5 Top Tips for Landing a Private Company Board Seat with Rebecca Wing

If you’re aiming to expand your leadership influence and join a private company board, Rebecca Wing, an experienced board director, a founding member of the Private Directors Association (PDA), and Chair of the upcoming PDA Prism Conference, has advice for you.

In a recent conversation with our CEO, Debra Boggs, Rebecca shared five strategic tips on exactly what it takes to break into private company board service.

1. Know the Differences Between Advisory and Fiduciary Boards

Rebecca emphasized the importance of understanding the structure of the board you’re targeting. Fiduciary boards carry legal responsibilities and strategic oversight, while advisory boards are more informal and focused on guidance, oftentimes for the CEO or Founder. Both are valuable, especially for first-time board members, but clarity on their purpose helps you target the right opportunities and understand your scope of responsibilities.

2. Understand What Private Company Boards Really Need

Private companies are laser-focused on value creation, not prestige. They want directors who understand how to grow a business, navigate risk, and bring practical, roll-up-your-sleeves experience. If you’ve owned a P&L, scaled a company, led a turnaround, or weathered a crisis, highlight that. 

3. Articulate the Value You Bring to the Table

Board interviews are not job interviews. They’re conversations about how you think, the questions you ask, and your ability to contribute meaningfully at the governance level. Rebecca advises candidates to clearly define their board value proposition: What lens do you bring to board discussions? What strategic challenges have you led through? How do you help companies grow smarter?

4. Get Involved Before You're Ready to Serve 

Waiting until you feel 100% ready or after you’ve retired is a mistake. According to Rebecca, the best board candidates are the ones already engaged in board ecosystems. That means joining organizations like the Private Directors Association, attending events, and learning how boards operate. Visibility builds credibility. Start showing up now.

5. Expand & Leverage Your Network with Precision

Most private board roles aren’t posted. They’re filled through trusted referrals. Rebecca’s number one piece of advice for aspiring board directors: Start having intentional conversations within your network, especially with CEOs, investors, and other board members. Let them know you’re exploring board service, the kind of companies you’re best suited to serve, and why you’re board-ready. If you don’t have these people in your network, go out and join the groups or be in the rooms your ideal connections are in to expand your circle.

Looking to launch your board career as a private company director?

At D&S Executive Career Management, we help senior leaders like you stand out for private board roles with confidence and clarity. From crafting a board-ready bio to board-level interview coaching and strategic networking plans, our experts know what boards are looking for and how to help you show up as the obvious choice.

Schedule a call to learn more.