Chemical engineer and experienced director Kerry Skellern OAM has built a board career spanning infrastructure, financial services, housing and community organisations. In this episode of the 20 Years of Women on Boards podcast, Kerry joins Claire Braund to discuss how her technical background has shaped her approach to governance and why boards benefit from a broader mix of professional perspectives. Kerry's executive career included roles with ICI, James Hardie, CSR and GE, often in heavily male-dominated environments. It taught her the importance of speaking up and being prepared to make a point more than once. Her first board roles provided an opportunity to develop her governance experience while contributing to organisations making a difference in their communities. Today, she sits on the board of ASX-listed Fiducian Group and is a Chair with Vistage. Her pathway has not always been predictable. Kerry became the first female president in the 92-year history of her golf club, a role that ultimately led to connections that helped open the door to further board opportunities. For engineers and scientists who question whether their technical background is relevant to boards, Kerry's advice is clear: "Question that assumption." A Women on Boards member for almost 20 years, Kerry also reflects on the importance of maintaining momentum on board diversity and continuing to build the pipeline of women ready for senior leadership and board roles. Asked to describe her journey in three words, Kerry chose: Diverse. Rewarding. Unexpected. Kerrie Skellern OAM Claire Braund OAM Join or learn more about Women on Boards