Leveraging your Observership Experience: Morgana Ryan FAICD

Morgana Ryan FAICD, a CEO, Chair, and author, is well-known to graduates of The Observership Program. Her commitment to diverse leadership makes her advice invaluable. In this Q&A, Morgana offers insights on how alumni can leverage their unique governance experience.

How did you first connect with The Observership Program, and what value do you see it bringing to both participants and organisations?

Morgana: I first heard about the program in 2018 and immediately loved it. As someone passionate about diversity on boards, I saw its immense value. My own experience was an eight-year journey between when I was first because interested in governance and eventually finding my first board role. This was heavily influenced by the fact that I was a state school kid from a low socioeconomic background who had no network and no connections in Australia to find pathways to governance.

The program addresses this challenge head-on. It provides participants with invaluable experience and networking opportunities, while host organisations benefit from fresh perspectives and meet potential future board members who already understand governance.

How do initiatives like The Observership Program contribute to creating more inclusive boardrooms?

Morgana: These programs are absolutely critical in fostering boardroom diversity. Too often, the only way to get board roles is through brand and network. There’s a misconception that diversity comes at the cost of skills, but that’s a complete fallacy. There are amazing people out there with exactly the type of skills needed around the board table who also bring diversity, whether it’s age, cultural background, LGBTIQ+ identity, First Nations heritage, disability, risk appetite or diversity of thought.

The Observership Program helps build both brand and network. It provides two crucial peer groups: fellow Observers who help you battle through imposter syndrome, and the board directors you’re observing who often become part of your professional network. Both are essential as you step into your first board role.

What are your top tips for Observers to make the most of their board meeting experiences during the program?

Morgana: I have two key pieces of advice for Observers in the first three months: try and meet each director of your host board one-on-one, even if it’s only for 30 minutes; and, attend every committee meeting. Then, if it’s too busy, narrow down to the ones that interest you or that you think you’ll learn the most from for the rest of the year. But don’t narrow too soon. In your last two months of the program, go and have coffees, one-on-one again, virtual or in person, with every one of those directors.

These connections are invaluable for both your executive and board careers. Meeting directors at the start and end of your Observership allows you to build relationships over time and observe how they operate in the boardroom context.

For those who have recently graduated from the program, what do you recommend as their first steps?

Morgana: If you’re interested in board roles, even if not immediately, my advice is twofold. First, find at least two to four Observers from the program and set-up a regular catch up with them (maybe monthly). Keep that active for years to come. This network will help you in ways you can’t even imagine now. Second, follow up on the connections you’ve made. In your last catch-ups with your host board’s directors, you should have asked them for introductions and connections to other people. You should follow up all those connections. And of course, engage with the Alumni Program. It’s a fantastic resource for ongoing support and opportunities.

For graduates from earlier years who may be looking to re-engage with boards now, how do you suggest they kick things off again?

Morgana: It’s never too late to leverage your Observership experience. I recommend reaching out to your former board liaison and any of the other directors that you might still feel comfortable with, and maybe some who push you out of your comfort zone. Also, engage back with The Observership Program and see what kind of alumni activities are going on.

Remember, board careers aren’t always linear. You may duck in and out over time. The more exposure you have to people with governance experience and connections across multiple boards, the more likely you are to find that perfect opportunity. It’s almost like a three-way Venn diagram: you’re looking for that sweet spot where your skills and profile align with an organisation you’re interested in, which happens to be looking for someone when you’re available.

Any final words of wisdom for our alumni?

Morgana: Don’t underestimate the power of the connections you’ve made through The Observership Program. Whether it’s your peer group or the directors you’ve observed, these relationships can open doors you never knew existed. Be proactive, stay engaged, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Your unique perspective and experiences are valuable, and there’s a boardroom out there that needs exactly what you bring to the table.

Remember, diversity in the boardroom isn’t just about ticking boxes – it’s about bringing fresh ideas, challenging the status quo, and ultimately contributing to better governance in Australia. As graduates of The Observership Program, you’re well-equipped to be part of this positive change. Embrace the journey, keep building your network, and don’t lose sight of the impact you can make.

Your Observership experience is just the beginning. The skills you’ve gained, the connections you’ve made, and the insights you’ve gathered are your toolkit for a successful board career. Use them wisely, and you’ll not only find your place in the boardroom but also help shape the future of governance in Australia.

Connect with Morgana on LinkedIn