Fast-track your governance journey
Simone is a senior executive who has worked in operational roles in New Zealand and offshore companies. When she joined the OnBoard program, Simone was the Chief Operations Officer at ASX-listed Aroa BioSurgery, a medical devices company. Today she runs her own consulting business, Nomadic Mind, which focuses on advising startups and executives in the medical device and renewable energy sectors.
Simone applied for the OnBoard program after realising that in order to position herself to actually secure a role as a start-up director , she needed experience. She had completed some courses offered by other providers but none focused specifically on governance for start-ups.
“ I had a few attempts a couple of years ago. And I found out quickly that in order to be picked as a director, I did need to show some real-life experience as a director. But where do you get the experience?”
Simone says that the program helped her package her skills and build her confidence in respect of the specific knowledge and experience she could contribute. Moreover, the practical learning meant she could start developing the core governance capabilities needed to be attractive when seeking a role.
When asked to give an elevator pitch about the program, Simone said,
"The program gives you something that you can't find anywhere else in New Zealand. It's a unique opportunity for people like me who would like to join a board and transition from executive leadership to governance leadership."
After completing the program Simone realised that she does have something to offer on a board level based on her skillset. An unexpected bonus was the network she gained.
After completing the program Simone was offered a role as a Director for a leading local start-up backed by Icehouse Ventures.
“It was a very, very special experience - it was as if it was made to be! The company has one of their two headquarters in Vienna where I lived for 11 years before moving to New Zealand. With my background, combined with the skills learned on the program, and the other obvious elements of fit with the company - I just feel so happy that they selected me to help build their company..”
Her final tips to Observers starting the program
“Join all of the workshops and online meetings that are offered by the program - believe me they are so worth your time and effort! The same goes for the opportunities to meeting with your peers - exchanging experiences with each other as you are both on the same journey just gives you so much confidence and support along the way. “
