Becoming a young board director

Becoming a young board director may seem unreachable or way down on your list of priorities, but think again because it could hugely boost your career. 

According to Fortune, the average age of an S&P 500 board member was 63.1 in 2023, and the average age of a first-time board member is 54.4. Being a director remains focused on older generations because that’s been the tradition for decades. 

But the winds are changing: big companies worldwide are analysing the potential for diversity – age included – giving new life to your potential of sitting on a board before you’re 40. 

Let’s dig deeper into the journey of becoming a young board director

In short, because you can redefine the boardroom landscape. 

Being under 40 means your generation forms most of a company’s consumers and investors – the stakeholders that drive its success. But that same generation has little representation in the boardroom. Companies are aware of this and – in some cases – very eager to change it. 

Here are some of your unique selling points as a potential young board member: 

• Fresh perspectives – Based on unique insights into emerging trends, technologies and consumer behaviours.
• Digital expertise – If you’re under 40, you have either grown up with modern technology, or it’s simply been there all your life. Either way, it’s a huge advantage and establishes you as a guide while companies try to catch up. 
• Diversity & inclusivity – Being young means being part of a desired demographic for many companies who have publicly stated their intent to diversify their board. You also come from a generation that has repeatedly shown the strongest passion for diversity efforts, meaning your views are likely to reflect a vast swathe of stakeholders. 
• You can adapt and learn quickly – essential in a high-intensity business environment.

There’s a practical answer to this question that’s relevant no matter what age you are. For that, check out this article.  

Everything below deals specifically with younger age groups. 

Every deserving board member has won their role due to their achievement and expertise in a particular field. If this is you, ensure you broadcast that expertise as much as possible. 

These days, much of that comes down to social media. Do you use it? If not, you could be missing out on potential benefits. 

Whether it’s LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, or something else relevant to your business, a heavy presence there is one of the easiest ways to tell your industry you exist, work hard, and have a proven track record of success. This is the bread and butter of why companies seek board members out. They want demonstrable expertise.

Connections matter when it comes to board roles, but your network might not be as well developed as a younger person. 

Don’t worry. That’s natural. The important thing now is to think strategically. Review your list of current and former colleagues and contacts with whom you’ve worked well within the industry. What connections do they have? What can they say about their time working with you?

In the meantime, consider joining a dedicated network of governance professionals. This gives you access to like-minded individuals with the same goals as you. It’s invaluable.

Yes – you can get dedicated governance training. In fact, a range of internationally recognised governance qualifications are available to you. 

Training sets you up for a boardroom career in a way that’s not just beneficial but necessary. Directors have too much responsibility these days to be only partially aware of their duties. 

If you’re trained, you can arrive in the boardroom on day one, ready to put your expertise to use. You won’t be bogged down in questions about procedure or logistics.

Many companies are deconstructing old ways of thinking and actively seeking younger people for their boards. But this doesn’t mean the bias is gone completely. It’s still possible for anyone involved in recruitment to assume you mightn’t be up to the job because you “haven’t had the life experience yet.”

When this happens, remember: you’re not trying to deconstruct an entire institutional bias. You’re simply trying to promote yourself. 

Networking for a board role means highlighting your governance experience, personal skill set, and ambition for the company. It also means drawing parallels between this and what your company is looking for. 

Convince them that you are the right person to fill the board role. By the time you’re done, your age should be forgotten.

Becoming a director before you’re 40 requires strategic career planning, skill development, networking, and a clear understanding of the unique value you bring to a board. 

With the right approach and dedication, young professionals can not only secure a place at the table but also make meaningful contributions to the governance and success of modern corporations.