Inside the boardoom with Stephen Brown FAICD

A candid conversation with Stephen Brown FAICD on the interests and insights that have shaped his career.

Directorships

Non-executive director Olive Road and Health Recruitment PLUS, 2024 AICD Tasmanian Gold Medal Award-winner.

Most-valued career lesson?

Like a lot of things in life, when doors open, it’s about having the courage to walk through them, learn when you get there, spend a lot of time listening and back yourself.

Career risk that paid off?

One of my first and longest-serving board roles was with Bank of Us in Tasmania. We were transitioning from being a building society to a bank. This involved a major rebrand, including changing our name from Bass and Equitable Building Society or B&E. There was a risk of just walking away from the history, identity and trust that had been established over many years. So, we did a lot of research and took time to really understand existing and future customers — and what the future held for the community and the region. We applied all of that to the new direction of the brand and it really paid off.

Top-of-mind compliance issue?

A key one is how we position our organisations for compliance and reporting within an ESG framework — and ensuring we understand our vision and mission through that lens and communicate it effectively.

Philosophy on work-life integration?

I was a CEO for a number of years and found it to be all-consuming. My wife, Barbara, also held executive roles and we tended to just work, work, work. That’s partly why we retired from executive roles. We’re now trying to balance out the past 12 to 15 years. When you’re a CEO reporting to a board, work becomes the focus. In my last executive role, as CEO of Launceston City Mission, I was so invested in what we were achieving in the community that it was both fulfilling and extremely demanding, because I threw myself at it. I’m definitely achieving more balance now.

Favourite way to unwind?

My wife and I recently set up an off-grid homestead on 28ha of land near the Freycinet Peninsula. We had spent a lot of time watching YouTube videos on how to live off the grid. Learning new skills outside of work has always been a good way for me to unwind.

Go-to exercise routine?

Road and trail bike riding is my regular exercise activity. I recently completed a 900km bike ride in South Australia. I did quite a bit of training for that.

A passion project?

I’ve always had a passion for the Freycinet Peninsula. We started our homestead in 2019. It’s about 15 minutes from the national park. There is accommodation, so people can stay. We like to entertain them, show them how the off-grid power system works and give them an experience in this beautiful part of the world. I’ve been coming to this area since I was a teenager and I love inviting other people to enjoy it with us. It’s a very restorative, serene place. Sometimes, I’ll walk down to the lagoon where the black swans are and, if there’s no wind blowing, there’s no sound at all.

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