AI is a hot topic, and its presence in the Boardroom is reaching a "fever pitch." In this episode, I revisit the topic of AI with Board administration guru, Suzanne Rowe, to get her current, real-world take on the rapidly advancing landscape.

Suzanne and I dive into the evolving use of AI for Board Members and Board Administrators, from meeting preparation to minute-taking. We share our candid concerns and enthusiasm, covering the necessary considerations for proper adoption, the tribulations that arise from improper use (or no use at all), and the excitement from someone who has witnessed the journey from manual typewriters to today's AI capabilities.

This is a candid conversation for any Board Member, Company Secretary, or Board Administrator trying to understand, make sense of, and navigate the weird and wonderful world of AI in governance.

The AI Archetype Quiz

I referenced an interesting AFR statistic that approximately 1 in 5 (19%) Australians exaggerate their understanding of AI, and 32% of workers try to avoid the subject.

I took the AI Archetype quiz and was identified as The Cautious Optimist—someone who is excited but cautious about AI. This archetype:

• Balances curiosity and risk-aversion.
• Needs reassurance from authority or peers before committing to action.
• Is often motivated by seeing tangible wins before fully embracing change.

If you want to take the quiz, visit this AFR article.

Connect with Suzanne

If you're interested in connecting with Suzanne Rowe to follow up on this episode, or if you have your own insights into AI in the Boardroom, you can find her on LinkedIn.

Thanks to our sponsor BoardPro

Visit boardpro.com/boardshorts and use the promo code boardshorts – all one word, lowercase – to get a 30-day free trial AND 20% off the price of your first year on any plan.

Links Mentioned in this Episode

AICD Guide to AI Governance

AICD and Governance Institute: Effective Board Minutes and the Use of AI (A Joint Statement)

Know your AI Archetype (AFR quiz)

AI for Board Secretaries with Suzanne Rowe (Board Shorts Podcast Ep. 92)

This episode kicks off a three-part series designed to help aspiring Board Members navigate the world of Board service. This first instalment tackles the most critical question: What does a Board Member actually do?

We'll go beyond the Boardroom to shine a light on the full scope of the role, including the risks, commitments, and rewards.

This episode addresses:

• The Core Responsibilities: the fundamental legal duties of an Australian Board Member/Company Director. We also break down the crucial difference between governance and management.
• Beyond the Boardroom: Discover the commitments that go beyond attending meetings. We cover committee work, stakeholder engagement, and the time required for meeting preparation and follow-up, which can be significant.
• The Board's Dynamic: We delve into the importance of a healthy Board culture, emphasising trust, constructive debate, and the need for a unified front. The vital role of the Board Chair is also highlighted, as this person significantly influences the Board's effectiveness and your experience as a Board Member.

This episode is your first step to a full awareness of what it truly means to be a Board Member.

Key Takeaways:

• Board service is a serious commitment with legal duties, but it can also be highly rewarding.
• The key duties for an Australian Company Director include acting with care and diligence, not improperly using your position, and preventing the company from trading while insolvent.
• The line between governance and management is often fluid, and it's essential for the Board and executive team to agree on their dynamic.
• Board work extends beyond meetings. Be prepared for commitments like committee work, stakeholder engagement, and extensive preparation time.

A Board's culture and the influence of the Chair are critical to your success and enjoyment in the role.

Stay Tuned:

• Episode 2 of this series will be released in November 2025, focusing on Do I have the right skills and experience for a Board?
• Episode 3 will follow, with a roadmap on How do I find and get on a Board?

Submit Your Question
If you have a question or that you would like me to answer in a future episode, please fill out my short online survey.

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If you found this episode valuable, please subscribe and leave a review. For more information and resources, visit our website at getonboardaustralia.com.au.

How can Board Members navigate the rapid evolution of AI without succumbing to fear or hype?

As a "Geriatric Millennial," I'm sharing how I’m navigating this rapidly evolving technology without falling into the trap of hype or fear. While GenAI presents risks, it also offers significant opportunities that Boards must understand and govern effectively.

Key Takeaways for (Human) Board Members

• Human-in-the-Loop Approach: The most effective use of GenAI requires human interaction to correct for biases, hallucinations, and misinformation. Using it as a "colleague" rather than a replacement for human work results in a higher quality outcome.
• A Governance-Centric View: GenAI should be viewed through the lens of risk management and compliance. Boards have a legal duty to address issues like data privacy, confidentiality, and intellectual property. Check out this straightforward, structured approach to assessing AI risk, outlined by Helen van Orten and Alexie O’Brien, and other BoardPro webinars and resources.
• Integrating AI into Board Work:
  • Caution with Confidential Information: Consider the risks of uploading confidential Board materials like Board packs.
  • Strategic Use for Research: Use AI to analyse publicly available information to generate insightful questions for Boardroom discussions.
  • Enhancing, Not Replacing, Preparation: If using AI for Board meeting preparation, use it as a supplement to, not a replacement for, personal reading, analysis, and reflection.
• Lean on Colleagues and Experts: It is impossible to be an expert in everything. Ask questions, share resources, and lean on your Board colleagues and internal team members to build a shared understanding of AI's impacts and opportunities.
• Stay Engaged and Balanced: While AI is a hot topic, it’s important to not neglect the foundational aspects of governance, such as strategy, risk, and financial oversight. Staying informed about AI’s evolution from a variety of neutral sources is key to making sound decisions.
  • Learn how to use AI tools with Tim Martin from Net 101

If you have a question or a topic that you’d like covered in a future episode, please fill out our short online survey.