A Word of Caution: The Harsh Realities of Aspiring for Board Roles

I’ve been seeing an alarming trend in the board director market lately, and I feel compelled to address it, especially for those of you aspiring to serve on boards. In the last five years, we’ve seen a surge of businesses offering board director training services, matching programs, and educational courses, all promising that if you invest in their program, you’ll be ready to step into a boardroom role.

Unfortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth for many.

The Marketing Trap: False Promises

A lot of people are getting swept up in the marketing dream that if you complete a course, you’ll suddenly be qualified to sit on a board of directors. I’ve seen individuals invest large sums of money in board-related education, only to find themselves disappointed and disillusioned when they realise they weren’t equipped to pursue these roles. These courses are often marketed to people who don’t yet have the necessary skills, qualifications, or seniority for a serious run at a board appointment.

Some business models are even encouraging people who have never held financial or legal responsibility within a company—such as secretaries or tradespeople—to believe they can leap straight into board roles. This gives false hope and unrealistic expectations, setting people up for failure.

The Harsh Reality: Board Roles Require Seniority and Expertise

Let me give you a reality check. Serving on a board is not a ‘training ground’ for aspiring directors. The government, large corporations, and other entities appoint people to boards who have extensive experience—typically those who have served in senior executive roles for over a decade. These are people with profound knowledge of company finances, legal responsibilities, and governance.

The fiduciary and legal responsibilities that come with a board seat are immense, and the risks are enormous. These roles are not for the faint-hearted and certainly not for those who are mid-level executives or new to leadership.

A Real-Life Example

Recently, I spoke with a mid-level executive who had been encouraged to take a company director course with the promise that it would land her a board role. After investing time and money, she was understandably disheartened when I had to explain that her current experience wasn’t sufficient to secure a seat on a board. Instead, I advised her to focus on her executive pathway first—securing more senior roles and taking on P&L responsibility—before considering a board career.

This is the unfortunate reality for many. They’ve been told one thing, invested heavily, and are left disappointed when the truth is revealed.

The Right Pathway to Board Success

Here’s what you need to know:

• Formal governance training is essential, yes, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Courses like the GAICD are invaluable once you’ve built the necessary experience.
• To be considered for a board role, you must have significant senior-level experience—typically at least 10 years of it.
• You must have held responsibility for company finances, legalities, and overall governance.
• If you’re not yet at that level, focus on your executive career first. Work on securing senior roles that offer you P&L and governance experience.

My Advice: Don’t Rush Into It

If you’ve been encouraged to pursue a board career but aren’t sure if you’re ready, my advice is simple: do a reality check. Don’t fall for the marketing trap. Ensure you have the right level of experience before investing in board-related education or services.

Board appointments are for those who have earned their stripes—and it’s okay if that isn’t you right now. Not everyone needs to serve on a board to have a successful corporate career. Many people choose not to take on the stress, responsibility, and risks that come with these roles. And that’s completely fine!

Need a Reality Check?

If you’re unsure where you stand, I invite you to book a complimentary board career assessment with me. I’ll give you the straight talk on whether or not you’re ready for a board role, where your skills might apply, and what gaps you need to address before you embark on this journey.

Book your board career assessment today and get the advice you need to make informed decisions.

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