At a recent Athena Alliance salon, Coco Brown and seasoned board director Katrinka McCallum shared practical, actionable tips to demystify the journey to the boardroom. Here’s how you can approach networking with intention, turning connections into opportunities and breaking through to secure that coveted board seat.

Leverage the Power of Weak Ties: Why Loose Connections Open Doors

Opportunities often arise not from your closest connections, but from broader, less frequent ones. Sociologist Mark Granovetter’s concept of “the strength of weak ties” highlights that casual relationships can often lead to significant breakthroughs.

Takeaway: Make an effort to engage in events, communities, and industry gatherings, even if they feel outside your inner circle. A chance encounter or a simple introduction could connect you to your next big opportunity.

Be Strategic: Map Your Network for Success

Effective networking requires a structured approach, not just random connections. To maximize your efforts:

1. Create a Mind Map: List contacts from all areas of your life—former colleagues, mentors, industry leaders, recruiters, and even auditors or legal professionals who are aware of board openings.
2. Segment Your Network: Use a simple system (e.g., red, yellow, green) to prioritize the people most likely to help.
3. Track and Follow Up: Treat your networking like a project, using tools to log interactions and maintain momentum.

“You can’t do everything,” Katrinka noted. “It’s about quality, not quantity. Focus your time and effort where it counts.”

Identify Where You Fit in the Boardroom

Not every board opportunity will be the right match, so understanding where you bring the most value is essential. Consider these variables when targeting boards:

• Capital Structure: Public, private equity-backed, venture-funded, or family-owned companies all have unique needs.
• Scale: Smaller firms may require growth guidance, while larger ones typically seek established expertise.
• Industry & Business Model: Consider how your experience aligns with specific sectors (e.g., tech, healthcare) and business models (e.g., SaaS, e-commerce).

By reflecting on your career and strengths, you can target boards where your contributions will be most impactful.

Start Small: The Value of a “Starter Board”

“Not every board seat will be perfect,” Katrinka admitted. “Sometimes you need a starter board to build your experience.”

You don’t need to land your dream board role immediately. Many successful board directors begin with smaller or less ideal positions to build their experience. Don’t overlook opportunities to serve on advisory boards, nonprofit boards, or smaller companies as a starting point. These early roles help you develop critical governance skills, understand boardroom dynamics, and navigate real challenges. 

Stay Persistent: Treat It Like a Sales Pipeline

Landing a board seat is often a numbers game. Set realistic expectations, and treat the process like building a pipeline of potential opportunities. Engage with many companies, pursue multiple conversations, and expect setbacks along the way.

Track your outreach, interviews, and connections. Stay resilient, knowing that each interaction is part of a larger process.

Practical Tips to Start Your Journey

Whether you’re new to the boardroom or looking to expand your portfolio, Katrinka offered these actionable takeaways:

1. Be Methodical: Structure your outreach and stay organized.
2. Communicate Your Intent: Let your network know you’re seeking board roles and articulate your unique value proposition.
3. Invest in Yourself: Consider board training programs, coaching, or communities like Athena Alliance to refine your strategy.
4. Maintain Relationships: Even if you don’t get a role today, relationships can bear fruit later.
5. Know Your Value: Seek boards that align with your expertise, passion, and vision.

Final Thoughts: It’s a Journey, Not a Destination

The path to a board seat requires time, effort, and a willingness to learn from the process. By showing up, nurturing connections, and refining your strategy, you’ll position yourself for the right opportunity when it comes.

Athena offers the resources and connections to support you along the way. Start today, trust the process, and stay open to the opportunities that await.