Executive Panel: Pathways to Board Readiness | MBA event

The MBA Careers and Professional Development Team invite our MBA community to join us for an exclusive and informative breakfast event. Featuring an executive panel discussion designed to propel you toward board readiness, you'll receive valuable insights into the world of board positions and a unique opportunity to participate in the Board Mentoring Program in semester 2.

Key event takeaways

• Discover the key skills, qualifications, and networks required to enhance your board readiness, as well as how to stand out as a strong candidate.
• Learn about the exclusive Board Mentoring Program, designed to connect aspiring board members with experienced mentors who can provide guidance, support, and valuable industry connections to accelerate your board journey.
• Engage with like-minded professionals and potential mentors during the event's networking sessions. 
• Get your burning questions answered during the interactive Q&A session with the panelists. 

Our Panel

Dr Claudia Giurgiuman

Dr Claudia Giurgiuman is a strategic leader with a passion for creating positive change. As the former CEO of the Wesley Medical Research Institute, she led a diverse team to advance medical research. She served on the institute's board and currently chairs the Sunshine Coast Hospital Foundation (Wishlist) Research Advisory Committee. Claudia previously held the position of President and Chair of the Board of Women in Technology, empowering women in science and technology. With a 20-year career in research, she holds a BSc (Hons 1A), GCPM, MBA and PhD, and has received numerous awards. Her collaborative approach drives innovation and fosters growth for a brighter future.

Leanne Ryan

Leanne Ryan is the National Manager Membership for the Governance Institute of Australia. Her role with the Institute is to ensure Governance Institute members are equipped and trained to drive whole of organisation good governance practice that cascades from the Board through to management, utilising the professional development, education, and resources that the Institute provides. Leanne has been a driving force in ensuring governance is a key focus within the aged care and NFP sectors, and has previously held Executive and senior management roles in international healthcare technology and aged care organisations.

Paul Smith

After starting his governance career over 15 years ago, Paul founded the Future Directors Institute (FDI), a global governance education and advisory platform.  Since 2015, FDI has worked with thousands of diverse directors across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the Middle East and North America. Paul has been described as a ‘board futurist’ and one of the leading thinkers on the ‘where next’ for organisational governance, Paul speaks on inclusive decision-making and the anatomies of the ‘Future Director’ and ‘Future Board’. He is a bestselling and award-winning author with his first book Right Seat Right Table and host of the Future Directors Podcast.

Sean Rooney

Sean Rooney has enjoyed a diverse career with 20 years of experience as a senior executive in public, private and not-for-profit organisations.  Sean also has over 10 years of experience as a Board Director in a number of organisations. As a current Non-Executive Director of a ‘for purpose’ aged care service, and as a former CEO of not-for-profit organisations involved in health care, aged care and sustainable development, Sean is an experienced leader, director, and advisor in the areas of organisation governance, strategy, culture, and performance. Sean also holds an Adjunct Associate Professor role in the Health Services Management School at Griffith University.

Sue Keay (Moderator)

Sue is a UQ MBA graduate and the Chair of Robotics Australia Group, when she is not working in robotics technology at BHP (formerly OZ Minerals). She has held a number of executive, board and advisory roles, including the Advisory Committee for the National Robotics Strategy. An expert in emerging technologies, she led the development of Australia’s robotics roadmaps, outlining how robotics and automation will impact on every sector of the Australian economy.  She is a fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering, a member of Chief Executive Women, a member of the Kingston AI Group and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Recognised by SME on their global list of 20 women making their mark in robotics and automation in 2021, as an outstanding contributor to the drone and robotics industry (2020) and as a Superstar of STEM by Science & Technology Australia.

Is this event for you? 

If you're a UQ MBA student or alum aspiring to a board position, looking to expand your network or seeking insights into the appointment process, we encourage you to register.

Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to gain valuable insights and kickstart your journey towards becoming board ready. Secure your spot now!