EP. 78 - Creating a Tech-Wise Boardroom - Why isn’t tech at the front of every board’s mind?

You could be a banana farm. An insurer. A school network. It doesn’t matter. Digital tech is now so integral to day-to-day life that, whatever business you’re in, you’re now a technology business. So why don’t more boards have tech at the top of their minds? Why are Australia’s ASX toppers the top tech laggers? That forms the topic of conversation today between board directors Pia Turcinov and Alan Jones and FDI’s Paul Smith.

The conversation spans:

• Why techy directors are seen as risky.

• Creating bridges in to the boardroom that can then grow more organically - from digital innovation subcommittees, to just one expert at the table.

• Getting the supply by reframing technologists as innovators. Speaking the language the board is speaking right now.

• Not just bringing in the technology of innovation, but also the processes of innovation – including, comfort with failure.

Pia Turcinov is a Non-Executive Director and Innovation Strategist, and founder of Venture X and Fund WA.

Alan John is a startup founder mentor and tech investor, who is a partner with M8 Ventures, and the chair of Catalysr, an entrepreneurship program focused on marginalised migrants and refugees.