This article explains how the profile of non‑executive directors has evolved from retired bankers and lawyers to hands‑on entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and scale‑up veterans. It notes that today’s NEDs bring real‑world experience, having grown and exited companies themselves, and that investors now demand board members with commercial insight, operational know‑how and diversity of thought rather than traditional ‘expert’ credentials.

This post introduces NEDWorkin’ “On Demand,” a rebranded and enhanced networking platform that uses algorithmic matching to connect board advisers and industry professionals. Formerly known as BoardAI, the intuitive platform lets users make targeted connections, find sector experts and generate deal flow with ease, offering access to over 20,000 board advisers at their fingertips and delivering seamless networking for the Virtualnonexecs community.