At Navigate Forward, our Board Readiness practice is experiencing an increase in interest as many executives are exploring ways to extend their leadership into the boardroom, whether that means stepping into a first board role or expanding their influence through new committees. To meet this growing demand, we’re excited to welcome two exceptional leaders to our consulting team: Kathryn Bohl and Diana Purcel.
Meet Kathryn
Kathryn Bohl is a highly experienced board director and former senior executive who knows the boardroom inside and out. She has served on multiple public company boards, led significant governance and succession initiatives, and held senior leadership roles at Sleep Number and General Electric. A former Navigate Forward client, Kathryn has firsthand experience with the Board Readiness journey she now helps guide. In 2019, she was honored with the Outstanding Director Award by Twin Cities Business. Kathryn brings a thoughtful, strategic approach to preparing executives for board service.
Meet Diana
Diana Purcel brings a unique perspective, drawing on her extensive experience as both a board member and a former client. With a background as CFO for several prominent consumer brands, Diana offers significant financial, operational, and corporate governance expertise. Her leadership includes chairing public company Audit Committees and serving on Compensation and Nominating & Governance committees. Diana understands firsthand what it takes to successfully transition from the C-suite to the boardroom and is passionate about guiding others through that journey.
“Our Board Readiness practice has grown as more leaders seek purposeful ways to extend their influence,” shares Anne Sample, CEO and Owner of Navigate Forward. “Kathy and Diana each bring outstanding experience, fresh perspectives, and a genuine passion for helping leaders succeed in the boardroom. One of the greatest advantages of having them on our team is that they’re both currently serving on boards, bringing real-time insights that make our guidance even more relevant and practical. I’m excited for what their expertise means for our clients’ journeys.”
Leadership Development and Retention Strategy for the C-Suite
Board Readiness isn’t just an opportunity for individual leaders; it’s also a powerful development and retention tool for organizations. When thoughtfully integrated into executive development strategies, the Board Readiness engagement helps emerging or transitioning leaders clarify their board-focused value, build the right materials, and build strategic networks—all of which not only support their aspirations but also reinforce their engagement and retention within the organization.
Preparing for Board Service
For executives themselves, this service goes beyond simply landing a board seat. It’s a one-on-one, customized experience that helps them assess readiness, develop a clear value proposition, and launch a purposeful path toward governance roles that align with their next chapter.
That was the experience for Kristi Fox, EVP & Chief Administrative Officer of Securian Financial Group, Inc., who recently secured her first compensated board seat.
“I’m so grateful for my time with Mary Kloehn and the Navigate Forward team in preparing me for my first compensated board role. The tools and resources they provided were exactly what I needed, yet what made the biggest difference was having a coach by my side throughout the process. The accountability kept me moving forward on a priority that could have easily taken a back seat while balancing a full-time career, family, and my health and wellness. My engagement with Navigate Forward gave me the confidence, preparation, and readiness I needed to pursue and secure a board seat.”
Today, with the additions of Kathryn and Diana, Navigate Forward is more prepared than ever to guide senior leaders through every step of their board readiness process, helping them define their value, tell their story, and secure the right opportunities to make a lasting impact.
Are you interested in learning more about how our Board Readiness program can help you or your organization? Learn more about how Navigate Forward supports executives in preparing for board service or contact us today to start the conversation.
