If you’ve ever indulged your inner entrepreneur or delivered a sizeable community initiative or event, you’ll know these experiences demand a unique blend of skills and strategic thinking. Whether it’s navigating challenges, understanding financials, or driving a project to completion, such ventures help you develop abilities that often go beyond what’s typically required in your day-to-day work.
Now, imagine applying that same mix of practical skills and visionary thinking to a boardroom setting. Joining a board offers just this—giving you a platform to influence meaningful change while developing your leadership skills in ways that benefit both you and the organisation you’re serving.
The value of being on a board
A board role offers both tangible and intangible rewards, helping you grow personally and professionally by exposing you to new challenges, diverse viewpoints, and higher levels of responsibility.
Becoming a board member can be a great way to:
Take your skills to the next level
Board members gain insights into an organisation’s inner workings, especially in areas such as strategic governance and oversight. This exposure is invaluable for building skills in strategic thinking, corporate governance, and decision-making, broadening your perspective and enhancing critical thinking.
Build a network
Joining a board is a powerful way to connect with like-minded individuals and changemakers. Engaging with others at an executive level naturally broadens your perspective and equips you with the language of leadership. This opens doors to new opportunities and deeper connections within executive environments.
Amplify your impact
Board service allows you to make a significant impact in areas that align with your values. Even if you’re early in your career, don’t rule out board service—whether through becoming a Board Observer or supporting an initiative aligned with your goals.
Introducing ASDA’s something we’re working on
At ASDA, we’re committed to advancing Australia’s capabilities in the space sector. We want to provide practical solutions to the sector which helps create a competent and diverse workforce - from entry level positions right up to the executive suite. To help aspiring executives gain corporate governance exposure and build confidence, we’re launching a Board Observer pilot program next year.
For those interested in a board career, Board Observer Programs are an invaluable step. These programs allow individuals to attend board meetings as silent observers, experiencing board dynamics firsthand without formal responsibilities. Observers gain insights into board discussions, governance practices, and decision-making processes while building skills in:
Understanding board processes
Acquiring real-world governance experience
Demonstrating commitment to board-level responsibility
All of these skills can be leveraged in future board applications. Programs like this often have long waitlists, so ASDA’s pilot will offer a unique early opportunity for those looking to break into governance or an executive level career path.
Other ways to build board experience
If you’re interested in board roles but don’t have direct experience, there are other pathways to consider. Volunteering your time and skills in an area of interest is one approach that can demonstrate your commitment, competence, and values to a prospective board. Many board positions are voluntary, so be prepared to contribute your expertise pro bono as you build up experience and relationships that could lead to a board seat in the future.
Joining a board
When you’re ready to join a board, remember that holding a board seat is a serious commitment. Board members are directors, carrying legal and financial responsibilities. It’s important to do your due diligence: ask questions, understand the organisation’s financial position, and actively engage in meetings. Even as a new member, you’ll need to stay informed about key issues to assess potential risks.
Finally, be mindful of any conflicts of interest with your employer or other paid roles. Transparency at every stage builds trust and ensures any necessary approvals are in place.
A seat at the table with an organisation you care about offers a unique opportunity to contribute while growing personally and professionally. If board service excites you, consider the broader challenges you want to help address and take steps to get involved. You never know where it might lead!
Written by ASDA National Committee Member, Mitch Porteous.
Mitch recently featured at TedX Canberra November 2024: Illuminate.
Comments