Take on Board breakfast recap, 28 May 2020

Rachel is the chief Conservation Officer at the World Wildlife Federation, WWF Australia and past president of the International Zoo Educators Association, and former chair of the Centre for Sustainability Leadership. She also currently sits on the Parks Victoria Advisory Committee and the Zoo Wise Advisory Committee.

In our discussion, we talk about being an effective board member: what time commitment is required, what support you need to have in place, what’s the balance between governance and operational, what skills you need to have on your board, and also how incredibly rewarding it can be to be a board member.

One of the other things that stands out in this discussion is Rachel’s views about engaging with members and networks. She talks about:

• The fact that I live in rural Victoria and could join in the breakfast without having to commute to Melbourne. Having online meetings is breaking down the barrier between city/country…please keep this opportunity going post COVID….
• The variation in the schedule – allowing a mixture between whole of group and small group sessions.
• Technical set-up, sequencing of different blocks, creating a positive mood
• The breakout rooms in the Zoom meeting worked really well. Both speakers were exceptional and honest – really enjoyed their insights.
• Excellent speakers, and managed to feel as though we were networking and supporting one another despite it being a virtual meeting!
• Helga created a really open and positive atmosphere. The speakers were excellent and the break out groups allowed for informal discussion.
• The tech and the organisation of it – amazing job!
• The virtual breakfast was really well managed by Helga as the facilitator. Great speakers and side conversations. I am really glad that I participated.
• The technology worked really well.
• The speakers’ honesty and reflections on board membership in a time of crisis.
• Breakout rooms worked well – good to be able to talk through the issues.
• Q&A questions on Sli.do.
• Geographically diverse participation/wider networking.
• Presenters. Really enjoyed Claudia and Liz’s stories
• It’s great to have the opportunity to engage in an event that is so positive, collaborative and empowering of women in the current circumstances! Well done and thank you!
• I really liked doing this virtually. It actually made it easier to participate. It would be great to have another one reflecting on the impact of Covid, which is being felt across our businesses.
• Having been in the thick of the COVID crisis as a Senior Exec I haven’t had the time nor the headspace to reflect, today gave me that opportunity and I feel really positive about myself as a leader and what I have learnt from this time.
• Really great session, wish I’d known about this community when I was in Melbourne!! (Note from me: well, now that these events are virtual you can continue to participate from wherever you are in the world!)
• So good. The content was intense, atmosphere collegiate and the outcome uplifting.
• Loved the breakout rooms. So nice to chat to the participants. Even got to meet Claudia!