If you’re serious about becoming a Non-Executive Director, you must be able to answer these two questions clearly and convincingly:
What boards would you like to join?
Why do you want to be a NED?
Not eventually.
Not vaguely.
Now.
Because if you can’t answer them – confidently and authentically – your reputation will suffer.
Why this matters more than you think
Around 65% of board appointments are filled through personal connections, not advertisements. That means most opportunities arise through conversations with Chairs, current Directors, CEOs, recruiters and trusted advisors.
And here’s the reality:
When those people ask you why you want a board role, or what types of boards you’re targeting, they’re not being polite — they’re assessing risk.
If your answers are unclear, generic or opportunistic, the reaction is usually silent but decisive:
They won’t put your name forward
They won’t advocate for you
They won’t “keep you in mind.”
Not because they’re unkind — but because their own reputation is on the line.
“Any board” is not an answer
One of the most common mistakes aspiring NEDs make is saying:
“I’m open to any board opportunity.”
To a Chair, that signals a lack of focus.
To a recruiter, it signals risk.
To a referrer, it makes it hard to place.
Strong candidates can articulate:
Sector alignment (e.g., NFP, health, housing, education, commercial)
Organisation size and complexity
Where they add value, not just where they want experience
The most compelling NED candidates don’t chase boards — they are chosen because they make sense for the role.
“Giving back” isn’t enough
Another common answer to “Why do you want to be a NED?” is:
“I want to give back.”
That may be true — and admirable — but it’s not sufficient on its own.
Boards want to understand:
What experience and perspective you bring to the table
How your career and skills translate into governance value
Whether you understand the responsibilities, accountabilities and risks of being a Director
Remember: being a NED isn’t honorary.
It carries legal, fiduciary and ethical obligations.
Your story needs to be consistent
Your answers to these questions should align across:
Conversations
Your CV
Your LinkedIn profile
Referees’ understanding of your goals
Inconsistency creates doubt.
Clarity builds confidence — and advocacy.
The candidates who succeed do this well
The NEDs who secure appointments are those who:
Are clear on where they fit
Can articulate why a particular board makes sense
Understand that board appointments are about contribution, not status
They make it easy for others to help them.
Thinking about a board appointment in 2026?
If you’d like support refining your board narrative, clarifying your target boards, or understanding how board search really works behind the scenes, I’d be happy to help. Contact [email protected] to arrange a confidential chat.
Request a complimentary board search call? Let’s talk through what will genuinely strengthen your chances of securing the right NED role – not just any role.
