Preparing yourself

Did you know?
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Preparing yourself

Did you know?

Most companies have policies about which of their executives can serve on an outside board. It is critical that you understand your company's policy and have your CEO's and any other required approvals prior to seeking a board role.

The supply of board candidates is expanding significantly. This larger pool means boards can be even more selective. It is important for candidates to define the value they bring and communicate that to their network. Find out what you need to do to rise to the top of the list.

Define your personal brand and activate your network

Questions to consider

  • What value do you bring to the board?
  • Can you bring a unique or diverse perspective to the board?
  • Are there skills or experiences that you have that boards need?
  • Who knows you, your interest and the value you bring?
  • Who do you know who might be looking for a board member or aware of a board position?
  • Who can share your name with those who might be seeking a board member?
  • Who can provide guidance on the process and advocate for you?
  • Who can help you further connect to the board ecosystem?
  • If you are a sitting executive who wants to be considered, do you have the support and approval of your CEO and board?

Nominating committees are responsible for selecting board candidates but may obtain feedback from others.

Build your bio

Essential elements of a board bio to reinforce your personal brand

  • Portrays you as a board member and not an executive
  • Differentiates by providing scale and scope — call out P&L responsibility, include education and years of graduation
  • Avoids too much detail, especially around items not relevant to corporate board service
  • Underscores the value you can bring to the board and is shareable and repeatable
  • Understands the ultimate audience is the board
  • Demonstrates a fundamental understanding of corporate governance and experience in the boardroom
  • Reinforces connections to admired and valued brands
  • Highlights experience with board “hot topics”
  • Aligns to LinkedIn profile and social media
  • Provides long-term contact points
  • Uses readable fonts and margins
  • Includes a recent professional photograph in color
See board bio sample
Stay informed

Be sure you understand how boards operate and what issues are top of mind

There are several other organizations that offer educational opportunities for directors. Below is a select list of some of those that offer regular in-person programs, as well as online opportunities. This is not a complete list, but we hope this is helpful for research options for additional learning.

Resources

Organizations offering resources for current or aspiring directors

  • 30% Club
  • 50/50 Women on Boards
  • African American Directors Forum
  • Alliance for Board Diversity: Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility
  • Ascend
  • Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors
  • Athena Alliance
  • Black Women on Boards
  • BoardReady
  • Catalyst
  • Digital Directors Network
  • Executive Leadership Council
  • Harvard Business School Corporate Governance Programs
  • Illumyn
  • Latino Corporate Directors Association
  • Latino Leaders
  • National Association of Corporate Directors
  • Northwestern Kellogg School of Management Corporate Governance Executive Programs
  • Private Directors Association
  • Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University
  • Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity -- The Boulé
  • The Leverage Network
  • Thirty Percent Coalition
  • WomenExecs on Boards

Retained search firms

  • Crist Kolder Associates
  • Davis Partners Group
  • Diversified Search
  • EgonZehnder
  • Ellig Group
  • Ferguson Partners
  • Heidrick & Struggles
  • James Drury Partners
  • Korn Ferry
  • Lonergan partners
  • Rich Talent Group
  • RSR Partners
  • Russell Reynolds
  • Spencer Stuart
  • Trewstar

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