Chris Pearce FAICD on governance and leadership

Candid conversation with Chris Pearce FAICD on the interests and insights that have shaped his career.

Most valuable career lesson?

The world is an up-and-down place and my career has taught me that being adaptable and resilient are essential for long-term success. If you resist change, you run the risk of limiting your ability to thrive in the context you’re in. Sometimes, things don’t quite work out as planned or expected, so having those resilience skills to pick yourself up and keep moving forward is critical.

Early career risk that paid off?

I was born and bred in Lismore, in country NSW, and moved to Sydney in my mid-teens in search of a job in the music industry. That was a huge risk at the time. I didn’t have any relatives in Sydney, but my grandmother’s friend put me up. I found a job at an independent Yamaha music retailer and went on to work for Yamaha Music Australia. That set me on the road for the rest of my career. It was probably one of the best decisions of my life.

Top-of-mind governance issue?

There have been efforts to upskill directors in technological know-how and capability, but I still worry there’s a dearth of understanding around the boardroom tables of Australia. There’s a lot of work to do in that area.

Prediction on the future of leadership?

I predict emotional intelligence will continue to grow in its importance and significance in leadership. I firmly believe a strong EQ in a leader allows them to better understand themselves, to communicate more effectively, work better in a team and manage stress — and not just their own stress, but stressful situations, as well.

How do you manage a challenging diary?

That has been a great challenge, particularly in public life, because you have things coming at you from many directions. The best tactic is to keep control of your own diary. I’m not one to put things off — I’m one to bring things on.

Favourite dish to cook?

Being able to prepare amazing food to share with people I love is something I long to be able to do. But no matter how hard I try, I am the worst cook in the world. One of my ambitions is to have formal cooking lessons at some point.

Preferred way to unwind?

I play piano and love listening to music. My nirvana after a full-on day or week is to refresh mind, body and soul listening to great music. I can drift away listening to Joni Mitchell. I love The Beatles, big Whitney Houston ballads and classical music. I love all music genres, except punk. You’d be blown away with the eclectic nature of my playlist.

Most memorable concert?

The most sensational live music performance I’ve ever witnessed was Barbra Streisand, in Melbourne, in 2000. I’ve been a fan for a very long time, and when she came to Australia, nothing else mattered in my life than to attend that concert. For my 50th, my wife, Andrea, wrote to her and she sent me a personally signed photo, which I framed.

This article first appeared under the headline 'Favourites' in the July 2025 issue of Company Director magazine.