What I’m reading – Aimee Blake

Ōtautahi Christchurch-based co-chair of Future Farmers New Zealand Aimee Blake MInstD is a recent recipient of a 2024 IoD scholarship and a co-founder of Girls who Grow , an organisation focused on climate-positive outcomes and career pathways for young women in the agriculture sector. 

This week, she shares how one book has proven life-changing, helping her to identify what matters most in the boardroom and beyond. 

What is the name of the governance/business book you are reading or can recommend? 

One Life: How we Forgot to Live Meaningful Lives, by Morten Albaek. 

How would you describe the style of writing?

Meaningful, compelling and relevant to everyone. It is powerful and tugs directly at the heartstrings.

It begins with a story about Morten spending time with his elderly father who is on his deathbed. He reflects on the time that has passed and his father’s life, sharing what mattered most in those precious moments. 

After getting you hooked on the opening story, One Life then takes you through a well-crafted exploration to understand what it is about the modern working world that is making many of us unhappy and unfulfilled. It traverses philosophy, psychology and research, while weaving stories throughout to try to answer this pressing question. 

What drew you to the book? 

When I finished my master’s degree in 2023, I was given the book by a dear friend and mentor, Catherine van der Meulen. At the time, I was trying to make decisions about the direction of my career. I had a deep desire to align my work with my values and support sustainable change, and was seeking some wisdom, inspiration and guidance. 

One Life was just the antidote I needed – it is a truly life-changing book, and I have re-read it and will revisit it again. It reminds me of the true meaning of what life and work life really is. We only enjoy one short and precious life, and we must find a way to live it well. As a result, I have continued to align my career and governance choices, accordingly, achieving feats I never dreamed possible. 

What resonated with you the most?

One Life explains how humans, collectively, have never been more educated, wealthier or lived longer with more opportunities than ever before. Conversely, we have never been more stressed, anxious, depressed or lonely. Morten investigates this paradox and the absurdity that all the world’s impressive socioeconomic advancements have not translated into more existential wellbeing, overall.

He argues, the cure is not more ‘work-life balance’, but that we stop separating our ‘persona’, or ourselves, into a working human being and private human being and, instead, see ourselves as one human being with one life. That one life should be as meaningful as possible. Importantly, he makes the distinction that it is meaning, not happiness, that is the most important basic ingredient for the sustainability of our lives, our businesses and our society.

What is something you have taken away from the book that now follows you into your board roles?

The book taught me that we live one big, complex life and it is a mistake to believe we can split it into parts – in doing so, we lose meaning. Morten argues we should have enough self-awareness, self-worth and self-respect to live a life full of meaning that sits in line with our values. It is a reminder to prioritise the things that truly matter.

It provided a lot of the motivation for co-founding Girls who Grow. We use learnings from the book to inspire and connect to high school students during our workshops and help them curate a world and career full of meaning.

I am conscious of making both my personal and work endeavours as meaningful as possible. Not only has this helped my career and governance experiences in ways I never could have predicted, but it has brought me profound joy. This is a practice I will always carry with me in the boardroom, as well as at home.

How does reading feed into your continued governance practice/learning?

My reading list is forever growing. Reading feeds my curiosity and supports my governance practice through continuous learning and reflection. Listening to books in audio format is by far the best way for me to engage with content. I love a good audiobook while out for a walk as a great way to fill my cup.

Who should read this book and at what stage in their governance career?

It is for anyone and everyone, at all stages in their governance career or working life. Creating a meaningful life is something everyone should aspire to, and I recommend it to friends, colleagues and family members.

When you are not reading books on business or governance, what kind of books are you likely to pick up? 

You will find me reading and listening to books about wellbeing, health and yoga. I did a 200-hour teacher training session in Ashtanga yoga in Thailand last year, and I adore exploring the power of the mind, body and breath to heal. Health really is wealth.

What are some of the most pertinent governance issues at the top of mind for you, and why?

The global poly-crisis is top of mind. Policy crisis is a term which describes the situation in which several crises occur simultaneously in close succession, interacting and reinforcing each other. Navigating the interconnected global social, climatic, technological and geopolitical risks requires courageous and innovative approaches to governance. People are still at the heart of solving these challenges, which is why building trust and effective communication remain a key focus.

What has been the most surprising thing you have discovered about yourself and others while being on a board?

The crucial role of feedback has proven to be an incredibly valuable tool for improvement. I am constantly astounded by just how much I am learning from those around me and blown away by the power of bringing people together around a common purpose. It is a privilege to work alongside so many smart and caring people in the NFP sector. Governance has helped improve my listening and observation skills, while also teaching me patience. I still have so much to learn. The continuous ability to learn, adapt and reflect are essential skills to remain effective on any board and I make a conscious and concerted effort to improve and work on them. 

If there was anything you want to see more of at the board table, what would it be, and why?

More long-term thinking, creativity, joy, and play. I would love to see approaches in the boardroom that rise to the challenges that are presented to us in new and innovative ways, taking into consideration the present and the long-term horizon.

If you have a book you would like to share that has inspired innovative ideas, strategies and approaches in the boardroom, contact: sonia.yee@iod.org.nz