BWA Podcast Show: Governance Where It Counts: Board Clarity & Decision-Making in Family and Regional Businesses with Maree Gooch

Family and regional enterprises are the backbone of Australia’s economy, and some of the most complex environments to govern well.

In this episode, Lyn Hawkins is joined by respected director and advisor Maree Gooch to explore what effective governance really looks like when ownership, legacy, relationships, and strategy are deeply intertwined.

Together, they unpack:

• How governance in family and regional businesses differs from corporate models
• What independent thinking means in founder-led environments
• How boards balance emotional and financial capital in major decisions
• The warning signs have lost strategic clarity
• The governance capabilities future boards will need most

With more than 35 years of experience across business, governance, and regional enterprise, Maree brings a practical, values-led perspective grounded in real-world boardrooms.

Essential listening for directors, executives, and aspiring board members who want governance that truly works – where it counts.

About Maree Gooch

Maree Gooch is an engaging and highly respected entrepreneur, mentor, and educator, with more than 35 years’ experience in people development, business transformation, and advisory leadership across government and industry. As Director of Value Creators, Maree is widely recognised for her ability to inspire confidence, unlock potential, and guide individuals and organisations to achieve ambitious, sustainable outcomes.

Her expertise spans people development, business strategy, financial management, and transformational change. Maree works closely with change makers and leaders, helping organisations to navigate growth, complexity, and regulatory compliance, bringing clarity, structure, and momentum to strategic planning, capability building, and change management. Her approach is practical, values-led, and grounded in real-world application.

Maree’s passion for tourism, agriculture, and regional development runs throughout her career. She has owned and operated a farming business for more than 25 years, a catering business and restaurant for 10 years, and a farm-based bed and breakfast and tourism business. She is the Chair and a founder of CRISP Wireless, a Western Australian internet service provider delivering regional and NBN connectivity across more than 80,000 square kilometres, reflecting her long-standing commitment to improving opportunities for regional communities and business productivity, coupled with enhanced digital connectivity. This experience has given her deep insight into the challenges facing small and regional enterprises.

For almost a decade, Maree has been a trusted accredited advisor of the Family Business Association, supporting family enterprises with governance, succession planning, and strategic decision-making.

A Graduate and Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management, Mareeholds an Executive MBA from the University of Western Australia, a Diploma of WHS, a Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing, and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Maree is a board member of several private and NFP organisations.

Deeply committed to ‘giving back’, she has also given generously through community organisations for more than four decades, offering pro-bono support related to governance and financial education and mentoring, regional business networks, and government advisory board contributions.

About Lyn Hawkins

Lyn Hawkins is the National Director of Business Women Australia and Principal of Hawkins Marketing. With decades of experience advising organisations from startups to enterprises, Lyn is a highly sought-after strategist, facilitator, and executive coach. Her expertise spans business growth strategy, leadership development, cultural change, marketing, and business development.

Passionate about creating opportunities for women, Lyn leads Business Women Australia’s national community, fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and peer-to-peer support. She is dedicated to helping women elevate their careers, businesses, and influence.

About Business Women Australia

Business Women Australia (BWA) is a vibrant national collective of women from all sectors, industries, and professions.

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• A supportive network of professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders.
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• Inspiring podcasts, webinars, and thought-leadership events.
• Opportunities to collaborate, connect, and grow.

BWA’s vision is to elevate women with knowledge, influence, and connection, helping members achieve their full potential both professionally and personally.

👉 Join today and be part of a national movement of women making an impact.

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