Wendy McCarthy’s career has spanned more than 30 years of boardrooms, in executive and non-executive roles. Her board experience covers the public and private sectors, having worked in education, the arts and media, environment and public health. She’s sat on boards for the ABC, the National Trust, the Australian Heritage Commission, and Symphony Australia, so she certainly knows all about carving a pathway to leadership.
Speaking to Women’s Agenda about the best path for those seeking their first board position, she shares her own experience, starting with a not-for-profit group that went into administration 24 hours later. She credits this with fast-tracking her learning on due diligence.
Her next board position came on a statutory authority. She strongly recommends the learning that comes from the structure of boards in public sectors. She deems it “the ultimate learning experience”.
Her advice to those seeking to join their first board is to find out where you interests and expertise best apply, and where you can “feel like you are contributing something to the common good”.
Click here to watch the video.