Managing Director of McDonald’s Restaurants (New Zealand). 

Gráinne also served for many years as a trustee and chair in the not-for-profit sector, including having been Chair of Ronald McDonald House Charities NZ for five years. 

Clayton Wakefield

CFInstD

Clayton Wakefield is a Chartered Fellow of the IoD, and a member of the IoD Auckland Branch Committee. Clayton has over 35 years’ experience as an executive and director in banking, financial services, telecommunications and technology. 

He is a non-executive director of The Co-operative-Bank and Co-operative Life Ltd and chair of the Auckland Tamaki Makaurau Te Araroa Trust.  

Host

Suneil Connor

MInstD

Suneil Connor is the Group Chief Financial Officer for Service Foods. He is a Chartered Accountant, director of KiwiHarvest and the New Zealand Food Network, committee member of Mission Bay/Kohimarama Residents Association, and board member of Auckland Foundation. 

Suneil holds the position of Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee for KiwiHarvest, New Zealand Food Network and Auckland Foundation. Suneil is a Member of the IoD and joined the branch committee in February 2018 where he has been a judge on the Emerging Leader Award since 2019. 

Additional information

Should you have any dietary, mobility, cultural or other requirements, you can let us know on the registration form.

By registering for this event you are confirming that you agree to adhere to our event terms and conditions.

Branch event cancellation policy

Regrettably, registration fees cannot be refunded when cancellations are received within two working days prior to any branch event.  See our standard terms and conditions for more information.

Contact

Becky Hare
Auckland Branch Manager

+64 27 642 1099
+64 9 905 4804
Becky.Hare@iod.org.nz

Our sponsors

The Auckland branch acknowledges the generous support of