Yesterday at the Bond Alumni Homecoming Women in Leadership Breakfast, I delivered a keynote that hit a nerve—not because it was comfortable, but because it was true.

We are at a turning point in how board leadership is defined. Traditional pathways no longer serve modern organisations. The complexity of today’s business environment requires directors who are ethical, commercially sharp, inclusive, and forward-thinking. This is precisely where women thrive—and yet, many are still waiting to be invited to the table. The message I shared is simple: stop waiting. Start leading.

Here’s a recap of the key messages I delivered to the Bond alumni community—lessons that are relevant for anyone ready to own their seat at the table.

1. The Boardroom is Changing. Are You Ready to Lead? Boards today are dealing with climate risk, cyber threats, social licence to operate, AI disruption, mental health liabilities, economic instability—the list goes on. The demand for ethical, strategic, and emotionally intelligent leaders has never been higher. Women who have led teams, built businesses, navigated complexity, and delivered results are not a ‘nice to have’. They are essential.

2. The Market is Booming, but Noisy. There have never been more board roles available—across private enterprise, PE and VC-backed businesses, government, family offices, advisory boards, and more. But it is also crowded. Executives are pivoting en masse to portfolio careers, and the volume of aspiring directors is overwhelming. To stand out, you need more than just intent. You need a clear strategy.

3. Don’t Waste Years in the Wrong Roles. Many women are still told to “start with not-for-profits” as a stepping stone. In reality, these unpaid roles can consume huge amounts of time and offer limited commercial value. Be selective. Choose opportunities that align with your goals and will elevate your experience. Do not let your value be exploited in the name of visibility.

4. Strong Directors Lead Without Ego. Boards need servant leaders. Not the loudest voice in the room. Not the old-school ego-driven executive who throws tantrums. They need directors who are collegiate, collaborative and calm under pressure. Women excel in these environments. Your lived experience, commercial mindset, and emotional intelligence are assets. Use them.

5. Visibility is Not Vanity. It is Strategy. Nobody appoints a nobody. You must be seen. Start publishing on LinkedIn. Share your views on industry trends. Write articles. Speak at events. Get active. A single piece of thought leadership can lead to an invitation. One of our clients secured her first board role from a post that caught the eye of a Chair. She went from unknown to appointed in two weeks.

6. Formal Credentials Still Matter. Whether it is the GAICD or Bond University’s Master of Laws in Enterprise Governance, formal education matters. These programs provide language, confidence, and clarity. They equip you to step into the boardroom with conviction and credibility.

7. Women Must Champion Women. Too often, I see women defer to male colleagues or refer opportunities away from themselves. We must stop this. If you are offered a role, take it. If you are qualified, speak up. If you are in the room, put another woman forward. We cannot afford to hesitate or wait for permission.

8. You Already Have What it Takes If you have managed budgets, led people, delivered outcomes, influenced strategy, navigated crises—you are ready. Do not let perfectionism or imposter syndrome hold you back. You do not need to be a 20-year CEO to join a board. You need to be prepared, credible, visible, and connected.

9. Board Careers are the Future of Work A well-managed board portfolio can generate $250,000 to $500,000 a year, provide intellectual fulfilment, and give you flexibility well into your 60s, 70s, and beyond. It is a sustainable, rewarding second act. However, you must approach it with the same discipline and commitment as any executive career.

10. You Don’t Get Appointed Alone. Board careers are built through relationships. No one gets there by themselves. You need sponsors, introducers, referrers, advocates. Tap into your networks. Engage meaningfully with Chairs. Leverage your alumni. And be clear about your value proposition. People need to know what you stand for and where you add value.

This is not about filling quotas or playing politics. This is about performance. Boards with diverse thinkers make better decisions. That is not opinion—it is fact. If you are reading this and thinking, “Maybe I’m ready”—you are.

If this message resonates, let’s talk. I’m offering a complimentary one-on-one board career assessment for those serious about building their portfolio. Please email me directly at kylie@tigerboards.com.au or visit www.kyliehammond.com.au.

Let’s change the face of the boardroom. And let’s do it together.