Redefiners
Leadership Lounge: Boardroom Bound: How to Navigate Your Journey from Executive to Board Director
26 Mar 2025
Today's board directors operate in a complex business landscape, balancing strategic guidance, technological innovation, and heightened governance expectations. They must provide critical leadership while navigating rapid change and increasing stakeholder scrutiny. So, as an executive, do you have what it takes to thrive in a board role? And how can you maximize your impact once you're there?In this episode of Leadership Lounge, we talk to some of our trusted advisors—Maggie Benkert, Edward Mason, and Rusty O'Kelley—who share their perspectives on: How to evaluate whether a board opportunity is the right fit What board chairs are looking for in new directors The behaviors that set exceptional board directors apart How to build effective relationships with fellow board members "I advise clients and candidates to be really selective about taking a board role. You want to find an opportunity where you can add considerable value, but it's also developmental or stretching for you, and helps support you in your career." Ed Mason, Leadership Advisor, Russell Reynolds Associates. Four things you'll learn from this episode:Be strategic and selective when pursuing board opportunities. Ensures it aligns with your career goals, skills, and values. Board selection committees value ‘T-shaped’ leaders who bring both breadth across strategic decision-making and depth in specialized focus areas. The most effective board directors demonstrate five key behaviors: sound judgment, constructive engagement, integrity, asking the right questions, and bringing independent perspectives. Don’t underestimate the importance of building strong connections with fellow board members. Small gestures can make a big difference. In this episode, we will cover: What questions executives should ask themselves before pursuing board opportunities. Three key things boards look for when appointing new directors. The importance of speaking the language of governance rather than management during board interviews. Practical strategies for building relationships with fellow board members. How to maximize your contribution and stay effective throughout your board tenure. A closer look at the research from this episode: 2025 Board Culture and Director Behavior Study, Russell Reynolds Associates
Full Episode
Welcome to the Leadership Lounge, a place to kick back and listen as our experts dissect some of the biggest questions leaders face today. I'm Emma Coombe, Leadership Advisor in our London office. Today's board directors operate in a complex business landscape, balancing strategic guidance, technological innovation, and heightened governance expectations.
They must provide critical leadership while navigating rapid change and increasing stakeholder scrutiny. So, as an executive, do you have what it takes to thrive in a board role? In today's episode, we're exploring the journey to board director, from evaluating the right opportunities to maximizing your impact once you're there. We'll discuss how to build your board readiness.
navigate the selection process, and leverage your unique perspective to create value in the boardroom. But before we dive in, remember to share any burning questions you want our experts to answer by emailing redefiners at russellreynolds.com. It's great to hear from you. And if you enjoy listening to our episodes, leave us a five-star review on Apple or Spotify. So let's dive in.
First up, we'd like to welcome Maggie Benkert, Leadership Advisor in Russell Reynolds Associates New York office into the conversation. Maggie, welcome to the Leadership Lounge.
Hi, Emma.
Thanks for having me.
It's great to be here.
So Maggie, let's start with the fundamentals of board selection. There are numerous board opportunities available today from public companies to startups. How do you advise executives to evaluate whether a board opportunity is the right fit, both for their career goals and for meaningful impact?
So when I'm advising executives who are thinking about board service for the first time, I tell them to ask themselves three questions. First, what do I want to get out of this experience? How does serving on a board support my overall career goals? And second, what can I bring to the table? Where do I have great experience and where can I really add value?
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