Board careers
Passively waiting is not a board strategy.
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 has 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 not-for-profits, school councils, advisory boards or early-stage ventures. These roles matter.
Your first seat gives you credibility. The second gives you momentum. The third builds your board brand.
The best directors understand that board careers are incremental. You don’t wait to be tapped. You build visibility and credibility over time, which is the thinking behind a Board Portfolio®.
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
A sharp board résumé, 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 and speak on panels. Be seen in the right spaces.
Map and engage your network
Great board opportunities often come through weak ties, not close ones. Use LinkedIn strategically.
Act like a director now
Follow industry trends, stay current on governance topics and demonstrate the mindset before you’re appointed.
Prepare for the room
When the approach comes, be ready. See Executive & Board Interview Preparation.
If you’re going to make it, it usually happens within a year
In my experience, those who successfully break into the boardroom usually do so within 6 to 12 months, often faster when they follow the right approach. Patience may be a virtue, but in this game it’s focus and positioning that win. There are no guarantees, but there is a clear difference between waiting and working the market.
Helping you break into the boardroom
Through Tiger Boards and Board Search, I work on both sides of the board appointment process. I work with executives and next-generation directors to craft board career strategies, make strategic introductions and prepare for opportunities, through programs such as Welcome to the Boardroom and the signature Board Portfolio® Program.
You can also join the Tiger Boards director registry.
Related services
Board Portfolio®
One-to-one partnership to build and grow a board career.
Board Portfolio® Program
The invitation-only Talent Agent program for C-suite and board-level leaders.
Welcome to the Boardroom
A structured program for executives preparing for their first board roles.
Board Search
Confidential board search for Chairs, boards and nomination committees.
Board & CEO Resume
A board and CEO-level résumé written for how directors are assessed.
CEO Mentoring Program
Confidential one-to-one mentoring for CEOs and senior leaders.
Talk to Kylie, confidentially
If you’re serious about building your board portfolio, or just getting started, let’s talk.
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