Well folks, buckle up, because I’m about to drop some truth bombs on why you’ll never get your hands on a non-executive director job. Despite it being the equivalent of the golden ticket in the corporate world, with prestige, fame, and a fat paycheque, it’s not as easy to grab as you think. So sit back, grab some popcorn, and get ready to laugh at why you’ll never join the NED club.
This article explores some of the reasons why and what you can do to overcome the challenges!
Lack of Relevant Experience: If you think you’re going to breeze into a NED job with just a surface level understanding of business and a degree in underwater basket weaving, think again. NEDs are expected to have a PhD level understanding of the business, industry, and market, not to mention experience in strategy, risk management, and governance. So, if you’re not a genius in all these areas, your chances of getting a NED job are as good as a snowflake’s chances in hell.
Insufficient Network: If you’re the type of person who has never been to a networking event, has never made a business connection, and only knows two people, then good luck getting a NED job. NED roles are filled through personal connections, not formal processes, so if you don’t have a strong network, you’ll be left outside the door, ringing the bell and begging to get in.
Lack of Diversity: If you’re a white male, getting a NED job could be like trying to climb Mount Everest without oxygen. In today’s world, companies are placing a high priority on diversity and inclusiveness in their leadership, so if you’re not from a diverse background, your chances of securing a NED position might be quite challenging. (Don’t shoot the messenger!)
Competition: If you think getting into Harvard is competitive, try getting a NED job. The pool of applicants is massive and the competition is fierce, so you need to be better than LeBron James, Elon Musk, and Marie Curie combined to stand a chance.
Unwillingness to travel: If you’re not willing to pack up your life and move to Timbuktu for a NED job, then you better be prepared to miss out on opportunities. Many NED roles require travel and some may even require you to relocate, so be prepared to say goodbye to your hometown and hello to a life on the road.
So what you going to do about it?
Lack of Relevant Experience: To increase your chances of getting a NED job, it is important to build up relevant experience in areas such as strategy, risk management, and governance. This can be achieved by taking courses, attending workshops, and seeking out opportunities to work in these areas. Additionally, you could consider seeking out mentors or shadowing individuals who have experience in NED roles to gain insight and knowledge.
Insufficient Network: Building a strong network of business leaders and decision-makers is crucial if you want to secure a NED role. You can start by attending industry events and conferences, reaching out to individuals you admire, and leveraging social media and online communities to connect with others in the field. Additionally, you could consider joining professional organizations and participating in networking groups to expand your network and make new connections.
Lack of Diversity: To increase your chances of getting a NED job, it’s important to actively seek out opportunities to build a diverse network and gain exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences. This can be achieved by participating in diversity and inclusion initiatives, attending events and conferences focused on diversity and inclusiveness, and seeking out mentors from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, you could consider getting involved in organisations or initiatives that support diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace.
Competition: To stand out in the competitive pool of NED candidates, it’s important to differentiate yourself by demonstrating your unique skills, experience, and expertise. This can be achieved by building a strong personal brand, creating a portfolio of your work and accomplishments, and actively seeking out opportunities to showcase your skills and capabilities. Additionally, you could consider seeking out mentorship or coaching to help you develop your skills and stand out from the crowd.
Joining virtualnonexecs.com is a crucial step in achieving your NED goals.
This platform provides a wealth of resources and opportunities to help you build relevant experience, expand your network, and increase your visibility in the NED community. Virtualnonexecs.com provides a supportive and empowering community of NEDs and aspiring NEDs from all walks of life.
By leveraging the resources and connections available through Virtualnonexecs.com, you can gain access to mentorship, professional development opportunities, and valuable insights and advice from experienced NEDs. Additionally, Virtualnonexecs.com provides a platform for you to showcase your skills, accomplishments, and unique perspective to potential NED roles, increasing your chances of securing the job you want. In short, virtualnonexecs.com is the essential tool you need to achieve your NED goals and make your mark in the corporate world.
Oh and there is no golden paycheque! I was joking!