Former CEO and experienced director Margie Haseltine has built an extensive portfolio career across listed and private companies, including Metcash, Inghams Group, Kennards Hire, Real Pet Food Company and Active Tree Services. In this episode of the 20 Years of Women on Boards podcast, Margie joins Claire Braund OAM to reflect on the journey from growing up on a dairy farm in New Zealand to becoming CEO of MasterFoods Australia and, ultimately, building a successful board career. Margie stepped away from executive life in 2007 after 20 years with Mars. With three young children and years of extensive travel behind her, she was ready for a different career. That same year, she joined Women on Boards. Breaking into the boardroom was not easy. With a background in supply chain rather than law or accounting, Margie recalls being told she was unlikely to secure an ASX-listed board role. Instead of being deterred, she built her experience through smaller boards and continued putting herself forward for opportunities. That persistence eventually led to ASX-listed Bapcor, after Women on Boards helped put her forward for the role. Margie later became Chair, leading the company through a particularly challenging period and learning first-hand just how different the responsibilities of a Chair can be from those of a NED. Today, Margie enjoys the different dynamics offered by both listed and private boards and continues to be drawn to organisations where she connects with the people, purpose and business. She also reflects on how boardroom risks have changed, from cyber and ESG to psychosocial safety and the rapidly evolving implications of AI. For senior executives considering a board career, Margie cautions against assuming it is automatically the right next step. Board life requires flexibility, resilience and the ability to respond when challenges arise. A Women on Boards member since 2007, Margie describes the WOB community as an important part of her journey. Looking ahead, her advice for navigating disruption and difficult decisions is simple: "Be calm, and the facts are our friends." Asked to sum up her journey in three words, Margie chose: Resilience. Determination. Passion. Learn more www.womenonboards.net/join