Services for Board Candidates
Your Board Career Starts with Our Proven Strategy
Landing a board seat requires a completely different approach than securing an executive role. These opportunities aren’t listed on job boards. They’re often earned through reputation, visibility, and the right strategic connections. That’s where we come in.
At D&S, we guide you through every step of the board search process, helping you articulate your board-level value, build meaningful executive visibility, and engage with the right circles of influence.
Our clients don’t waste time spinning their wheels. They make focused, intentional moves that lead to real opportunities. Because when it comes to breaking into the boardroom, strategy isn’t optional. It’s essential.
Board Candidate Foundations
Build a board-ready brand that opens doors
Before you can earn a seat at the table, you need the right foundation. This is the essential first step for any executive serious about launching or elevating a board search. You’ll walk away with clear goals, a strong board-focused brand, and the professional materials needed to position yourself as a compelling candidate.
This white-glove experience is designed exclusively for senior leaders pursuing board service. You’ll work one-on-one with our team to clarify your board goals and define your unique board value, then we’ll conduct a deep-dive interview to uncover your leadership impact, governance experience, and areas of board alignment that are most in-demand.
From there, our expert team will create a standout board resume that highlights your strategic oversight, enterprise value, as well as a formal board bio so you have a complete portfolio to submit to board-level recruiters, nomination committees, and board chairs, and your network.
To support your executive visibility as a leader in your field in today’s digital-first landscape, we’ll also fully revamp your LinkedIn profile with board-focused language and keyword optimization that speaks to board recruiters, nominating committees, and professional networks. The result is a polished, elevated presence that reflects your board readiness and helps you stand out in the circles that matter.
“Working closely with Debra and her staff, I was able to articulate my 40-year career in a one-page board independent director resume as well as a one-page career biography. I have received feedback from executive recruiters that my overview was very well done and
impressive! Thank you to the D&S team for assisting me in creating a very professional and concise product." - CEO, Energy Sector & Ret. Rear Admiral, United States Navy
"I owe your team a note of thanks for all of your help building my board resume and related materials. They were instrumental to my ability to find my current board seats." - Corporate Board Director & General Counsel
Ready to launch your board career? Let's chat.
Break into the Boardroom Strategy
Demystify the pathway to the boardroom with expert guidance
Once you have a strong foundation to show up as a standout candidate, it’s time to activate your search for a board seat. But board seats are not posted online and only 15% of board openings are filled through recruiters, so where do you look?
We demystify this process by offering one-on-one strategic guidance to help you open doors to real board opportunities. We work with you to build a search plan, identify the right companies, and engage with the people and platforms that matter most.
You’ll also receive expert coaching on how to navigate the board interview process, from refining your board value proposition to answering the nuanced questions that assess your understanding of corporate governance and your acumen with the skills that are most in-demand for boards today.
This step is ideal for executives who are ready to move from preparation to action and want expert support.
