For senior executives aspiring to build a board portfolio, understanding how to navigate the “rules of the game” is essential. Board director roles are coveted, but the pathway to securing these positions can be elusive and competitive. Whether you’re aiming for your first board appointment or looking to expand your current portfolio, it’s important to be strategic and persistent. Here’s a breakdown of the key rules for securing board appointments and how to position yourself as a top candidate.
Rule 1: Nobody Wants a Nobody on Their Board
One of the most critical truths about board appointments is that nobody wants a “nobody” on their board. When organisations are searching for new board members, they’re looking for individuals who are well-regarded, visible, and respected within their industry or area of expertise. It’s essential to reflect on your personal brand and professional profile:
- Are you a known thought leader in your field?
- Have you contributed to media, written articles, or shared insights on important issues?
- Is your online presence strong enough to capture attention when people search for you?
The reality is that if you’re not visible in your industry, you need to take immediate steps to increase your profile. Build a robust online brand by publishing thought leadership on LinkedIn, participating in webinars, contributing to industry journals, and engaging in public speaking opportunities. A strong digital presence ensures that when your name is brought up in board discussions, there’s a sense of familiarity and credibility attached to it.
Rule 2: Board Appointments Are Incremental
Securing board roles is rarely an overnight success story. Most board careers start with modest appointments—small private company boards, not-for-profit organisations, or advisory positions. These early roles may not offer significant remuneration, but they are invaluable for gaining governance experience and building credibility. Think of these initial roles as stepping stones:
- Each board role adds to your experience and strengthens your board resume.
- Success in one role often leads to recommendations for others.
- Building a diverse portfolio of experiences over time will make you a more attractive candidate for larger, higher-profile boards.
The best approach is to start small, gain experience, and gradually work your way up. Don’t overlook opportunities in the not-for-profit or private sectors—these roles often provide the practical governance experience that larger, listed companies look for.
Rule 3: Networking Is the Heart of the Board Game
Networking is the cornerstone of any successful board search strategy. The majority of board appointments are not advertised publicly, and positions are often filled through recommendations and personal connections. To be considered for these roles, you need to actively build relationships with chairpersons, current board members, and key influencers. Here’s how you can strengthen your networking approach:
- Attend industry events, governance seminars, and corporate networking functions to meet people involved in board appointments.
- Reach out to experienced board directors for coffee meetings or advice sessions, and don’t be afraid to ask for referrals.
- Engage with lawyers, accountants, and executive search firms that specialise in board placements—they often have direct access to opportunities.
Remember, networking isn’t just about collecting business cards or making a LinkedIn connection—it’s about building meaningful relationships over time. Establish trust, show your value, and make sure that when board opportunities arise, your name comes up.
Rule 4: Personal Branding Is Critical
Your personal brand extends far beyond your board resume. It includes everything from how you present yourself at meetings to your online presence and media engagement. A strong personal brand demonstrates that you’re ready to represent a company at the highest levels and that you’re a respected voice in your industry. Focus on building a cohesive brand that reflects your values, leadership style, and expertise:
- Maintain a professional and polished appearance—how you present yourself in meetings is an extension of your brand.
- Regularly share your knowledge and insights through articles, blog posts, or videos. Thought leadership is a powerful way to differentiate yourself from other board candidates.
- Secure media opportunities to showcase your expertise. Being quoted in the press or contributing to media articles builds credibility and positions you as a leader.
As you strengthen your personal brand, keep in mind that consistency is key. Every interaction you have—whether online or in-person—should reflect the qualities you want to be known for as a board director.
Rule 5: Job Boards Don’t Work for Board Roles
It’s tempting to rely on job boards when looking for board opportunities, but the reality is that most board roles are not filled through these platforms. Companies don’t typically advertise board positions on job sites; instead, they rely on nominations from internal networks, recommendations from executive search firms, or direct approaches to trusted contacts. If you want to succeed in securing board appointments, you need to rethink your approach:
- Focus on building relationships with the people who make board appointments: CEOs, chairpersons, and board directors.
- Avoid relying on generic applications through job boards and instead invest your time in networking and building connections that can lead to personal introductions.
- Stay informed about organisations that are growing or undergoing governance changes—these can be great opportunities for new board roles.
Rule 6: Manage Your Reputation Like Gold
Your reputation is one of the most important assets you have in the board director game. Every interaction you have—whether with a receptionist, colleague, or CEO—impacts how others perceive you. In the board world, word travels fast, and a few quick reference checks can reveal a lot about your character, professionalism, and leadership style. To protect and manage your reputation:
- Be mindful of how you treat people at all levels, as this can have long-term consequences for your career.
- Always deliver on your promises—reliability and integrity are critical traits for board directors.
- Ensure that your online presence aligns with your values and doesn’t contain anything that could harm your professional reputation.
In the end, reputation is built on consistency, integrity, and professionalism. Make sure that everything you do contributes to a positive, respected image in the boardroom and beyond.
Rule 7: Be Persistent, Patient, and Strategic
Building a board portfolio takes time, effort, and resilience. The competition for board roles is fierce, and success doesn’t come overnight. However, by following these rules and adopting a strategic, long-term approach, you can set yourself up for success. Keep building your experience, nurturing your network, and refining your personal brand. With persistence and patience, the right opportunities will come your way.
Securing board appointments is a strategic game that requires careful planning, networking, and self-promotion. By understanding the rules of the game and positioning yourself as a strong candidate with a visible, credible profile, you can open doors to rewarding and influential board roles.