Board Futures 2025

The Journey to the Boardroom: Insights and Guidance for Aspiring NEDs

Serving on a board is both a privilege and a responsibility, one that demands intellectual curiosity, strategic clarity, and a commitment to stewardship. Insights from our recent Russell Reynolds Board Futures 2025 panel discussion with four experienced Chairs highlighted several key themes for those considering a Non-Executive Director role.

Chairs increasingly look beyond traditional markers of experience and background. They value character, curiosity, and the ability to challenge constructively. Our panel emphasised the importance of being clear about what energises you, whether that’s a sector, a strategic business challenge or societal purpose, and showing that clarity as you position yourself for NED roles.

Demonstrating curiosity during the interview process, asking incisive questions and listening actively were all cited as markers of strong board potential. Above all, the journey to the boardroom is about mindset. Those who approach it with humility, rigour and purpose are most likely to make a meaningful impact.

What Boards Need Today

• A blend of experience and currency: Serving and recent executives offer fresh insights, particularly in areas of rapid evolution like technology.
• Curiosity and learning agility: Intellectual curiosity, independence of thought,  and the ability to provide constructive challenge are critical capabilities.
• Trending skillsets: Boards continue to value commercial acumen, insight into economic and geo-political issues, and fluency in areas such as technology and ESG.

Pro tip: Focus on the full range of your skills and capabilities. Stay informed on trends and global issues.

The Journey to the Boardroom

• Positioning matters: Define your proposition and ensure it is reflected in your CV and personal brand. Be focused, authentic and differentiated.
• Be intentional: Know what energises you, i.e. sectors, challenges, geographies.
• Plan your path: Consider coaching, mentoring and visibility through panels.
• Build your network: Board dynamics rely on collaboration and relationship-building. Personal recommendation will often be a route to your first NED conversation.

Pro tip: Your executive role is your strongest platform, establish credibility there.

Navigating the NED Process

• Due diligence: Invest time up front to research the business and its leadership, curiosity is essential.
• Search firms: Use your search partner for guidance and feedback.
• Two-way process: Be discerning on the roles you consider. Use interviews both to display your relevance for the role and explore the opportunity rigorously.

Pro tip: Prepare thoroughly. Ask questions that demonstrate your strategic thinking and reflect the quality of contribution you will make as a NED.

Accelerating Impact as a NED

• Onboarding: Carve time out for induction and seize opportunities to spend time with executives and board colleagues.
• Early meetings: Seek advice from your Chair and identify areas where you might quickly contribute.
• Style shift: Recognise the move from decision-making to oversight. Seek feedback and build your NED skills.
• Stay relevant: Invest in self-development, maintain your ability to bring a current and broad perspective.

Pro tip: Start with a board aligned to your values where the Chair is a strong role model