WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT US
“I have found everything I was looking for in Future Directors.
As a young person, they are instrumental in helping me gain further confidence, by helping identify what skills and strengths I can bring to the boardroom.“
—Parrys Raines
Climate change advocate and very young board director (first role at 21)
“Young people are our greatest hope for the future. We must encourage them to believe in themselves and grow into leaders in their chosen way of life.
This includes a position in the boardroom. My advice to anyone reading Paul’s much-needed book is, “never give up”, changing the world takes persistence, passion and purpose.”
—Dr Jane Goodall DBE
Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute · UN Messenger of Peace
“Finally, a book that answers not only the ‘how-to’ of getting a board seat but asks the reader to truly understand why they would bother taking on the responsibility that follows and what kind of legacy they want to leave.
The world is craving leadership at every level. If you want to be tomorrow’s leader, please read Right Seat, Right Table.”
—Cassandra Kelly
International Board Director · 2017 Top 10 Chair in Australia · 2015 US Director to Watch
“With a philosophy and culture committed to lining up the next generation of directors and to change the landscape of boardrooms so that they are more gender, culture and age diverse, Future Directors is the perfect fit.
I got everything I was hoping for. I met a diverse range of individuals, each with their own unique skill sets and determinations.”
—Alan Jones
Entrepreneur in Residence at Remarkable Tech · General Partner at M8 Ventures · Director of Catalysr
“This has been a fantastic investment, helping me grow both professionally and personally. I regularly receive fresh perspective and constructive challenge from trusted peers who encourage me to stretch and grow.
I would highly recommend it to anyone who is keen to increase their impact.”
—Ben Frederiksen
Managing Director
“Put simply, the program is the reason I have a boardroom career. It helped me understand my unique value and gave me the courage to seek (and achieve) my first non-executive board role at the age of 29.
As a media professional, I wasn’t sure I “fit the mould” or had anything to offer. But Paul helped me see the opposite was true and now I’m deputy chair of a major NFP.”
— Hannah Stenning
Chair of Delta Society Australia Ltd
“Paul is an exceedingly passionate advocate for diversity on boards and leadership teams. His passion stems from the belief that a lack of diversity stifles creative innovation, new world problems are not usually solved by old world solutions.
Being part of Future Directors is a great step to accelerating that journey into the boardroom.”
— Gaya Byrne
Non-executive Director
“My experience continues to be professionally enriching and personally energising. Paul curates and facilitates groups towards scaling individual growth, drawing on collective perspectives and resources.
I now have access to a high-calibre Brains Trust invested in my ongoing development and success.”
—Zara Bending
Non-executive Director
“I would like to say thank you again for starting the initiative and program. Future Directors showed me that there were areas where I could get involved and importantly gave me the impetus to approach them.”
—Jeremy Urbach
Treasurer and State Council Member of Motor Neuron Disease Association of Victoria
“I cannot say how much I have enjoyed the program - aside from the excellent skills development and yes, fun, it has given me much more confidence in my strengths.”
—Jennifer Nobbs
Non Executive Director of Central Coast Primary Care
“I thoroughly enjoy the experience, in particular the excellent speakers and the cohort of participants. It was refreshing to meet so many different and driven young people.”
—Ivana Venter
Corporate Development Director at Nexus Hospitals · Ex-Associate Director, Corporate Finance at Deloitte Australia
“As an educator, mentor and thought leader, Paul has not only built an impressive track record of developing and placing diverse people on boards, he is actively seeking to widen the director talent pool of director talent”
—Aaron Bertinetti
Head of ESG, Morgan Stanley
“Paul is a charismatic presenter who gave us a thought provoking and entertaining workshop that attendees were buzzing about as they walked out the door.
He not only shared with us some amazing yet possible concepts, he showed us a few of his ideas in action, and there were quite a few "aha" moments in the audience.
His style is engaging, challenging, and it kept everyone's attention from start to finish.”
—Vicki Hawarden
CMP, Chair of Govern for Impact Annual Conference
“Prior to Paul’s workshops, the goal of creating meaningful change in the world through the boardroom felt overwhelming.
During the sessions across Australia we were guided to a deeper understanding of the values which drive our leadership philosophy and pushed to clearly articulate our ‘why’.
Paul’s passion, charisma and unique talent for teaching left us inspired with a renewed confidence in our strengths and tangible plan for building our board careers.”
—Adrian O’Dea
Team Leader at Westpac Banking Group
“With immense passion, wit and articulation, Paul demystifies the boardroom archetype and offers some practical advice and home truths to help you break into your first board role.”
—Nadia Woodhouse
Global Center for Board Matters at EY
“The methodology that provides the framework for the book and the program has worked for me, and I have seen it work for others.
Follow what Future Directors has to offer and not only will it help you find the ideal board role; you will also have a deeper understanding of what you have to offer and how you can make a difference.”
—Peter O’Sullivan
Head of People & Culture at BDO · Non Executive Director of Queensland Doctors’ Health Programme