The six things to consider before beginning a board career
Most board directors describe finding their first directorship as arduous and time consuming. It is often said that finding a second and third role is equally as difficult! As such, I am often asked what advice I would give to anyone wanting a board position. My immediate answer is always to start looking well before you need one. Beyond this there are six things that you should consider before getting started.
How to get on a board
Landing your first, or subsequent, board seat is no easy matter. For many gaining an opportunity to serve on a board can be arduous and the question most commonly asked question remains, “How do I get on a board?” Motivations and experience aside following this practical advice could increase your chances of being able to serve on a board.
Which board is right for you?
Whilst there is no such thing as a perfect board candidate understanding what boards look for in potential board members should go some way to you answering this question for yourself.
Transitioning from Executive/CEO to Non Executive
In my many past years as a Board and Executive Recruiter I have had countless conversations with both CEO’s looking for their first independent Non Executive role and with Chair/Nomination Committees considering CEOs for their boards.
The perfect board candidate
Whilst there is no such thing as a perfect board candidate understanding what boards look for in potential board members should go some way to you answering this question for yourself.
Non Executive remuneration – find out what Chairs & NEDs are paid
A question that will undoubtedly come to mind as you start your journey to becoming a Board Member, is the question of how much you can expect to be paid as a member of a board. The amount a Non-Executive could earn depends on a number of different factors.
About Board Direction
Board Direction is Australia’s leading Non Executive Director advertising & board career development firm – no one does what we do or can reference the success that we have had in putting people on boards. Specifically, we do two things.
- We advertise Australia’s largest & most diverse list of non-executive board vacancies – over 2000 each year
- We equip members to develop a board career through practical career services like: Board CV writing, Application Support, the Board Search Course & Non Executive Program and our Board Search Masterclasses & Breakfasts.
People use our services because what we do has been proven to work. As a result, we can evidence having assisted hundreds of members further their board careers through the intimate knowledge we have gained through over a decade of putting people on boards. So, if you: are frustrated with your current board search; can’t find relevant opportunities; have stalled portfolio career; can’t get, or can’t get past, an interview Board Direction can help.
David Schwarz, CEO & Founder