BlueSky Thinking Summary

Victoria Medvec, a Kellogg professor and board veteran, offers strategic insights on how one can best navigate their path to a boardroom seat.

First, she says, craft a board bio that showcases unique competencies- strategic vision, fiduciary duty.

Of course, the prestigious boards are those like Apple, she says, but Medvec suggests exploring different opportunities such as start-up boards or nonprofit boards.

Get firm support for company alignment with career development early on for a board role.

Leverage networks, since board appointments can be founded on referrals.

In an interview, make it obvious how you're going to complement board dynamics, rather than qualifications.

Finally, study board operations and culture for intrinsicality in values and goals.

Board membership refers to strategic matching;

not passive approval.

For aspiring directors, Medvec's approach cements readiness, networking, and informed decision-making along the journey.