5 Truths About Being a Board Member - You Might Not Like!

Sitting on a board might sound glamorous, but unless you’re prepared for the reality of the role, you’re going to get a nasty surprise.

When you know these are coming, it’s much easier to accept they are all part of the ride.

1. No one cares what you’ve achieved in the past.

People only care whether you are delivering value for them today. Give up on the idea that you deserve to be a board member. Instead focus on understanding, and solving, stakeholder problems.

2. You’re under more scrutiny than ever.

All decisions have consequences, and all stakeholders expect you to represent their best interests. On a Board there are a lot of stakeholders and they are all watching every decision you make. Get fantastic at articulating and documenting your decisions.

3. There is always another fire.

As soon as you solve one problem, another 3 will appear that will test you and stretch you and make you question why you ever agreed to the role.

Remember that golf would be a very dull game if you hit holes in one all the way round. Each fire is a chance to grow and build your experience.

4. Boardroom politics are real and can’t be ignored.

Generally large sums of money are involved when it comes to boardroom decisions, that often means people's wealth, reputations and ego’s are on the line. Power plays are not uncommon and you need to have your ear to the ground to understand what is going on and where allegiances are needed. Don’t underestimate this.

5. You are now playing at a different level.

Once you’ve been bitten by the bug of sitting on a Board it is hard to go back to working underneath one. Your job is to figure out how to leverage what you’re doing so that you can play on an even bigger field and deliver even bigger results (with ever more scrutiny and expectation!)

Being a board member means taking responsibility for many stakeholders and trying to do the right thing for all of them, even when it’s not necessarily the right thing for you.

Play this game well and ever greater opportunities will open up to you.

When it goes badly, as it will, dust yourself off and get back on the horse. Chalk it up to experience and rise to the next challenge.

Which number stood out for you?

Callum

Boardroom Blueprint Preston - Live with Callum Laing

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Are you ready to accelerate your career and unlock new opportunities? Join us in Preston on September 24th for an exclusive, in-person event designed to accelerate your career. With only 30 seats available, this 2-hour session will reveal how ambitious professionals are landing prestigious board seats without the need for existing connections or additional qualifications. Learn insider strategies to secure your first paid board position, navigate boardroom dynamics, and leverage your skills for exponential growth. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain actionable insights and take your career or business to the next level!

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BigBooster Program Season 8

We are delighted to be partners with BigBooster program, Season 8!

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Veblen Directors in the Spotlight

Meet Ralph White

Ralph is an accomplished business leader with more than two decades of experience in technology and sales, this candidate brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the boardroom. With a proven track record of driving revenue growth and building successful teams, they are a valuable asset to any company seeking to enhance their bottom line. Currently serving as an apprentice board member of a fast-growing European PLC, this candidate is poised to make a significant impact on any board they serve on.

Follow him here: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/ralph-m-white/

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Advanced Career Secrets: Leveraging Your Role for Rapid Company Growth and Individual Success

22 Oct, Tue 8:30 pm SG | 1:30 pm UK

In this 90-minute ‘leverage’ webinar, Callum Laing will reveal the secrets to leveraging your newfound value, skills, and networks to propel your career, business, and earnings to new heights. Once you've secured your first board seat, the next step is to capitalize on this opportunity and leverage it to become a dynamic force in the boardroom and beyond for years to come.

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