Where to Start as an Aspiring Board Member - Part Three | Ep. 128
Release Date: 11/18/2025
Answering the “Why You?” Question: Mastering Your Board Story | Ep. 133
Board Shorts Podcast
Every Board you approach, whether through an advertisement or a coffee meeting, is asking themselves one fundamental question: "Why you?" Why should they choose you over the other candidates? Why are you the risk worth taking? If you are struggling to answer this question concisely, or if your applications are being met with silence, the issue likely isn't your capability; it’s your Unique Board Value Proposition (UBVP). In this episode, I deconstruct exactly how to build a compelling Board Story. I break down the seven elements that make up your unique value proposition and provide the...
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The 90% Rule: Why You Probably Won’t Find Your Next Board Role Advertised
Board Shorts Podcast
If your Board search strategy consists of spending your Saturday mornings refreshing LinkedIn, searching through Institute listings, and waiting for an email alert to ping—this episode is your reality check. Today, I’m breaking down the "Iceberg Theory" of Board recruitment. The advertisements you see on public job boards represent less than 10% of the actual opportunities. The other 90% - the hidden Board seat market - are filled through trusted networks, private recommendations, and strategic conversations long before an advertisement is ever written. I explain why this ‘Board...
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Hope is Not a Strategy: Taking Control of your Board Career | Ep. 131
Board Shorts Podcast
If you are currently looking for a Board role, answer this honestly: Is your strategy based on searching for that perfect advertisement, waiting for head-hunters to call, or asking your network to "keep you in mind"? If so, you are likely hearing a lot of silence. In this episode, I am sharing a bit of a reality check. I am breaking down the four most common "strategies" aspiring Board Members use, and exactly why they don’t work in today’s market. Over 90% of Board roles are never advertised. If you are relying on the "Seek.com Approach," you are competing for less than 10% of the...
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The One Decision You Need to Make Before 2026 | Ep. 130
Board Shorts Podcast
Instead of giving you a lecture or a list of "10 things you must do over Christmas," I’m giving you the exact opposite: full permission to switch off. Tune in to hear why "strategic rest" is just as important as strategic action and learn about the one decision you need to make now to ensure 2026 is the year you finally land your Board role. In this episode, I discuss: Permission to Rest: Why you cannot be an effective, sharp Board Member if you are constantly running on fumes. The "One Decision": A visualisation exercise to ask yourself where...
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Three End-of-Year Moves to Boost Your Board Career in 2026 | Ep. 129
Board Shorts Podcast
The end of the year often feels like pure downtime, but we see it as a strategic window; a rare time when high-level professionals and current Board Members are more reflective and accessible. While everyone else is winding down (or watching the cricket!), you have an opportunity to make three highly focused, low effort moves that will put you miles ahead of the competition and guarantee a strong Board career launch in the new year. This isn't about the hustle; it's about strategic preparation so you can hit the ground running when the new year officially begins. In this episode, I cover three...
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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...
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)