Why ISO 27001 Certification Matters When Choosing a Board Portal Provider

Choosing a board portal is one of the most critical decisions an organisation can make for its governance. It’s a digital home for your company’s most sensitive information—strategic plans, financial reports, and confidential discussions. So, when evaluating a provider, security must be the top priority. And that’s where ISO 27001 certification becomes an absolute non-negotiable. This international…

Crafting the Perfect Board Pack: A Best Practice Guide

In today’s fast-paced business environment, effective board meetings are crucial for sound governance and strategic decision-making. At the heart of a productive meeting lies the board pack: a comprehensive document that equips directors with the necessary information to contribute meaningfully. A well-crafted board pack saves time, encourages informed discussion, and ultimately leads to better outcomes. This…

“Not the Tech Experts..”- Why That No Longer Cuts It in the Boardroom

Across boardrooms, there’s a common refrain when conversations turn to cybersecurity, IT infrastructure or digital transformation: “We’re not the tech experts.” It sounds reasonable. After all, directors aren’t expected to write code or configure networks. But using that line to disengage from critical technology decisions is no longer acceptable. If you don’t understand the tools…

5 Clear Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Board Portal Provider (and How Athena Board Transforms Your Experience)

In the dynamic world of corporate governance, relying on an outdated or underperforming board portal isn’t just an inconvenience – it’s a significant risk. For boards, the tools you use to manage sensitive information and facilitate strategic discussions are as critical as the discussions themselves. If your current board portal provider is causing more headaches…

Why Strategic Thinking is the Director’s Superpower: Shaping Tomorrow while Steering Today

In the complex and rapidly evolving world of corporate governance, merely understanding the numbers or overseeing compliance is no longer enough for a company director. Today, especially in the dynamic market, a director’s true superpower lies in their ability to engage in strategic thinking. This isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a critical process that empowers boards…

The Qantas 2025 Breach: A Stark Warning on Security – Why a Credentialed Board Portal Is Now Non-Negotiable

The digital drums of cybersecurity beat louder with each passing year, and 2025 has already delivered its share of sobering lessons. The recent, deeply concerning Qantas data breach, which saw sensitive customer information exposed, serves as a stark reminder that no organisation, regardless of its size or sophistication, is immune to the relentless threat of malicious…

Stay Ahead of the Curve with Athena Board: Why AI-Powered Document Summaries are a Game-Changer for Company Directors

In the fast-paced and information-saturated environment of today’s corporate boards across Australia are constantly juggling a multitude of responsibilities. From strategic planning and risk management to financial oversight and regulatory compliance, the demands on their time and attention are immense. One of the most time-consuming yet crucial aspects of their role is the careful review…

How to Become a Highly Effective Board or Committee Chair

In the dynamic world of governance, whether you’re leading a corporate board, a crucial NFP committee, or a school board, the role of Chair is pivotal. It’s far more than just running a meeting; it’s about steering strategic conversations, fostering robust decision-making, and cultivating a culture that ensures the organisation’s long-term success. The demands on…

How a Growing Not-for-Profit can provide improved governance without blowing the budget

For Not-for-Profit (NFP) organisations, passion for the mission is paramount. You’re driven by impact, fuelled by dedicated staff and volunteers, and reliant on the trust of your donors and beneficiaries. But as an NFP grows – expanding services, increasing fundraising, and taking on more complex projects – the informal governance structures that once sufficed can…

‘But the Directors Use Provider XXXX’ – Why That’s Not a Good Enough Reason

Beyond Familiarity: Why relying solely on your familiar board portal provider might Be Holding You Back For many Australian boards, a vendor that the directors are familiar with may have been the go-to name in board portals for years. It may be a robust, established platform, and directors often become familiar with its interface, foibles…