Success Steps to Land Your Board Seat - Strategic Approaches with Patricia Lenkov

Hello and welcome to a new edition of How She Did It!

Securing a board seat can be a game-changing step in your leadership journey, but it’s not commonly discussed. This edition is dedicated to helping you navigate the pathway to board service with insights from our recent conversation with Patricia Lenkov , President of Agility Executive Search. Patricia’s extensive experience in executive search and board recruiting gives her a unique perspective on what it takes to land a board seat, especially in today’s corporate landscape.

Watch the full episode here and the previous episodes at the newleagueofleaders.com.

Guest Spotlight: Patricia Lenkov

Patricia Lenkov is a seasoned executive search expert with over 25 years of experience, specializing in governance best practices and optimizing board impact. She is the author of Time's Up: Why Boards Need to Get Diverse Now, which highlights the importance of diversity in boardrooms and the tangible benefits it brings to decision-making and company performance.

Discussion Highlights:

Patricia's Journey: Patricia’s path to becoming a leading figure in board recruiting began with a combination of psychology and business education, which naturally led her to executive search. Over the years, she’s developed a deep understanding of how to match the right leaders with the right boards, bringing together diverse skills to create effective governance. "Search is about solving puzzles—finding the right piece for a company, a team, or a board," Patricia shares, reflecting on her transition into the executive search industry.

What Boards are Looking For: Boards today are not just looking for big names; they want specific skill sets. Whether it’s expertise in digital transformation, cybersecurity, or international business, each board member must bring something unique to the table. Patricia stresses the importance of knowing your unique value and clearly articulating it when pursuing board opportunities.

She also identifies several evolving trends in board recruitment, including the growing emphasis on diversity, ESG considerations, and the shift towards hybrid board meetings. She notes, "Diversity of thought is the ultimate goal. Boards need a variety of perspectives to drive better decision-making."

Networking for Board Success: For executives aspiring to board roles, Patricia emphasizes the importance of a strong personal brand and strategic networking. "It's not just about being found—it's about being found for the right reasons," she advises, underscoring the need to clearly articulate your unique value proposition. Patricia advises executives to make sure their LinkedIn profiles and resumes clearly reflect their board aspirations and expertise.

Key Takeaways:

1. Articulate Your Unique Value: Know what seat you will fill on the board and make sure your personal brand communicates this clearly.
2. Leverage Your Network: Most board seats are filled through networks. Ensure that people who are in a position to influence board appointments know your strengths and aspirations.
3. Start Now: Don’t wait until you think you’re ready—begin building the necessary skills, experience, and network today to position yourself for future board opportunities.

If landing a board seat is on your leadership horizon, start by managing your career with intention and aligning your personal brand with your board aspirations. Remember, the time to start is now.

As Patricia says, “Nothing should stop you—go for what you need to do and want to do.”

Upcoming Episode Alert: Episode 17 - "Growing in Skill and Scale of Impact"

I know the journey to scale your impact while juggling the demands of leadership isn’t easy. On August 28th at 10 am ET on How She Did It, I’m thrilled to have Helen Warren-Piper (Global VP, Strategic Initiatives at Mars Pet Nutrition) with us—a leader who's navigated this path at the highest levels.?

Why You Should Attend

• In-Depth Leadership Insights: Helen's journey spans leadership roles in top global companies like Mars, Procter & Gamble, and Premier Foods. Learn the key principles and strategies that have propelled her success in scaling impact at the executive level.
• Overcoming Executive Challenges: Discover how Helen has navigated common challenges faced by executives, from expanding territories to managing complex P&L responsibilities, and how you can apply these lessons to your own leadership path.
• Mentorship and Growth: Helen is passionate about people development. She’ll share a powerful success story of mentoring that had a significant impact, offering you actionable advice on how to cultivate future leaders and enhance your own leadership capabilities.

RSVP and join us here ???

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See you on the 28th!

You’ve Got This!?

Melissa