Watermark Search International – an executive and Board search firm – recently released their (somewhat) annual Board Diversity Index. This index reviewed the 2,100 Board Seats across the ASX300 Boards and evaluated those seats on a range of diversity attributes. 

As I read through this report, a few things jumped out at me that are worth diving a little deeper into, particularly for aspiring Board Members. In this episode, I discuss Formal Governance Credentials and Board Member Qualifications (do you need one to join a Board?), Director Location (competition for Board roles is international), and Age diversity (when is the best time to pursue a listed company Board role?).

To dive deeper into the topics covered today, here are some links to explore:

• Watermark Search International 2025 Board Diversity Index
• Break into the Boardroom (online course)
• Episode 103: Understanding Your Board Value Proposition
• Episode 113: Telling Your Board Story through Your Board Resume

Thank you to Watermark Search International for providing additional survey data beyond the published index.

If you have a question or a topic that you’d like covered in a future episode, please fill out this short online survey.

Welcome to a special masterclass edition! In this episode, I'm sharing the full recording of my live masterclass, originally held in our vibrant Board Talk Facebook Community.

If you've been wondering how to genuinely break into the Boardroom and truly make an impact, this episode is your strategic roadmap. I dive deep into the underlying theory and practical application of my proven 8-step approach from the Break into the Boardroom course. This isn't about luck; it's about intentional strategy.

In this comprehensive masterclass, you'll discover:

• How to set a precise Board Goal: Defining where your first or next step on your Board journey truly lies.
• Cracking your Unique Board Value Proposition (UBVP): Understanding what makes you uniquely attractive to Boards and how to articulate it powerfully.
• Crafting standout Personal Brand Assets: Especially your LinkedIn profile, to align with your Board ambitions.
• Preparing a compelling Board Resume: That effectively sells your Boardroom potential.
• Developing a strategic networking plan: To unlock hidden Board opportunities.
• Proactively creating Board opportunities: Beyond just applying for advertised roles.
• Mastering the Board application process: To maximise your chances of success.
• Preparing for the Boardroom itself: Including due diligence, interview preparation, and onboarding techniques to deliver value quickly.

This masterclass gives you the complete framework. If you're ready to stop dreaming and start leading, this episode is a must-listen.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Ready to stop wondering "what if" and start leading? For a limited time, get the complete A-to-Z roadmap to not only breaking into the Boardroom but thriving once you're there with my special End-of-Financial-Year Board Readiness Bundle. This includes my Break into the Boardroom and Boardroom Bootcamp courses for a strategic saving of $250 AUD!
• Click here to learn more and secure your Board Readiness Bundle before June 30, 2025. 
• Want to dive deeper into Board interview preparation? Listen to my previous episode on How I Prepare for a Board Interview for more insights.
• Listen here

Join the Conversation! Come connect with me and other aspiring and current Board Members in our Board Talk Facebook Community.

Connect with Me:

• Website: https://getonboardaustralia.com.au
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamcook/

If you have a question or a topic that you’d like covered in a future episode, please fill out our short online survey.

Just landed that Board seat? Congratulations! But the real journey starts now. Your first 90 days as a Board member are critical for establishing credibility, building relationships, and making a tangible impact.

In this episode, we'll walk you through a practical roadmap for making the most of your time as a baby Board Member.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Five essential self-onboarding strategies to get you up to speed quickly and independently, from deep-diving into foundational documents like the constitution and Board charter, to strategically introducing yourself to the wider organisation and even getting involved in the day-to-day (just once!).
• How to add value in your first 90 days, including the power of asking thoughtful questions, the importance of keen observation, and identifying early opportunities for strategic contribution.
• The vital role of curiosity and courage in the Boardroom, equipping you with the mindset to ask the right questions at the right time.
• Insights into understanding Board culture by outlining five critical questions to ask, and how to "date" your Board to build crucial informal connections and psychological safety.
• Common pitfalls new Board members face and personal mistakes I've made, so you can learn from them and avoid them in your own journey.

As you reflect on this episode, what's one specific action you'll take into your new Board role? Share your thoughts on social media using the hashtag #BoardShortsPodcast.

Exclusive Offer: The Board Readiness Bundle Getting on the Board is a huge achievement, but the Board Readiness Bundle goes further. This special, short-term offer combines my two signature programs: Break into the Boardroom and Boardroom Bootcamp. It not only prepares you for that crucial first step but also equips you with the strategies to thrive once you're there, ensuring you make a real difference from day one. Places are genuinely limited as I want to ensure every participant receives personalised attention. Discover what's included and claim your $250 discount at getonBoardaustralia.com.au/bundle.

If you have a question or a topic that you’d like covered in a future episode, please fill out our short online survey.

Congratulations, you've landed a Board seat! Now, what happens inside that Boardroom? This episode tackles the anxiety of your first Board meeting, sharing practical ways to build confidence and hit the ground running.

This episode demystifies what to expect, covering:

• The Typical Board Meeting Flow: Understand the agenda, from "in camera" sessions to key reports and decision points.
• Essential Documents & Effective Reading: Learn about strategy updates, CEO reports, financials, and risk updates – and Lisa's method for efficiently processing large Board packs.
• Board Pack & Meeting Preparation Etiquette: Navigate when to email questions versus saving them for the meeting, always being mindful of the executive team's time.
• Making Impactful Contributions: Discover how to contribute effectively without overstepping, including what questions to ask (and when), even as a new member.
• Strategic Listening: Understand this active approach to gain insights, identify opportunities, and inform your decision-making.
• Grasping Strategic Priorities: How to quickly understand the organisation's key challenges and objectives from a governance perspective through due diligence.

Reduce intimidation and feel competent from day one.

Ready to fully prepare for your board journey?

While this episode builds your meeting confidence, our Board Readiness Bundle offers the complete toolkit – from landing your role to mastering boardroom dynamics. Unlock your full potential and save $250 until June 30, 2025!

Learn more: getonboardaustralia.com.au/bundle

Further Listening & Reading

Podcast: The Board Member’s Mindset Shift: From Executive to Director

Article: How to Prepare for a Board Meeting

Podcast: Etiquette in the Boardroom

Podcast: Finding Your Voice in the Boardroom

If you have a question or a topic that you’d like covered in a future episode, please fill out our short online survey.

We’re discussing a critical topic for Aspiring and emerging Board Members: the fundamental mindset shifts from being a high-achieving executive to an effective Board Member. If you're ready to make a real impact at the governance level, this episode is for you.

We explore why the "doing" or operational mindset, so valuable in executive roles, can actually hinder your contribution as a Board Member. And we talk about how the Director Mindset, can help you to shift your focus from day-to-day execution to strategic oversight, long-term sustainability, and robust governance.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The clear distinctions between executive and Board Member thinking.
• How to cultivate a strategic governance mindset.
• The art of asking insightful questions that drive real value.
• The importance of fiduciary duties and high-level contributions.
• Strategies for effectively letting go of operational control and building trust.
• Practical tips for making this shift, like mastering your Board pack and developing your "Boardroom voice."

Stop dreaming and start leading with confidence. This complete transformation is crucial for impactful board service.

Ready to accelerate your board journey? Explore our Board Readiness Bundle for the ultimate roadmap to landing and excelling in your board role: getonboardaustralia.com.au/bundle

Links Mentioned in this Episode

Podcast: Asking Better Questions in the Boardroom with master questioner Greg Bustin

Writing Better Board Papers: Julie Garland McLellan

Other Useful Resources 

Article: How to Prepare for a Board Meeting

Article: Developing Your Boardroom Presence

If you have a question or a topic that you’d like covered in a future episode, please fill out our short online survey.

Earlier this month (May 2025), BoardPro hosted a webinar on 'Aligning Governance and Management' with Giselle McLachlan, Fiona McKenzie, and I, and the response was incredible. The questions flooded in – a testament to how vital and shared this issue is across Boards and country boundaries.

We simply couldn't get to all the questions in the time we had in the webinar, so I invited Giselle and Fiona onto the Board Shorts Podcast for a special Q&A episode, answering all of those questions we couldn’t get to in the webinar. If you haven’t seen the webinar yet, I encourage you to watch. Some of the things we talk about mention diagrams from the webinar, so please follow that link to watch the replay and download the slides. You can also find out more about Giselle and Fiona from that webinar, and there are links below to connect with them as well.

Get ready for a fast-paced, no-nonsense conversation where we tackle your burning questions about strengthening collaboration between Boards and Management. We unpack the nuances of role clarity, communication strategies, and how to forge that all-important shared purpose. In this episode, we answer questions about navigating tricky situations with founders, avoiding a 'Board of two' scenario, what to do if a Chair disagrees with the Board, and maintaining a healthy Board lifecycle.

If you're a Board Member, an Executive, or anyone working to bridge the gap between governance and operations, this episode is packed with the practical insights you need. Let's get started!

BoardPro Webinar 'Aligning Governance and Management'

Connect with Giselle

Grounded Governance

LinkedIn

Connect with Fiona

Resolving Matters

LinkedIn

Email: Fiona[at]resolvingmatters[dot]com[dot]au

Thanks to our sponsor, BoardPro. Sign up for a free 30-day trial at boardpro.com/boardshorts and then proceed with an order to receive 20% off your first-year subscription on any plan. Use the promo code boardshorts – all one word, lowercase – to get that 20% off your first year on any plan.

If you have a question or a topic that you’d like covered in a future episode, please fill out our short online survey.

I'm so excited to share this conversation with you! I've found a kindred spirit in Dr. Keith Dorsey, who, like me, is dedicated to helping people navigate the often-uncharted territory of embarking on a board career.

Dr. Keith D. Dorsey is an executive coach, author, and expert in leadership development and corporate governance. With over 25 years of experience, Keith is passionate about helping senior leaders secure seats at the corporate boardroom table. His new book, The Boardroom Journey: Practical Guidance for Women to Secure a Seat at the Table, offers actionable strategies for aspiring board members and independent directors seeking their next board seat.

In this episode, we tackle some of the most pressing questions for anyone considering a board role: How do you really know you're ready? What's the best way to take that first step, and what kind of support system do you need to succeed? Dr. Dorsey brings a unique perspective to these questions, drawing from his extensive experience and his doctoral research.

Keith and I explore the five essential types of capital needed for your board journey – with a special focus on the often-underestimated "commitment capital." We also delve into the vital roles of self-belief and perseverance, and uncover practical strategies for finding and leveraging mentors, sponsors, and allies.

Plus, for those who are eager to prepare for the boardroom but aren't quite ready to launch their search, Dr. Dorsey shares actionable steps you can take right now to build your skills and readiness.

Specifically, in this episode, we discuss:

• How you know - or get to know - that you’re ready for Board service.
• The first step you should take on your Board career journey.
• The five types of Capital required for your Board journey.
• Why self-belief and perseverance are so important for a Board journey.
• How you can best find and use mentors, sponsors, and allies to support your Board aspirations.
• What are the steps or actions that you can take now to skill-up for the Boardroom (particularly if you’re not quite ready to start your Board journey but it is on your horizon)?

Get ready for an insightful and empowering conversation that will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to take control of your board career journey.

Dr Keith's Website: boardroomjourney.com

Book: The Boardroom Journey: Practical Guidance for Women to Secure a Seat at the Table

Program: Build Your Board Resume (open for enrolment until Sunday, 18 May 2025)

Course: Break into the Boardroom (self-paced and always open for enrolment)

If you have a question or a topic that you’d like covered in a future episode, please fill out our short online survey.

Are you being talked about in the rooms you're not in? I chat with LinkedIn branding expert Carol Kaemmerer about turning quiet credibility into commanding presence to land board roles. Discover why who knows you matters most and how to become authentically visible and influential, even as an introvert. Carol shares practical steps to troubleshoot your visibility, leverage LinkedIn effectively, and define the three key things you want to be known for.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding executive influence and why professional visibility is crucial for aspiring Board Members.
• Troubleshooting whether you have a visibility or influence issue.
• Actionable steps to boost your influence and visibility.
• Leveraging your LinkedIn profile for effective communication.
• Strategies for introverts to become authentically visible.
• Defining your "3 things" to be remembered for.
• Carol's framework for visibility and influence: Clarity of Position, Being Seen in the Right Places, and Strategic Amplification (Consistency, Clarity, Conviction).

Learn more: Carol's 'Executive Influence Revolution' program starts May 12 (US time). Visit https://carolkaemmerer.net

• Executive Influence Revolution
• Connect with Carol on LinkedIn

I’m exploring a crucial aspect of your Board search that goes far beyond simply responding to job advertisements: how to strategically use your Board Resume to proactively open doors to the Boardroom.

We often focus on crafting that perfect Board Resume, investing time and energy to showcase our unique value. But what happens after it's written? Are you just waiting for the ideal Board advertisement to land in your inbox?

The reality is, many desirable Board positions, especially paid ones, are never publicly advertised.

This episode will equip you with the understanding and actionable steps to leverage your strategic Board Resume as a powerful tool in your overall Board search strategy. I share why it's more than just a CV and how it can become your secret weapon in navigating the often-unseen pathways to Board appointments.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why waiting for Board advertisements is a limited strategy: I discuss why many Boards don't advertise and the opportunities you might be missing.
• The power of a "strategic" Board Resume: I revisit what makes a Board Resume different from a traditional CV – its focus on your Board story, value proposition, and strategic thinking.
• Key ways to actively use your Board Resume beyond applications:
• Engaging your network for feedback and introductions: Learn how to use your resume as a conversation starter and a tool to facilitate connections.
• Following up with new contacts: Discover how your Board Resume can be a more impactful follow-up than a business card in your Board journey.
• Connecting with board search firms: Understand how to approach search firms with your targeted resume and position yourself for relevant opportunities.
• The crucial preamble when sharing your resume: I emphasise the importance of clearly stating your Board goals, motivations, and unique value proposition when reaching out.
• The importance of regular updates and avoiding "smarmy salesperson" syndrome: I discuss how to keep your resume relevant and use it strategically without overdoing it.
• Shifting your mindset from passive applicant to proactive seeker: I encourage you to take control of your board career by actively using your resume.

Key Takeaway:

Your Board Resume is a dynamic marketing document that can be a powerful catalyst for conversations and connections that lead to Board opportunities, far beyond the limitations of responding to advertisements.

Action Steps:

1. Review your Board Resume: Does it clearly articulate your Board Story and Unique Board Value Proposition? (Refer back to Episodes 102, 103, and 110-113 if needed).
2. Identify key individuals in your network: Who aligns with your board goals and could offer valuable feedback or connections?
3. Strategically reach out: Use your Board Resume as a prompt for conversations, clearly stating your aspirations and value.
4. Engage with board search firms: Research relevant firms and make targeted introductions.
5. Register for the "Crafting a Winning Board Resume" webinar to gain further in-depth guidance on writing your Board Resume. Read more and register here.

Links and Resources:

• Episode 102: Setting Your Board Goal
• Episode 103: Understanding Your Unique Board Value Proposition
• Episode 110: Board Resumes: Myths vs. Reality
• Episode 111: The Key Elements of a Winning Board Resume
• Episode 112: Five Board Resume Mistakes you Might be Making
• Episode 113: Telling Your Board Story through your Board Resume
• More Articles and Podcasts: Board Resumes
• Course: Build Your Board Resume
• Board Resume Writing Service
• Course: Break into the Boardroom

If you have a question or a topic that you’d like covered in a future episode, please fill out our short online survey.

Ready to craft a Board Resume that truly tells your story?

This episode is your roadmap to creating a compelling narrative that will grab a Board recruiter's attention. The episode dives deep into how your Unique Board Value Proposition should shine through your Board Resume, transforming it from a list of achievements into a powerful story about the value you bring.

Ever wondered what your "Board Story" actually is? This episode breaks it down for you, explaining how it's a potent combination of your:

• Board Goal: The specific type of Board you're aiming for.
• Unique Board Value Proposition: What makes you stand out and desirable to that Board.
• Competitive Posture: How you position yourself against other candidates.

I guide you through why simply listing your professional experience isn't enough. You'll learn how to strategically use key sections of your Board Resume, particularly your introduction and professional career history (or Board history), to clearly communicate your Board Story.

Imagine a recruiter instantly understanding where you want to go and what you offer, without having to dig through pages of information. This episode makes that vision a reality.

You'll learn how to:

• Craft a powerful introduction that immediately highlights your Board-level expertise.
• Transform vague job descriptions into compelling key achievements that demonstrate your impact on business, strategy, and finances.
• Ensure your entire resume reinforces your unique Board value proposition.

Don't waste any more time sending out resumes that don't effectively tell your story. Learn how to make your board resume your most powerful tool in landing your dream Board role.

Join the free and live webinar on Crafting a Winning Board Resume: getonboardaustralia.com.au/boardresumewebinar

• Episode 102: Setting Your Board Goal
• Episode 103: Understanding Your Unique Board Value Proposition
• More Articles and Podcasts: Board Resumes
• Program: Build Your Board Resume
• Board Resume Writing Service
• Course: Break into the Boardroom

If you have a question or a topic that you’d like covered in a future episode, please fill out our short online survey.