Iwona Hojol brings over 15 years of experience in executive search and talent advisory, specializing in delivering transformative leadership solutions for organizations across the UK, Europe, the US, and the Middle East. As a Partner at Clifford Nash, Iwona has built a reputation for collaborating with private equity firms and their portfolio companies to secure exceptional leadership talent that drives value creation and strategic growth. Iwona’s expertise spans a wide range of talent challenges, including the design and execution of retained search processes for senior leadership roles, advising organizations on building effective talent strategies and supporting companies during periods of transformation and growth. Before joining Clifford Nash, Iwona successfully managed executive recruitment mandates in various industries, including Technology, Energy, Real Estate, and Financial Servies. She holds a degree in International Finance from Westminster University, providing a strong foundation for her career in leadership advisory and talent strategy. Based in London, she works across a global portfolio of clients, maintaining a dynamic, hands-on approach to her work.
The journey to securing a board member position is an ambitious but attainable goal for senior executives aiming to expand their impact. In today’s ever-changing business environment, success in these roles requires a distinct blend of strategic vision, leadership, and the ability to address complex challenges. As an executive search professional, I know that understanding the roadmap to the boardroom and tailoring your approach can make all the difference.
Here’s a practical guide to navigating this transformative career step, with insights on how to build the skills, network, and presence necessary to stand out in the competitive world of board recruitment.
Understanding the Changing Demands of Board Leadership
Board member roles today are shaped by global market trends, digital transformation, and growing pressures around governance, sustainability, and innovation. Organizations are seeking leaders who can deliver strategic oversight while embracing agility and inclusivity.
For aspiring board members, aligning personal expertise with these evolving demands is key. Beyond operational success, candidates must demonstrate their ability to manage risk, foster innovation, and provide sound guidance in an increasingly complex corporate landscape.
- Assess Your Leadership Readiness
The first step to a board role is honest self-assessment. Reflect on the leadership competencies required at the strategic level—stakeholder management, financial acumen, governance expertise, and long-term vision are often essential.
Consider feedback from peers or mentors, or engage in executive coaching to identify areas for growth. Boards value authenticity, so aligning your personal values with the mission and culture of prospective organizations is also critical.
- Broaden Your Industry and Functional Impact
Depth of experience in a specific sector is valuable, but breadth is often what sets board candidates apart. Exposure to different industries, markets, or functions equips leaders with a broader perspective—an asset in boardroom discussions.
Pursue roles or projects that highlight versatility, such as leading international teams, navigating mergers, or driving digital transformation initiatives. Demonstrating a track record of delivering value in varied contexts signals adaptability and leadership strength.
- Build Board-Specific Skills
The transition from operational leadership to the boardroom requires a different set of skills. Boards focus on strategic oversight, regulatory compliance, and governance. Participating in board readiness programs or completing certifications from recognized institutions can be invaluable.
These programs not only build expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the nuances of board service. Many executive search agencies also offer tailored advice on preparing for these transitions, ensuring candidates are fully equipped for success.
- Strengthen Your Professional Network
Relationships play a pivotal role in accessing board opportunities. Expand your professional network to include industry leaders, board members, and executive search consultants. Active engagement at industry events, conferences, and governance panels can elevate your visibility.
Keep in mind that many board appointments come through informal connections or trusted referrals. Working with an executive search partner can provide a direct link to exclusive opportunities and aligned organizations.
- Craft a Powerful Personal Brand
Board selection committees are interested in how your expertise and experience align with their organization’s goals. Craft a compelling narrative in your CV and online presence that highlights your strategic contributions and measurable achievements.
Focus on outcomes like driving revenue growth, improving governance, or leading transformation initiatives. Executive search firms can help fine-tune your branding to ensure it resonates with decision-makers.
- Commit to Lifelong Learning
Even at the executive level, continuous learning is crucial. The business world is evolving rapidly, shaped by advances in technology, shifting consumer expectations, and global challenges. Staying informed about trends like AI, ESG, and emerging governance practices positions you as a forward-thinking leader.
Engage with executive education programs, subscribe to industry publications, or seek mentorship from experienced board members to stay at the forefront of your field.
Why Partner with an Executive Search Firm?
The path to the boardroom is rarely straightforward. Executive search firms act as trusted advisors, offering insights into market dynamics, organizational needs, and candidate expectations. We provide personalized guidance to help you refine your leadership narrative, address skill gaps, and connect with opportunities aligned to your aspirations.
Our expertise ensures that you not only navigate the complexities of this career milestone but also position yourself as the ideal candidate for transformative board roles.
The journey to a board position is a strategic endeavour that blends preparation, adaptability, and the ability to seize the right opportunities. By focusing on leadership readiness, broadening your impact, and cultivating a robust network, you can elevate your profile and achieve your career ambitions.
Partnering with an experienced executive search firm adds a layer of expertise and support, empowering you to take control of your career trajectory.
Insights from Senior Leaders: Tips for Aspiring Board Members
To complement our perspective, we reached out to three senior leaders currently serving in board positions for their advice. Here’s what they had to say:
- Elena Skvortsova, President and CEO at Messer Americas: It is important for the candidates to understand and be able to articulate why they want to be on the specific boards they may be interested in and show how their knowledge, experience, expertise, and network can be of value for the companies they are interested in serving. It’s not enough to just want to be on a board. It is in fact more important to understand how your service can contribute to the company’s strategic goal achievement. Research and clear self awareness help.
- Patrick Huber, Board Member at H2 Energy: To become a successful board member, it’s crucial that your position allows you to realize your full potential and contribute meaningfully. To do so, it is imperative that your values, ambitions, and interests must align with those of the company and its owners. Any compromise on this will lead to friction which will make the board composition inefficient and not sustainable. Equally important, you need to demonstrate that you add value to the board by having expertise in areas which will allow the board to enhance its capabilities and become a more balanced and effective team. Lastly, trust in your capabilities to make a significant impact on a strong board, as your purpose is to contribute effectively when needed
- Giedre Malinauskaite, Chief Strategy Officer at CNTXT: “Board directors are not just stewards of governance; they are strategic enablers who shape the trajectory of a company’s growth. In fast-paced industries like technology, where innovation cycles are rapid and competition is fierce, a well-rounded board brings diverse perspectives, fosters agility, and ensures the company remains forward-thinking. Their role in balancing long-term vision with short-term adaptability is critical, especially in navigating complex market dynamics. Effective boards cultivate collaboration and challenge the status quo, making them indispensable to driving sustainable development and creating value for all stakeholders”.
The insights highlight the critical role of preparation, strategic networking, and distinguishing yourself in a competitive market. When paired with the tailored support of an executive search firm, these valuable tips can empower you to confidently and purposefully navigate your journey to securing a board position.