Thinking About Joining a Board? Here’s How to Get Started.
Oct 10, 2024
by Pierre COLLOWALD
Joining a board is an exciting opportunity. It gives you fresh perspectives, expands your network, and helps you grow—both personally and professionally. But it’s no longer just a ceremonial title.
“Pierre, I’m thinking about joining a board. Where do I start?”
That’s a question someone asked me recently—a person I worked with just a few months ago. If you’re in senior leadership or on an Executive Committee, chances are you’ve thought about it too. So, here’s the advice I shared with him.
Why a board seat is worth pursuing
Yes, of course, joining a board is an exciting opportunity. It gives you fresh perspectives, expands your network, and helps you grow—both personally and professionally. But it’s no longer just a ceremonial title. Today’s boards expect real work, deep engagement, and a strong sense of accountability. There’s also a lot more legal exposure now.
So how can you prepare?
Four steps to prepare for a board role
- Understand what’s expected – Boards want strategic thinkers who can contribute meaningfully and challenge ideas constructively. It’s all about what you bring to the table.
- Think about training – Governance programs can help you understand the responsibilities of being on a board. My top picks are INSEAD (France), IMD (Switzerland), or Guberna (Belgium).
- Tap into your network – Most board roles aren’t advertised. It’s about people trusting you.
- Reach out to Executive Search professionals – Some recruiters specialize in board roles and can help you find the right opportunities and position yourself effectively.
How we can help
If you’re thinking of stepping into a board role and don’t know where to start, we can help. My colleague Liesbeth Van Loock, a board‑placement expert, is happy to discuss how we can accelerate your journey. Ready to take the next step? 😊
