Finding a board seat is no easy feat

BE AGGRESSIVE, STRATEGIC

career as director to prematurely end.

– Boards want people who are successful in their fields. You must put together a professional profile that highlights all your accomplishments. Additionally, make use of LinkedIn which is a fantastic platform to advertise your achievements.

– If you want to penetrate the independent director market you must build a network of relevant people such as past and current directors to use as introductory mechanisms into the world of directors. Remember, a board member is nominated and thereafter shareholders or the board vote on his or her appointment.

– A good method to meet directors could be to join an association that houses directors such as Directors Association.

– Another option could be to employ the services of an executive search firm. These firms are hired by organisations to find suitable independent director candidates on their behalf.

– The truth of the matter is that board vacancies do not pop up every day. That means it could take some time before you find one. You have to be patient and keep looking, keep networking and building relationships.

– Once you find a board seat you must serve it well. Your competency and effectiveness on your first board will open doors for you to sit on multiple boards thereafter.

Munya Duvera is CEO at Duvera Elgroup