What It Takes to Join Your First Board

"If you're a senior executive, experience on a public or a private company board boosts your CEO eligibility, if that's a goal of yours. Being on a non-profit board is where many directors get their start or stay. It's a chance to stretch your mind, your skills, your network. It's a way to have an impact on your neighborhood or your alma mater or your industry."

"Serving on a board can expand your influence, strengthen your leadership skills, and even open doors to bigger opportunities. But getting that first seat-and figuring out how to contribute once you're there-can feel daunting. In this episode of Women at Work, you'll hear from eight women about how they stepped onto boards, what they learned in the process, and how the experience shaped their careers. You'll also get perspective from Ellen Zane, the former CEO of Tufts Medical Center, who now sits on multiple boards."

"But maybe you haven't considered serving, because it sounds like another suck on your time, or the benefits aren't clear, or you were waiting for retirement, or you just didn't know enough to dive in-or no one asked you. Well, let's test those assumptions and fill in some gaps. Eight women volunteered to tell us how they landed a board seat, gained confidence there, and grew personally and professionally."

Research shows women's presence on boards improves decision-making and financial performance. Board service offers authority over business strategy, treatment of employees and customers, and influence on organizational direction. Corporate board experience enhances CEO eligibility for senior executives, while nonprofit boards commonly serve as entry points for directors. Board roles expand networks, stretch skills, build confidence, and create local or institutional impact. Common barriers include time commitments, unclear benefits, misconceptions about retirement timing, and lack of invitations. Hearing peers' experiences can demystify pathways onto boards, show practical contributions once seated, and encourage earlier pursuit of board service for personal and professional growth.

Read at Harvard Business Review