A lot of professionals assume they’re not ready for a board role because they don’t have a C-suite title, an MBA or a network full of board chairs.

Some think they’re too young.

Others worry they’ve already missed their chance.

But MJ makes an important point:

The better question is not, “Do I look like a typical board candidate?”

It’s: "What specific value can I bring to a board?"

In our conversation, MJ shares three foundations for becoming board-ready:

→ Understand how boards actually work and how new directors are selected.

→ Define your unique value proposition at board level, rather than simply retelling your executive career story.

→ Build a professional brand that makes that value visible and easy to understand.

We also explore something I think more mid-career professionals should consider:

A board role doesn’t necessarily have to sit apart from your main career.

Positioned thoughtfully, it can complement your executive work, broaden your experience and become part of a much more intentional portfolio career.

MJ brings a particularly interesting perspective to this conversation.

His career spans corporate strategy, sustainability and business transformation across aviation, consulting and consumer goods. He currently serves as a Non-Executive Director at Global Green Company Limited and holds board and advisory roles across agriculture, manufacturing and healthcare. He also helps professionals land Board positions.

It’s a useful conversation for anyone who is board-curious but still wondering where to begin, what they have to offer, or whether they’re “ready enough” yet.

You can connect with MJ here...

Guest links:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mckleinjaveri/

Other - https://bookings.cloud.microsoft/book/ConnectwithMJ@fortunadirectors.com/?ismsaljsauthenabled

Connect with Natalie...

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/natalie-tran-coach-melbourne 

If you need career and business support in your transition, book a free exploratory chat with me: https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/discovery

Check out my Notion "9-5 TO BIZ TRANSITION ROADMAP"

https://www.notion.so/9-5-TO-BIZ-TRANSITION-ROADMAP-44e6ed2575ba4581ae26e8e55350b118

Check out my Notion "Optimise Your LinkedIn Playbook & Checklist"

https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/linkedin-playbook

Check out my other FREE CLASSES and resources here https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/free-courses 

You can also sign up to my COURSES here https://www.transitionwithpurpose.com.au/courses 

Send me a DM on INSTAGRAM @transitionwithpurpose 

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/natalie-tran-coach-melbourne 

Real Estate by LesFM | https://lesfm.net/corporate-background-music/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/