From aspiration to action: The path to your non-executive director portfolio

Top tips for getting a role as a non-executive director

• The best way to get a role as a non-executive director is to have a network.
• We all have a network and your first role will come from someone in your network.
• You need to actively network with people. Go for that coffee, have that lunch. Essentially you are marketing yourself to your network.

Extending your network

• Most accountancy firms or legal firms have an independent director network. So it’s important to go to those events.
• Tell people what you are doing i.e. developing your portfolio of non-executive director roles.
• Develop a list of companies you would love to work with, a wish list.

Your superpower

• Your unique selling proposition (USP) will separate you from the rest of the competition.
• Only you can identify what this is – you!
• Go through your CV to identify what makes you obvious for a role and focus on your superpower.
• Current hot superpowers are AI, digital transformation and ESG.

Boards are looking for:

• A broad level of skills and a deep level of understanding in a particular area.

Tools to market yourself

• LinkedIn.
• Market your superpower in your tagline.
• Use target companies and sectors in your wishlist i.e. look at the annual report of the company you’d like to be part of, identify the board members from the report and connect with them on LinkedIn.
• Keep your profile up to date.
• Keep up to date with trends.

Due diligence

• This is a critically important step. 
• This involves you doing due diligence on the company that you are interviewing with/meeting with.
• If there are other independent non-executive directors on the board, try to meet with them. Or meet with someone who has previously dealt with the company.
• It’s critical to ask ‘What is the time commitment I’m expected to give this position?’.
• Ask for the minutes of the last couple of board meetings. If a board wants you to join them, they will give these to you. 

When you land the role

• For any board position you get, you’ll receive a letter of appointment.
• This covers insurance (directors’ and officers’ insurance should be provided by the company), time commitment and the ability to take on other roles should be covered.
• It’s worthwhile taking your own policy insurance.
• It’s prudent to put a clause into your letter that you’ll get paid for time over and above what you’re contracted to do.

Your first meeting:

• Read the papers thoroughly.
• Contribute to the discussions.
• Make decisions – otherwise, you are not activating as a director.
• Reflect on your performance at the conclusion of the meeting. Ask yourself, did you contribute enough, could you have been more decisive?
• Review the minutes from the meeting to ensure they reflect what was discussed accurately.

Your reputation

• Look after your reputation at every stage. Trust reputation management to no one other than yourself.
• It’s ok to have a conflict of interest but you have to declare it. 
• Think about what companies you should work for and those you shouldn’t. Think hard before joining:
  • Avoid inadequately funded start-ups
  • Family run companies

Reciprocate

• The independent non-executive director community is good.
• Know the strengths of members in the community and ensure they know your strengths.
• Recommend people for roles and be open to being recommended.

A smooth path to appointment will look like this:

1. Know your superpower
2. Network and sell yourself
3. Do you due diligence
4. Review your letter of appointment
5. Read papers and contribute when you’re on the board

The length of time to get an appointment can be anywhere from 6 weeks to two years.

Have you ever been told you’d make a great board director but are unsure where to start the entire process?

In this webinar, you’ll discover the key steps to securing your first, or next, non-executive director role and learn how to build a rewarding portfolio career. This session will equip you with the tools and insights you need to succeed, and highlight some of the potential pitfalls.

Hosted by seasoned board professional Tony McPoland, this webinar will guide you through the process of identifying opportunities, presenting yourself as a strong candidate, and understanding what it takes to thrive as a non-executive director. 

Why attend? You’ll leave with a clear plan of action, expert insights, and practical strategies to help you achieve your board aspirations.

Key takeaways from this webinar:

• Understand the steps needed to land your first NED role.
• Learn how to position yourself as the compelling candidate.
• Gain clarity on how to grow and excel in your NED career.

Tony Mc Poland is an experienced regulated financial services executive with over twenty five years’ experience, primarily in asset management and investment banking. He spent the last 15 years of his executive career with BW Bank Ireland plc, LBBW Bank Ireland plc and LBBW Asset Management Ireland plc, and served ten years on the Board of Directors with executive responsibility for Finance, Operations, Risk and IT. 

He has spent the last ten years as a professional Independent director and sits on the Boards of eleven companies including a regulated asset management company, a number of regulated funds, SME Companies and non-profit organisations, and he chairs most of these boards.