Board Talk: Off the Cuff

Cultural Intelligence and the Power of Pasifika Voices

Board Talk: Off the Cuff

Show Notes

In Aotearoa’s boardrooms, power has long looked and sounded the same. But with Pasifika communities making up a growing share of our population — and bringing deep cultural governance experience with them — the call for change isn’t just timely, but overdue.

This episode of Board Talk – Off the Cuff, explores the rise of Pasifika voices in governance: why boards need them, the invisible barriers standing in their way, and how cultural intelligence could transform the future of decision-making in Aotearoa.

Featuring powerhouse director Mele Wendt, alongside emerging leaders and experts from the Institute of Directors' Tautua Pasifika Mentoring Programme and its new Pacific Directors Connect series.

The conversations in this episode capture the unfiltered voices of what it means to be bold, to stand out, and to lead with wisdom, authority and integrity in a Pakeha dominated world where various forms of discrimination continue to be perpetuated within organisations -- including at the board table -- reinforcing the need for greater for greater diversity in the decision making process, that will empower organisations for years to come.

Participants include: Mele Wendt, Litia Brighouse-Fuavao, Jill Steffert, Bev-Anne Jennings and Greg Dearsly. Host/ Producer: Sonia Yee

For more information about governance and for access to board kits tools and resources head to iod.org.nz

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More from Board Talk: Off the Cuff

Oct 5, 2026

What happens when you hand a microphone to directors at New Zealand's biggest governance event?

Aug 9, 2026

Polycrisis isn't a scary word, but it is shaping how directors and leaders think.

Jul 6, 2026

From the Olympic track to the boardroom, we meet former New Zealand Olympic runner, Anne Hare, who explains what it's like to compete and train under pressure to become a world class athlete who transitioned to boards in the hopes to create change.

May 27, 2026

What does it really mean to lead with heart in the boardroom?

May 1, 2026

Cyber risk is no longer an IT issue, but a boardroom one. The question is: how should boards navigate what is largely unknown territory?

See all episodes →