Readiness Workshop
Kris Steen, President of Executive Search at Stevenson Search Partners, recently led an engaging session for How Women Lead's Corporate Board Readiness Workshop, sharing insider insights on how executive recruiters identify and place board candidates. How Women Lead is a nationally recognized organization dedicated to advancing women’s leadership and increasing female representation on corporate boards, a powerful network of over 175,000 leaders.
With more than twenty years of experience in executive search and board advisory, Kris brings deep expertise in developing diverse, high-impact corporate boards, making her uniquely qualified to guide participants through the intricacies of board placement.
Demystifying the Board Search Process
To begin the session, Kris offered key insights into the process executive recruiters use to identify and place board candidates, emphasizing that successful placements require methodical planning.
The process typically begins with a thorough board analysis, where recruiters examine the current board’s composition to pinpoint functional and expertise gaps, ensuring that new appointees bring essential skills and fresh perspectives. Instead of casting a wide net, recruiters conduct searches sequentially, approaching one candidate at a time to create a more tailored and thoughtful experience.
Positioning Yourself as a Board Candidate
Visibility and preparation are critical for executives seeking board positions. Kris offered the following strategic advice:
· Craft a Strong Bio: Develop a well-written, one-page bio that highlights your experience, accomplishments, and the measurable impact you’ve made during your tenure at each company.
· Leverage LinkedIn: Buildout your LinkedIn profile to showcase your network, including management teams, board affiliations, and industry memberships.
· Network, Network, Network: Recruiters rely heavily on their networks and public information, so being visible and engaged in relevant associations is essential for long-term success.
Kris emphasized that recruiters often evaluate candidates "on paper" through their networks before making initial contact, underscoring the importance of maintaining a strong professional presence across all platforms.
Partnering With Your Recruiter
One of the session's key takeaways was viewing recruiters as strategic partners rather than gatekeepers. Kris encouraged participants to leverage their recruiter’s expertise throughout the entire process.
Recruiters provide transparency by sharing all necessary information to help candidates make informed decisions about board opportunities. However, the evaluation process works both ways – while recruiters are assessing candidates, executives should also be evaluating the company, its board members, and management team culture.
Kris advised participants to actively request investor decks, references, and introductions to current employees to properly assess cultural fit and organizational values. This due diligence ensures alignment between personal values and corporate mission, a critical factor for long-term board effectiveness.
Join the Movement
How Women Lead continues to provide executive women with the strategic training and network connections essential for board readiness. The organization's comprehensive approach combines expert-led workshops, peer mentorship, and ongoing support to help participants navigate the path from executive leadership to boardroom influence.
With a 45% gender diversity hire rate, Stevenson Search Partners shares How Women Lead’s vision of women advancing in corporate leadership, recognizing that diverse boards drive better business outcomes and meaningful organizational change.
