Championing Women in the Boardroom: Insights from a Former Government Leader

Written by Essye Miller

As a woman who has spent the majority of my career in government service, including leading significant initiatives in the Department of Defense, transitioning to corporate board service has been a rewarding challenge. The presence of women on corporate boards is not just about diversity—it’s about better governance, improved risk management, and stronger leadership. My own journey into the corporate board space has highlighted the importance of women stepping into these roles and the value we bring to the table.

Transitioning from Government to Board Leadership

One of the key lessons I’ve learned is that the skills and expertise gained in government service are highly transferable to the corporate boardroom. In my case, deep experience in cybersecurity, information management, and risk management align seamlessly with what corporations need today. By reframing my government experience through the lens of strategy, governance, and talent management, I positioned myself as a valuable asset for boards. The key is recognizing how your previous experiences, no matter the sector, apply to the corporate world.

Building a Network and Visibility

If there’s one piece of advice I give to women seeking board positions, it’s to be intentional about building your network and increasing your visibility. Your qualifications and experiences are important, but the right connections and opportunities often come from those who know and can advocate for you. Leveraging platforms like LinkedIn to communicate your board aspirations and staying engaged with thought leadership opportunities—whether through public speaking, writing, or industry panels—are critical. These actions not only build your credibility but also make you more visible to recruiters and decision-makers.

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Opportunities

Stepping into a corporate boardroom after a career in government can be daunting, but it’s important to embrace the learning process. Translating government experience into industry-relevant language can be a challenge, but it can be overcome with preparation. Understanding board dynamics and making sure your values align with the company’s culture are equally important. I’ve learned that board interviews are a two-way street—it’s as much about assessing whether the company is the right fit for you as it is about them evaluating you.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring Women Board Members

To help other women navigate this transition successfully, here are some key takeaways from my journey:

• Reframe Your Experience: Take the skills you’ve honed in other sectors and translate them into terms that resonate with the corporate world.
• Build Your Network: Actively seek out mentors, sponsors, and connections in the board space. Relationships are crucial to opening doors.
• Be Visible: Engage in public speaking, thought leadership, and networking. The more visible you are, the more opportunities will come your way.
• Embrace Your Voice: Clearly articulate your areas of passion and your values. Boards need diverse perspectives, and your voice is valuable.
• Seek Alignment: Don’t settle. Ensure that the company’s culture and values are a good fit for you and that your contributions will be appreciated.

Take Action: Join #GetOnBoard Week

If you’re serious about advancing your board career, I encourage you to get involved in initiatives like #GetOnBoard Week. This event is dedicated to promoting board diversity and offers resources, workshops, and networking opportunities for women aspiring to board service. It’s a unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders and recruiters, and to accelerate your journey toward the boardroom.

My transition from government to the corporate boardroom has reinforced my belief that women’s leadership is crucial to the future of corporate governance. By embracing our unique experiences, building strong networks, and actively seeking opportunities, we can break barriers and achieve success in boardrooms across all industries. Your voice matters—use it to make a difference in the organizations you serve and to create a more inclusive, prosperous future.

Essye Miller

Essye Miller retired from government after a 30+ year career in information technology and cybersecurity. She culminated her career as the Principal Deputy Chief Information Officer for the Department of Defense. She served as the CISO for the Department of Defense and the U.S. Army.  Essye currently serves as an independent director for COPT Defense Properties (NYSE: CDP) and several privately held companies.