August 12, 2021

Top Diverse Board-Ready Chairs and Directors: Let the Judging Commence




 


Let the Judging Commence!

The Top Diverse Board-Ready Chairs and Directors’ Judging Panel met yesterday and have settled the criteria for decision-making, and begun sifting through the applications. It is a daunting task as there are so many applications.

The Panel wants to stress that sending information about your diverse thinking capabilities is as important as your skills matrix. The Panel will not just be applying a narrow technical skills lens. Skills are essential but not adequate. The Diverse Thinking Capability Audit of New Zealand Board rooms published by the Superdiversity Institute in 2018 reminds us that:

*Diversity includes diverse thinking, socio-economic status, diverse professional backgrounds including in foreign countries where you are a minority, as well as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, physical abilities, religious beliefs and an intersection of those characteristics.”

The Diverse Thinking Matrix (discussed in the 2018 Report) takes into account the predictors of diverse thinking, including demographic attributes, personal experience, professional experience and alignment with customer base.  This Matrix allows Board appointments committees to identify whether the candidate has the types of traits and experience that usually predict diversity of thought. And a track record of being courageous enough to express those diverse thoughts and contributions in a constructive manner.

The Panel is also applying a broader definition of “experience”, including in or relating to: Family Governance  Iwi and Marae governance Trust, property or equity management Despite the large number of applications that we have received, the Judging Panel is prepared to receive more information about the above. You may also be contacted by a Panel member for a Zoom interview.

Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch launches
Invites will be sent out soon to the following launches of the Top Diverse Board-Ready Chairs and Directors List in:

Auckland: 1 October 2021. The Minister of Ethnic Communities is confirmed to speak at this launch.
Wellington: 15 October 2021.
Christchurch: 29 October 2021.

 
Nga mihi
Mai Chen,

Chair of the Superdiversity Institute and
The team at the Superdiversity Institute 
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