012 Good governance - How to manage risk - Paula Davies

The Female Executive’s Survival Guide

In this episode, Lauren Eyles speaks to Paula Davies, a senior legal executive and Non-Executive Director, to discuss the importance of governance, risk management, and safeguarding children, people with disability and older people. They explore what good governance and risk management means and how leaders can gain an understanding of the Board’s risk appetite and the key tools and frameworks needed to manage risk effectively.

This episode also explores Paula's journey into corporate governance, the significance of ethical decision-making, and the role of leaders in creating a safe environment. The conversation also touches on personal experiences that shape one's passion for safeguarding, the dynamics between management and boards, and practical advice for new executives navigating their careers.

Sound Bites

"Leadership can be lonely."

"Surround yourself with passionate people."

"Risk happens in the ordinary course of business."

"Safeguarding is about creating a safe space."

"You become the person you wish was there for you."

"Take the long view in your career."

"It's okay to say enough."

"Don't get too caught up in the moment."

"Change is constant."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Governance and Leadership

03:01 The Journey into Corporate Governance

05:56 Advice for New Executives

09:13 Understanding Risk Management

11:56 The Role of Safeguarding in Governance

14:48 Personal Experiences and Passion for Safeguarding

18:05 Navigating Board Dynamics

20:51 The Importance of Communication

24:07 Reflections on Leadership and Boundaries

26:54 Final Thoughts and Survival Tips

Bio: Paula Davies

Paula Davies is a Senior Legal Executive and a Non Executive Director who specialises in corporate governance and risk management.

She has led multidisciplinary teams that developed and managed effective compliance and ethics programs within large and complex organisations.

Paula believes that good decision making starts with a strong and ethical corporate culture.

In addition to her General Counsel and Company Secretary role with the Adelaide Primary Health Network, Paula is a Non Executive Director across many sectors, with a passion for safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of children and adults.

• LinkedIn
• Influence Global
• The National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse
• Blue Knot Foundation
• Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA) - free or low cost governance training
• Women on Boards (WOB)
• Governance Institute of Australia (GIA)
• Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD)

Bio: Lauren Eyles

Lauren Eyles, Producer and Host of the Female Executive’s Survival Guide, inspires and supports women to thrive in leadership.

As an Executive Coach and Mentor she is a trusted guide to new and experienced Executives, helping them navigate times of growth and change.

She loves helping leaders find calm amid chaos, using her extensive experience as a Board Chair, Non Executive Director and Executive Leader.

Lauren started this podcast to support and inspire women in their first few years of executive leadership, as she found that being the only woman on the senior leadership team was a bit lonely.

Lauren is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has an MBA (Distinction), a Master of Sustainability and qualifications in coaching, change management, communication and project management.

Lauren would love to hear what you think of the podcast and what topics you'd like her to cover next. Please reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram.

Keywords

governance, leadership, risk management, safeguarding, corporate governance, executive coaching, ethical decision making, women in leadership, board dynamics, personal development