One of the biggest misconceptions about building a board career is this idea that you can simply “apply and get in.” Post a few resumes, write a few cover letters, maybe update your LinkedIn – and suddenly you’re on a board. It doesn’t work like that. In fact, that kind of thinking can be one of the fastest ways to stall your board aspirations.
The truth? Board director careers are built in private, behind closed doors, on the back of trust, reputation, and referenceability.
Behind Every Board Appointment Is an Ecosystem
What most people don’t realise is just how many moving parts need to come together to land even one good board appointment. You need:
- A stellar business network
- A strong group of referees who will sing your praises when it matters most
- Business champions, often at the board level, who will vouch for you in the right rooms
- Access to Chairs, Non-Executive Directors, and Nomination Committees – people who are the gatekeepers to those coveted seats
If you don’t have these things in place, the path is steep and unforgiving. You might secure an unpaid gig or an obscure not-for-profit seat, but commercial board roles – the ones that matter – rely heavily on reputation and trusted networks.
As the late Australian businessman Kerry Packer once said, “You only get one Alan Bond in your lifetime.” In other words, reputation is everything, and one supporter in the right place can change your whole trajectory.
It’s What’s Said Behind Closed Doors That Matters Most
When I assess a board candidate, one of the first things I do is look at their referees. If a board resume says “references available on request,” that’s a red flag. Why? Because if you were genuinely proud of who supports you, you’d shout it from the rooftops.
Do you have a Chair of a listed company who’ll back you? A respected NED in your sector who’ll vouch for your governance skills? A CEO who’ll speak to your commercial acumen and integrity? If so, say it loud and clear.
And beyond resumes and profiles, we need to talk about LinkedIn testimonials. These are your public endorsements. Ask for them. Use them. A director without testimonials is like a brand with no reviews – people will hesitate to take a risk.
As I always say, “People buy on the back of referenceability. Boards appoint on the back of referenceability.”
The Reality of Board Recruitment in Australia
The Australian board recruitment market is built on private referrals, not just public ads. Over 70% of appointments never make it to the open market. Here’s a reality check:
- Private equity firms do confidential referencing before taking meetings
- Government and statutory boards conduct informal due diligence before putting you forward
- Even advisory board appointments involve quiet vetting through industry insiders
And yes, some of these conversations happen on golf courses, in business clubs, or in private WhatsApp groups. That’s just the reality. As the AFR recently reported, “Australian board seats are increasingly brokered through informal networks, not formal processes.”
So if you’re not part of the conversation, you’re simply not being considered.
What You Can Do Right Now
- Nurture your network: Reach out to people who know your work and values. Let them know you’re board-ready.
- Update your LinkedIn: Make sure it reflects your governance experience, and ask for recommendations.
- Thank your champions: Always circle back to acknowledge the people who open doors for you. Gratitude fuels your network.
- Stop hiding your referees: Feature them in your board bio and resume – be proud of the company you keep.
And most importantly, don’t go it alone.
Tiger Boards Can Help You Build a Real Board Portfolio
At Tiger Boards, we specialise in helping directors build genuine, commercial board careers. We don’t just tell you to network – we help you connect directly with Chairs, CEOs, private equity firms, and government panels. Through our Board Portfolio® Program, we assist with:
- Personal board brand strategy
- Connecting with real, paid board opportunities
- Creating referenceable materials and building a profile that gets noticed
- Access to exclusive roles and private board search assignments
Whether you’re new to the boardroom or ready to step up to ASX, PE, or high-growth ventures, we’ll make sure you’re prepared, visible, and connected.
