The Accidental Chair: How to run board meetings without losing your mind (Webinar)
Date: 22 Jun 2026
Monday 22 June | 1:00–2:00PM AEST | Online | Recorded
Presented by Community Directors | $99 Member Price
Many board chairs step into the role with little preparation – and quickly discover that running a productive, respectful and strategic board meeting is harder than it looks. Between dominant personalities, off-topic discussions, unresolved tensions and endless agenda items, it’s easy for meetings to become frustrating, exhausting and ineffective. But there are techniques that can help you lead more effective meetings, which can be put into action immediately.
At this training, you'll learn:
- how to keep meetings focused and strategic
- techniques for managing dominant or difficult personalities
- ways to encourage quieter board members to contribute
- how to handle disagreement and conflict diplomatically
- practical tips for improving decision-making and meeting flow
- simple chairing techniques you can use at your very next board meeting
Key details
Date: Monday, 22 June
Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm AEST
Location: Online | Recorded
Price: $99 ($120 for members)
This training is designed for anyone who wants to run more effective, strategic and well-managed meetings - particularly in a governance or leadership context.
It is especially valuable for board members, board chairs and committee chairs, as well as CEOs, executive directors and senior leaders who regularly facilitate or participate in decision-making meetings.
Melbourne, Sydney, Hobart, Canberra, Brisbane: 1pm to 2pm
Adelaide, Darwin: 12.30pm to 1.30pm
Perth: 11am to 12pm
This session is recorded and a copy is sent to all who register within hours of the completion of the session.
Yes. We will share a copy of the slides will all who register for this session.
Your presenter
Nina Laitala | Training lead
B Music, M Education (Music), Dip Gov, FICDA
After completing her Master of Education, Nina discovered her passion for working with communities and empowering them through music-based education programs. In 2016, Nina joined the Victorian Student Representative Council as a training and project manager, and she was later appointed CEO. As CEO, she led the organisation through a time of significant change, from being an auspice agency to becoming a charitable company limited by guarantee. It was during this time that she honed her skills as an executive manager, educator and advocate with a strong focus on strategic planning, mentoring and governance.
What people say...
"Use of real-life examples is always good as it helps you understand and offers an avenue for further research."
"Great host, clear communication and relevant case studies. Managed the hour really well."
"Very worthwhile course, thank you"
"Thank you! Greatly appreciate these sessions."
"Thank you for affordable, quality professional development"
Other training opportunities
Looking for something else? The Community Directors calendar has all upcoming sessions and programs. Check it out now.
After something self-paced? Our learning management system hosts a range of programs, including our popular Certified Community Director, the seven-unit micro-credential for community board members.