Why Saying "I Want to Find a Board Where I Can Bring Value" Isn't Enough—and What to Say Instead

As an Advisor working with senior professionals aspiring to join corporate boards, one of the most common phrases I hear is, “I want to find a board where I can bring value.” While the sentiment behind this statement is understandable, it falls short in several key ways. In today’s competitive environment, being vague won’t cut it. If you want to stand out and find the right board opportunity, you need to be much more specific.

The Problem with Generality

The phrase “I want to bring value” is a well-intentioned but ultimately empty statement. Of course, everyone wants to bring value to the organizations they serve—it's a given. But when you’re trying to position yourself for a corporate board role, you need to convey more than just good intentions.

Think of it like a job search. Saying, “I want a job where I can bring value” doesn’t tell a potential employer anything about your skills, experiences, or what you’re looking for in a role. Similarly, saying you want to bring value to a board doesn’t tell anyone what kind of board you’re aiming for, what unique skills you offer, or what your long-term goals are.

This lack of specificity can be a major barrier to finding the right board opportunity. Corporate boards are looking for members who not only have the right expertise but also a clear vision of how they can contribute to the board’s success. If you can’t articulate this vision, you’re less likely to be considered board-ready.

The Power of Specificity

So, how can you improve your approach? The key is to be specific about what you’re looking for and what you bring to the table. When you clarify these points, you make it easier for others to see how you might fit into their organization—and more likely that they’ll think of you when an opportunity arises.

Here’s how to break it down:

1. Define the Type of Board You Want to Serve

Start by narrowing down the type of board you’re interested in. Are you looking to join a small, privately-held company? A company that’s preparing for an IPO? The more specific you can be, the better.

For example, instead of saying, “I want to find a board where I can bring value,” you might say, “I’m looking to join the board of a mid-sized, high-growth tech company that’s on the path to an IPO.” This level of detail immediately gives the listener a clear picture of what you’re looking for and helps them determine whether they know of any opportunities that match your criteria.

2. Highlight Your Unique Skills and Experience

Next, you need to connect your skills and experience to the type of board you want to join. What makes you uniquely qualified to serve on this kind of board? Do you have experience scaling a business from startup to IPO? Have you worked extensively in a particular industry that’s relevant to the board you’re targeting?

For example, you might say, “I bring 20 years of experience in financial strategy, having guided several companies through successful IPOs. I’m looking to leverage this expertise on the board of a high-growth tech company.” This not only tells people what kind of board you’re looking for but also why you’re a great fit for that type of board.

3. Articulate Your Long-Term Goals

Finally, it’s important to communicate your long-term goals. Are you looking to serve on multiple boards over the next decade? Do you want to focus on companies in a specific industry or at a certain stage of growth?

By sharing your vision, you help others understand where you’re headed and how they can support you. For example, you might say, “My goal is to serve on the boards of several tech companies that are navigating the challenges of rapid growth and market expansion. I’m particularly interested in companies that are on the path to an IPO.”

Why This Matters

Being specific not only makes it easier for others to understand what you’re looking for, but it also demonstrates that you’ve thought carefully about your career goals and how you can contribute to a board. This level of clarity is highly attractive to those who are in a position to help you achieve your goals—whether they’re C-suite executives, current board members, executive search firms, or networking contacts.

In addition, specificity helps you stand out in a crowded field. There are many qualified professionals vying for board positions, and those who can clearly articulate what they’re looking for and why they’re the right fit are more likely to succeed.

The next time you’re tempted to say, “I want to find a board where I can bring value,” take a moment to rethink your approach. By doing so, you’ll increase your chances of finding the right board opportunity.

If you would like to spend a couple of hours working on your personal pitch, send me a note and I can provide you with a simple 4-step process and advice on how to deliver it.