Podcasts about agms

For the first time in 21 years, Nationwide Building Society members will see a genuine choice on their AGM ballot paper. Jeremy McKeown sits down with James Sherwin-Smith, fintech executive, former MasterCard senior leader, and Oliver Wyman strategist, who is standing as the first member-nominated candidate for the Nationwide board since 2005.In this episode, James reveals what it actually takes to challenge the UK's largest building society: an FCA hearing, 350 hand-collected paper nomination forms, and a year-long battle over access to the member register. We explore why the Virgin Money acquisition went through without a member vote, why mutuals matter for everyone (not just their customers), and what every Nationwide member needs to know before ballots land in June ahead of the AGM on 15 July.Whether you're a Nationwide member, a building society customer, or simply interested in corporate governance and financial democracy, this conversation exposes a quiet erosion of member rights and what one maverick is doing about it.What You'll LearnWhy Nationwide's acquisition of Virgin Money never went to a member vote — and what it revealed about the society's governanceHow the "quick vote" box on Nationwide's ballot steers c. 85% of votes straight to the board's recommendationThe story behind James's FCA hearing (the first in 30 years) and his statutory fight for access to the member registerWhy the bar for member nominations was raised five times higher in 2000 — and what that means for democracy in mutualsHow a strong mutual sector keeps the wider banking market honest (and why mutuals didn't need bailing out in 2008)Why virtual-only AGMs are bad for member accountabilityThe difference between member ownership in theory and in practice at a £300bn institutionWhat every Nationwide member should do when their ballot arrives in JuneLinks & ResourcesJames's campaign website: james4nationwide.co.ukConnect with James on LinkedInJeremy on Substack: Hypernormal TimesEmail Jeremy: jeremymckeown@gmail.comSponsor: Progressive EquityTraining partner: Finance TalkingNationwide Building Society, Nationwide AGM 2026, James Sherwin Smith, member-nominated director, building society governance, Virgin Money acquisition, UK mutuals, mutual building society, corporate governance, FCA, financial democracy, member voting rights, Nationwide ballot, quick vote, cooperative banking, retail banking UK, Jeremy McKeown, In the Company of Mavericks

In this very special episode of the 20 Years of Women on Boards podcast series, Claire Braund sits down with Ruth Medd, the original architect behind the Women on Boards idea and co-founder of WOB,  a conversation that truly reflects Inspire, Influence and Impact in action.  This episode offers a rare and insightful reflection on how one idea, sparked in the early 2000s, grew into a national movement that has shaped the board landscape in Australia. From the earliest conversations following the Sydney Olympics to the formal launch of Women on Boards in 2006, Ruth's vision and persistence helped inspire a generation of women to consider the boardroom as a pathway.  In a candid and often humorous discussion, Ruth shares the thinking behind some of WOB's most defining initiatives, including the creation of the Vacancy Board, the push for women into paid board roles, and the role of data and advocacy in influencing real change across organisations and sectors. She reflects on the early days of challenging boardroom norms, including turning up at AGMs to ask difficult questions, and how these actions helped influence greater awareness and accountability at the highest levels.  The episode also captures the unique partnership between Ruth and Claire, whose combined efforts over nearly two decades created lasting impact, opening doors, creating access and supporting women to step into board roles with confidence.  As WOB celebrates 20 years, this episode is both a tribute and a powerful reminder of how one idea can inspire change, influence systems and deliver meaningful impact.  >> Learn more www.womenonboards.net

Story of the Week (DR):Apple names John Ternus as CEO to replace Tim Cook, who will become chairmanApple CEO Tim Cook is stepping downMeet John Ternus, the 51-year-old former swimming champ who will succeed Tim Cook as Apple CEOTim Cook to step down as Apple CEO. In letter, describes 15 years of emailsTim Cook's exit is part of a CEO reckoning sweeping Corporate AmericaAre internal CEOs the way to go?Best Buy taps insider Jason Bonfig as new CEO, Corie Barry steps downShe's actually leaving the boardLululemon names former Nike exec Heidi O'Neill as CEO MMLululemon CEO Pick Heidi O'Neill Faces Skeptical Wall Street AND Lululemon shares dive on new CEO pick — as investors fear she may not have chops to save struggling companyO'Neill brings more than 30 years of experience in performance apparel, footwear, and sports, including over 25 years at Nike, where she was credited with transforming their women's business from a side-project into a global juggernaut. Her leadership spanned product creation, brand strategy, marketing, and global operations, making her one of the most influential executives in the company's modern era. Most recently, she served as President, Consumer, Product & Brand, overseeing Nike's global consumer and product engineGolden hello: $7M equity, $2M cashRoughly 75% of Lululemon's customers are womenLululemon board: 7 of 11 FChair Martha MorfittCommittees:Audit: 2 of 3 F, including chairNomination: 3 of 5Pay: 3 of 5 F, including chairAlso: CFO, Chief Merchandising Officer, Chief People & Culture Officer, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, Chief Brand & Product Activation OfficerNow we get why Chip is so mad: Chip Wilson, Lululemon's founder, largest shareholder and chief agitator, has not weighed in on the pick yet, although he previously advocated for waiting to name a new CEO until the board could be resetBest Buy taps insider Jason Bonfig as new CEO, Corie Barry steps downBest Buy taps insider Bonfig to succeed veteran Barry as CEO amid demand slowdownOil giant BP suffers shareholder revolt over climate transparency at tense AGM“BP suffered a shareholder revolt at its AGM over the election of a new chair and resolutions that included dropping some climate disclosure obligations”BP failed to get majority shareholder approval on two highly anticipated motions, which would have permitted online-only AGMs and retired two company-specific climate disclosure obligations. Each resolution received around 47% support, far short of the required 75% required to pass.Ahead of the AGM, BP's board blocked a motion tabled by Follow This that would have required the company to share plans on creating value for shareholders under future scenarios of falling oil and gas demand.Resolution 1: Annual Report and Accounts – 98% For / 2% AgainstResolution 2: Directors' remuneration report – 95% For / 5% AgainstResolution 3: Directors' remuneration policy – 95% For / 5% AgainstResolution 4: To elect Albert Manifold as a director – 82% For / 18% AgainstSome activist investors had said even a 5% vote against Manifold, who has only been in post as chair since October, would represent a severe reprimand, particularly after a historic 24% vote against outgoing chair Helge Lund last year.Resolution 5: To elect Meg O'Neill as a director – 97% For / 3% AgainstResolution 6: To re-elect Kate Thomson as a director – 96% For / 4% AgainstResolution 7: To re-elect Dame Amanda Blanc as a director – 95% For / 5% AgainstResolution 8: To re-elect Tushar Morzaria as a director – 96% For / 4% AgainstResolution 9: To re-elect Ian Tyler as a director – 96% For / 4% AgainstResolution 10: To re-elect Satish Pai as a director – 92% For / 8% AgainstResolution 11: To re-elect Dr Johannes Teyssen as a director – 89% For / 11% AgainstResolution 12: To re-elect Hina Nagarajan as a director – 96% For / 4% AgainstResolution 13: To elect Dave Hager as a director – 97% For / 3% AgainstResolution 14: Reappointment of auditor – 100% For / 0% AgainstResolution 15: Remuneration of auditor – 100% For / 0% AgainstResolution 16: Political donations and political expenditure – 98% For / 2% AgainstResolution 17: Directors' authority to allot shares – 96% For / 4% AgainstResolution 18: Special resolution: Authority for disapplication of pre-emption rights – 99% For / 1% AgainstResolution 19: Special resolution: Additional authority for disapplication of pre-emption rights – 99% For / 1% AgainstResolution 20: Special resolution: Share buyback – 100% For / 0% AgainstResolution 21: Special resolution: Notice of general meetings – 94% For / 6% AgainstResolution 22: Special resolution: New Articles of Association – 47% For / 53% AgainstResolution 23: Special resolution: Revocation of previous 2015 and 2019 resolutions – 47% For / 53% AgainstResolution 24: Special resolution: ACCR shareholder resolution – 26% For / 74% AgainstNetflix authorizes $25 billion share buyback after stock dropPopulist Math Time:Employees: As of 2026, Netflix employs roughly 16,000 people. If you took that $25 billion and distributed it directly to the workforce = $1,562,500 per employeeAlternatively: They could fund a $100,000 annual salary for 250,000 new people for an entire year.Customers: Netflix has roughly 325 million subscribers globally. If they decided to use that money to subsidize the service instead of buying back stock: $77 per person.Netflix could give every subscriber on the planet roughly 4 to 5 months of service for free.Or, they could lower the price of every subscription by about $6.40 per month for a full year.Social impact:Various estimates (including from HUD) suggest that ending homelessness in the US would cost roughly $20 billion to $30 billion.It could provide a full four-year scholarship (at an average cost of $100k total) to 250,000 students.It could fund the eradication of several neglected tropical diseases or provide clean water infrastructure for tens of millions of people globally.For perspective, the entire annual budget for NASA in 2025 was around $25 billion. Netflix is essentially spending one "National Space Program" worth of cash just to tweak its stock price.Shareholders:If Netflix successfully retires that 6.4% of shares and the market maintains its current valuation, the stock price should mathematically rise by about 7% to compensate for the reduced supply.If the price jumps 7% (from $93 to roughly $99.50), here is the wealth jump:Vanguard: $2.5BBlackRock: $2.1BFidelity: $1.4BReed Hastings: $138MGoodliest of the Week (MM/DR):DR: Lufthansa Cuts 20,000 Flights to Save Fuel Amid Iran War Price SurgeMM: The Onion Says It Has Again Struck a Deal to Take Over InfowarsMM: Texas Capital stays incorporated in Delaware after shareholders reject 'Dexit' voteAre investors waking up??? They rejected TEXAS CAPITAL redomestication to TEXAS!Assholiest of the Week (MM):White guy victimhood DR‘The disfavored groups, No. 1, obviously, would be white males': Ron DeSantis is still signing anti-DEI legislationWhite males are…70% of governors70% of congress60% of US corporate boards31% of US populationWhat percentage of DEI programs for companies were designed by white male CEOs? 90% of CEOs in Fortune 500 are white guys - so ALL OF THEMSo when we read: White House study says DEI policies cost US economy by promoting unqualified managers…Even if the premise and math and methodology and concepts are literally all make believe, we SHOULD take away that “white men pretending to do DEI are bad for the economy” right?Federal Job Cuts Hit Black Women Hard—a Year Later, Unemployment Is UpDonald Trump 'Honours' UGA Women's Tennis Champions With Bizarre Photo Featuring Only Men In The ForegroundThe anti DEI, white male victimhood movement should entirely OWN DEI itself - this is the great blame transfer - somehow manage to blame black women and gays for the fact that white men running the world instituted shitty policies not meant to distribute equal opportunity, just meant for press releases - anti DEI is actually anti white male leaders. Make every company CEO a black woman and then see what DEI looks likeWhite guy manifestosPalantir published a mini manifesto calling some cultures ‘harmful' and ‘middling' and said Silicon Valley has ‘a moral debt' to the U.S.Why are tech bros so insistent we listen to everything they think? Were you not listened to as a child? Did no one ever validate you? Is this just about sex? Could you not get laid, and now because you have money you need to get everything you ever thought off your chest?Here are snippets of what Alex Karp, man who couldn't get laid, thought so important that we know:The postwar neutering of Germany and Japan must be undone.The culture almost snickers at Musk's interest in grand narrative, as if billionaires ought to simply stay in their lane of enriching themselves . . . . Any curiosity or genuine interest in the value of what he has created is essentially dismissed, or perhaps lurks from beneath a thinly veiled scorn.The ruthless exposure of the private lives of public figures drives far too much talent away from government service.Man who exposes private lives as a business model says it's badWe, in America and more broadly the West, have for the past half century resisted defining national cultures in the name of inclusivity.All very important points from a man we should clearly listen to about everything - the lane I want you to stay in is “shut the fuck up” lane where, BECAUSE you have billions, I'm not forced to listen to you as if you matterWhite guy philanthropyJeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos Donate $34 Million in Fashion GrantsMacKenzie Scott's latest donation takes her HBCU giving to well over $1 billionMacKenzie Scott has donated more than $26 billion—but it's barely made a dent in her net worth because of the power of Amazon sharesHeadliniest of the WeekDR: The blowhards:Sam Altman opens up about the Molotov cocktail attack on his home: 'The way Anthropic talks about OpenAI doesn't help'Nvidia CEO says that AI agents will make workers busier than ever—they'll ‘harass' and ‘micromanage' you, instead of take your jobMcDonald's boss on abuse claims: 'I don't want to talk about the past'Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang says you won't lose your job to AI—you'll lose it to your coworker who uses it‘I think it's a mistake': Delta CEO Ed Bastian refuses to call it ‘artificial intelligence' because it scares peopleAI will boost productivity so ServiceNow won't have to backfill open jobs, CEO saysDR: The Nutter Chutter Butter Double: Morgan Stanley biotech banker Jessica Chutter joins Tectonic board AND Tectonic Therapeutic Appoints Jessica Chutter to Board of DirectorsI screwed up: blanked and thought that was two different companies. But then I did 3 seconds of research and found that she had joined a second board: PTC Therapeutics on March 24, 2026.MM: Apple's New CEO Needs to Be a ‘Cowboy' — But Can He With Tim Cook Still There?MM: SEC Imposes Strict Nine-Year Cap on Independent DirectorsPhillipinesWho Won the Week?DR: Jessica ChutterMM: The Philippines, whose corporate boards will no longer be allowed to have Edward Sylvester of WestAmerica Bancorp, born in 1938 and on the board for 47 yearsPredictionsDR: Nobody ever talks about Jason BonfigMM: Edward Sylvester steps down as Lead Independent Director of WestAmerica Bancorp to take the role of Non Executive Advisor to the Lead Independent Director Emeritus of WestAmerica Bancorp, says the rise of AI calls fresh blood on the board

Send us Fan MailMid 70 mph in a 21 foot bass boat with real gear isn't a fantasy. We're chasing the cleanest, most efficient setup we can on the iKon LX21 platform, and we're sharing what's actually moving the needle: the H22 jack plate, smart setback choices, and counterweight that shifts the balance point where it belongs. When the transom hardware drags water, you feel it everywhere from hole-shot to pad stability, and you'll never see the top end your motor should deliver. We walk through our baseline runs on a brand new 2026 iKon LX21, then explain why the “transition” to wide open throttle is where most rigs lose speed. From transom angle and water pressure to battery weight and bow load, we connect the small details that add up. You'll hear how swapping AGMs to lithium changes the whole attitude of the boat, why adding weight back at the transom can be the missing piece, and how moving the water column back can free the hull and unlock RPM on the same prop. We also compare lessons learned from the 2023 iKon LX21 build that picked up serious speed with counterweights plus the H22, and we zoom out to what this means for Havocs and other popular rigs. If you've spent late nights chasing props, this one might save you time and money by giving you a cleaner process: balance first, then fine tune. Subscribe, share this with a buddy who's speed obsessed, and leave a review with your current setup and top speed so we can talk about what to try next.OUR WEBSITE/OTC MERCH: https://offtheclockwithbscott.comHAVOC GEAR SHOP: https://havocnation.comHAVOC BOATS WEBSITE: https://havocboats.comHAVOC DEALERS: https://havocboats.com/dealers/WREAKIN' HAVOC CREW WEBSITE: https://wreakinhavoccrew.comSOCIAL LINKSTruth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@OffTheClockwithBScottFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Off-The-Clock-With-B-Scott/61557737220814/Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/OTCwithBScottInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/offtheclockwithbscott/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwu6_wWcXDoBzhpHv4YgZGQRumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-5644782Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2g76hRDp9d609LETevSH2U?si=0ba23ae282c94e88&nd=1&dlsi=d9f84d7699b84724Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-clock-with-b-scott/id1734265760Support the show

I ran into Wayne West III of Newport Hospitality Group during the Hunter Conference and asked what owners actually want from management right now—and what separates operators who keep getting repeat deals.

Chris Nikic is the first person with Down Syndrome to complete an Ironman.He has also ran all SIX Global Marathon Majors, Won TWO ESPY's, and become a global Ambassador for the Special Olympics. He's an Adidas-sponsored athlete, an author, and a public speaker.Topics:From Overweight to IronmanInclusion Through SportThe 1% Better PhilosophyLimiting Parenting Beliefs...and so much more.Top TakeawaysReset limiting beliefs at the top. In Chris's story, the biggest constraint wasn't physical, it was what parents were told their child couldn't do. Once those protection-driven beliefs shifted, everything else followed: training, discipline, results. The same applies in business. What leaders believe about their team or growth potential sets the ceiling. If leadership operates with constraint, that mindset spreads fast. But when leaders expand what's possible, behavior follows—teams take bigger swings, operators push further, and performance changes.Commit to 1% better, every day. The biggest transformations don't come from massive leaps, they're built through small, consistent improvements. Over time, those incremental gains compound into outsized results. For Chris, that meant stacking daily progress until an “overweight beginner” became an Ironman and global athlete.Speakers like Chris Nikic break the pattern of predictable AGMs. An external speaker helps break up a full day of presentations and makes the event more memorable—something you'd actually want to talk about afterward. Chris brings a real, human example of what consistency and long-term effort look like, making ideas like compounding and execution easier to connect with.About 1% Better Chris Nikic FoundationThe 1% Better Foundation is a nonprofit initiative that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by expanding access to fitness, training, and inclusive opportunities. It helps them build confidence, independence, and a path to reach their full potential.

Topics:Venue Do's & Don'tsAgendas for Emerging ManagersPanels vs. Single PresentersPublic LP ConstraintsAGMs as a Brand Opportunity...and so much more.Brian Bank shares what actually makes AGMs stand out from an LP's perspective—from venue and agenda to networking, speakers, and swag. It offers clear, experience-driven takeaways for GPs and emerging managers who want their AGM to feel differentiated and worth the trip.Top TakeawaysChoose a venue LPs will remember. The AGMs that stand out don't stay in hotel ballrooms. They bring LPs to portco sites, operating assets, sporting venues, museums, or distinctly local experiences. The right venue either reinforces the investment strategy or creates a memorable experience that LPs will still recall long after AGM season ends.Never assume LPs remember who you are. AGMs often include new faces. Always reintroduce the team, restate strategy, and provide context for roles and investments. Clear speaker handoffs and background reminders prevent confusion and disengagement.Reinforce the firm you're becoming, not just the fund you raised. An AGM is both a branding and promotional moment. Speaker selection, team visibility, and agenda structure should signal institutional depth, succession, and where the firm is headed next. Highlight rising leaders, repeat portfolio CEOs, and functional expertise to show LPs what Fund II or Fund III will look like. Build differentiation into every detail. Templates, venues, speakers, and formats repeated year after year erode impact. The most effective AGMs ask one question throughout planning: What will make this one distinct from the other 20 meetings LPs attend this year?About Brian BankBrian Bank is a seasoned strategy and client relations executive in the Investment Funds Group at Kirkland & Ellis. With 25+ years of experience as both an institutional LP and a placement agent, he's committed capital across asset classes, served on multiple LPACs, and attended hundreds of AGMs. This gives him a firsthand view of what LPs actually value in investor relations and annual meetings.About Kirkland & Ellis Kirkland & Ellis is a global law firm known for its strength in corporate, litigation, and client advisory work across industries including private equity, M&A, and finance. The firm regularly advises leading investors and funds on complex transactions, strategy, and governance, and has built a reputation for deep legal expertise paired with practical, business-focused guidance.

When a single virus can wipe out computers worldwide in 24 hours, who picks up the pieces? Meena Wahi, Australia's first cyber insurance broker and founder of Cyber & Data Risk Managers, reveals how the cyber insurance landscape has evolved since 2013—and where it's headed next. From the CrowdStrike outage that shocked boards worldwide to the fragmented nature of supply chain risk, Meena breaks down why cyber resilience isn't just a buzzword and how specialist insurers are winning the market share battle. She shares eye-opening insights from ASX 200 boardrooms, explains why Australian regulators might be too "benign," and predicts the convergence of cybersecurity and insurance. Whether you're a startup founder wondering if cyber insurance is worth it or a director trying to understand your organization's risk exposure, this conversation demystifies one of the fastest-evolving sectors in insurance. Host Nigel Fellowes-Freaman asks the questions everyone wants answered but few dare to ask.Timestamps• 00:00 - Introduction to cyber insurance and today's guest• 02:15 - Meena's background: MBA at Monash, consulting at Pricewaterhouse• 03:15 - The origin story: Researching privacy legislation and discovering cyber insurance• 04:05 - Getting invited to New York, meeting with AIG and Chubb• 04:35 - Becoming Australia's first cyber insurance broker in 2013• 05:30 - Evolution of the cyber insurance market over the past decade• 06:20 - London market perspective: CFC's leadership and market share battles• 07:45 - How cyber wording has evolved globally and locally• 08:50 - The role of specialist MGAs: Emergence, CFC, Coalition• 09:20 - Why only specialists will survive in cyber insurance• 10:30 - The aggregated risk problem: 1,000 claims in one day scenario• 11:45 - 2017 statistic: 4 billion data breaches and $500M in claims• 12:30 - Key changes in cyber policy coverage and trends• 13:45 - Supply chain risk has increased dramatically• 14:30 - The fragmented nature of internet risk and liability ownership• 16:05 - IT supply chain partners and contingent business interruption coverage• 17:20 - CPS 230/234 impact on technology vendors and value chains• 18:45 - How prudential standards are driving demand for cyber insurance• 19:45 - Why Australian regulators are 'benign and friendly' compared to the US• 21:10 - Will increased regulatory oversight aid or hinder innovation?• 22:15 - The board perspective: Generational gaps and skill matrix• 23:15 - Key insights from ASX 200 AGMs and boardroom conversations• 24:20 - The information flow problem: Board oversight vs operational reality• 25:40 - What is cyber resilience? Breaking down the buzzword• 27:00 - Cyber resilience as risk acceptance and resourcefulness• 28:30 - Recovery timeframes: Hours vs months• 29:10 - The CrowdStrike outage: What it revealed• 29:45 - Outage vs cyber incident: Why definitions matter for coverage• 30:45 - Are we prepared for the next global cyber incident?• 31:30 - Educating startups and SMEs about cyber insurance• 32:40 - The implementation challenge: Cybersecurity maturity levels• 33:20 - Difference between education and training• 34:00 - Affordability challenges for small businesses• 34:45 - The underinsurance problem: $250K extensions on PI policies• 35:30 - Future trends: Convergence of cybersecurity and insurance• 36:10 - Warranty insurance from cybersecurity providers• 36:45 - The need for better collaboration and feedback mechanisms• 37:30 - Customization of cyber insurance policies• 38:15 - Fun question: Unconventional insurance ideas• 39:00 - The concept of subscription cyber insurance with bank accounts• 39:50 - Final thoughts and wrap-up

In this episode, Mark and Doug discuss the current state of the fur industry, highlighting a wave of optimism driven by increased demand for sables and positive trends in Russian auctions. They delve into the importance of advocacy through events like Fur Day on the Hill, emphasizing the need for trappers to build strong community relations to mitigate conflicts with pet owners. Recent incidents involving pets and traps are examined, along with the legislative challenges posed by proposed fur bans in Colorado and Oregon. The conversation concludes with a look at upcoming trapping association AGMs as opportunities for engagement and education within the trapping community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Liz Weindruch breaks down what makes an AGM work from an LP's perspective. The result is a practical, no-fluff guide for emerging managers planning their first or next AGM.Topics:Comms Best PracticesUse of Panels & PresentersAI & Technology DiscussionSwag StrategyWhat Makes an AGM Memorable...and so much more.Top TakeawaysDesign the AGM experience around LP value, not GP convenience. The meetings that stand out offer insights LPs can't get from quarterly reports and meaningful face time with people they rarely interact with, such as operating partners, VPs on the deal teams, or former CEOs who've exited a business and want to do it again with the firm. Easy-to-reach locations matter, and portfolio “field trips” are a bonus when feasible.The best structure for AGM materials and portfolio updates. The strongest AGMs follow a clear arc: a concise firm update, current macro and sector context, and a disciplined walk-through of the portfolio. Macro commentary should always be tied to company-level impact. Portfolio deep dives should restate the original thesis, show what has changed since acquisition, and explain how capital structure, timelines, and return expectations have evolved.Swag: What LPs keep vs. what they toss. If you're giving out clothing, assume it might end up at Goodwill. Fit is hard, branding is risky, and most items won't get worn. Consumables almost always are a safe bet: high-quality, portable, and waste-free. The best swag ties back to a portfolio company or the firm's ethos in a thoughtful way. If it feels generic, it probably is.About Liz WeindruchLiz Weindruch is a Managing Director on the Diversified Alternative Equity team at Barings, where she serves on the investment committee and leads global fund, co-investment, and secondary origination and underwriting. With 20+ years in private markets, Liz has reviewed and attended hundreds of AGMs across funds, vintages, and strategies, giving her a front-row view into what actually works from an LP perspective.About BaringsBarings is a global investment management firm headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. The firm manages $480B+ across public and private markets—including fixed income, real assets, and alternatives—for institutional, insurance, and intermediary clients across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.

– Shouldn’t we ask more questions at company AGMs? – How do I put Bitcoin into an SMSF? – What do I do with a lump sum before I buy? – Should I sell my AFIC shares?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having dissected the latest round of company AGMs at the Ashurst Governance & Compliance (AGC) Conference, our experts regroup to pinpoint the trends that boards and execs should watch out for in 2026. In the first 2026 episode of our UK Governance & Compliance mini-series, we reflect on the hot topics and key takeaways from company AGMs held across the UK in 2025. We cover a lot of ground in less than 20 minutes – from executive remuneration to shareholder engagement to sustainability reporting and beyond – explaining how companies are responding to the UK’s constantly shifting regulatory landscape. Podcast host Will Chalk is joined by regular guest Becky Clissmann, sustainability counsel at Ashurst. Also on board are London colleagues John Papadakis, a senior counsel in Ashurst’s incentives practice and Maria McAlister, a senior associate in Ashurst’s corporate transactions practice who focuses on equity capital markets. In conjunction with our AGM podcast above, our experts summarise key developments to be aware of when preparing for 2026 annual general meetings and compiling the narrative aspects of annual reports. To read the briefing click here. To listen to this and subscribe to future episodes in our governance and compliance mini-series, search for “Ashurst Legal Outlook” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favourite podcast player. You can also find out more about the full range of Ashurst podcasts at ashurst.com/podcasts. To receive updates and alerts on the issues raised in this podcast mini-series, subscribe to Ashurst’s regular Governance and Compliance Updates. Read more about the recent AGC Conference here, and read our latest AGC Update here. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ASX200 slipped about 0.2% for a third straight session, leaving the week down roughly 1.3%. Materials led gains, up 1.6% driven by Liontown (+12%) and IGO, while gold rose 4% on strong prices. Energy fell 1.4% as oil hit a five‑year low. US job growth slowed and unemployment hit 4.6%, trimming market expectations for an early Fed rate cut. Upcoming data includes US crude inventories, US jobs and retail figures, plus Australian population and national‑account releases, and AGMs for ANZ and Elders. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode, MUFG Corporate Markets' Josh Sparks sits down with David Chase Lopes from D.F. King to unpack the newly released Annual General Meeting Season Review report - a fully bespoke, four‑month research project examining AGMs across the UK and Europe. Together, they explore how the governance landscape is shifting, what boards should prioritise going into 2026, and how companies can more effectively engage with investors in an increasingly opaque environment. If you'd like to download the Annual General Meeting Season Review report, please visit - https://www.mpms.mufg.com/en/insights/launching-our-annual-general-meeting-season-review-report-2025/ You can also connect directly with David at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidchaselopes/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Supercharged Episode, you're getting to experience one of our most practical and popular webinars - Powerful Meetings, Powerful Results.Meetings have a reputation for being messy, meandering and way longer than they need to be. But in this session, we break down exactly how to transform your meetings from time-draining talkfests into focused, efficient, decision-making engines. From understanding the real purpose of meetings, to running them on time, maintaining quorum, avoiding operational rabbit holes and empowering your committee to lead strategically, we cover the lot.You'll also learn the differences between committee meetings, AGMs, special general meetings and member forums, how to set agendas that actually work, why preparation is everything and how to protect your volunteers' most valuable resource: their time.If you've ever walked out of a meeting wondering what was actually achieved, or wished your committee could stay on track and finish on time, this episode is for you. You'll walk away with simple, proven tools to run smoother meetings, make better decisions and build a stronger, more effective club.Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PODUr463Up4--------Need a constitution check-up? Make sure yours is working for you, not against you. Submit your constitution for a free assessment by CPR Group's expert team here: www.cprgroup.com.au/constitutionassessment--------

The ASX200 jumped 1.3% on Monday, snapping a week of declines and lifting the index to within 6.5% of its October record high. Tech and industrial stocks led the rise, while energy fell as oil slipped. Notable moves included Qube soaring 19.5% on a $11.6 bn Macquarie offer and DroneShield edging higher despite a steep MTD loss. Investors will watch Wednesday’s inflation print, the US Fed rate decision on 10 Dec, and a busy roster of AGMs later in the week. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Madison speaks with Oscar and Anna about their experience and reflections of having attended two separate Annual General Meetings of queer organisations. This included a concerning keynote speech at one of those AGM (which does not necessarily reflect the thoughts of the organisation itself) that seems to be symptomatic of a shift away from activism towards a more conservative professionalism amongst those who represent queer folk to the wider mainstream community. 

The Weekend Edition of the Go Radio Football Show Podcast with Burger King! This highlights episode dives into Scotland's footballing future and celebrates its present triumphs. From Stevie Clarke's emotional reflections on World Cup qualification to fans' euphoric reactions, we explore the highs, the heroes, and the heart behind the game. Plus, we tackle the drama surrounding Celtic's AGM and what it means for the club's future. Expect insider stories, tactical breakdowns, and passionate debates on domestic football, European ambitions, and the next big names to watch. Key Highlights: Stevie Clarke's Best Feeling Ever: Why qualifying for the World Cup means more than anything. Fan Frenzy: Stevie from Craig End brings the energy—Tierney's wonder strike, McTominay's overhead kick, and McLean's halfway-line magic. Goal of the Century? Experts weigh in on McTominay's acrobatics and McLean's audacity. Domestic Drama: Hearts lead the pack—can Celtic and Rangers catch up? Full table analysis and predictions. Transfer Talk: Will Maeda stay? Is Raskin EPL-ready? The January window looms large. Behind the Scenes: Visualisation in football—how dreaming big can change careers. Personal Stories: Charlie Mulgrew's unforgettable Celtic Park moment and the psychology of performance. Celtic AGM Chaos: Booing, red cards, and calls for change—what's next for the boardroom battle? The Go Radio Football Show, weeknights from 5pm-7pm across Scotland on DAB, Online, Smart Speaker and on the Go Radio App. IOS: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/go-radio/id1510971202 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.thisisgo.goradio&pcampaignid=web_share  In Association with Burger King. Home of the Whopper, home delivery half time or full time, exclusively on the Burger King App  https://www.burgerking.co.uk/download-bk-app Follow us @thisisgoradio on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Tik Tok  Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbsfwnlMFeI&list=PLBoA8NYTpHtcqoS3M5IrA0C7K-iCmvg-F For more Go Creative Podcasts, head to: https://thisisgo.co.uk/podcasts/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ATeQD...

The ASX200 jumped 1.3% on Thursday, its best day in weeks, driven by a strong recovery in global stocks and NVIDIA’s better‑than‑expected earnings and upbeat revenue guidance, which lifted Australian tech shares about 2.4%. Energy and utilities fell modestly, while materials and real‑estate rose. Looking ahead, the market will watch US September jobs data and the Fed’s December rate‑cut odds, plus a busy roster of AGMs and an RBA Assistant Governor address. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wall Street gave up early gains as investors turned cautious ahead of Nvidia’s earnings, while the latest Fed minutes showed many officials leaning against a December rate cut. Elsewhere, Alphabet shares jumped on rave reviews for its new Gemini AI model, Lowe’s beat profit estimates on strong online growth, and Target’s scaled-back outlook signalled a tougher road ahead for its incoming CEO. In commodities, oil slumped on a US inventory build while copper rebounded on supply concerns, and the US dollar climbed to a five-week high. Back home, Aussie shares are expected to edge higher ahead of a busy week of AGMs. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US markets were down again overnight as the market sweats the Nvidia results due tomorrow after the US market close. The SP500 was down 0.8%, down four sessions in a row. The Nasdaq was off 1.2%. The VIX rose 7% to hit its highest level in a month at 24.  Technical analysts point out that the Nasdaq and SP500 are now below their 50-day moving averages for the first time since April.We also saw news around another big AI deal too. Microsoft and Nvidia are going to commit $10bn and $5bn respectively to Anthropic in its next funding around. It will use the money to use Microsoft's Azure cloud services. Nvidia dropped 2.8%. Amazon was the worst of the big tech names, -4.4%. Apple was flat. News recently suggests they are now actively planning in order to replace CEO Tim Cook as he contemplates stepping down next year.   SPI futures are down 15 points. ASX set to open lower.Want to invest with Marcus Today? Our MT20 portfolio is designed for investors seeking exposure to our strategy while we do the hard work for you.If you're looking for personal financial advice, our friends at Clime Investment Management can help. Their team of licensed advisers operates across most states, offering tailored financial planning services.  Why not sign up for a free trial? Gain access to expert insights, research, and analysis to become a better investor.

The Aussie market suffered its worst day in about ten weeks on Friday, sliding 1.4% and hitting a four month low as a mix of rate concerns, weak China data and a tech sell-off pushed the ASX lower for a fourth straight session. Tech led the declines with a 4.5% drop, leaving the sector down more than 9% for the week, while the major banks also weighed heavily, including CBA which shed more than 10 percent across the past five days. Energy was the only sector to turn positive late in the day as oil prices bounced after reports of a Ukrainian drone strike on a Russian export hub. China’s latest figures added to the gloom, showing further weakness across investment, property and factory activity. Company news was limited, though Megaport tumbled after a capital raise and DroneShield rebounded slightly from yesterday’s sharp fall. Looking to next week, Nvidia’s results are set to dominate global market sentiment, alongside local wage data, RBA minutes and a busy run of AGMs. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Understanding condo documents is one of the most important steps in buying or selling a strata property in Greater Victoria. These documents reveal how the strata is operating, its financial health, upcoming repairs, the status of the depreciation report, and any potential concerns—from bylaw enforcement and noise complaints to insurance updates and overall risk. In today's episode of the Greater Victoria Real Estate Show, Jen Lowe and Jane Johnston, REALTOR®, sit down with Ryan Stenquist from Condo Clear to break down what every buyer, seller, and REALTOR® needs to know. Condo Clear specializes in reviewing and summarizing strata documents for REALTORS® and buyers across British Columbia. They also provide province-wide strata education and consulting services for strata corporations, developers, and property management companies. Whether you're navigating Form B's, minutes, AGMs, or contingency funds, this episode will help you feel more confident and informed.

The Aussie market kicked off the week with a strong gain, having its best session in more than three weeks after lifting about three quarters of a percent. Confidence improved after reports the 40-day US government shutdown could soon end, and China eased export restrictions on some metals. Tech, energy and mining stocks led the way, while ANZ rose more than 3% after posting full-year results that showed profit down 14% but a steady dividend. Liontown, Dyno Nobel and Monadelphous were also standouts. Tomorrow brings updates from CBA and Bendigo Bank, plus a busy run of company AGMs ahead of Aussie jobs data on Thursday and key Chinese data on Friday. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Tank Talks, host Matt Cohen sits down with Roberto Bellini, Co-Founder of BSQUARED Capital and former CEO of Bellus Health, for a powerful conversation about family, legacy, and resilience in the world of biotech.Originally recorded just two weeks before the passing of his father, Dr. Francesco Bellini, one of the founding giants of Canadian biotech, this re-recorded episode serves as a moving tribute to the man known as “Mr. Biotech Canada.” Roberto opens up about what it was like growing up under the guidance of such a visionary figure and how that experience shaped his own path as an entrepreneur and leader.He reflects on the highs and lows of leading Bellus Health, from moments of near collapse to its remarkable $2 billion acquisition by GSK, sharing lessons on risk-taking, perseverance, and the importance of staying grounded through uncertainty. Roberto also offers his perspective on the future of Canadian biotech, highlighting the need for stronger late-stage funding and how BSquared Capital is helping to cultivate the next generation of innovators.This episode isn't just about business success; it's about honoring a legacy, learning through adversity, and discovering what it truly means to build something that endures.The Legacy of Dr. Francesco Bellini (00:02:52)* Francesco Bellini's incredible immigrant story: from arriving in Canada with nothing to a $6B biotech exit.* Business was the family's dinner table conversation, and attending AGMs as a child.* The founding of Biochem Pharma and the discovery of the groundbreaking HIV treatment.* “He was a visionary... he saw things before other people saw them.”Growing Up in Biotech (00:06:30)* Roberto's early memories of board meetings and dinner-table business lessons* How being “in the room” shaped his entrepreneurial mindset* Watching a $6B biotech deal become part of family historyThe Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of Bellus Health (00:08:27)* Roberto's journey from family office analyst to a 30-year-old, first-time CEO of a public company.* The devastating failure of the phase three trial for a rare kidney disease.* Inside a Biotech Failure: The intense, weekend-long “war room” process of unblinding clinical trial data and preparing for a public announcement.The Second Act: Finding the Cough Drug (00:13:47)* Discovering a promising molecule through the NeoMed Institute* Betting the company's future on a last-chance asset* Raising $20M when no one believed and turning it into a $2B successNegotiating the GSK Deal (00:24:45)* The strategic shift from “build-to-sell” to “build-to-scale”, positioning the company for a premium acquisition.* The M&A Playbook: Why you should never lead with a desire to sell; the importance of building for independence.* The high-stakes negotiation with GSK: going from an $11 offer to $14.75, almost losing the deal, and the “mellow tone” that saved it.* The entrepreneur's dilemma: “Every single entrepreneur I've met that sold their company, there's always a moment of not wanting to do it.”Building Canada's Biotech Future (00:30:11)* Why Canada has the innovation but lacks the enduring biotech giants.* The critical gap: The need for more late-stage capital and the role of Canadian pension funds.* The “Gilead of the North” vision: Creating a virtuous cycle of capital, entrepreneurs, and translational science.* Upcoming trends: The convergence of AI and drug discovery to de-risk development and lower costs.Beyond the Lab: Leadership, Risk, and Legacy (00:46:20)* Learning to embrace risk and find joy in reinvention* The best advice from Dr. B: “Spend your money, it'll make you want to earn more.”* Why true success isn't just building a company, but building peopleAbout Roberto BelliniFounder & Managing Partner, BSQUARED CapitalRoberto Bellini is a second-generation biotech entrepreneur and investor. As the former CEO of Bellus Health, he led the company's dramatic turnaround and eventual $2 billion acquisition by GSK. Drawing on his deep operational experience in drug development, he now co-manages BSQUARED Capital, a family office focused on investing in and supporting promising biotech ventures. He is a passionate advocate for building a stronger, more resilient biotech ecosystem in Canada.Connect with Roberto Bellini on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertobellini/Visit BSQUARED Capital Website: https://bsq-c.com/Connect with Matt Cohen on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/matt-cohen1Visit the Ripple Ventures website: https://www.rippleventures.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

On the Money Café this week, Alan Kohler and Stephen Mayne discuss the state of the housing market, look at interest rates, AGM season, and answer questions on AI, governance, and much more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are signs of green shoots in the economy with several company AGMs showing positive sentiment. The FMA pings accountants, lawyers for misuse of investor certificates. New research lays out who the best professional directors are, while Z Energy has settled in a High Court case brought against it for greenwashing. BusinessDesk editor, Victoria Young

US shares were down overnight, with the NASDAQ off 1.57% and SP500 (-0.99%) also weakening. Meta fell 11.3% as the market reacted further to their earnings update yesterday. Most of the other big players also down, with Tesla -4.6%, Microsoft -2.9% and Nvidia -2%. Two brighter spots were Amazon, which is up a powerful 11.6% in the after market after its update showed its AWS division had the strongest growth in three years. Apple's quarterly revenue also came in higher than expectations, with new iPhone models and AI enabled hardware like AirPods giving the sales outlook a strong boost.Apple and Amazon up substantially after hours on results.SPI futures up 13 points. The ASX to open higher. EDV update - AGMs and Quarterlies.Gold lifted 2% after its recent weakness, likely helped from the recent rate cut from the Fed and ongoing demand. Gold stocks responded, with Newmont up 3.3%.  Industrial metals in London were generally down. Want to invest with Marcus Today? Our MT20 portfolio is designed for investors seeking exposure to our strategy while we do the hard work for you. If you're looking for personal financial advice, our friends at Clime Investment Management can help. Their team of licensed advisers operates across most states, offering tailored financial planning services.  Why not sign up for a free trial? Gain access to expert insights, research, and analysis to become a better investor.

The ASX200 fell about 0.8% (≈ 67 points), ending its run with a weekly decline. A 6.3% drop in gold prices drove the materials sector down over 3%, with gold miners shedding 8.5%. Energy rose 1.3% after Woodside's update, while Adairs gained 7% and Weebit Nano surged 19%. Looking ahead, US earnings, data and a slate of AGMs keep markets on edge. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interview with Jen Sisson, CEO of the International Corporate Governance Network (ICGN) on AGMs, corporate reporting and governance reform in 2025 Speakers: Gareth Sykes, Partner and Jen Sisson, CEO of The International Corporate Governance Network

Interview with Jen Sisson, CEO of the International Corporate Governance Network (ICGN) on AGMs, corporate reporting and governance reform in 2025 Speakers: Gareth Sykes, Partner and Jen Sisson, CEO of The International Corporate Governance Network

On the Money Café this week, Alan Kohler and Stephen Mayne discuss Trump’s latest antics, look at the fall of Healthscope, go through a big week of AGMs, and answer questions on tariffs, the LIC industry, superannuation, and much more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Highlights from this week's conversation include:Current IPO Drought Discussion (1:12)Assessing Venture Capital Allocations (4:01)AGM Season Insights (9:17)Leveraging AGMs for Impact (12:47)Debate on LP Due Diligence Frameworks (15:27)  Democratization of VC Access (20:32)Hamilton Lane Product Introduction (21:54)Emerging Manager Programs Challenges (24:25)Vanguard's Private Equity Recommendation (26:39)Technological and Economic Shifts (28:12)Climate Fund Investment Discussion (33:12)Market Dynamics and Differentiation (36:20)Future of Venture Capital and Parting Thoughts (39:05)Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only.

Has the president of Federated Farmers sold his soul for a new Hilux? What are the main concerns from the provincial AGMs? What are the Feds working on at the moment? Is he looking forward to drying off? Will he fix his milk price? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DAMION1White House blasts Amazon over tariff cost report: ‘Hostile and political act'The White House on Tuesday slammed Amazon for reportedly planning to display the cost of President Donald Trump's tariffs next to the total price of products on its site.“This is hostile and political act by Amazon,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters. “Why didn't Amazon do this when the Biden administration hiked inflation to the highest level in 40 years?” Leavitt asked.The Trump administration's aggressive swipe came in response to a report that Amazon will soon show consumers how much of an item's cost comes from tariffs. The amount added as a result of tariffs will be displayed right next to each product's total listed price, a person familiar with the plan told the news outlet.WHO DO YOU BLAME?CEO Andrew Jassy.He's the “boss.”Maybe he feels emasculated?Lowest overall batting average (.308)only 6% influence compared to his boss, Jeff Bezos (67%)Not paid like traditional CEOs (relying instead on his $275M in unvested equity) and the $38M that vested last year; so when he's hanging out withHis buddies like Target CEO Brian Cornell ($20M) eBay CEO Jamie Iannone ($22M) have the total summary compensation bragging rights. Not to mention the sad, unmanly CEO Pay Ratio which is listed as 43:1 for Jassy and 753:1 for the DEI-hating Cornell Jeffrey Preston Bezos (67%)I mean he's the actual boss, right?Executive Chair, founder, former CEO, superstar.Hangs out with people like Katy Perry, has a newspaper, sends penis rockets to nowhere, has pretend funds named after himself like the Bezos Earth Fund and the Bezos Day One FundBoard member and former Pepsi CEO Indra NooyiOr maybe this is a DEI problem? Amazon's Audit Committee is tasked with stuff like operational risks, and legal and regulatory matters. Indra chairs this committeeIndra is also involved with very woke-y/DEI-y:stuff like science (Trustee of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center)Stuff like math (Member of the Dean's Advisory Council at MIT's School of Engineering)Stuff like art (Trustee of the National Gallery of Art)And stuff like giving a shit about people, stakeholder-y capitalism stuff (Director of Partnership for Public Service, whose mission is to inspire a new generation of civil servants and to transform the way government works)Former President Joe BidenAmazon later clarified that the plan to show tariff surcharges was “never approved” and is “not going to happen.” Trump personally called Bezos on Tuesday morning to express his displeasure about the initial report that spurred the heated response from the White House.Trump world's Laura Loomer takes aim at a 'woke' Lockheed Martin and its $2 trillion F-35 programLaura Loomer, the far-right activist who has a direct line to President Donald Trump, criticized Lockheed Martin's F-35 program over the weekend, decrying the US defense giant as "woke" and lashing out against the expensive stealth aircraft.In a lengthy post on X, Loomer suggested Lockheed Martin is delivering F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters that "are simply not ready for combat.""The F-35 program, one of the most expensive weapons programs in history, is plagued by delays, defects, & downright incompetence," she wrote Saturday. She said the US Air Force is accepting jets that lack "functional" radar systems, without offering evidence.She also claimed that Lockheed is "increasingly obsessed with pushing a woke agenda." Like many other US defense contractors, Lockheed scrapped its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in January after Trump returned to the White House.The $2 trillion F-35 program is an appealing target for activists and officials seeking to slash government spending, and it has a well-documented list of problems. The Pentagon's top weapons tester said earlier this year that the program had problems delivering functional software and had fallen behind schedule to test upgraded mission systems.WHO DO YOU BLAME?The 2025 Proxy Statement that mentions “diversity” five times!Of course all five of those instances were in the anti-woke/anti-DEI shareholder proposal introduced by the Bahnsen Family Trust.Not sure how this even made the proxy after Lockheed's anti-DEI move in January: “As we publicly stated following the issuance of President Trump's January 2025 Executive Order on DEI, we will not have goals or incentives based on demographic representation or Affirmative Action Plans. We are actively reviewing our workforce-related policies to ensure they are, and remain, compliant and aligned with the Executive Order and all related applicable legal precedent.”The three-headed white guy leadership group (53% influence)CEO/Chair James Taiclet (25%): $24M in payLead Independent Director and Nominating Committee chair Thomas J. Falk (13%)“Independent” since 2010David Burritt (15%)Longest-tenured director (2008-)Busy beaver: two committees (Audit and Pay); CEO of US. SteelSince this is a woke/DEI issue: the black guy:Nevermind, there are no black people on this boardA woman? It would have to be Debra Reed-Klages (17%)While she has no leadership roles she does sit on the board of Caterpillar, which also removed its DEI policies. What, what?Investors. They should have been holding Lockheed accountable, right?According to MSCI data, average support since 2015 is 95%; no director has even received less than 92% since 2017Say on Pay support is routinely over 90%Starbucks union rejects company's recent offer of at least 2% annual pay raiseStarbucks union delegates involved in contract bargaining voted to reject the coffee chain's latest proposal that guaranteed annual raises of at least 2%, Workers United said. Out of the 490 baristas representing the company's more than 550 unionized U.S. stores, 81% rejected the proposal, which did not offer any changes to economic benefits such as healthcare or any immediate pay hike.WHO DO YOU BLAME?The union, for being greedy.The company pays its baristas about $19 an hour on average currently. That's $39,520 before taxes. A 2% raise would result in an increase of $790.40!InvestorsAverage director support of 96% over past 2 yearsEven 86% support for new CEO Brian Niccol's $96M, including $5M in funny munny cashAnd a devilishly perverse CEO pay ratio of 6,666 to 1.Not to mention Use of Starbucks aircraft for travel between city of primary residence and Starbucks headquarters AND up to $250,000 in personal non-commuting travel per yearWhich brings us to the CEO, Brian Niccol, a guy so wonderful that they scrapped the independent chair nonsense and gave him both titles: CEO and ChairLead Independent Director and Nominating Committee chair Jørgen Vig KnudstorpAveraged over 10% votes against over the past 3 AGMs: which is essentially an investor revolutionHis favorite drink–the Caramel Macchiato–is 250 calories with 33g of sugar: the American Heart Association recommends that women consume no more than 25 grams per dayMATT1Novavax appoints Charles Newton to board of directorsChuck Newton has a background from BofA Merrill, Credit Suisse, Morgan Stanley, and Lehman as an investment banker, and is now CFO at a pharma company. He got his education in business administration and “arts”.Who do we blame for the appointment of Chucky?John Jacobs, CEO and highest influence on the board at 23%New board chair and nom committee chair Margaret McGlynn, who will inherit retiring director James Young's 16% influence to become the most influential person on the board?Too much science?Actual knowledge of pharmaceutical science - Young's retirement means there are only 2 actual scientists left on the board of the 9 members - 6 have finance backgrounds, and 1 is a lawyer.DEI - while Novavax's SEC disclosure says that the 9 person board has 1 male with 2 or more races and 2 women, they actually didn't feel white ENOUGH so they added Charles Newton to have a 100% white board (because black people don't even get malaria, COVID, or flu)They actually claim to have 10 board members when they really have 9Investors - who actually hate this board and can't possibly like it more now?Classified board, last year the new board chair (promotion!) got 52% votes for, the PhD got 58% for, and the guy from the family foundation got 53% for - and yes, exactly 35% of the shares are owned by State Street, Vanguard, BlackRock, and Shah CapitalSam Altman says OpenAI will fix ChatGPT's ‘annoying' new personality as users complain the bot is sucking up to them“ChatGPT's new personality is so positive it's verging on sycophantic—and it's putting people off.”Who do we blame for AI being a big fat suckup?Sam Altman, for being a big fat Trump suckupSam Altman, for having an insipid tech bro personality desperately seeking the fame and attention of the earthSam Altman, for firing his non-suckup board membersSam Altman, for putting himself on the board and surrounding himself with board suckups

On the Money Café this week, Alan Kohler and Stephen Mayne discuss Trump and the markets, look at how the federal election is shaping up, go through a number of recent AGMs, and answer listener questions on housing, nuclear power, and much more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As minor hockey associations prepare for their AGMs, one key position needs consideration: someone to take charge of coach development. Richard and Dean discuss why this role is crucial, what this person should or should not be responsible for and where to find them.Contact: richard(at)grassrootsminorhockey.comX (Twitter):Richard - @berky544Dean Holden: funlearnreturn@gmail.com

Proxy Season 2025: How Shareholders Are Making an Impact Amid Political Pushback At AIO Financial, we specialize in helping our clients align their investments with their values through socially responsible investing (SRI). We believe in the power of the individual investor—and there's no better example of that power than proxy season, when shareholders come together to hold corporations accountable. The 2025 Proxy Preview Report, developed by As You Sow, Proxy Impact, and Empower Venture Partners, underscores how shareholder advocacy remains one of the most powerful tools we have to influence corporate behavior—even in the face of increasing political and regulatory headwinds.

Stephen Grootes speaks to Ockert Janse van Rensburg, CEO of Motus, about the company's decline in new vehicle sales, and to Johan Theron about the challenges facing the platinum group metals sector. In other interviews, Investment school unpacks AGMS and why they are important to every investor with Hlelo Giyose, Chief Investment Officer and Principal at First Avenue Investment Management & Tracey Davies, Executive Director at Just Share. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephen Grootes speaks to Hlelo Giyose, Chief Investment Officer And Principal at First Avenue Investment Management & Tracey Davies, Executive Director at Just Share about understanding AGMS and why they are important to every investor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian market continued its downward streak, with the ASX hitting a four-week low amidst weak Chinese retail data and falling commodity prices. China's slower-than-expected retail growth raised concerns over consumption and the country's ability to meet its 5% annual growth target, which impacted resource stocks like BHP and Rio Tinto. Mining and energy sectors remain some of the year's worst performers, down 15% and 20%, respectively. Meanwhile, corporate news saw mixed reactions, with HMC Capital suffering steep losses after backing DigiCo’s underwhelming ASX debut, while Star Entertainment rose following a management shake-up. Looking ahead, key events include global manufacturing data, U.S. retail sales, and the Federal Reserve's inflation update, alongside local updates on consumer confidence and AGMs from major banks like NAB and ANZ. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We begin with airlines Jet2 (JET2) and EasyJet (EZJ) who recently released results. Michael Fahy explores the current demand for travel and package holidays, and the reputational issues affecting share valuations. The future of the North Sea is murky but the industry now has clarity on its taxes. Our commodities expert, Alex Hamer, lays out the opportunities, challenges and changing operating costs in the sector.AJ Bell (AJB) recently changed how its users can vote at AGMs for the companies they own – offering a digital option, in the same way Interactive Investors users have been able to since 2021. Holly McKechnie unpacks why this is an important move and the impact it may have.Timestamps1:23 Airline stocks12:34 The North Sea27:04 Shareholder democracyClaim your first 12 weeks of Investors' Chronicle Print + Digital for just £12. You will get instant access to our website and app, plus the magazine delivered to your door every week. To start your trial, visit www.investorschronicle.co.uk/podcasttrial *After your 12-week trial you will pay just £62 every 13 weeks by direct debit. If you're not entirely satisfied, you can cancel up to 5 business days before your renewal date and only pay the £12 already debited. This offer is for UK subscribers only. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NAB's Wellbeing Index has improved as more people become less anxious about their finances, but as NAB's Dean Pearson tells SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves, they've had to change their behaviours as a result; plus the day on the sharemarket with Dianne Colledge from Morgans Financial Limited.

Conservative premiers may not lose many elections in Alberta, but more than a few have "met their maker" at party AGMs. Amid coordinated attacks from progressives and the right wing, will Danielle Smith emerge unscathed from the UCP's big bash in Red Deer?  2:00 | Erika Barootes joins us in studio before hitting the highway for the UCP AGM. Cheryl Oates is just back from Saskatchewan, where she quarterbacked the NDP's election campaign. The co-hosts of The Discourse join us for a lively debate about Scott Moe's future in Saskatchewan, David Eby's future in B.C. (21:00), and after a brief break to showcase everybody's Halloween costumes (34:30),  the top political headlines in Alberta (37:00) including the UCP's controversial legislation around parental notification of pronoun changes and gender reassignment surgeries for youth.  1:03:50 | Who'll it be on November 5: Donald or Kamala? Cheryl, Erika, Johnny, and Ryan go on the record.  1:11:45 | Brendon and David have zero tolerance for Danielle Smith's "Jordan Peterson Law," Brent is sick and tired of "lazy Canadians and liberal media," and TheSco says Real Talk's pushing misinformation on Trump. Everybody's all fired up for The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!  FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com  When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, tell 'em Real Talk sent you!  FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/c/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

With Summer behind us and the touch of Autumn on the horizon, it's time to say a fond and lengthy farewell to the 2024 garden season. But that's not to say there is still a tremendous amount of gardening to be done. Lucy will be revelling in her Fruit and Veg as Autumn is the crescendo of harvest time, and Saul will be willing an Indian Summer so his last few exotics can flower before tucking them away for some well deserved winter rest. Otherwise there are still lawns to cut, leaves to be racked and a lot of planning for 2025!Well - it's been a while, gremlins and bugs have laid the Talking Heads pair low for a while, but nought can keep the Horti-waffle down for long, so we are back and just when Autumn is finally (we think) starting to kick-in! We've been busy when not being afflicted, and our main focus for the past few days has been in the greenhouse (dodging the rain mostly) to get them ready for their winter 'cost' of overwintering, propagating and protecting us poor gardeners. Lucy also revels in her trip to the Great Dixter Autumn Plant Fair, and we look at some of the work we've both being doing on our respective RHS Plant Committees.Instagram Links:Lucy lucychamberlaingardensTwitter links:Saul @GardeningSaulIntro and Outro music from https://filmmusic.io"Fireflies and Stardust" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Support the show

Jonny Drury and Lewis Cox return with the latest episode of the Baggies Broadcast - sponsored by West Midlands Metro. After a quiet week, the boys discuss AGMs, Daryl Dike, Harry Whitwell and Devante Cole. And they look at who gets into their worst ever XI since 2001. Want to have your say? Follow us on Twitter at @AlbionPoddy and get in touch with your questions Title Track: 'King Cyrille' by The King Dukes. (M.Griffiths) This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Thanks to the tireless work of translators, readers around the world can enjoy Jane Austen's works in their native languages. But how does one even begin to translate her carefully crafted sentences? What unforeseen challenges and valuable insights arise in the process? In this episode, we ask Austen translators Keiko Parker and Maria Biajoli about their experiences—the good, the bad, and the je ne sais quoi. Keiko Parker has been a JASNA member since 1981 and coordinated the 2007 Annual General Meeting in Vancouver. She has translated five Austen novels into Japanese—Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Persuasion, Mansfield Park, and Sense and Sensibility—and is currently working on Northanger Abbey. She has also been a breakout speaker at several AGMs and has published papers in Persuasions and Persuasions On-Line. Maria Biajoli is a professor of English at Federal University of Alfenas, Brazil, where she teaches English language and English literature, focusing on women writers of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. She has presented at a number of JASNA's AGMs, including in 2023 in Denver, where she talked about translating Pride and Prejudice into Brazilian Portuguese. She has published papers about Austen in Persuasions, Persuasions On-Line, and other academic journals.For a transcript and show notes, visit https://jasna.org/austen/podcast/ep16.Visit our website: www.jasna.orgFollow us on Instagram and FacebookSubscribe to the podcast on our YouTube channelEmail: podcast@jasna.org

This is the audio of a talk I gave yesterday for Community Governance Aotearoa on the topic of Chairing meetings and with a focus on AGMs.  I do a lot of support for boards, companies, trusts and others in goverance in my work as a partner at Parry Field Lawyers so it was a pleasure to talk on this topic.  In it share my thoughts on this area and outline 20 principles that are relevant to consider when you come to your role as Chair. More resources that Community Goverannce Aotearoa provide are here (thanks for the chance to share Rose, April, Elyse and team) https://communitygovernance.org.nz/ If this helps you then why not share with one other person? The 20 principles will be uploaded here and the other resource mentioned in talk on chairing meetings: https://www.parryfield.com/advisory/governance/governance-essentials/ 

Ever heard of a plant AGM? In this episode I find out what the RHS Award of Garden Merit is all about, and I ask a question about VPD. Sign up for The Plant Ledger, my email newsletter about the houseplant scene: https://www.janeperrone.com/ledger Check out Legends of the Leaf, my book on houseplants http://legendsoftheleafbook.com Support On The Ledge on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ontheledge Follow Jane Perrone on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.l.perrone Join the Houseplant Fans of On The Ledge group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/house... Join in #HouseplantHour on Twitter every Tuesday 9pm UK time (4pm ET): https://twitter.com/houseplanthour