Where to Start as an Aspiring Board Member - Part Three | Ep. 128
Release Date: 11/18/2025
Where to Start as an Aspiring Board Member - Part Three | Ep. 128
Board Shorts Podcast
Finding and getting onto a Board is a strategic game, not a job hunt. This episode covers the necessary tools, networking strategies, and the recruitment process to ensure you move further, faster, and land on a Board where you can contribute at your highest level. In this episode, I share: Why the "Traditional" Approach Fails: I explain why waiting for advertisements and using a standard resume is slow, highly competitive, and largely ineffective, as approximately 90% of Board roles are not advertised. The Essential Tools You Need: Strategic Board...
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Where to Start as an Aspiring Board Member - Part Two | Ep. 127
Board Shorts Podcast
Do I have the right skills and experience for a Board? I’m back for Part 2 of our three-part series to guide you through the vital self-assessment step on your journey to the Boardroom. The big question: Do I have the right skills and experience to join a Board? The answer is almost certainly yes, but the key is finding the right Board that needs what you offer right now. In this episode, I help you: Define Your Whole Value: Your Unique Board Value Proposition (UBVP) is more than just your professional expertise. I explain why the "whole...
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The Indigenous Board Member Journey: Advice and Insights with Kyol Blakeney | Ep. 126
Board Shorts Podcast
In this essential and powerful episode, I am joined by Gomeroi man, Kyol Blakeney, who generously shares his profound insights into navigating the world of governance as an Indigenous leader. Kyol provides a candid look at the experience of "walking in two worlds"; from his personal journey transitioning from a small home community to joining several prominent Boards, and reveals what true inclusion requires. This conversation is a crucial call to action for every Director and Executive committed to creating genuinely diverse Boardrooms. In This Episode, We...
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AI in the Boardroom with Suzanne Rowe | Ep. 125
Board Shorts Podcast
AI is a hot topic, and its presence in the Boardroom is reaching a "fever pitch." In this episode, I revisit the topic of AI with Board administration guru, Suzanne Rowe, to get her current, real-world take on the rapidly advancing landscape. Suzanne and I dive into the evolving use of AI for Board Members and Board Administrators, from meeting preparation to minute-taking. We share our candid concerns and enthusiasm, covering the necessary considerations for proper adoption, the tribulations that arise from improper use (or no use at all), and the...
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Where to Start as an Aspiring Board Member - Part One | Ep. 124
Board Shorts Podcast
This episode kicks off a three-part series designed to help aspiring Board Members navigate the world of Board service. This first instalment tackles the most critical question: What does a Board Member actually do? We'll go beyond the Boardroom to shine a light on the full scope of the role, including the risks, commitments, and rewards. This episode addresses: The Core Responsibilities: the fundamental legal duties of an Australian Board Member/Company Director. We also break down the crucial difference between governance and management. Beyond the Boardroom: Discover the commitments that...
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How Im Navigating AI in Governance | Ep. 123
Board Shorts Podcast
How can Board Members navigate the rapid evolution of AI without succumbing to fear or hype? As a "Geriatric Millennial," I'm sharing how I’m navigating this rapidly evolving technology without falling into the trap of hype or fear. While GenAI presents risks, it also offers significant opportunities that Boards must understand and govern effectively. Key Takeaways for (Human) Board Members Human-in-the-Loop Approach: The most effective use of GenAI requires human interaction to correct for biases, hallucinations, and misinformation. Using it as a "colleague" rather than a...
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The Surprising Path to a Board Seat: Lessons from the Watermark Index | Ep. 122
Board Shorts Podcast
Watermark Search International – an executive and Board search firm – recently released their (somewhat) annual . This index reviewed the 2,100 Board Seats across the ASX300 Boards and evaluated those seats on a range of diversity attributes. As I read through this report, a few things jumped out at me that are worth diving a little deeper into, particularly for aspiring Board Members. In this episode, I discuss Formal Governance Credentials and Board Member Qualifications (do you need one to join a Board?), Director Location (competition for Board roles is international), and Age...
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A Better Way to Get on to Boards | Ep 121
Board Shorts Podcast
Welcome to a special masterclass edition! In this episode, I'm sharing the full recording of my live masterclass, originally held in our vibrant . If you've been wondering how to genuinely break into the Boardroom and truly make an impact, this episode is your strategic roadmap. I dive deep into the underlying theory and practical application of my proven 8-step approach from the Break into the Boardroom course. This isn't about luck; it's about intentional strategy. In this comprehensive masterclass, you'll discover: How to set a precise Board Goal: Defining where your first or...
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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 &...
info_outlineFinding and getting onto a Board is a strategic game, not a job hunt. This episode covers the necessary tools, networking strategies, and the recruitment process to ensure you move further, faster, and land on a Board where you can contribute at your highest level.
In this episode, I share:
- Why the "Traditional" Approach Fails: I explain why waiting for advertisements and using a standard resume is slow, highly competitive, and largely ineffective, as approximately 90% of Board roles are not advertised.
- The Essential Tools You Need:
- Strategic Board Resume: This is a maximum two-page document that clearly communicates your Unique Board Value Proposition (UBVP) and demonstrates your governance experience. (For help, check out episodes 111, 113, and 114).
- Strong Personal Brand: Your professional reputation and credibility, reflected in a purposeful LinkedIn profile, act as essential due diligence tools for potential Board Members and recruiters.
- Networking: The Key to Winning: Learn why strategic networking is critical, focusing on clarity around your Board goal and UBVP, starting with your existing network, and using warm introductions to expand your connections.
- Engaging with Board Search Firms: Understand the role of professional search specialists, how to align your ambitions with the right firm, and the importance of going in prepared (the search specialist will not do the work for you!). Patience is vital, as the process can take many months, sometimes up to two years.
- Navigating the Search Process: I cover the steps sophisticated Boards take to recruit, and how to best prepare for a Board interview, including thorough research, preparing for behavioural and values-based questions, and conducting your own due diligence before accepting an offer.
Actionable Takeaway:
Your Board journey starts now. If you've listened to the whole series (Episodes 124, 127, and 128), immediately begin creating or updating your strategic Board Resume and schedule a coffee meeting with an existing professional connection to seek their guidance about your Board aspirations.
Links Mentioned in this Episode
- Episode 121 – A Better Way to Get on Boards
- Episode 111 – The Key Elements of a Winning Board Resume
- Episode 113 – Telling Your Board Story Through Your Board Resume
- Episode 114 – Your Strategic Board Resume in Action
- Board Resume Resources on Get on Board Australia Website
- Program: Build Your Board Resume
Board Search Firms (Australia)
Board Search Firms (International)