Where to Start as an Aspiring Board Member - Part Three | Ep. 128

Finding and getting onto a Board is a strategic game, not a job hunt. This episode covers the necessary tools, networking strategies, and the recruitment process to ensure you move further, faster, and land on a Board where you can contribute at your highest level. In this episode, I share: Why the "Traditional" Approach Fails: I explain why waiting for advertisements and using a standard resume is slow, highly competitive, and largely ineffective, as approximately 90% of Board roles are not advertised. The Essential Tools You Need: Strategic Board Resume: This is a maximum two-page document that clearly communicates your Unique Board Value Proposition (UBVP) and demonstrates your governance experience. (For help, check out episodes 111, 113, and 114). Strong Personal Brand: Your professional reputation and credibility, reflected in a purposeful LinkedIn profile, act as essential due diligence tools for potential Board Members and recruiters. Networking: The Key to Winning: Learn why strategic networking is critical, focusing on clarity around your Board goal and UBVP, starting with your existing network, and using warm introductions to expand your connections. Engaging with Board Search Firms: Understand the role of professional search specialists, how to align your ambitions with the right firm, and the importance of going in prepared (the search specialist will not do the work for you!). Patience is vital, as the process can take many months, sometimes up to two years. Navigating the Search Process: I cover the steps sophisticated Boards take to recruit, and how to best prepare for a Board interview, including thorough research, preparing for behavioural and values-based questions, and conducting your own due diligence before accepting an offer. Actionable Takeaway: Your Board journey starts now. If you've listened to the whole series (Episodes 124, 127, and 128), immediately begin creating or updating your strategic Board Resume and schedule a coffee meeting with an existing professional connection to seek their guidance about your Board aspirations. Links Mentioned in this Episode Episode 121 – A Better Way to Get on Boards Episode 111 – The Key Elements of a Winning Board Resume Episode 113 – Telling Your Board Story Through Your Board Resume Episode 114 – Your Strategic Board Resume in Action Board Resume Resources on Get on Board Australia Website Program: Build Your Board Resume Board Search Firms (Australia) Derwent SearchFuture LeadershipHattonNealeJohnson PartnersOmera PartnersMeritòs Board Search Firms (International) KornFerryHeidrick and StrugglesSpencer StuartWatermark SearchRussell Reynolds