Institution: Australian Institute of Company Directors
Course: Company Directors Course
I was fortunate to receive an Industry Leaders Fund (ILF) grant to undertake the Company Directors Course at the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). It couldn’t have come at a better time in my career. After many years in the same organisation, I found myself on the verge of stepping into the dual responsibilities of Chief Leadership and Director roles. While I felt confident in leading the organisation, the world of governance and fiduciary duties was, frankly, uncharted territory for me. I needed a crash course in understanding what it really meant to sit on a board—and fast.
Our business is a medium-sized manufacturing operation with a fair degree of complexity. Every day brings a variety of governance challenges, from strategic oversight to risk management, and I quickly realised this was an area where I needed to upskill. My background in product design had always kept me in the realm of problem-solving, creativity, and leadership. I was comfortable there. Over time, with the help of an MBA, I gained the analytical and operational expertise required to manage a business. But stepping into the Managing Director role brought a new layer of responsibility—governance. It was clear that mastering this was non-negotiable if I wanted to succeed.
The AICD course was an eye-opener. It covered everything I needed to know about directors’ duties, governance practices, risk oversight, strategy, and financial literacy. What stood out for me was the practical and participatory nature of the course. Discussing real-world case studies made the concepts immediately applicable to my role. Importantly, it wasn’t just theoretical—group discussions and peer feedback helped me build the confidence I needed to tackle boardroom challenges head-on.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the course was learning alongside other participants who brought their own diverse experiences to the table. Sharing insights with them not only enriched the learning experience but also expanded my professional network. I walked away not only with new knowledge but also with a toolkit of practical frameworks and strategies that I could apply immediately in my role.
However, the ILF experience didn’t stop at the classroom. Joining the alumni network has been a fantastic bonus. This vibrant community of South Australian business leaders has provided me with ongoing opportunities to connect, learn, and share. It’s a reminder that leadership is not a solitary journey—it’s a collaborative one.
Reflecting on my journey, I’m deeply grateful for the ILF’s support. The course has given me the skills and confidence to navigate the complexities of my role and lead my organisation effectively. Beyond that, it has been a personal growth experience, helping me transition from a creative thinker and problem-solver to a leader who can operate with confidence in the boardroom.
To Geoff, Suzi, and the ILF board—thank you for this transformative opportunity. It has made a profound impact on me, my organisation, and, I hope, the broader business community.
