In this episode of 20 Years of Women on Boards: Inspire | Influence | Impact, host Claire Braund sits down with Helga Svendsen OAM, facilitator, leadership and executive coach, non-executive director and podcaster,  for a conversation that traces a career built on empowering people. Helga takes us from her formative years in a close-knit Melbourne community, through leadership roles in government and as CEO of the Hotham Mission Asylum Seeker Project, to building an extensive board portfolio across health, government and the not-for-profit sector. She shares how the Williamson Community Leadership Program shaped her network for life, and the biggest misconception people have about landing their first board seat. She also opens up on why she believes "brain space" - long hikes with no phone, no podcasts, just thinking time -  is part of a director's duty of care, and where she thinks boards need to go next on diversity, equity and inclusion. Helga closes with a message to Claire Braund and Ruth: thank you for the advocacy, the community, and a jobs board she calls "the best one out there".  All of it, she says, has made her feel "supported and seen." Asked to sum up her 20-year journey in a few words, Helga doesn't hesitate: stronger together. Connect with Helga: linkedin.com/in/helgasvendsen Connect with Claire: linkedin.com/in/claire-braund