Thank you Westpac Group and MinterEllison for inviting YIMBA’s Managing Director Damien Barnes to take part alongside Sara Harrup of Unique Mind Co on a panel exploring inclusion, assimilation and culture in board settings through the Westpac Board Observer Program.  Thank you also to Keith Rovers, Partner at MinterEllison and Westpac Foundation Board Member Paul Smith for hosting the panel event.

Achieving an inclusive and strong board requires balancing organisational cohesion with the value of diverse perspectives. Effective boards create environments where individuals can contribute authentically without feeling pressure to conform to a single way of thinking.

Meaningful contribution requires both authenticity and cultural safety. Board members should feel empowered to bring their full selves to discussions, drawing on both their professional expertise and cultural insights and perspectives.