Everyone knows you join a board to network, right?  WRONG!  

If you follow this conventional wisdom you won’t actually bring your best self to the boardroom.  This traditional approach dictates seeking the most high-profile opportunity available.  Which probably won’t lead to an organization or mission you’re passionate about.

Instead, focus on finding a board seat where the organization’s mission aligns with your values.  That way you’ll bring your best to every board interaction. 

Networking will happen automatically.  If you do a great job your peers will naturally share with others how invaluable you are as a director. 

On today’s episode, you’ll hear the wisdom of Doug MacGray.  Doug has served on seven different nonprofit boards.  He started down this path to network for business purposes.  But he did it smartly — Doug contributed his time and talent to causes he truly believed in.  That allowed him to flourish in the role.  Which led to a stellar reputation.  

Along the way, Doug has gained tremendous insight into what it takes to be successful as a board member. He shares all of those nuggets of wisdom with us.

So, are you ready to turn your expectations upside down about why you join a board? Press play to hear Doug’s nuggets of wisdom!

009 Do NOT Join a Board to Network!, with Doug MacGray

You’ve heard it before right?  Networking is ESSENTIAL.

It’s absolutely true that the most likely route to getting a board seat is to use your network. (About half the director positions are filled this way.) I’ve witnessed this first hand. But a close second is to use an executive search firm.

But how does that process work? How can you become friends with the uber-influential headhunter who has a Chairman’s ear?

Today, I’m introducing you to my friend Charles King. Charles isn’t like most headhunters — he doesn’t primarily focus on filling executive roles and occasionally run a few board searches. No, Charles ONLY focuses on board positions.  He’s done it for 20+ years. He’s filled over 600 director positions. And he’s NEVER failed to successfully complete a search!

I can think of no one better to share the inside story with you. To explain how the boardroom has evolved. To provide clear guidance about what boards look for and how to position yourself. 

In this episode, Charles explains

- What boards look for: 3 C’s (competence, commitment, chemistry)

- How the demanding workload (250+ hours per year) is driving away public company executives and creating an opportunity for others

- Ways to rally your network to support your ambition to be a director

Boardroom Bound by Alexander Lowry