Better Boards Conference 2026
Pathfinders – Governing with Courage
31 July - 1 August • Cairns Convention Centre
Presentation
A Board’s Journey from Compliance Comfort to Strategic Confidence
Michael Gillam
Board Director, The Wilderness Society
Michael Gillam is a senior executive, consultant and non-executive director with more than four decades of experience across not-for-profit, government, financial services and prudentially regulated environments.
Michael has held executive leadership roles in governance, risk, compliance, operations and service delivery across a diverse range of organisations, including Cancer Council Queensland, YMCA Queensland, Uniting Church Synod Queensland, BussQ Superannuation, Bendigo Bank and the Queensland Building and Construction Commission. Earlier in his career, he worked with the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), providing him with deep insight into regulatory expectations, assurance and accountability.
He currently serves as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Governance Committee at The Wilderness Society, bringing contemporary boardroom experience and a strong understanding of the challenges faced by purpose-driven organisations operating in complex and resource-constrained environments.
Michael is known for his ability to translate complex governance, risk and compliance concepts into clear, practical guidance for boards and executives. His work consistently focuses on strengthening organisational culture, improving decision-making and helping boards move beyond compliance toward governance that genuinely enables strategy and impact.
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Business Law), an Associate Diploma in Business Management, and is accredited in Mental Health First Aid. Michael brings a grounded, practical and independent perspective to governance discussions, informed by real-world leadership experience rather than theory alone.
In an environment of heightened regulatory scrutiny, financial constraint and community expectation, many not-for-profit boards are unintentionally governing from a place of caution rather than courage. While compliance frameworks and assurance mechanisms are necessary, they can, if poorly applied, constrain executive leadership and dilute strategic focus.
This case study presentation explores how one complex not-for-profit organisation recognised and addressed the gap between having strong governance frameworks and achieving confident, effective governance in practice. Drawing on executive and board experience across not-for-profit, government and regulated sectors, the session demonstrates how governance failures most often arise from behaviours, culture and decision-making dynamics rather than from the absence of policy or process.
The presentation examines:
- How boards can become compliance-heavy and risk-averse despite strong intent
- Why risk appetite, strategy and culture frequently become disconnected in practice
- How boards can establish clear governance guardrails that enable CEOs to lead with confidence while maintaining accountability
- What courageous governance looks like in real boardroom decisions
Using an anonymised, real-world case study, the presentation provides directors and CEOs with practical insights they can apply immediately. It reframes courage not as increased risk-taking, but as disciplined, informed and values-led governance that supports organisational sustainability and impact.
This session is designed for chairs, directors and CEOs seeking to strengthen board capability, improve decision-making and govern with confidence through uncertainty.
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