“The principles haven’t changed, but the speed has increased and the expectations on executives have gone up, because of greater connectivity and responsibilities”.
I really enjoyed the opportunity to chat with Claire Braund from Women on Boards around my story and to share some reflections on business and personal development. From reporting upwards and leading a team effectively, through to dealing with wider stakeholders and my belief in the need to think boldly and to take a strong stance on promoting diversity in Australia businesses, this wide ranging conversation was interesting and enjoyable.
As a collective Jess and I both really enjoy contributing through podcasts and it is always an honour to join the list of featured guests. I would highly recommend subscribing and listening to a range of the other episodes published by Claire and the Women on Boards team.
Podcast Show Notes
This week, Claire talks to the ever-talented Ian Pollard, Director, well-known Chair, Executive Coach, actuary, statistician and author of six publications. With multiple degrees ranging from corporate finance to French and philosophy, Ian also played professional tennis, which took him to the USA at 18 in the Davis Cup squad. Injuries to both legs halted his tennis career and saw him return to his true love, academia.
One of six children, all actuaries, Ian talks fondly of his father, who played a pivotal role in shaping the person that he is today. In fact, Ian’s father was one of the first professors at Macquarie University and started the first ever actuary course there in the late 1960s.
Ian’s first job was a wonderful opportunity at Sydney’s first bank, Development Finance Corporation, which exposed him to the world of investment banking and led to his first Chair role at age 25. Since, Ian has served on countless boards and has passionately coached senior executives in leadership roles for more than 20 years. His deepest single interest, however, is how people, teams and organisations grow. Alongside his daughter Jess, Ian has co-authored books on the subject and together they lead workshops.
Hear about Ian’s wide and eclectic interests, the importance of improving our diversity in Australia and why corporations should be investing in their human capital.
