Episode 6 - You Need a Board Strategy Before There’s a Board Vacancy
A board opportunity does not begin when the vacancy appears.
It begins much earlier.
In this episode, Elaine explores why senior leaders need a clear board strategy before they start applying for NED, advisory or portfolio roles.
Because by the time a position is advertised, the board has often already been discussing the gap, sounding out trusted contacts and deciding what kind of experience it needs.
If your thinking only starts when the advert appears, the application is being asked to do too much.
In this episode, Elaine looks at what changes when you become more specific about the boards, sectors and situations where your experience is most useful.
She also explores how a clearer direction improves the conversations you have with your network.
Because “I’m open to NED roles” gives people very little to work with.
A stronger board strategy helps others understand where you fit, who you should meet and what opportunities may be forming before they become formal vacancies.
In this episode:
• Why board opportunities often begin before a role is advertised
• The difference between applying for roles and having a board strategy
• Why senior leaders need to identify the boards and situations that suit their experience
• How greater specificity improves networking conversations
• The questions to ask before approaching your contacts
This episode is for senior leaders who are serious about NED, advisory or portfolio work, but have not yet decided where their experience is most relevant.
Because a strong network cannot help properly without a clear direction.
The more precise you are about the contribution you want to make, the easier it becomes for the right people to connect your experience to the right opportunity.
And that work starts before the vacancy.
Further thinking
Elaine shares ongoing perspectives on executive visibility, positioning and commercial perception on LinkedIn.
