In this blog, we asked Ruth Ajayi to reflect on her journey to secure a board role. We hope that you will find the case study encouraging and inspiring, so you also take the next steps in your NED career, notably if you are new to the non-executive director role.
A long-term illness forced me to stop working. For the third time in my life, I was re-strategising my career options. With a strong push or more like a shove from my friends, I decided to transition into a career as a NED, a role I had envisioned for my retirement years. I decided to invest in myself by completing the NED Accelerator® Programme by NEDonBoard, Institute of Board Members.
Fresh from university, with a degree in journalism with media studies and a master’s in public relations, I opted for a career in marketing and was soon on track to becoming a Chartered Marketer. I then became a certified Programme Manager and joined the NHS. My career in the NHS helped me to acquire and develop skills in being a critical friend to stakeholders, analysing data and information to make reasoned decisions, stakeholder engagement and management, strong interpersonal and communication skills, setting up programme boards and committees and working with a wide range of stakeholders ranging from senior executives to junior colleagues, patients and members of the public.
Transitioning into the NED field was a daunting task. How does one with multiple intersectionality – female, black, unseen disabilities – break into a field where representation of myself is scant? Joining the NED Accelerator® Programme and the NEDonBoard member community was crucial. Networking with like-minded individuals reassured me that I was not alone in this journey.
In September 2023, I secured a Chair role with Barts Health NHS Trust as Chair of their Advisory Appointment Committee. This was followed by months of silence, which was very discouraging, yet, I pressed on, convinced that a board out there needed my unique skills and passion for patient-centred care.
Early 2024 brought interviews but also rejections. Feedback was constructive, highlighting areas for improvement. Then, I landed a role as Lay Assessor on the Joint Advisory Group on GI Endoscopy at The Royal College of Physicians. Despite lacking the senior experience often required for NED roles, I persisted.
The turning point for me was being appointed as an Associate Board Member with The Professional Standards Authority. It took 7 months and nine interviews to secure a position! But by then, I had also secured a Chair role with the NHS Genomics Medicines Services (GMS) People Forum, a role I am extremely passionate about.
Though it’s early days, I feel confident about my future as a NED. I am eager to contribute to board discussions and develop further.
To anyone aspiring to become a NED, I would say that it’s hard work, especially when you are breaking so many invisible walls and ceilings. Take breaks when needed, refine your strategy, and utilise networks like NEDonBoard. Find your ‘WHY’. You are going to need your ‘Why’ when you are feeling discouraged.
Reflecting on this journey, I remember some advice I got at a recent networking event: “Instead of worrying about barriers, focus on opportunities!”. Find out what motivates you, focus on those positive opportunities, and you’ll grow and succeed as a non-executive director”.
Written by Ruth Ajayi, graduate of the NED Accelerator® Programme
Related resources (written by NED Accelerator graduates)
Reflections on transitioning to become a NED
Case study: securing non-executive and board roles
To emulate Ruth’s success and start your journey to the boardroom on strong foundations, join the NED Accelerator community.
