As competition for board roles intensifies, the key differentiator between those who succeed and those who fall short is not simply the number of applications submitted—it’s the number of meaningful meetings held with key decision-makers. These meetings are the cornerstone of building relationships that can lead to successful board appointments.
Here’s how to strategically plan and secure these meetings to elevate your board career in 2025.
1. Understand the Importance of Meaningful Meetings
The most successful board candidates are those who consistently secure direct meetings with chairs, non-executive directors (NEDs), and key influencers who make board appointment recommendations.
- Key Insight: Applications alone won’t land you a seat at the table. Without building relationships, even the best resumes may go unnoticed.
- Take Action: Conduct an audit of your 2024 efforts. How many genuine connections did you make with decision-makers? If the number is low, it’s time to recalibrate.
2. Build a Proactive Networking Strategy
To secure meaningful meetings, you’ll need to take a front-foot approach to networking.
- Analyse Your Current Networks: Identify gaps in your social and professional circles.
- Expand Your Reach: Join business clubs, attend industry events, and leverage your thought leadership to connect with decision-makers.
- Be Consistent: Meaningful relationships are built through regular, strategic interactions. Make networking a priority, not an afterthought.
3. Forge Relationships Through Champions and Referees
Cold outreach rarely works in the board world. Instead, rely on champions—trusted individuals who can introduce and vouch for you.
- Identify Your Champions: Who in your network can help you connect with key decision-makers?
- Leverage Referees: Strong referees can validate your governance credentials and facilitate introductions.
- Strategise Introductions: Secure warm introductions through partners in accounting firms, law firms, or strategic advisory roles who already have the ear of the board.
4. Target the Right Influencers
While board search consultants play a role, there are other pathways to directorships.
- Key Influencers to Engage: Partners in accounting firms. Partners in legal firms. Strategic business advisors who consult directly with boards on governance, cyber, risk, and strategy
- Develop Relationships: Build genuine connections with these influencers who are regularly consulted by boards for recommendations.
5. Create a Thoughtful Approach to Introductions
High-profile chairs and decision-makers are rarely accessible without the right groundwork.
- Prepare Your Credentials: Ensure your governance experience, leadership skills, and value proposition are well-articulated before seeking introductions.
- Be Patient and Strategic: Use mutual connections to pave the way for a successful meeting. Relationships take time to cultivate.
6. Recalibrate Your Strategy for 2025
If your efforts in 2024 didn’t yield the desired results, it’s time for a reset.
- Conduct a Personal Audit: Reflect on how many meaningful meetings you had and the outcomes they generated.
- Set Realistic Goals: Focus on securing quality over quantity—each meeting should be purposeful and strategic.
- Commit to Consistency: Build a routine for reaching out, following up, and nurturing relationships throughout the year.
7. Practical Steps to Secure Meaningful Meetings
- Identify Your Targets: Research key chairs, NEDs, and influencers relevant to your industry and governance expertise.
- Join Strategic Networks: Become a member of business clubs and forums where decision-makers are active.
- Leverage LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn strategically to connect, engage, and showcase your thought leadership.
- Create Value-Driven Content: Publish articles or speak at events to position yourself as a governance expert.
- Ask for Introductions: Lean on your champions and mutual connections for warm introductions.
- Follow Up Thoughtfully: Build on initial meetings with meaningful follow-ups to keep the relationship alive.
The Power of Relationships in 2025
Securing board directorships is not about sending hundreds of applications—it’s about building meaningful, authentic relationships with those who have the power to open doors. By focusing on quality networking, leveraging champions, and strategically expanding your reach, you’ll position yourself for success in the competitive board market.
Make 2025 the year you prioritise meaningful meetings and take control of your board career trajectory.