I have had the same expereince as Chimbu.
One used to boast to anyone who would listen how he didn't have a pair of shoes until he went to secondary school in Kalgoorlie, he went on to become an Airforce Officer and subsequently ran a large Australian company into the ground. He is doing same to an NZ company at present. He has mental problems.
Another one behaved like an Easter Island statue but was not as useful.
A few others I've met were nice blokes but ineffectual.
There are a few very good ones around.
As for Board appointments. I don't understand the logic of the appointment, however it may be justified by his ties to Government, especially Defence. It may also be justified by keeping someone else OFF the Board.
As for how Boards work, their function is about Risk Management and Corporate Governance. If you are a Board wannabee who thinks it is easy being on a Board or working to a Board, think again
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