Over the holidays, we'll be bringing you some earlier episodes of our Boardroom Confidential podcast.

This time it's Audette Exel, the founder and chair of Adara Group. She's also a former director with Suncorp and Westpac and previously served as Chair of the Bermuda Stock Exchange.

Audette shares the story behind Adara's unique model, which channels profits from corporate advisory work directly into life-saving development programs in some of the world's most remote communities. She reflects candidly on the mistakes she's made along the way, what they taught her, and why boards need to talk more openly about failure.

The conversation also explores governance across complex global organisations, the responsibilities of boards in philanthropy and social impact, and how purpose should sit at the centre of corporate decision-making. Audette offers practical insights for directors seeking to use their influence — and their organisations — to create lasting value for society.

Key Themes

• Purpose-led leadership and social entrepreneurship
• Innovative funding models for not-for-profits
• Governance, risk and accountability across complex global organisations
• Learning from failure and embracing mistakes in leadership
• The role of boards in philanthropy and social licence to operate
• Diversity of thought and values at the board table