Have you ever thought about taking your leadership skills to the next level and joining a board?

We recently hosted a session with executive search expert Mark Hamill who shared valuable insights on navigating the board ecosystem and preparing for a second career as a board member.

Mark is a leader in talent acquisition, specializing in C-suite roles, CEO succession, and board development. He serves as a Non-Executive Director at Ackermann International, is the YPO UK chapter chair, and leads his own firm, The Naked Headhunter. His extensive experience has helped countless senior leaders find their next step and transition onto boards.

Here are some key takeaways from the session:

Visibility is Everything: Mark emphasized the importance of being visible and making sure people know you're open to board opportunities. He shared strategies to optimize LinkedIn profiles by highlighting leadership philosophies and board-related experiences.

The Power of Networking: board positions come through personal networks. Mark encouraged us to continuously expand our connections and nurture existing relationships to unlock new opportunities.

Unique Leadership Experiences Matter: Boards are looking for directors who’ve "been in the CEO's shoes," led international growth, managed M&A, or navigated crises and turnarounds. Many of our members asked about how Ukrainian board members, particularly those who have led companies through crises and war, could offer their valuable experience to Western European companies. Mark confirmed that such crisis leadership skills are highly sought after, especially in today's dynamic global market.

Expanding Opportunities for Ukrainian Directors: Another key question was how Ukrainian board members could expand their opportunities to serve on boards in Western Europe. Mark advised focusing on building visibility, and leveraging international networks to bridge the gap.

This event was an incredible learning experience, and it's clear that the journey to joining a board requires intentional planning and visibility. How do you make yourself visible for new opportunities?