One of the most important — and most overlooked — questions I ask every aspiring board candidate is Why do you want to serve on a board? You’d be surprised how often people stumble over this. Some haven’t reflected deeply, while others give surface-level responses that focus on remuneration rather than contribution. But if you don’t have clarity on your why, you’ll struggle to build a sustainable board portfolio.

Board Work Is a Career, Not a Quick Fix

We are living and working longer. Retirement is no longer a cliff we fall off at 65. In fact, in The Australian Financial Review, Mark Bouris made a strong point in one of his recent interviews:

“The concept of retirement is outdated. If you’re fit, healthy, and your brain’s firing — why stop? Keep contributing. That’s where the fulfilment comes from.”

For many senior executives, a board career offers an ideal transition — a way to stay engaged, influence strategy at the highest levels, and give back to industries that shaped their success. But this isn’t a shortcut to easy money.

I often hear from individuals who lead with statements like, “I’m looking for a paid board role.” While remuneration is a valid long-term goal, it cannot be your sole driver — especially not upfront. Board work is serious business. It’s demanding, strategic, and laden with fiduciary responsibility. It can also be high-stakes and stressful, particularly in sectors navigating crisis or transformation.

In a sobering report published by The Guardian Australia, experts warned:

“Board directors are often in the firing line when organisations misstep. It’s not just reputational risk — the legal liability is real, and it’s increasing.”

Purpose Fuels Staying Power

A strong why is what sustains you through the tough times. It’s what gives you energy to contribute meaningfully to governance discussions, business growth, and navigating risk. It’s also what helps you bounce back from setbacks in your board search — because yes, it’s competitive.

There are thousands of candidates in Australia positioning for a limited number of high-quality board roles. The Sydney Morning Herald noted just last year:

“The appetite for boardroom appointments is surging — particularly from seasoned executives who are retiring early but want to remain active. It’s a buyer’s market, and boards are spoiled for choice.”

What Motivates You?

Let me be clear: wanting to work at the most senior levels of the company is a perfectly legitimate motivation. So is the desire to contribute your hard-earned skills in strategy, risk, innovation, finance, or ESG. So is the desire to help guide the next generation. But these reasons must be deeply personal and aligned with the reality of board life.

Here are a few guiding questions to explore:

• What legacy do I want to leave?
• What kinds of organisations or causes do I care most about?
• What strategic insights or governance experience do I bring to the table?
• Am I prepared for the responsibilities, time, and challenges of board work?

Strategy Follows Purpose

Once you’re clear on why you want to serve, you can craft a how that makes sense — the right roles, the right sectors, the right stepping stones. You’ll be able to network more authentically, show up with purpose, and position yourself in a way that resonates with Chairs and Nominations Committees.

Don’t wear rose-coloured glasses. Wear your strategy hat.

If you’re exploring board roles and want to be part of the next generation of directors making a real impact — start by answering this: 👉 Why do I want to serve on a board?

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Need help building your board career strategy or resume? I offer a range of programs and tools to help senior leaders transition into the boardroom. Book a confidential discussion via www.calendly.com/kyliehammond/tigerboards to explore how I can support your board ambitions.