Today’s Thursday Thoughts come from a lesson I’ve learned from over 25 years as a corporate director. Here’s something I wish more women knew: your career resume won’t get you a board seat. I’ve reviewed countless board resumes from accomplished executives. The ones that fall flat all make the same mistake: they showcase execution excellence when boards are looking for governance capability.

Boards seek oversight, insight, and fiduciary responsibility. They want to know what you can contribute at the governance level. Your career resume showcases your accomplishments.

A board resume must articulate the governance gap you can fill. That requires a shift in how you frame your value. I encourage women to build their board value proposition on three pillars:
1. Fiduciary skills: Financial literacy, risk oversight, and the ability to challenge financial statements. You don’t need to be a CPA, but you must demonstrate governance-level financial acumen.
2. Industry or sector knowledge: Where your operational experience translates into strategic insight. Strong knowledge of competitive dynamics, regulatory environments, and industry-specific risks.
3. Emerging competencies: The future-facing skills that boards need now. ESG integration, AI governance, cybersecurity oversight, climate risk, and human capital strategy.

I always tell women: think about the specific gap you can fill on a specific board. I often advise women to review the proxy circulars of the three companies they’d like to serve on and study the board composition. Look at which skills are missing and which expertise they’re seeking.

Consider how you would strengthen their governance. When you can answer that question clearly, you’ve identified your board value proposition.

For detailed guidance on building your board value proposition, download the 8th edition of my e-book, How to Get Yourself on a Board.