When Paula Phillippe left her executive career to launch a portfolio career, she knew that board service would play a central role in her new venture. What she did not anticipate was how quickly her first board seat would disappear or how valuable outside expertise would be in helping her relaunch her search.
Today, Phillippe serves on four boards, including Highland Bank and VAA Engineering, and has been recognized as a 2025 Outstanding Director of the Year by Twin Cities Business. She credits her success to equal parts preparation, networking, and a true passion for governance, along with support from Navigate Forward.
From Corporate Executive to Portfolio Career
Phillippe built her career as a Chief Human Resources Officer in large organizations spanning healthcare and financial services, including Fairview Health Services, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, and RBC Dain Rauscher. While her expertise was rooted in HR, she often took on broader strategic and operational responsibilities.
“I have always had a passion for growth and building new things,” she explained. “That meant being asked to lead beyond HR, whether it was new business models, strategic growth initiatives, or organizational change.”
She also discovered a preference for privately held family- or partner-owned companies. “The long-term view is very different from the quarterly earnings mindset of public companies. I found it resonated more with my skills and values.”
Finding the Right Support
When Phillippe left corporate life, she was already serving on the board for Klein Bank. But when the bank was acquired, that opportunity ended.
“I had this board thing when I left my corporate career, but it went away,” she recalled. “Now what do I do?”
Through a long-standing professional connection with Anne Sample, CEO of Navigate Forward, Phillippe turned to the firm for guidance. She worked closely with Executive Consultant and Board Readiness Practice Lead Patti O’Leary to sharpen her approach.
“What I really needed was support to build back into board opportunities,” she said. “The board bio was huge. I had never needed one before. And reframing my LinkedIn profile to reflect a board audience was equally important. It forced me to think clearly about my value-add and how I complement other directors.”
Networking with Intention
Beyond logistics, Phillippe also refined her networking strategy. “There are only so many board seats, and they come with their own cycles and timing,” she noted. “The way you get connected is through your network. People need to know you are in the market and what skills you bring.”
That approach paid off. Today, in addition to Highland Bank and VAA Engineering, Phillippe serves on the Minnesota Chapter Board of the Private Directors Association and the national board of Lutheran Services in America.
Advice for Aspiring Directors
Phillippe’s path reflects both discipline and passion, qualities she encourages others to embrace. Her guidance:
- Start with nonprofit boards that operate at scale. “Look for organizations with a corporate profile, such as Second Harvest, Bridging, or the American Heart Association. They will expose you to governance challenges closer to corporate boards.”
- Invest in board education. Programs through groups like the Private Directors Association can accelerate learning about fiduciary duties and governance best practices.
- Leverage expert support. “Navigate Forward helps you clarify your story, align your materials, and create a plan. Without that, it is easy to get lost.”
- Network relentlessly. “Tell everyone you know. You never know who will connect you to the right opportunity.”
Most of all, Phillippe urges would-be directors to examine their motivation. “I do board work because I love it. If you are in it just for prestige or money, it will show. But if you bring genuine curiosity, strategic insight, and a desire to help companies grow, the impact you can make is tremendous.”
Ready to Explore Board Service?
Is board service in your future? Download our digital brochure to learn more about Board Readiness with Navigate Forward, or take our 8-question self-discovery assessment to explore your board potential → Get Started.
And don’t forget to meet other Outstanding Directors who also partnered with Navigate Forward on their board journey.
