---
title: "What boards would you like to join? And why do you want to be a NED?"
description: "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 […]"
featured_image: "https://beexecutive.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Political-Intelligence-–-emailwebsite-size-66.jpg"
url: "https://beexecutive.com.au/what-boards-would-you-like-to-join-and-why-do-you-want-to-be-a-ned/"
date_modified: "2026-01-21T18:17:36+11:00"
---

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 Jenny@berecruitment.com.au to arrange a confidential chat.

**Request a complimentary board search call? L**et’s talk through what will genuinely strengthen your chances of securing the right NED role – not just any role.