How to Get on a Board

For CIOs, the path to a paid board seat is rarely straightforward. Becoming board-ready can require years of intentional preparation, yet many aspiring directors spend time on development that doesn’t match what boards are looking for. This research provides a practical approach to the CIO-to-board transition by offering insights into how boards assess and select candidates. Designed for use with a counselor or as an independent resource, it guides CIOs in building a development roadmap tailored to the specific board role they are pursuing.

Board service represents a fundamental career shift, and the preparation is structurally different from any other career transition. Without a clear understanding of how boards identify and evaluate candidates, CIOs often focus on credentials, not realizing boards typically evaluate credentials last. Reframing board readiness around three domains – network, professional identity, and credentials – helps CIOs focus on the gaps that could keep them from being considered.

1. Preparing for board service requires a professional identity shift.

CIOs tend to ask what certifications, classes, or CV updates they need. Stronger credentials alone will not reposition you for board service. Boards evaluate candidates through a sequence of steps involving trusted networks and retained search firms. These connections surface governance-fluent strategists who can contribute beyond technology.

2. Board readiness depends on balanced development across three domains.

Every aspiring director must meet minimum requirements across their network, professional identity, and credentials. Additional development in one area cannot compensate for a significant gap in another. Prioritize activities that strengthen multiple domains to make better use of your development time.

3. There is no universal roadmap to board readiness.

Preparation for board service must be tailored to your goals and your current board-readiness. A CIO targeting private equity–backed boards will need a different roadmap than one pursuing a public company board. Clarifying your goal helps you focus your preparation most effectively.

Use this research to build a roadmap to board readiness

This research equips CIOs to prepare strategically for board roles through practical diagnostics and a structured roadmap. Complete the diagnostic independently or with a counselor to identify gaps across your network, professional identity, and credentials. Guided reflection questions support the assessment, while AI prompts accelerate roadmap development to turn the findings into actionable next steps.

• Clarify your goal and direction by defining the type of board you are targeting and why board service is the right path for you.
• Assess your board readiness by evaluating your network, professional identity, and credentials.
• Build your roadmap and choose your next steps by sequencing your development activities and establishing a realistic timeline, revisiting the roadmap as your experience and opportunities evolve.