Serving on an Advisor Board provides the perfect opportunity for women to begin their career in governance. We have heard from many women who have chosen this path, that they gained significant confidence in their governance abilities while being an advisor. This is because it provides women with a hands-on way to learn the governance structures and procedures.  But also, contributing to a company’s success provides you with immense job satisfaction. There are a great deal of benefits available to women who choose to serve on a board.

Leadership role

Serve on a board allows you to learn about and influence the whole business. This is not limited to your area of expertise, because you will be exposed to the whole business, and other experts in their fields. This means that without trying, you will learn many new skills.

On an Advisory Board you will be working closely with the CEO and able to pick up on their leadership skills. Watch how they deal with their staff and conduct the room. Emulate the tactics that you admire and learn from their experiences. This will lead you to softy develop your own leadership skills as you also employ them yourself within your role as an advisor. Women also tend to have a different leadership style to men and this can be utilized by the company, as can any aspect of diversity. Learn more about diversity on boards.

Your own Professional development

Serving on a board is great for your own professional development, it allows you to learn about new industries, get exposed to different types of businesses, extend your network and meet new people.

For women, choosing an Advisory Board over a Board of Directors can also have some benefits. As businesses that utilize an Advisory Board are smaller, and governance is generally new ground for them, Advisory Boards are far less likely to be an ‘old boys club’. Instead they are full of passionate people who are excited to take on new business opportunities, innovate and discover new ground. With the flexible nature of an Advisory Board, it is common to switch out members regularly with experts relating to the Advisory Boards current focus. This means you’re all getting to know one another and everyone brings their own unique values to the board, generating mutual respect for one another.

An Advisory Board can also be a great way to learn in a safe environment. When serving on a Board of Directors, you are legally liable. This is not the case with Advisory Boards are you are only in an advisor position, you do not issue directive. This can take away the stress and allow you to learn the process. Learn more about Boards of Directors VS Advisory Boards.

Challenging and interesting

With an Advisory Board, you work right in with the business owner(s) and have a more hands-on role. Working in with people who are passionate about New Zealand Inc. can boost your confidence and reinvigorate your own passions. You also have the opportunity to work in a space that has always intrigued you and begin building up your networks in that space. Serving on a board is a rewarding, experience and a great way to get involved with a variety of fabulous businesses. Advisory Boards NZ offers various training courses available to get you started on your journey to governance. You can also sign up to be listed on our advisory register, the only online advisor register in the country.