Free Daily Podcast Summary
Take on Board: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Helga Svendsen
Welcome to the Take on Board podcast, where we talk all things boards and governance. Being on a board can be interesting, valuable and exciting. Yet it can also be lonely, challenging and hard. Each week I talk to women who have been there, done that. Together we'll discover what we need to take on board to be your best in the boardroom.https://helgasvendsen.com.au/take-on-board-podcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- Yesterday28 min
Welcoming nature into the boardroom has surprising results with Darya Boukata
Today on the Take On Board podcast, I am speaking with Darya Boukata about the presence of nature in the boardroom. This discussion builds on some episodes I recorded in late 2025 with the fantastic Dominique Hes, so if you're interested in hearing more, I encourage you to check those out.Darya is a PhD researcher at the University of Sydney Business School, where she investigates how the loss of nature is influencing corporate governance. Her research intersects business strategy, sustainability, and governance, with a focus on how company directors are addressing nature-related risks and opportunities. She is also the co-author of the recent report, *Nature Enters the Boardroom*, developed in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Company Directors. This report provides one of the first empirical insights into how boards engage with nature.Before her academic career, Darya worked in strategy consulting as an analyst at McKinsey & Company and as a consultant at Social Ventures Australia. She advised organsations across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. Additionally, she founded her own rescue ranch, where she rehabilitates horses and connects with neurodiverse kids seeking a greater connection to nature. Currently, Darya continues her PhD research, blending rigorous academic analysis with real-world insights from the boardroom. This makes her an invaluable voice on how businesses can transition from awareness to action regarding nature.Links and ResourcesDarya Boukata on LinkedInUpcoming TOB EventsAll eventsYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityFollow along on TwitterWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programFind out more about me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- 1 weeks ago40 min
Take on Board x Flourish After Fifty: Is a Board Role Really for You? Helga Svendsen Answers All Your Questions
This week on the Take on Board podcast, I'm a guest on Sue West's podcast Flourish After Fifty. I joined Sue on her show for a wide-ranging conversation. Our conversation demystifies what board work is really like for women in the second half of their careers. If you’ve ever imagined a board role as the “natural next step”, a meaningful way to contribute, shape strategy, and maybe create more flexible work, this episode will help you decide whether it’s genuinely a fit for you.I shared how my governance journey began and eventually led to multiple board roles and a career devoted to supporting women in governance. Thanks for having me Sue!Links ad ResourcesFlourish After FiftyUpcoming TOB EventsAll eventsYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityFollow along on TwitterWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programFind out more about me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- 2 weeks ago31 min
(Peri)menopause and the board room what you need to know with Sarah Gray
Today, on the Take on Board podcast, I am talking to Sarah Gray. Sarah is one of Australia’s only dual-qualified health professionals in pharmacy and nutrition, a certified menopause practitioner, and the author of "If It's Not You, It's Perimenopause."She sits on the boards of Moyne Health Services and the Advisory Board for Healthy Life, and is passionate about helping women thrive through perimenopause and menopause, especially in the boardroom.n this conversation with Helga, Sarah shares practical advice and insight into supporting yourself and others through this important life stage—both individually and as part of a board or workplace community.Sarah will be a guest at the August 27th Take on Board Online Event. Please sign up here.Links ad ResourcesSarah Gray's Website - The Nutrition PharmacistUpcoming TOB EventsAll eventsYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityFollow along on TwitterWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programFind out more about me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- 3 weeks ago29 min
Fiona Bennett wants you to plan your board chair communications
Today on the Take On Board podcast, I'm speaking with Fiona Bennett about clear and planned communication for board chairs. Fiona is the chair of Australian Mutual Bank, and she's also on the board of Neami. She's a certified practicing accountant with extensive experience in financial management, governance, audit, and risk management across listed companies, New South Wales government, and banking.Fiona lives in Central West New South Wales and is passionate about equity of access to healthcare. Links ad ResourcesMastering boardroom communication: five essentials for executives Upcoming TOB EventsAll eventsYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityFollow along on TwitterWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programFind out more about me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- 4 weeks ago15 min
Helga goes solo: Lessons from the Larapinta Trail
In this episode, I’m recording from the beautiful Larapinta Trail in Central Australia, where I’ve just wrapped up a 14-day end-to-end trek. Disconnected from the outside world, I’ve had plenty of time to reflect on governance, drawing parallels between the wilderness and the boardroom. I share lessons on adopting a "starry night" perspective for strategy, the critical need for robust risk assessment and scenario planning—highlighted by our team's experience navigating a medical emergency—and why governance, just like hiking, is truly a team sport. I also touch on the importance of celebrating small wins and take a moment to acknowledge the Arrernte people, on whose stunning land this journey took placeUpcoming TOB EventsAll eventsYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityFollow along on TwitterWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programFind out more about me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Jun 23, 202629 min
Davina Stanley knows how to maximise board papers and can help you
Today on the Take On Board podcast, I'm speaking with Davina Stanley about how boards can maximize the effectiveness of their board papers.Davina previously served on the University of Technology Sydney Executive MBA Advisory Board, and she enjoys the "aha!" moment when a client discovers a breakthrough idea hidden amid the noise. She humorously notes that she is likely the only kindergarten teacher ever hired by McKinsey.She is also among the very few individuals Barbara Minto has approved to teach the Pyramid Principle (if you know, you know). Combining her backgrounds in teaching, corporate communication, and consulting with her life experiences enables her clients to make better and faster decisions.Links and ResourcesDavina Stanley on LinkedInClarity FirstUpcoming TOB EventsAll eventsYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityFollow along on TwitterWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programFind out more about me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Jun 16, 202639 min
Jaala Pulford on scaling an organisation, managing staffing changes and more
Today on the Take On Board podcast, I'm speaking with Jaala Pulford about setting up a new statutory authority, scale an organization or scope, and having to manage staffing changes quickly. Jaala chairs MTPConnect and the Children's Cancer Foundation. She's a non-executive director with several growth stage companies and the Tech Council of Australia. A member of parliament from 2006 to 2022, Jaala was Victoria's first female agricultural minister. Between 2014 and 2022, she held ministerial portfolios including roads, employment, innovation, and fishing.Jaala lives in Ballarat. She loves scuba diving. She totally loves scuba diving. There's photos of it everywhere. Uh, she loves travel and having the time to read. Links and ResourcesJalaa on LinkedInUpcoming TOB EventsAll eventsYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityFollow along on TwitterWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programFind out more about me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Jun 9, 202612 min
Helga goes solo: White Space Challenge
Today, on the Take on Board podcast, I would like to talk to you about reclaiming your white space and why total downtime might actually be a fiduciary duty. Let me give you a bit of the context. So I'm about to embark on a two-week holiday and will be off the grid. I'm doing the Larapinta Trail hike in Central Australia. It's about 250 kilometers over 14 days. There's no internet, there's no computer. Because I'm going with a group, there are actually no decisions for me to make. Someone's gonna tell me what time to get up, they're gonna tell me what direction to walk in, uh, there'll probably be somebody at the front where I can just follow. As someone who feels like they are always "on," I am looking forward to the challenges and opportunities of taking a break like this. I'll report back about what I learned during this unplugging when I am back. Until then, enjoy and try to carve out some white space for yourself.Upcoming TOB EventsAll eventsYou might want to:Join the Take on Board Facebook communityJoin the Take on Board LinkedIn communityFollow along on TwitterWork with meJoin the Take on Board: Kickstarter group programJoin the Take on Board: Accelerator group programFind out more about me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
About Take on Board
Welcome to the Take on Board podcast, where we talk all things boards and governance. Being on a board can be interesting, valuable and exciting. Yet it can also be lonely, challenging and hard. Each week I talk to women who have been there, done that. Together we'll discover what we need to take on board to be your best in the boardroom.https://helgasvendsen.com.au/take-on-board-podcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from Take on Board in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's Take on Board daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Take on Board as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the Take on Board podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official Take on Board product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Helga Svendsen.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does Take on Board release new episodes?
Take on Board publishes weekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does Take on Board cover?
Take on Board covers topics including Education, Business, Careers, Courses. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting Take on Board summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.