Board Readiness
Get a Seat at the Table
Service on a board can be both meaningful and rewarding. But, finding the right board seat challenges many senior executives. Opportunities are few—and the bar is high.
That’s where Navigate Forward comes in. We help seasoned executives and senior leaders understand the board landscape, evaluate your readiness and market yourself effectively. It’s a collaborative and customized process that positions you for success.
Leverage Your Strengths and Gain New Perspectives
Whether you’re ready to add value beyond your day job or considering an encore career, board service brings numerous benefits for senior leaders. It’s one of the few ways that top executives can grow and develop professionally. Many forward-thinking organizations now encourage board service for their executive leaders.
Benefits of Corporate Board Service
- Leverage your expertise in a new way
- Experience different corporate cultures and leadership styles
- Learn strategies and perspectives from other industries
- Expand your professional network
- Develop trusted peer relationships
- Make meaningful contributions to respected organizations
The Board Readiness service focuses on publicly- and privately-held corporate boards. Within those sectors we help determine which opportunities are right for you.
Board Work Differs from Executive Leadership
Board work requires more than passion or industry experience. Boards value thought leadership more than operational expertise. They expect collaboration and strategic oversight more than hands-on management.
Today’s most in-demand candidates demonstrate both intellectual agility and extreme diplomacy. They can articulate their positions confidently and persuasively—without excessive ego or heavy-handed tactics. These individuals are:
- Adept at navigating complex issues
- Well-versed in managing risk
- Excellent at building relationships
The Board Readiness service helps you pivot to match this new paradigm. Positioning your background and abilities to suit a governance role is key to achieving this new altitude.
What Our Clients Say
Our Board Readiness consultants guide you at every step with the right level of support, candor and accountability. We work one-on-one with every candidate to show you the way.
Valuable Insights
Go-To-Market Strategy
Tools for Success
You gain valuable insights, a go-to-market strategy, and the tools to succeed. Together, we create strong personal marketing messages, then develop a board bio that captures the unique value you offer a corporate board.
During your search, we help you engage the right audiences, with networking best practices and targeted introductions to the Navigate Forward community. As you secure board interviews, our consultants ensure you’re confident and prepared.
Every aspect of the Board Readiness service is tailored to the distinct rituals and norms of behavior that boards expect.
The Itinerary
Market Intelligence
The work begins with an in-depth review of market realities and opportunities.
Board Readiness Evaluation
We help clarify your interests, expertise and qualifications to find the best market fit.
Increasing Your Readiness
You will learn strategies to close your gap. Then we package and position you for success.
Going to Market
You will have what it takes to launch an effective board search campaign.
Featured Content
Five Essentials to Land Your First Corporate Board Seat
Are You Board Ready? Watch the Club E Virtual Event
Fairview’s Karen Grabow on Landing and Contributing in a Board Role
Board work is such a rewarding way to keep yourself sharp, use your skills and…