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Being on boards makes executives better operators. It's a wonder that many large corporations don't know this or encourage it as an executive career investment. I'd love to see that tide change.

illumyn CEO, Jocelyn Mangan's "Better Operators" podcast is out! Have a listen and hear about how participating in boardrooms can significantly enhance an executive's capabilities and propel their careers forward. Board service provides executives with invaluable insights and experiences that translate into more effective leadership and strategic oversight in their primary roles.

CHROs who support board service for their executives know this already: board service makes them better operators. This article spells out how.

At illumyn, we're immensely proud to stand with our sister company, Him For Her, this Women's History Month. Diverse voices bring unparalleled value to the boardroom and beyond. By embracing inclusivity, we unlock innovation, resilience, and profitability for companies. Let's make it rain opportunities for this incredible talent network! For more ideas on how to support senior executives to the highest levels of leadership, check out our Fellowship program: https://lnkd.in/g7rWN_XB And if you are looking for ideas on how to build more strategic boardrooms, check out The Boardroom View: https://lnkd.in/gVJXJP94 #boardofdirectors #boardleadership #diversevoices #ceoinsights

✨ Boardroom Brilliance Spotlight ✨ This week, we had the honor of hosting Melissa Hathaway, Board Director at BT Federal, for an exceptional session. Drawing from her extensive decade-plus experience on public, private, and nonprofit boards, she shared some invaluable themes: 1. Executive alignment is key: When evaluating an opportunity, invest time in interviewing the CEO and CFO. Believing in these executives is critical to your success as a board member. Ask yourself, "would I hire them to run my company?" 2. Board interview prep: Conduct a thorough review of other board members as well as a self-evaluation to understand your unique contribution to this particular board ecosystem. 3. Manage your signal to noise ratio: Be thoroughly prepared, take strategic pauses, and employ the Socratic method during discussions. It disarms and directs conversations effectively. Melissa's wisdom is a guide for those navigating the path to board service for the first time and for those who already have a board seat. Cheers to embarking on board journeys that inspire, enlighten, and leave a lasting impact! At illumyn, we work closely with our sister company Him For Her to accelerate board opportunity for historically underrepresented, board-qualified leaders. Learn more about our programs here: https://lnkd.in/g7rWN_XB #boarddiversity #boardleadership

✨ Boardroom Brilliance Spotlight  ✨ This week, we had the pleasure of hosting Brenda Freeman (she/her), Board Director of Looking Glass Factor, Weedmaps, Blue Apron, Caleres, and Avnet for an inspiring session. Here are some of her top board tips: - Immerse yourself into the business from financials to company culture, to the legacy story telling. - Immerse yourself into the micro- and macro environment that the company operates in.   - Understand your role and why YOU were selected. Your background was specifically chosen to be a voice on the board, and make sure to translate your operating expertise to your contributions.  - Make comments thoughtfully and sparingly until you have established your Relationship Capital with the board and the CEO.  Are you a seated board director ready to supercharge your impact in the boardroom? Join the exclusive ranks of our upcoming Boardroom Brilliance cohort. Our next cohort starts in January 2024, explore the details here: https://lnkd.in/grq5DJQm

✨ Boardroom Brilliance Spotlight ✨ This week, we had the pleasure of hosting Ruth Sun, Global Managing Director of Strategic Partnerships for IBM, for an enlightening session. Here are some of her great insights: - A great mantra for directors is "Be helpful, but not intrusive" - Make yourself available to the executive team, but make sure to involve your CEO - Be fully present and engaged with both structured board meeting times and unstructured time around that We are excited for even more valuable insights that our Boardroom Brilliance speakers will share! If you are a seated board director interested in accelerating your effectiveness in the Boardroom, we have a few spots available for our next Boardroom Brilliance cohort starting in January 2024. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/grq5DJQm #boards #leadership #boarddiversity

✨ Boardroom Brilliance Spotlight ✨ This week, we had the pleasure of hosting John Driver, NACD.DC, Chairman and CEO of Lynx Technology, for an enlightening session. Here are some of his insights: · The most effective directors are the ones who ask the most insightful, thought provoking and impactful questions · A good mantra for Directors is: "ask, don't task" · If you don't say or ask something in a board meeting, you weren't there; and you are on the board because you belong there We are looking forward to additional wisdom from our upcoming Boardroom Brilliance speakers! If you are a seated board director interested in accelerating your effectiveness in the Boardroom, we have a few spots available for our next Boardroom Brilliance cohort starting in January 2024. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/grq5DJQm #boards #leadership #boarddiversity

Joining a board is a significant decision, and it's more than accepting an offer; it's about finding the right board that aligns with your values, aspirations, and skills. Remember, your board seat is a long-term commitment with the potential for lasting impact. Take your time, evaluate your options, and choose wisely. As one of Jocelyn Mangan's board mentors put it, "If you have to think twice about a board, it's likely not the right one for you." Ready to dive deeper into your board journey? Join us for one of our upcoming webinars Demystifying the Boardroom and see if illumyn's programming aligns with your board journey: https://lnkd.in/gihWsaJY #boards #leadership #boarddiversity #boardeffectiveness

You are board qualified, but are you ready for the board interview? In the latest edition of The Boardroom View, Jocelyn Mangan demystifies the board interview process. She shares valuable insights on showing up as a director versus an operator, and provides tips on how to prepare effectively to secure your seat at the table. #BoardInterview #Leadership #boardofdirectors