How to Get Your First Board Seat

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Landing your first board seat can be a powerful step in expanding your influence, sharpening your leadership skills, and making a meaningful impact on the organization you serve. But getting that first opportunity doesn’t happen by luck. Instead, it requires strategy, preparation, and intention.

So, what does it really take to claim a seat at the boardroom table?

In a recent ATLAS Leadership series webinar, Glenn Tobe, an experienced corporate board director and university lecturer, shared practical guidance for aspiring board members. He covered:

How to target opportunities that align with your skills, experience, and values
The time commitment, governance responsibilities, and cultural fit needed for success
Practical strategies to develop a board-ready personal brand and excel in interviews

Read on for key takeaways from this insightful session.

A Board Seat Isn’t for the Faint of Heart

A board of directors plays a key role in the success (or failure) of an organization. But board seats aren’t for the faint of heart.

“The board position is not to be cuddly with the C suite,” said Tobe. “The board is the last line of defense to stop inappropriate action. You have to be willing to ruffle feathers.”

While many think that governance and authority are the core functions of a board, Tobe offered a different perspective. “When I do board work, I have one overarching question: are we strengthening the company? If we’re not, we’re not doing our work.”

Tobe said it’s the board’s job to “apply common sense to the plans of the management team.” However, he urges directors to follow the principle of “nose in, hands on.” Directors should stay fully aware of what’s happening within the organization, but they must resist the temptation to get involved in day-to-day operations. “This is often the hardest thing for new board members to grasp.”

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A Clear Value Proposition is Essential

Board seats regularly turn over, and board chairs are always seeking out fresh talent to fill current and future vacancies. But they’re not just seeking warm bodies. Instead, they want candidates who bring clear, strategic value to the board and the organization as a whole.

That’s why aspiring board directors must be able to clearly define and articulate what makes them valuable to a board. “You need to make sure you know your own strengths and know your value proposition,” explained Tobe.

Crafting a value proposition takes time and thoughtful reflection. “Ask yourself, ‘What is my identity?’ Then, stick with that question until you arrive at an answer that’s both simple and clear,” he said.

Aspiring Board Directors Must 'Know the Game'

If people hope to earn board seats, they must first gain a foundational understanding of the structure, responsibilities, and language of boards. This includes things like:

The types of boards (advisory vs. fiduciary)
Common types of committees
Governance practices
CEO evaluations and succession
Bylaws
Company competitiveness

“You need to demystify what a board is and understand the language of the board,” explained Tobe.

He recommended several books to help aspiring boards learn the ins and outs of board work, including

Great Companies Deserve Great Boards by Beverly Behan
Claiming Your Place at the Boardroom Table by Thomas Bakewell
Boards that Lead by Ram Charan
Becoming a Board Room Star, also by Behan

Getting a Board Seat is a Strategic, Step-by-Step Process

Board roles aren’t handed out randomly. Instead, they’re earned through thoughtful preparation, a well-crafted personal brand, and persistent effort.

Tobe recommends taking things one step at a time.

Start by reaching out to 10 people who know your work well and ask them to write a testimonial highlighting your strengths. Once you’ve gathered those testimonials, create a one-page board profile that clearly communicates the value you would bring to a board. “It’s about what you do well that shows you have the skills and capabilities to be a valuable board member.”

With your board profile in hand, reconnect with those who provided testimonials. “You have to exhaust your network,” advised Tobe. “Ask ‘Who do you know that I should be talking to? Who do you know that’s aware of open board seats?’ It’s not comfortable for most people, but you’ve got to do it.”

Tobe also recommended building visibility by writing articles, making speeches, and participating in panel discussions. These actions – among others – reinforce your expertise and your credibility.

Landing a board seat won’t happen overnight, but with the right strategy and persistence, you can reach this goal.

“This journey can be accomplished. I’ve seen it accomplished,” concluded Tobe. “To have a list of 10 great candidates for board seats would make any board chair delighted, and your name can be on that list.”

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About The Author

Adam Wire: Adam Wire is a Content Marketing Manager at OnBoard who joined the company in 2021. A Ball State University graduate, Adam worked in various content marketing roles at Angi, USA Football, and Adult & Child Health following a 12-year career in newspapers. His favorite part of the job is problem-solving and helping teammates achieve their goals. He lives in Indianapolis with his wife and two dogs. He’s an avid sports fan and foodie who also enjoys lawn and yard work and running.