Bianca Goebel’s Governance Journey

Bianca Goebel GAICD completed her Observership with Bush Heritage Australia in 2021. She recently shared her journey with alumni, detailing her path from volunteer committee member to non-executive director at South East Water.

At just 34, Bianca has achieved what many aspiring directors spend decades working towards – securing a significant board position while maintaining a successful executive career. “The path to meaningful board roles isn’t always straightforward,” Bianca explained, “but with persistence, preparation and a proactive approach, it’s achievable regardless of your age.”

Embrace the Journey

One of Bianca’s central messages was about persistence and opportunity. She encouraged attendees to view their board journey as exactly that – a journey with multiple steps rather than a single destination.

“Your first board role might not be your dream position,” she advised, “but each experience builds your governance capability and can lead to unexpected opportunities.”

Bianca’s own path exemplifies this approach. Beginning with volunteer committee roles, she gradually built her governance experience and reputation before securing her current directorship at South East Water. Her story demonstrates that starting somewhere – anywhere – creates momentum that can carry you forward to more significant roles.

Master the Interview Process

For those actively seeking board positions, Bianca offered practical insights into the often-mysterious board recruitment process.

“Thorough preparation is crucial for board interviews,” she emphasised. “This means going beyond basic research – dive deep into the organisation’s financial health, understand their governance structure, and practice responses to board-specific questions.”

Bianca noted that many candidates underestimate how differently board interviews operate compared to executive role interviews. Where executive interviews focus on operational delivery and leadership style, board interviews assess your understanding of governance frameworks, strategic thinking, and ability to oversee rather than implement.

“The questions are different, the expectations are different, and your approach needs to be different too,” she explained.

Commit to Continuous Learning

Perhaps Bianca’s most emphatic point was about the importance of ongoing education in governance matters.

“Stay current with industry trends, regulatory changes, and governance best practices,” she urged. “This knowledge demonstrates your commitment to good governance and helps you contribute meaningfully to board discussions from day one.”

Bianca’s own GAICD qualification has been instrumental in her governance journey, providing both credentials and practical knowledge that have served her at the boardroom table.

Breaking Age Barriers

At 34, Bianca represents a new generation of directors breaking into boardrooms traditionally dominated by those in later career stages. When asked about age as a potential barrier, she was refreshingly direct.

“What matters isn’t your age, but your commitment to governance excellence and your willingness to learn and grow along the way,” she stated. “Boards increasingly recognise the value of diverse perspectives, including generational diversity.”

Her success demonstrates that with the right preparation, persistence and governance capability, younger professionals can overcome traditional barriers to significant board appointments.

As The Observership Program continues its mission to develop the next generation of board-ready leaders, stories like Bianca’s provide both inspiration and practical roadmaps for those seeking to follow similar paths into Australia’s boardrooms.

Connect with Bianca on LinkedIn