I often get approached by people looking to build a board career. Many are just starting out, while others might already have one or sometimes two board roles, and are looking to grow a full portfolio of boards to keep them occupied after retiring from their executive life. 

Other times people have a desire to move into a board career earlier in their life. The good news is there are more opportunities than ever as the desire for diversity increases, not only in terms of gender, but also age and other attributes. 

There a few things you can do to ensure success that I outline in this episode. 

Episode highlights:

The desire for diversity on boards - more opportunities for young people and female executives
Start off small and work to build a full portfolio
Starting a board career is like starting a new career altogether
Don’t bank on your current skill set - complete the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) course
The importance of being on the board of a not-for-profit
Using not-for-profits to learn and grow, and network for other opportunities 
Joining a board you have a genuine connection with - a cause that sits close to your heart
Examples from podcasts with Ian Klug and Grant Murdoch
Following the steps outlined in my book, Uncover The Hidden Job Market
Building a rapport with the chair of boards to ensure you receive opportunities 
Don’t pigeonhole yourself - keep your options open

Richard Triggs LinkedIn: au.linkedin.com/in/richardtriggs

Arete Executive website: www.areteexecutive.com.au

Richard's book on Amazon: www.amazon.com.au/Uncover-Hidden-J…idden+job+market

Arete Podcast 

107 - How To Build A Career As A Board Executive

Arete is a Greek word that essentially means “the fulfilment of one’s full potential”. Or as the famous Greek author Homer wrote, “where heroes gather to realise their full potential”.

The Arete podcast is designed to showcase the careers of leading CEOs, Chairs and other successful senior leaders.  Rather than a formal interview, this is a relaxed “fireside chat” style conversation, where Richard Triggs talks to the guest about their careers, key achievements, lessons learned along the way, and other interesting elements about how their careers have unfolded over the years.

The idea is that aspiring and incumbent C-Suite executives and Non Executive Directors will have the ability to listen to those “who have walked the path before them”, in order to gain some insights and wisdom, and thereby accelerate the listener’s own career to its fullest potential.

Richard is the Managing Partner of Arete Executive, a boutique executive search firm based in Brisbane. 

Richard Triggs’ new book “Uncover the Hidden Job Market – How to find and win your next Senior Executive role” was released in 2015.
