The Boardroom View

Ever wonder what it’s like to serve on a corporate board?

A board of directors oversees the CEO and focuses on the big picture of company performance.

With such responsibility it’s easy to see why most board seats go to men who are more likely to have C-level titles.

Lisbeth McNabb, CEO and founder, w2wlink, an online professional community for women, serves on the board of Tandy Brands and Nextar Broadcasting. She says, “board service comes after maximizing your career. It’s an extension of your career path.”

That’s a lot of work for someone who’s already successful, so why do executives take on this responsibility?

“It allows them to be involved in key strategy-decisions for a company,” she says.

For others, it’s an educational experience. “I enjoy the collaborative process of working with smart people. I’m always learning something,” says Melisa Denis, partner at KPMG, who serves on five nonprofit boards.

It’s also about relationships. “You have to learn to read people and be politically savvy. There’s an art to getting information and influencing others without blindsiding people,” Denis says.

But it’s not always easy work.

With over 20 years of board experience, Cindy Padnos, founder and managing partner at Illuminate Ventures, has seen conflicts like firing a CEO and board members being asked to leave. Her reward comes from helping other leaders succeed.

Interested in serving on a board? The Women On Board organization helps senior women get selected onto for-profit and nonprofit boards. The Deloitte Center for Corporate Governance provides resources like programs, articles and webcasts for directors and executives.

Bonus PINK Link: Read our online exclusive on how to be on the board of your own financial portfolio, from SunTrust experts!

Would you serve on a board?

By Myra McElhaney

“Some leaders are born women.” Geraldine Ferraro