Episode 12: An Interview with Non Executive Director Wendy Stops

The Board Success Podcast

In this episode we have a special replay from our sister Insider Insights podcast, where you get to meet Non Executive Directors (NEDs) and go inside their boardrooms. Today we hear from ASX Director, Wendy Stops.

At the time of this recording, Wendy was a Non Executive Director of the Commonwealth Bank, Coles Group Ltd and Fitted for Work, and Chair of the Industry Advisory Board for the Centre for Business Analytics at the Melbourne Business School. Since then, she has also become Chair of Blackmores and Deputy Chancellor at the University of Melbourne. She completed her tenure at CBA in Oct 2020.

Wendy shares her insights on how to make securing your seat on a board possible, with tips on networking and establishing yourself as a leader.

In this episode of Insider Insights, we explore:

• The difference between strategic and operational research
• How to complete due diligence in the boardroom
• Understanding the board’s financials
• The importance of networking

QUOTES

“I always said if I'm not learning, then it's time to move on” - Wendy Stops

“If you're helping people understand who you are and if you get to the point where they offer you a role, it's because they are convinced that you're the right person for them.” -Wendy Stops

“Be very mindful of where you want to pitch yourself when you're starting off with your board career. Really think about what industry, what level, particularly if you want to go for a listed company” -Wendy Stops

“Work on your network. Get out to those recruiters. Knock on their doors. Let them know who you are, what you're looking for.” -Wendy Stops