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