Boardrooms across Australia are grappling with some of the most complex people challenges and duties in decades—from cultural transformation and leadership capability to hybrid workforce dynamics, talent retention, and wellbeing. These aren’t side issues—they’re central to organisational resilience and performance and Non-Executive Directors have direct duties and obligations in many areas that relate to the employment experience staff have in the organisations they govern.
Yet, when Boards look to fill Non-Executive Director roles, candidates with deep HR or People Experience (Px, as you know we prefer) expertise are still overlooked in favour of more traditional skills like legal, finance, or operational backgrounds.
If you ask us, it’s time that changed.
People professionals know this stuff because we live it
SHRM reports that people costs account for 50–70% of business operating expenses. People are the business. And yet, when decisions are made about strategy, transformation, or even risk, too often the people perspective is missing or under-represented. Everyone on a Board thinks they know people—but only seasoned Px professionals truly do. We understand the systems, compliance, leadership risks, workforce data, and cultural levers at play.
As a profession, we’ve long fought for “a seat at the table.” The Board is the top table—and our voices need to be there as well as at the executive level.
We’re Board-ready and often already Board-experienced
Many generalist Px leaders already operate at the highest level: reporting to Boards, delivering workforce strategies aligned to business goals, and ensuring Director and Officer compliance on workplace matters. We’re used to holding confidentiality, managing complexity, and navigating crises. The transition into a formal Board role is a natural evolution, not a leap.
Any senior Px Leader who sees their career evolution compromising of NED roles, whether full time or ‘on the side’ or even Board advisory or coaching work, should seriously consider the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Company Directors Course as their next development target. Becoming a GAICD will ensure the knowledge and skills that legitimise both their aspirations as a NED and the ability to perform the role when it’s offered.
Inclusion Benefits
Px is a profession rich in gender diversity so if your Board is looking to increase female representation, start by looking here. It’s also a profession grounded in emotional intelligence, collaboration and high-performance team dynamics. That kind of energy is invaluable in a Boardroom. We know how to help diverse views coexist productively, because that’s our day job. In this sense, with NED experience, Px professionals make great Chairs or Sub-Committee Leaders.
People are the core to business
Most organisations today, whether in tech, hospitality, professional services, healthcare or beyond are people businesses at their core. Boards with HR leaders gain a deeper understanding of workforce dynamics and succession (Korn Ferry), and companies with strong HR/People practices see up to a 20% lift in profitability (Boston Consulting Group). Gallup highlights strengths-based cultures, where leaders and teams are intentional about developing each person’s potential, create more engaged workforces and drive sustainable, organic growth.
Why Not?
Peter Drucker said, “If you want something new, you have to stop doing something old.” If we want stronger Boards equipped to meet today’s challenges, we must evolve our idea of what makes a great Director. That means opening the door to the people experts—qualified, experienced, and ready to add value.
