Exclusive IoD NZ member webcast: A thought-provoking session with Sir John Kay

Overview

Known for his deep insights into business and economics and celebrated as the standout speaker at the 2017 IoD NZ conference, John is set to return to share his expertise on the contemporary corporate landscape. Drawing from his latest work, The Corporation in the Twenty-First Century - Why (almost) Everything We Are Told about Business Is Wrong, which has been shortlisted for Business Book of the Year, this session promises to be relevant to modern directors and business leaders.

Sir John Kay is a distinguished economist and thought leader, known for his ability to distil complex ideas into clear, actionable insights. His extensive research and publications have shaped discourse on corporate strategy and governance, making him a sought-after speaker and advisor to boards around the world. John will delve into the evolving nature of the corporation and its role in the twenty-first century. Key topics include:

• Redefining Corporate Purpose: An analysis of how traditional shareholder-focused models are being rethought in favour of more holistic approaches that balance profitability with broader societal contributions.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Governance: Insights on managing relationships with diverse stakeholders—customers, employees, communities, and regulators—and how this focus supports sustainable growth and long-term value.
• Responding to Global Changes: Discussion on the impact of globalisation, technology, and changing economic paradigms on corporate strategies. Learn how corporations can remain resilient amid continuous shifts and disruptions.
• The Corporation’s Social Role: Reflections on corporate responsibility in an era where trust, transparency, and ethics are paramount. John will outline why companies must prioritise ethical conduct and align with societal expectations to build durable brands and reputations

This webcast is more than just an academic discussion—it is a chance to gain actionable insights from one of the foremost voices in economic policy and corporate strategy.

This event is ideal for directors, board members, CEOs, and senior leaders looking to broaden their knowledge of modern governance and strategic leadership. It is also essential for those committed to advancing their understanding of how corporations can balance profitability with purpose in an increasingly complex world.

Sir John Kay

Sir John Kay is one of Britain’s leading economists with wide practical experience in business and finance. A Fellow of the British Academy and Royal Society of Edinburgh, he was the founding dean of Oxford University’s Saïd Business School and held a chair at London Business School.

He is a winner of the Senior Wincott Award for Financial Journalism for his Financial Times columns. Other People’s Money won the Saltire Prize for non-fiction and was shortlisted for the Orwell Prize for Political Writing. His new book, the Corporation in the 21st Century, has been recently shortlisted on FT and Schroders Business Book of the Year 2024. His other books include Obliquity, The Long and Short of It, Greed is Dead (written with Paul Collier) and Radical Uncertainty (with Mervyn King).

Kirsten (KP) Patterson 

CMInstD 

Kirsten (KP) Patterson is the chief executive of the Institute of Directors. She is a qualified lawyer and a Distinguished Fellow of the Human Resources Institute of New Zealand. Her governance roles include: 

• Chair, Global Network of Directors Institutes (GNDI) 
• Chair, Brian Picot Ethical Leadership advisory board 
• Trustee, Voices of Hope 
• Board member, XRAP Advisory Panel, External Reporting Board (XRB)
• Ambassador, Wellington Homeless Women’s Trust 

With extensive governance and leadership experience, she is actively involved in community initiatives. 

A strong advocate of diversity, KP was a founding member of Global Women’s ‘Champions for Change’, a group of senior executives and directors who commit to diversity in the workplace, and a founding member of WiSPA, an organisation promoting women in sport, and mentors a number of business leaders. KP was also previously Director of the NZ Rugby Foundation. 

Additional information

Contact

Kristyn Chandler-Yates
National Sponsorship and Events Manager
+64 27 207 2592
Kristyn.Chandler-Yates@iod.org.nz