Have you been trying to secure a board role for months (or even years) with little to show for it?

If so, you’re not alone. Many experienced executives find themselves stuck when it comes to securing meaningful board appointments. They’ve put in the effort — refining their resume, improving their LinkedIn profile, attending networking events — but they still haven’t landed a commercial board seat.

The problem isn’t lack of effort — it’s often bad advice. The board search market operates very differently from the executive job market, and the strategies that work for securing an executive role don’t necessarily translate to success in the boardroom.

The Hard Truth About the Board Search Market

The reality is that most board roles are not advertised. Unlike executive positions, board appointments are typically filled through networks, personal introductions, and discreet recommendations. If you’ve been relying on job boards or applying blindly to advertised board positions, you’re likely missing out on most of the available opportunities.

Even more challenging is the fact that many aspiring board directors are being given poor advice about how to approach their board search. They are told to apply for major public company boards or high-profile industry roles without securing the right foundation first.

Board Careers Are Incremental

Successful board careers are built step-by-step. You don’t start at the top — you have to secure the right stepping-stone board seats first.

• High-paying commercial board roles ($50,000–$100,000 per year) are rarely offered to first-time board members.
• Most successful board directors started with smaller, lower-profile, or even unpaid board seats that helped them build credibility and governance experience.
• The key is to target smaller but strategically valuable board positions that can elevate your profile and lead to more significant opportunities.

Many aspiring directors — especially women — are being pushed into unpaid not-for-profit roles under the misguided assumption that this will eventually lead to commercial board opportunities. The truth is that while not-for-profit roles can be valuable, they don’t always translate into higher-profile commercial opportunities unless they align strategically with your career goals and industry expertise.

Common Mistakes in the Board Search Process

After working with hundreds of board candidates, I’ve identified the most common mistakes that hold people back:

1. Unrealistic Expectations

Many first-time board candidates aim too high, too soon. Applying for high-paying board seats without previous governance experience is rarely successful.

➡️ Start with advisory or committee roles to build experience and credibility.

2. Misunderstanding the Market

Board roles are not like executive jobs — they are not widely advertised. If you’re relying on public listings alone, you are missing the majority of available opportunities.

➡️ Focus on networking and building relationships with key decision-makers.

3. Lack of a Clear Strategy

Applying to every board role you see without a clear plan is ineffective and exhausting.

➡️ Identify your target industries, define your value proposition, and focus your efforts on specific types of roles.

4. Ignoring the Unpaid-to-Paid Progression

Unpaid board roles can lead to paid positions — but only if they are strategically aligned with your long-term goals.

➡️ Be selective about unpaid roles and ensure they provide valuable exposure to decision-makers in your industry.

5. Poor Personal Branding

If key decision-makers don’t know who you are, you won’t be considered. Your LinkedIn profile, resume, and professional reputation need to be aligned and reflect your governance expertise.

➡️ Position yourself as a governance expert through thought leadership, professional branding, and strategic networking.

What Works in the Board Search Market

The most successful board candidates follow a structured approach:

✅ Step 1: Develop a Clear Value Proposition

Be specific about what you bring to a boardroom. Are you a financial expert? A governance strategist? A technology leader? Boards are looking for specific skills, not generalists.

✅ Step 2: Target the Right Roles

High-profile corporate boards are often out of reach for first-time directors. Start with:

• Private company boards
• Industry associations
• Government advisory boards
• Strategic not-for-profit boards

These roles provide critical governance experience and help you build credibility.

✅ Step 3: Build Your Network

Most board appointments happen through personal networks and introductions. Engage with key influencers, board chairs, and search firms. Attend events and participate in industry conversations.

✅ Step 4: Establish Thought Leadership

Directors are expected to bring strategic thinking and insight to the boardroom. Share your expertise through LinkedIn posts, speaking engagements, and published articles.

✅ Step 5: Accept Stepping-Stone Roles

Committee roles, advisory boards, and not-for-profit boards can open doors to more substantial opportunities.

Why Persistence and Consistency Matter

Successful board candidates don’t land a board seat overnight. The most effective approach is to treat your board search like a campaign:

• Target specific companies and industries
• Build relationships with key influencers
• Engage in meaningful conversations
• Track your progress and adjust your strategy as needed

Consistency matters. If you approach enough of the right people in a quarter, engage in enough strategic conversations, and demonstrate your value in the right way — you will start to see results.

Why You May Need to Recalibrate

If you’ve been searching for a board role for a year or more with little success, it may be time to reassess your strategy. That doesn’t mean you need to give up — but you may need to adjust your approach based on realistic goals and targeted activity.

This is where an external perspective can be helpful. A trusted advisor or headhunter can provide an honest assessment of your board readiness and help you refine your strategy.

Next Steps: Build a Sustainable Board Portfolio

Building a successful board career is a long-term strategy, not a quick win. The most effective candidates are those who approach the process strategically and methodically.

If you’re serious about building a commercially paid board portfolio, my Board Portfolio Program provides the tools and guidance you need to succeed. Through tailored strategy sessions, market intelligence, and direct introductions to decision-makers, we help you position yourself effectively and secure the right board roles.