Do you struggle to articulate your value in the boardroom, or feel trapped in the 'executive doer' mindset? Host Ralph Grayson is joined by Fiona Hathorn, CEO of WB Directors (now part of Nurole) and an expert in Governance and Talent Management, to dissect the challenges and strategies for building a thriving Non-Executive Director (NED) career. Fiona shares her personal journey and the mission behind WB Directors, emphasising that you are "never too young, never too old, and never too male" to be on a board.

The discussion provides tactical advice, from using the 'seven reasons' to be on a board to understanding the core NED functions of conformance and performance. Critically, Fiona highlights the current board landscape undergoing significant transformation, driven by technology and geopolitical risk. For instance, a recent NACD survey reports that 67% of boards are now actively seeking individuals with specific domain expertise, such as AI or data ethics, rather than just a generalist background. 

Learn how to elevate your pitch beyond your executive CV, master the art of constructive challenge, and build the right network to secure your seat at the table.

• (00:00) - Introduction to The Boardroom Path

Fiona Hathorn: Fiona is the CEO of WB Directors (formerly Women on Boards UK), now part of Nurole, a purpose-led business dedicated to increasing diversity in executive and non-executive leadership. An expert in Governance, Regulation, and Talent Management, she brings over a decade of experience from senior roles in asset management, having run global equities and emerging markets desks. She is also an advisor to Peel Hunt, Chair of the Nominations Committee at Hanx, and serves on the Advisory Board for the Global Institute for Women's Leadership at King's College London.

Ralph Grayson: Ralph Grayson is a Partner in the Board Practice at Sainty Hird & Partners, bringing extensive experience in board-level recruitment, assessment, and advisory services. With a deep understanding of the corporate governance landscape, Ralph specialises in guiding senior executives as they transition into impactful boardroom careers. His thoughtful approach, combined with a passion for developing effective leaders, enables him to facilitate insightful conversations that equip aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors with the tools they need to succeed. Through The Boardroom Path, Ralph leverages his extensive professional network and expertise to empower listeners on their journey into the boardroom.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The seven essential reasons a non-executive directorship is crucial for career development, viewing it as a mini-MBA.
• The critical mindset shift from being an executive ‘doer’ to an effective board ‘overseer’ who can scrutinise, challenge, support, and advise.
• How to build a board value proposition that goes beyond your executive CV by focusing on 'the so what'—the business benefit and outcome of your experience.
• Current boardroom priorities, including navigating the complexities of AI, geopolitical risk, and the leadership skill required to manage a diverse team in a VUCA environment.
• Tactical networking strategies, including the importance of developing a clear, third-person pitch, to access the 95% of board roles that are not transparently advertised.

Action Points:

1. Define Your Board Value Add: Stop describing your past job titles. Instead, unpack your executive career to identify specific stories where you added value to strategy, risk, or M&A situations. This process helps you create an intentional, compelling narrative that demonstrates your board value beyond operational execution.
2. Master the Helicopter View: The role of a non-executive director is to oversee and not to 'do'—the helicopter should not land. Practice viewing challenges from a strategic, high-level perspective. Focus your contributions on the four core non-executive functions: scrutinise, challenge, support, and advise.
3. Develop a Networking Strategy: Understand that 95% of board roles are not advertised and do not use headhunters. Create a spreadsheet of all former colleagues and connections and develop a proactive strategy to reconnect with them. This consistent, deliberate process is key to building visibility.
4. Focus on Deep Technical Skill and Breadth: While deep technical skill (your 'T') is the reason a board may hire you, your 'breadth and depth' allows you to contribute to problem-solving and ensures you know when to speak—and when not to. Know the difference and articulate both clearly in your pitch.
5. Conduct Thorough Due Diligence: Never be grateful for or accept the first board role that comes along. Conduct extremely thorough due diligence, as joining the wrong board that later fails can seriously damage your reputation. Ensure the board’s culture and strategy align with your values and expertise.

The Boardroom Path is the essential podcast for aspiring and newly appointed Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) navigating the journey from executive leadership to the boardroom. Hosted by Ralph Grayson, partner at Sainty Hird & Partners, each episode offers insightful conversations with industry leaders, seasoned board directors, and governance experts. Our guests share practical strategies, valuable perspectives, and actionable advice on how to effectively transition into board roles, maximise your impact, and build a rewarding NED career. 

Subscribe now, and take your first confident step along The Boardroom Path.

Learn more about Sainty Hird & Partners at saintyhird.com.

The Boardroom Path is produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford, UK.