Governance Bites

In this episode of Governance Bites, Mark Banicevich talks with Tony Dench about making the leap from executive leadership to a full-time governance career. Tony shares the realities of the transition — from losing the security of a salary to learning to run a small business, build a board portfolio, and shift from operational decision-making to strategic influence. They explore what it really takes to succeed as a professional director, the importance of patience, humility, and listening, and why strategy is never a one-day event. A must-watch for executives considering life on the other side of the board table.
Tony Dench is an experienced board member and chair with a passion for applying governance principles in a practical and pragmatic manner. He has more than 30 years of combined international experience in leadership roles across financial services, accountancy, and law. As a leader, Tony has a proven track record of delivering impressive results through a hands-on, collaborative style that builds trusting relationships based on integrity and empathy.
A strong advocate for purpose-driven strategy, he successfully implemented this approach as CEO of SHARE, where profits more than trebled under his leadership. Tony currently holds several governance roles, including Independent Director for Utilities Disputes and SBS Insurance, and serves on the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee for the New Zealand Law Society.
#Governance, #BoardsOfDirectors, #FromExecutiveToDirector, #LeadershipJourney, #ProfessionalDirector, #BoardroomInsights, #GovernanceBites