Building Board Experience While You Are Still an Executive

Many executives assume they need to finish their operational career before stepping into board roles. That is a misconception. In reality, combining executive work with early board opportunities is often one of the smartest ways to build a long term portfolio career.

Board exposure sharpens your strategic thinking, strengthens your governance literacy, and expands your network at the highest levels. It also future proofs your career. By the time you are ready to step back from full time executive roles, you are already known, trusted, and positioned.

So how do you do this well.

Start small and align carefully. Consider advisory boards, subsidiary boards, or for purpose organisations where your expertise is highly valued and the risk profile is appropriate. These environments allow you to build governance experience while still delivering strongly in your executive role.

Be disciplined about conflicts of interest. Choose boards in complementary sectors and communicate openly with your employer. When framed correctly, your board involvement should be seen as an extension of your leadership capability, not a distraction from it. It signals commercial maturity and broader perspective.

Think about sequencing. Over time, you can progress from lighter, lower risk roles into more complex commercial or listed boards as your governance capability and market credibility grow.

The key is to start early, be intentional, and use board experience to amplify your leadership impact. Not just after you retire, but alongside your executive career today, in a way that strengthens both your contribution and your long term career trajectory.