What is a Board and Why do I Want to Join One? | Ep. 108
Release Date: 03/04/2025
Your First 90 Days as a Board Member | Ep. 120
Board Shorts Podcast
Just landed that Board seat? Congratulations! But the real journey starts now. Your first 90 days as a Board member are critical for establishing credibility, building relationships, and making a tangible impact. In this episode, we'll walk you through a practical roadmap for making the most of your time as a baby Board Member. In this episode, you'll learn: Five essential self-onboarding strategies to get you up to speed quickly and independently, from deep-diving into foundational documents like the constitution and Board charter, to strategically introducing yourself to the wider...
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What to Know Before Your First Board Meeting | Ep. 119
Board Shorts Podcast
Congratulations, you've landed a Board seat! Now, what happens inside that Boardroom? This episode tackles the anxiety of your first Board meeting, sharing practical ways to build confidence and hit the ground running. This episode demystifies what to expect, covering: The Typical Board Meeting Flow: Understand the agenda, from "in camera" sessions to key reports and decision points. Essential Documents & Effective Reading: Learn about strategy updates, CEO reports, financials, and risk updates – and Lisa's method for efficiently processing large Board packs. Board Pack &...
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The Board Member's Mindset Shift: From Executive to Director | Ep. 118
Board Shorts Podcast
We’re discussing a critical topic for Aspiring and emerging Board Members: the fundamental mindset shifts from being a high-achieving executive to an effective Board Member. If you're ready to make a real impact at the governance level, this episode is for you. We explore why the "doing" or operational mindset, so valuable in executive roles, can actually hinder your contribution as a Board Member. And we talk about how the Director Mindset, can help you to shift your focus from day-to-day execution to strategic oversight, long-term sustainability, and robust governance. In this episode,...
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Aligning Governance and Management Q&A with Giselle McLachlan and Fiona McKenzie | Ep. 117
Board Shorts Podcast
Earlier this month (May 2025), BoardPro hosted a webinar on '' with Giselle McLachlan, Fiona McKenzie, and I, and the response was incredible. The questions flooded in – a testament to how vital and shared this issue is across Boards and country boundaries. We simply couldn't get to all the questions in the time we had in the webinar, so I invited Giselle and Fiona onto the Board Shorts Podcast for a special Q&A episode, answering all of those questions we couldn’t get to in the webinar. If you haven’t seen the webinar yet, I encourage you to . Some of the things we talk about...
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Preparing for Life as a Board Member with Dr Keith Dorsey | Ep. 116
Board Shorts Podcast
I'm so excited to share this conversation with you! I've found a kindred spirit in Dr. Keith Dorsey, who, like me, is dedicated to helping people navigate the often-uncharted territory of embarking on a board career. Dr. Keith D. Dorsey is an executive coach, author, and expert in leadership development and corporate governance. With over 25 years of experience, Keith is passionate about helping senior leaders secure seats at the corporate boardroom table. His new book, , offers actionable strategies for aspiring board members and independent directors seeking their next board seat. In...
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From Invisible to Influential with Carol Kaemmerer | Ep. 115
Board Shorts Podcast
Are you being talked about in the rooms you're not in? I chat with LinkedIn branding expert Carol Kaemmerer about turning quiet credibility into commanding presence to land board roles. Discover why who knows you matters most and how to become authentically visible and influential, even as an introvert. Carol shares practical steps to troubleshoot your visibility, leverage LinkedIn effectively, and define the three key things you want to be known for. Key Takeaways: Understanding executive influence and why professional visibility is crucial for aspiring Board Members. Troubleshooting...
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Don't Wait for the Ad: Your Strategic Board Resume in Action | Ep. 114
Board Shorts Podcast
I’m exploring a crucial aspect of your Board search that goes far beyond simply responding to job advertisements: how to strategically use your Board Resume to proactively open doors to the Boardroom. We often focus on crafting that perfect Board Resume, investing time and energy to showcase our unique value. But what happens after it's written? Are you just waiting for the ideal Board advertisement to land in your inbox? The reality is, many desirable Board positions, especially paid ones, are never publicly advertised. This episode will equip you with the understanding and actionable...
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Telling Your Board Story through Your Board Resume | Ep. 113
Board Shorts Podcast
Ready to craft a Board Resume that truly tells your story? This episode is your roadmap to creating a compelling narrative that will grab a Board recruiter's attention. The episode dives deep into how your Unique Board Value Proposition should shine through your Board Resume, transforming it from a list of achievements into a powerful story about the value you bring. Ever wondered what your "Board Story" actually is? This episode breaks it down for you, explaining how it's a potent combination of your: Board Goal: The specific type of Board you're aiming for. Unique Board Value...
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Five Board Resume Mistakes You Might Be Making | Ep. 112
Board Shorts Podcast
Your Board Resume is a strategic marketing document, not a professional autobiography. In this episode, we dive into the common mistake of overloading your Resume with information. Many Board hopefuls try to include everything, thinking it will impress. Instead, it overwhelms the reader and buries your key information. We’ll explore this mistake and others: Seeing Your Resume as a Comprehensive Professional Autobiography Talking about what you do in your professional or Board role rather than your key achievements or key contributions Using the wrong language Not...
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The Key Elements of a Winning Board Resume | Ep. 111
Board Shorts Podcast
Today I dive into the essential components of a compelling Board Resume. Learn how to create a strategic document that showcases your unique value to a Board and captures the attention of recruiters and nominating committees. In this episode, I discuss why your Board Resume matters and its crucial role in securing Board positions. I also talk about crafting a powerful executive summary/Board profile, highlighting your core competencies and value proposition, and showcasing Board-relevant experience, even without formal Board roles. Furthermore, I delve into demonstrating your leadership and...
info_outlineI’m diving into the essential foundations of board service. If you've ever asked, "What exactly is a board?" or "Why should I join one?", you’re in the right place.
What I Cover:
- Defining a Board:
- A Board is a group that oversees an organisation's activities, acting as guardians of its mission and long-term health.
- We distinguish between governance Boards and advisory Boards (more on advisory boards in episode 107).
- Board Responsibilities:
- Setting strategic direction.
- Providing financial oversight.
- Hiring and supervising the CEO.
- Ensuring legal and ethical compliance.
- Essentially, ensuring the right things are done, at the right time, in the right way.
- Board-Management Relationship:
- Boards operate at a strategic level, separate from day-to-day operations.
- Management handles operational tasks, while the Board provides guidance and oversight.
- Think of it as a collaborative partnership.
- Why Join a Board?
- Make a real impact and shape an organisation's future.
- Develop leadership skills in strategic thinking and governance.
- Give back to your community and support causes you care about.
- Expand your professional network.
- It's ok to seek personal benefit, if you are serving to the highest standard, and for a full term.
- Fitting Board Service into Your Life:
- Be selective and choose a Board that aligns with your values.
- Realistically assess the time commitment.
- Use technology for remote participation.
- Prioritise effective time management.
- Ensure that you are truly able to commit the time.
Key Takeaways:
- Boards provide strategic direction and oversight.
- They work in partnership with management.
- Board service offers significant personal and professional growth.
Links & Resources:
- Episode 107: Finding Your Perfect Fit – Understanding Board Roles and Structures
- Start your Board journey with The SpringBoard Program
- Get on Board with Break into the Boardroom
Thank you for listening! We hope this episode has provided valuable insights into the fundamentals of Board service.