#213 Getting Runs on the Board: Kathy Grigg on Building Board-Ready Judgment

Welcome to the third interview in our six-part Board Director Series, where we explore the pathways and wisdom of some of our most respected leaders. Kathy Grigg brings a refreshingly practical perspective to board leadership—one grounded in the belief that operational experience is the foundation of sound governance judgment.

From managing wool trading operations across multiple countries to serving as CFO of international companies, Kathy's journey to boards spanning GrainCorp, Agricultural Innovation Australia, and a distinguished 12-year tenure at Deakin University demonstrates how deep operational experience translates into board excellence.

Kathy shares her philosophy of "getting runs on the board" through operational roles first, why she believes judgment can only come from experience, and her non-negotiable rule about never being financially dependent on any board role. She opens up about developing "antenna" for feedback that's never explicitly given, the importance of being able to walk away from any position, and how confidence grows through calculated risks in your "uncomfortable zone."

This is a conversation about building board careers on substantial operational foundations, the value of understanding what you don't know, and how deep experience in challenging roles creates the judgment essential for effective governance.

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Inside My CEO Calendar: How I Led A Team of 5k+ Without Getting Pulled Back Into the Weeds

A behind-the-scenes private podcast for senior female leaders and CEOs who don’t need fluff—just sharper thinking, smarter moves, and more time for what matters.

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