The boardroom isn’t reserved for the lucky few. Yet you’d be forgiven for thinking that if you follow traditional advice: be patient, network a little, do some training, and eventually the stars might align.
While some of that advice has merit, let’s be honest: if you want to secure a board role and build a portfolio career, passively waiting is not a strategy. In fact, it’s one of the biggest misconceptions I see in the market.
Here’s the truth from someone who’s worked with thousands of board candidates over the past two decades: board appointments go to those who position themselves strategically, act with intent, and understand how the board appointment game is played.
Board Careers Begin Modestly – And That’s Okay
Most board careers don’t begin with ASX-listed companies or prestige appointments. They often start with modest, sometimes unpaid roles on NFPs, school councils, advisory boards, or early-stage ventures.
These roles matter.
The best directors understand that board careers are incremental. Your first seat gives you credibility. The second gives you momentum. The third builds your board brand. You don’t wait to be tapped – you build visibility and credibility over time.
The Rules of the Game (That No One Tells You)
If you want to make it into the boardroom, don’t rely on luck. You need to be playing a smarter game.
Craft a board-ready brand – This means a sharp resume, an updated board bio, and a clear board value proposition. What do you bring? Where do you want to serve? Why you?
Make direct approaches – Don’t just wait for advertised roles. Reach out to Chairs, Board Members, Nomination Committees, CEOs, and Company Secretaries with a clear message about the value you offer.
Get visible – Post thought leadership, attend governance events, speak at panels. Be seen in the right spaces.
Map and engage your network – Great board opportunities often come through weak ties, not close ones. Tap into your LinkedIn strategically.
Act like a board director now – Follow industry trends. Stay current on governance topics. Demonstrate the mindset before you’re appointed.
If You’re Going to Make It… You’ll Make It Within a Year
Let’s be real – in my experience, those who are going to successfully break into the boardroom usually do so within 6 to 12 months, often faster if they follow the right approach.
Patience may be a virtue, but in this game, it’s hustle, focus, and positioning that win.
Tiger Boards: Helping You Break Into the Boardroom
At Tiger Boards, we’re not just spectators of the board appointment process – we’re active participants in shaping it.
We work with executives and next-generation directors to:
- Craft compelling board career strategies
- Open doors through strategic introductions
- Provide access to exclusive board opportunities
- Offer tailored programs like Welcome to the Boardroom and our signature Board Portfolio® service
If you’re serious about building your board portfolio – or just getting started – let’s talk.
Book a private consultation: www.calendly.com/kyliehammond/tigerboards Join our registry: https://tigerboards.com.au/board-director-registry/