Bring Your Great Talent into the Boardroom by Sara Almgren

Over the past 4 years I have devoted a big part of my time to help minority groups entering the boardrooms. It’s been a journey, not always a straight one, but I am so happy and proud to be part of it together with my deb. co-founders, Emelie Meurk Demerud and Hanna Moisander. Through deb. (diverse executive boards) we want to increase diversity and inclusion in boardrooms. We are bridging the gap for new profiles and competences to enter the boardroom through boosting their confidence, giving them a forefronted education together with deep dives into the latest knowledge important to have as a modern board member and a strong network.

Our vision is that everyone should have a role model in the boardroom. We believe that a story that portrays a strong protagonist can be life-changing. Therefore we want to bring as many new role models into the boardroom as possible and we are keen to boost everyone that should be in the boardroom to take that seat and make a difference.

Through my time with deb. I have identified some key factors for women entering into the boardroom, which I would like to share with you. Are you interested in taking the step into the boardroom? Just tag along and follow these 10 steps!

10 steps towards becoming a board professional

1. Be yourself

This is one of the biggest key factors. When working as a board member, understand why you are the best person for the job, based on your competence and skills, "BE YOURSELF" and use your unique talents and abilities to your advantage.

2. Don't hesitate to ask for help

If you are interested in board work, inform your network, colleagues, and friends. They can help you to find the right opportunities, and it will keep you top of mind.

3. Create a list of companies

What kind of company interests you? Is it a certain industry, size, growth agenda? Make a list of your top 10 companies. Study them closely and understand if they have a gap in their board which you could fill. How would you want to pitch yourself? Reflect on your possible contributions to the company.

4. Find a mentor

Do you have a role model or someone whose career you admire? Consider scheduling a coffee meeting with them to learn more about their journey and gain insights on how to achieve a similar level of success. You never know, they might even be interested in taking you on as a mentee!!!

5. Package your competence

Make sure you know what YOU can contribute to a board! Define your personal perspectives, sum up your competence and package your experiences and skills in a cover letter. A tip is to focus on numbers and tangible results. Make sure you are ready to present WHY you should be part of the board - create your elevator board pitch (maximum 1 minute).

6. Contact different boards

Have you found any boards that interest you? Make a move and contact a board member. The process and openings for new recruitments might be lengthy- so be prepared and have a good foresight.

7. Join a board network

It will help you to find the right opportunities to network and may lead to many possibilities.

8. Take an observer position

As an observer in the board, you can share your knowledge, gain experience, and gain insight into board work without taking any final decisions. This is a great gateway into board work.

9. Education

Expand your competence and broaden your perspectives with further education - preferably a course on board work. It could be a favorable way to enhance your competence on paper and to prepare you for the responsibility a board position holds.

10. Join deb.

If you want to make the move and start your journey towards becoming a board member, deb. is a perfect start. You can join us through either our deb.-program or separate courses. With our network we make sure minority groups find their way into the boardroom. Read more about what we can help you with at our website.

Thank you for reading my article!

If you have any questions or want to connect with me, you are welcome to reach out to sara@joindeb.se.

If you want to know more about deb. and our journey, please visit our website or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.