The journey can be daunting for many of us looking to transition into a non-executive board role. Often, board positions are not advertised, making it essential to develop a strategic approach to uncover these hidden opportunities. Here are some key strategies that can help you navigate this path successfully, which I picked up from the event and the wonderful speakers also my own experience:
1. The Power of Networking and Personal Branding
Networking is your best friend when it comes to securing a board position. While LinkedIn is a fantastic tool for building your online presence, nothing beats the value of talking to someone face-to-face either virtually or in real life interactions at industry events. Engage in conversations, attend seminars, and be active in professional circles to make meaningful connections.
Tip: Use your LinkedIn profile to showcase your achievements and thought leadership. Share articles, participate in discussions, and demonstrate your expertise.
2. Craft a Clear Value Proposition
Boards are looking for individuals who can bring measurable value. Develop a clear value proposition highlighting your skills and experiences, emphasising how they can benefit a board.
Tip :Use quantitative proof points to show the impact you’ve had in your previous roles before you joined and what happened as a result.
Example: “Led a team that increased revenue by 20% in six months” or “Implemented a cost-saving strategy that reduced operational expenses by 15%.Or advised on a communications strategy which increased fundraising from x by 20%.to y.”
3. Seek Mentorship from Current Board Members
Mentorship is invaluable. Reach out to current board members for advice and insights into the nuances of board service. Their experience can give you a realistic understanding of board dynamics and introduce you to other influential individuals.
Tip: My first role was with Just for Kids Law, who I was introduced to by Martha_Lane Fox and I learned so much as a volunteer, what real on the ground impact meant from wonderful leaders such as Shauneen Lambe and also meeting experts with a whole new skill—in this case, the law which comes in handy and an introduction to PR with the lovely Katie Razzall
4. Start off with Impact
Countless charities and nonprofits need help but often lack the resources to recruit board members actively. Don’t hesitate to reach out and offer your expertise. This experience can be a stepping stone to more prominent board positions.
Tip: Identify a charity aligned with your values and passions and reach out to see how you can contribute. The advice from the panel here was also invaluable, unless you have loads of time on your hands (in which case also brilliant for charities),try to learn to lean in with advice rather than feeling you always need to be hands on, the right advice with an external perspective can save time and money too.
5. Consider Interim Positions
Interim roles, such as advisory or committee memberships, or offering to take on a strategic project can offer a fantastic opportunity to gain experience and understand board dynamics. Volunteering for these roles can build your boardroom credentials and expand your network.
Tip: Speak to your network and listen to their challenges, how can you help while also gain or demonstrating your skills? We are soon to be launching something that can help with this – so watch this space!
Tip: Look for roles that align with your expertise and passion and where you can make a tangible impact. Especially as a volunteer and if already with a busy job, supporting an organisation with a mission for something you feel passionate about will really help with levels of motivation in your busier weeks.
6. Be Persistent and Patient
Securing a board appointment is often a long-term endeavour. It requires persistence, patience, and the willingness to keep learning and growing. Please don’t get discouraged by initial setbacks; instead, view them as learning opportunities.
Tip: Every interaction, role, and piece of feedback brings you a step closer to your goal. When you meet people, ask them how you can help them. Paying it forward nearly always comes back to you in some shape or form and it just feels good to be able to help people
Most of all stay committed, keep learning, and ask for help from your friends and your network. Your persistence will pay off! As one of the panellists said, if not now then when and if not you then who?
Here are some links we hope are useful
- LinkedIn Profile Optimisation 13 LinkedIn Profile Optimization Tips for Success in 2024 – INSIDEA
- Networking Tips for Professionals A Beginner’s Guide to Networking (hbr.org)
- Charity Board Opportunities – Home | Getting on Board | United Kingdom | Recruit trustees | Become a trustee
And here are the high level bios of the panel for interest.
Moderator: Kerry O’callaghan
Kerry is a Corporate Marketing & Communications c-suite professional with over 25 years’ experience in global FTSE 100. She is a high energy leader and an expert in the WHY, WHAT and HOW of building a corporate brand. She has over 10 years Board and non-executive experience.
Kerry has led businesses with a UK, EU, US (living and working there for 5 years) and global remit. She has extensive marketing and communications experience in multiple sectors, including pharmaceuticals, healthcare (including switch) and FMCG and has proven she can transfer these skills across diverse sectors from fintech to sport. Kerry has a reputation for building strong and productive relationships with strategic sponsors, commercial and charity partners.
Speaker: Judith Eden
Judith is Independent Non-Executive Director and Audit Committee Chair at TSB Bank; Senior Independent Director (SID) and Audit Committee Chair at ICBC Standard Bank; Independent Non-Executive Director at Invesco Asset Management; Independent Non-Executive Director and Remuneration Committee Chair at Pension Insurance Corporation.
Judith has over 30 years’ experience in financial services – in both executive and non-executive roles. Her corporate career has spanned audit, operational, financial and strategic management roles at PwC and Morgan Stanley. As Director and Chief Administrative Officer of Morgan Stanley Investment Management Ltd (MSIM), she oversaw a period of significant restructuring and change. Judith also served as Chief Executive Officer of MSIM’s international cross-border fund management company.
Speaker: Alexandra Loydon
Passionate about, enabling financial wellbeing through the provision of education and advice and increasing diversity within financial services, Alex supports and leads on initiatives to improve financial awareness, to create and open pathways into the profession and is a strong advocate for the value of financial advice.
A tax lawyer by background, Alex is the Director responsible for delivery of the Group’s investment, banking, financial well-being and private client propositions. Her work focuses on delivering an integrated investment and advice led proposition, via the SJP Partnership, to individuals and families with the aim of achieving long-term financial wellbeing.
Alex is recognised, by SPEAR’s 500 and PAM’s Top 50, as one of the most influential leaders in UK wealth management. She is also actively involved in Women in Banking and Finance, a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, a school governor and Chair of the School’s Investment Committee.
Speaker: Sophia Moreau
Sophia Moreau is a multi-award-winning diversity, equity and inclusion leader.
With over 13 year’s experience in DEI, Sophia has been named ‘Campaigner of the year’ by the Burberry British Diversity Awards and a ‘Leader to watch in 2023’ by the Charity Times.
She approaches transformation through both a cultural and procedural lens, combining evidence- based recommendations with a trauma- informed outlook.
Outside of work, Sophia studies a masters in Law, and runs pro-bono clinics for people facing discrimination.
Written by Leigh Smyth FRSA, Founder, Impact Match
