Corporate Boardbound Workshop—May 18, 2023

Summary

The pre-reading and homework is designed to help you:
- to deepen your understanding of board responsibilities for private companies
- to conduct a successful search for board positions
- to prepare for board interviews.
Come to May meeting prepared to:
- participate in a discussion of board director’s responsibilities for different phases of private company boards
- share your thoughts in breakout discussions
  - your search strategy plan
  - your networking progress

Familiarize yourself with the resources offered by the EY Center for Board Matters. This site is a rich source of material for you now—and in future board roles. For this session, these articles are especially relevant:
Prepare for Your Interview. We are grateful to Brenda Snyder for sharing this “General Guidelines Answering Interview Questions”. If you spend an hour reviewing this document, you will be much better prepared for interviews and ready to take advantage of our time with Brenda at the workshop.
Check out the Corporate Boardbound Resource Library available to you.

In the July workshop, you will have a mock interview by experienced corporate directors for one of the case studies we have covered. Please fill out this form to rank the companies you prefer for your interview.
- Avanos Medical—medical device company operating internationally
- Otter Tail Corporation—electric utility, manufacturing, and plastic pipe businesses in the U.S.
- WM Technology—online marketplace for cannabis users and businesses
Download your Search Strategy Plan. This is your personal document that is your guide to complete your Corporate Boardbound Program and continue to build your board portfolio over time. Your milestone is to have it completed by June 15, 2023. By the May 18th session, please fill out from the beginning through “Your Networking Plan”.
Networking Plan—How productive has your networking been? Remember that most board opportunities are gotten upon the recommendation of someone who already knows and respects you. Identify at least 5 people you will connect with this month. You can update the attached Touch Base Tracker Excel document with your Routine Regulars, Occasional Acquaintances and Potential Prospects or feel free to use your own method of organizing your contacts and follow up.
Submit your Head Shot and Value Statement to Boardbound. This will be used to celebrate your graduation from Corporate Boardbound. Here is an example of how it will be portrayed.

Implicit bias operates at an unconscious level to impact opportunities for women and people of color. Most of us do have implicit bias which we need to discover in order to overcome. Please use this link to take two of the tests offered:
- Gender-Career IAT Test
- Race IAT Test
(Press “I wish to proceed” at the bottom of the first screen. Then select the Gender test from the menu on the left of the next screen. Repeat for the Race test.)

To deepen your understanding of board director responsibilities in managing the different phases of private companies.
To develop an effective strategy for landing your board position and becoming a valuable board leader.

For those attending in person, the location is EY office at 370 17th Street, Suite 4800. For those needing remote access, use this Zoom link.

Thanks to EY for providing our refreshments.

Welcome and Purpose | Lori O’Flaherty

Search Strategy Plan | Breakout Session

Discussion and Sharing Insights | All facilitated by Lori O’Flaherty

Preparing for Board Interviews | Brenda Snyder

Search Strategy Plan | Jo Lynne Whiting

Survey | Sue Williamson

Breakout Facilitator #1—Kate Frazier (virtual)

Breakout Facilitator #2—Bill Heck

Breakout Facilitator #3—Georgia Phifer

Breakout Facilitator #4—Lori O’Flaherty & Sue Williamson