So you want to be a NED ?

So many of you reached out during the Olympics in Paris - Thank you for that ! I know we like to grumble about LinkedIn - but it is sometimes pretty good.?

Beyond reconnecting ( and a big Yay to that ! )?many of you asked the same question - “Could I offer advice/ coaching/mentoring about starting or accelerating the transition from Exec to Non exec life , or perhaps from a single NED role to a portfolio ?’’

The beach is calling for sure, and what better time for a bit of gentle career reflection .. So herewith a tiny bit of brain food - more granular advice and tips over the next few months, but for the moment lets start at the beginning?

If you know me well, you’ll know my advice on this is pretty simple ; be consistent, stay curious and open, work hard , put yourself in the right place , and then trust to luck and timing. Sadly I have no magic formula or silver bullets . But?lets unpack that a bit :?

Consistency is key. Likely your first role or two will come from people who have known you over the years . They already know your values and unique contribution . So now is not the time for a big change. Instead synthesise and consolidate your story and unique value proposition.?It’s?Way harder than you think to get that right, so seek feedback and input where you can and hone it over time. But don’t obsess. Get it out there and keep polishing. And remember - now is not the time for major re-invention ; it’s strictly repackaging.

Stay curious & Open?; Ive seen too many first time NEDs miss great opportunities because the organisation ‘wasn’t big enough’, the pay ‘wasn’t high enough’ or the profile might be less than their exec role. For me, early Pro Bono roles - for everything from music charities to government and even the royal family - taught me lessons I wouldn't have learned any other way . They also brought lifelong connections. So take the meeting , have the coffee, go to the interview. Do the research, show up enthusiastically and stay curious. As a Nominations Chair , I Love an enthusiastic over-prepared candidate -?and you just never know where it may lead.

As to working hard ? Thought NED life was all drinks parties & Fererro Rocher ? Not any more. Today’s best NEDs are quick to digest complex information and briefings, and they do it flexibly, enthusiastically and on point. So don’t forget to show that hard work and quick smarts are attributes you bring. And remember to sell it - Think about how you show up, stay on top of industry & economic trends , and invest the time to keep your network fresh and relevant.?So Praps no Ferrero Rocher . But if you’re lucky - and I have been - there Will be board dinners and strategy days . And these will be immensely rewarding.?

So youve worked out your personal positioning statement , polished your CV and are working hard to connect and reconnect with those who might find your next role. Are you on all the NED platforms ? ( I’ll share a list of these next time )?Are you connected to all the headhunters ? Do you relentlessly browse notice boards and Linkedin opportunities ? And does everyone know what you are looking for, and the unique value that you bring ? Then Relax , trust in luck and timing, and don’t give up.

I know I was lucky ; I got the first FTSE role I applied for. But the second one ? There were seemingly endless fruitless interviews and frustrating meetings , not to mention the dark nights of the soul as I questioned whether this route was the right one for me. But nine years and several jobs on from that first role , I sit here ( Imposter Syndrome aside ) as?a very experienced portfolio FTSE 250 NED. It’s a very enjoyable moment in my career.

So if you want to be a NED , I hope this helps a little. It is a?competitive , challenging and incredibly worthwhile thing to do.

Keep going ,stay open and it will come good.?And if I can help you with your journey , thats absolutely my pleasure.?

Meantime, enjoy the beach.