Building Your Career Board of Directors: A Guide for Aspiring Female Leaders

If you have any desire to progress your career you'll probably need more than a mentor.  Every woman needs her own personal board of directors. 

As Brené Brown pointed out, “We don't have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to.” This is especially true for women. We often try to do it all alone, maybe in an effort to prove our worth or because we want to get where we’re going on our merits, and while that's valiant, it’s also counterproductive.  A career "Board of Directors” can accelerate your career growth and development, it can also open doors, remove barriers and generally make developing your career less of an uphill struggle. It's the perfect combination of knowing exactly where to direct your energy, your efforts and laser pointing your strengths on your career.  It's also how you spot your weaknesses and fill your skill gaps.  If you want to make serious career progress, read on and find out how you can build your own Board of Directors. 

What is a career board of directors?

Imagine a diverse group of individuals who can offer their unique insights, perspectives, and expertise to guide your career decision, that's a Career Board of Directors. Unlike the traditional mentor-mentee relationship, which often places heavy expectations on one individual, your board can consist of multiple advisors, each providing specific support tailored to your evolving needs. Remember what I said about spotting your weaknesses and filling your skills gaps? This is where your Board comes in.

Why do you need a career board?

Research from the MIT Sloan Management Review indicates that people who nurture varied social networks are more likely to innovate and perform better professionally. Your career board of directors allows you to access a variety of different perspectives that you might otherwise not have considered  whilst enjoying the flexibility of informal relationships making it easier to approach them for smaller, more specific pieces of advice.  Each board member contributes their unique expertise, whether it be strategic thinking, emotional support, industry knowledge, or excellent communication skills. This collaborative set-up encourages conversations that spark innovation and gives you an alternative way to navigate, knowing that you’ve got a team of personal experts behind you.

How do you build a career board of directors?

Identify Key Roles

Building a diverse board requires identifying key individuals who add value in different ways. Look for people with varying skill sets that reflect your professional needs and aspirations:

• A Great Manager: Someone skilled in leadership who can provide insights on effective management and career progression.

• A Talented Peer: A fellow professional who understands your industry intimately and can share valuable, real-world insights.

• A Compassionate Friend: A trusted confidante who can offer emotional support and encouragement during challenging times.

• A Skilled Writer: A communication expert who can help sharpen your messaging and presentation skills.

• Someone from a Different Industry: An innovator from another field who can provide fresh perspectives and ideas, fostering creativity and broader thinking.

Outline Your Purpose

Know why you are forming this board and what you want to achieve. You don’t need to overthink your outreach. Research from Stanford University suggests that most people greatly underestimate how willing others are to assist when asked. Make your move, reach out to potential board members, and express your desire for a supportive relationship that centres on idea-sharing rather than continuous commitments.

Cultivate Relationships, Not Transactions

Once your board is established, it’s crucial to invest in these relationships. Approach each connection with respect and genuine interest rather than viewing them as mere resources for your personal gain. Foster an environment of reciprocity; offer your expertise when they need it, and be present for them just as they are for you. Build a board grounded in mutual trust, respect, and understanding.

Ask for Help

Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable and ask for assistance. A study from Harvard Business School found that individuals who ask for help are often perceived as more competent than those who try to go it alone. Be clear and specific in your requests, keeping them manageable. This transparency creates stronger connections between you and your board members and shows that you respect their time and knowledge.

Keep it Fresh

As your career progresses, your needs will evolve. Be open to adjusting your board as your goals change. Monitor your board members and assess their roles; while some may transition to more formal mentorship positions, there may be others whose insights you need less frequently. Tailor your board to ensure it consistently meets your professional objectives—after all, it's your board!

Creating a Career Board of Directors is a powerful but often overlooked strategy aspiring female leaders can employ to navigate career challenges and seize opportunities. It encourages proactive engagement and brings you handpicked supporters perfectly placed to guide you toward achieving your goals. Building a Career Board of Directors is not just about gathering advisors; it’s about creating a well rounded network that encourages collaboration and guidance.

As women in leadership roles, this will not only speed up your personal growth but also contribute to a broader movement toward gender equity within professional spaces. Don’t wait for opportunities to come knocking—create your support system, and take the reins of your career with confidence and purpose!

While your board serves as a supportive network, don’t overlook the additional benefits of personalised career coaching. A coach can help refine your objectives, hold you accountable, and steer you toward pivotal career shifts. If you’re ready to take control of your professional journey and unlock your full potential, consider booking a free consultation today. It’s the next step in your quest for growth, support, and success.