Boardroom Bound with Alexander Lowry show

Boardroom Bound with Alexander Lowry

Summary: What does it take to make it in the boardroom? Join board aficionado Alexander Lowry for inspiring interviews with brilliant business minds to help both aspiring and existing directors bring their best selves to the boardroom. This show will help you think about who you are and how you operate. It's your weekly guide on the narrow road to achieving success in the boardroom.

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  • Artist: Alexander Lowry
  • Copyright: Copyright, 2019. Gordon College, Inc. All rights reserved.

Podcasts:

 Do NOT Join a Board to Network!, with Doug MacGray | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 33:39

Everyone knows you join a board to network, right?  WRONG!   If you follow this conventional wisdom you won't actually bring your best self to the boardroom.  This traditional approach dictates seeking the most high-profile opportunity available.  Which probably won't lead to an organization or mission you're passionate about. Instead, focus on finding a board seat where the organization's mission aligns with your values.  That way you'll bring your best to every board interaction.  Networking will happen automatically.  If you do a great job your peers will naturally share with others how invaluable you are as a director.  On today's episode, you'll hear the wisdom of Doug MacGray.  Doug has served on seven different nonprofit boards.  He started down this path to network for business purposes.  But he did it smartly -- Doug contributed his time and talent to causes he truly believed in.  That allowed him to flourish in the role.  Which led to a stellar reputation.   Along the way, Doug has gained tremendous insight into what it takes to be successful as a board member. He shares all of those nuggets of wisdom with us. So, are you ready to turn your expectations upside down about why you join a board? Press play to hear Doug's nuggets of wisdom! Subscribe & Review in iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Liked this episode? I would be really grateful if you'd take 30 seconds to leave me a review over on iTunes. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Plus, I love to give shoutouts on the show to everyone who submits a review. Just click here to review, tap “Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you! Links mentioned in this episode: Episode #008: The World's Most Successful Board Headhunter Tells All, with Charles King Episode #006: How to Get Boards to Seek You, with Jessie Saintcyr  Episode #002: The Key to Board Success is Service, with Steve Bartlett How to contact Doug: dmacgray@ionadv.com; linkedin.com/in/dmacgray CompassIonAdvisors.com

 The World's Most Successful Board Headhunter Tells All, with Charles King | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 35:21

You've heard it before right?  Networking is ESSENTIAL. It's absolutely true that the most likely route to getting a board seat is to use your network. (About half the director positions are filled this way.) I've witnessed this first hand. But a close second is to use an executive search firm. But how does that process work? How can you become friends with the uber-influential headhunter who has a Chairman's ear? Today, I'm introducing you to my friend Charles King. Charles isn't like most headhunters -- he doesn't primarily focus on filling executive roles and occasionally run a few board searches. No, Charles ONLY focuses on board positions.  He's done it for 20+ years. He's filled over 600 director positions. And he's NEVER failed to successfully complete a search! I can think of no one better to share the inside story with you. To explain how the boardroom has evolved. To provide clear guidance about what boards look for and how to position yourself.  In this episode, Charles explains What boards look for: 3 C's (competence, commitment, chemistry) How the demanding workload (250+ hours per year) is driving away public company executives and creating an opportunity for others Ways to rally your network to support your ambition to be a director Now, let's dive in! Subscribe & Review in iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Liked this episode? I would be really grateful if you'd take 30 seconds to leave me a review over on iTunes. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Plus, I love to give shoutouts on the show to everyone who submits a review. Just click here to review, tap “Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you! Links mentioned in this episode: How to contact Charles: cking@zrgpartners.com

 Fast-Track to Your First Board Role, with Beth Francis | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 32:45

I'm going to introduce you to a short-cut to landing your first board role. A way where someone else will match you with an organization needing your specific skillset. Are you ready?! When I joined my first board waaay back in the day, I had to do all the leg work myself -- finding a list of reputable nonprofits, deciding which were a fit with my skillset, and then networking tlll I found an opening. But that approach is so 20th century. Fortunately, there are now organizations dedicated to matching nonprofit leaders with passionate individuals looking to make an impact.  If I could do it all over again, I would do it exactly how I'm going to outline it in today's podcast.   Joining me on the show today is Beth Francis, CEO of the Essex County Community Foundation. ECCF holds an annual event to educate nonprofit board members. Included as part of the conference is a matching program to connect nonprofits looking to expand their boards with aspiring board members looking to make an impact. This is like speed dating for boards. It's the perfect way to fast track the hunt for your first board seat.  Are you ready to learn how you can get expert training and assistance to find a board seat? Press play and let's dive in! Subscribe & Review in iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Liked this episode? I would be really grateful if you'd take 30 seconds to leave me a review over on iTunes. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Plus, I love to give shoutouts on the show to everyone who submits a review. Just click here to review, tap “Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you! Links mentioned in this episode: ECCF's annual Institute for Trustees

 How to Get Boards to Seek You, with Jessie Saintcyr | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 33:42

The dream scenario is a board seat landing in your lap. Not having to hunt for it. To network for it. To hustle to find it. The good news: That's actually possible! On the show today we're going to hear how to make it happen.  My friend, Jessie Saintcyr, has had not one, but three different board roles find her.  She's never gone looking for a director position. What's her secret??? Jessie built a staller reputation as a subject matter expert in HR solutions and workforce strategies. The result was that her reputation proceeded her.  Soon organizations were chasing her because they needed her specific skillset on their board. She's become so successful, in fact, she's even launched her own company to help organizations transform themselves through their people. After this episode, you're going to walk away with a plan to implement this approach for yourself. You'll be able to follow in Jessie's footsteps and have choices about what board to serve on.  Jessie explains that fit is crucial. So you'll want to wait for the right fit.  Are you ready for this type of focus and clarity? Head on over now! Subscribe & Review in iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Liked this episode? I would be really grateful if you'd take 30 seconds to leave me a review over on iTunes. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Plus, I love to give shoutouts on the show to everyone who submits a review. Just click here to review, tap “Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!    

 The 8 Required Skills to be a Paid Board Director, with Gordon Hall | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 34:35

It helps to learn from someone who's been there, done that.   For today's show, we learn from Gordon Hall.  He's served on 6 public boards over 17 years.   During his distinguished board career (he's currently the Chair of one board and lead independent director of another), Gordon's learned there are 8 timeless skills required to be a director at a public company. Though you could say there are actually 9 skills -- because it's a requirement that any director has a basis of demonstrated and known integrity.  The others all follow on from this starting point. Here's a rundown of the 8 skills we discuss in the episode: Judgment Managing ambiguity and uncertainty Independent thinking Curiosity Communication Decisiveness Resilience, strength and grit Encourager  Click here to listen now! Subscribe & Review in iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Liked this episode? I would be really grateful if you'd take 30 seconds to leave me a review over on iTunes. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Plus, I love to give shoutouts on the show to everyone who submits a review. Just click here to review, tap “Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!  

 3 Steps to Securing a Board Role, with Corey McLellan | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 34:15

It's easy to become overwhelmed by everything you need to do to launch and grow a board career. I know. I've been there. I've faced this challenge.  But if I didn't overcome the overwhelm I wouldn't be where I am today.  I want to give you a framework to think about next steps. So you can start to move forward on your journey.  For today's episode, I'm introducing you to my dear friend Corey McLellan.  Corey is a career transition expert who helps people with discovery, development and deepening. This prepares them both personally and professionally for what lies ahead. Corey's going to break down three steps for being successful with boards: experience, expertise, and connections. These points interconnect and reinforce one another to help you build a brilliant board brand. We're then going to share how you can apply these steps during your career. An example approach is: During your 20s, try several different fields/subjects/part of business to learn your best fit(s) During your 30s, specialize in just a few areas During your 40s, hone your brand and platform to become known for an area of expertise It's time to put yourself in the path of equity. Are you ready to achieve your board-related goals? Press play and let's dive in! Subscribe & Review in iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Liked this episode? I would be really grateful if you'd take 30 seconds to leave me a review over on iTunes. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Plus, I love to give shoutouts on the show to everyone who submits a review. Just click here to review, tap “Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!  

 How to Leverage a Nonprofit Board Role to Obtain a Paid Board Seat, with Jack Good | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 39:05

One of the goals of this show is to lay out a simple path you can follow to advance your board career.  Are you ready? If you've started sharing with your network that you want to be a director of a for-profit company, then you've very likely received the feedback that you should start by being on a nonprofit board. So many people think that's the best way to start a board career.  But is it? In today's episode, I'll demonstrate that this can be a very successful approach! My friend Jack Good will explain how he parlayed his nonprofit board experience into paid board seats with for-profit organizations.  Jack recently retired from a 35-year career in public relations, marketing and communications. During that time he held board roles with numerous local and regional nonprofits.  The key to this story is that Jack did what all of us need to do: excel in the opportunities we're given. Because Jack added tremendous value to each nonprofit he was involved with, his reputation grew. He became known throughout the region as a sought after board member.  I'd didn't take long before for-profit CEOs were approaching Jack to join their board. Jack has created a sterling brand and reputation which directly led to multiple offers of for-profit board positions. The best part is that this is a plan anyone can follow. Jack offers great advice on how to execute this strategy. Are you ready to learn an easily replicable model and how to apply it to your own board career? Press play and let's dive in. Subscribe & Review in iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Liked this episode? I would be really grateful if you'd take 30 seconds to leave me a review over on iTunes. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Plus, I love to give shoutouts on the show to everyone who submits a review. Just click here to review, tap “Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

 The Key to Board Success is Service, with Steve Bartlett | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 32:36

In this episode, I interview Steve Bartlett for lessons learned from his 25 years of serving as an independent director on 5 different public boards. Steve reveals that the key to success on a board is a mindset of service. Below are a few highlights from the episode.  Enjoy! 3:30 - A board role is not a job, it's a calling.  You're there to create value. 6:38 - Finding a board seat isn't a job application. You're not applying to be part of management.  10:35 - You can't press it, push it, or go around handing out your resume. You can steer the conversation and let it be known you're seeking a board role. But don't press it because if people think you're too eager they'll be suspicious of your motives. 12:52 - To obtain a board role, show a sense of purpose while being clear about the unique value and assets you'd bring.  14:52 - To help a nonprofit, identify what that organization is trying to accomplish and how you'll measure it.  If you don't measure results you won't have any. 17:37 - Boards don't give orders, they ask questions. Board members need to ask the right questions and guide management along the right purpose. You'll scare management if you tell them how to manage the organization. You need to switch to strategic guidance. 19:10 - A board role actually means a service opportunity. You're in public service. There's almost too much great content in this episode. Click here to listen now! Subscribe & Review in iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Liked this episode? I would be really grateful if you'd take 30 seconds to leave me a review over on iTunes. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Plus, I love to give shoutouts on the show to everyone who submits a review. Just click here to review, tap “Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

 3 Laws of Personal Branding, with Rick Sweeney | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 31:26

Welcome to the very first episode of my new podcast Boardroom Bound.  For the next few episodes, I'll spend a lot of time covering positioning and what that means for you in building your personal brand. Because your brand is essential to obtaining Board roles! In this episode, we hear from Rick Sweeney. Rick has 25 years experience as an award-winning brand strategist, including leading marketing and communications for Cornell's MBA program. Rick will explain the three laws of personal branding:  Know your value to your organization Manage up, down and sideways Cultivate your image integrity Are you ready to take the next step in building your personal brand? Hit play now! Subscribe & Review in iTunes Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Liked this episode? I would be really grateful if you'd take 30 seconds to leave me a review over on iTunes. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Plus, I love to give shoutouts on the show to everyone who submits a review. Just click here to review, tap “Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you! 

 An Introduction to Boardroom Bound | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 04:32

Welcome to the intro episode of Boardroom Bound!  This show is designed to help you build a board career of influence and impact. Find out what makes Board members great and how to apply those lessons to your career. Listen in as we share inspiring stories and strategies from the most brilliant business minds.  On this intro episode, you'll learn a little bit about our host, Alexander Lowry, as well as what you can expect on future episodes of the show.  If you're an aspiring board member or already a director wanting to learn how to bring your best self into the boardroom, Boardroom Bound is about to become your new favorite podcast! Click here to listen now! I want your feedback -- what you think, what do you want to hear more or less of, and what we can do to improve the podcast. Let me know! 

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