Natalia’s journey to the boardroom: A story of proactivity, learning, and success
This blog presents the success of one of our members, Natalia Pickett who secured two board positions in a matter of months. Read through the case study and emulate Natalia’ success!
Natalia Pickett joined NEDonBoard in November 2023 as she was looking to add non-executive director positions to her executive career. With a strong background in procurement and solid professional experience, she was well-equipped for the challenge. What she needed was guidance, visibility, and the right opportunities.
Fast forward to today, Natalia has secured two advisory roles, one of which is set to transition into a formal non-executive directorship. Her story offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to make the same leap. Read on to find out more!
Lesson 1: A foundation for success
One of Natalia’s first and most impactful steps was enrolling in the NED Accelerator® and joining the NEDonBoard community. The programme provided her with a clear framework for navigating her boardroom transition. From governance essentials to crafting a compelling value proposition, Natalia gained the tools and confidence to approach the journey strategically.
Lesson 2: Take every opportunity to learn
Natalia Pickett leveraged her membership and attended one of NEDonBoard’s Dragons’ Den networking events with entrepreneurs. While an early interview from these sessions didn’t result in a board role, the experience was invaluable.
“I learned what small companies really look for in their board members,” Natalia shared. This insight helped her better position herself for future roles.
Lesson 3: Leverage your network
Natalia’s first advisory role came through her existing professional connections. A supplier introduction led to a meeting with a background-check software company. With her expertise in procurement, she was a perfect fit.
This opportunity highlighted the importance of direct and indirect professional relationships and being open to conversations.
Lesson 4: Visibility matters
After completing NEDonBoard’s NED Accelerator Programme in April 2024, Natalia shared her achievement online. The post caught the attention of a company looking for an advisory board member. They reached out, and a second role was secured.
“It’s incredible how the right people find you when you put yourself out there with the right professional qualification,” Natalia said.
Lesson 5: Be proactive and persistent
Natalia’s success didn’t happen overnight. She immersed herself in NEDonBoard’s training and events, used feedback from early experiences to refine her approach, and stayed consistent in her efforts. This proactive mindset made a difference in securing her roles.
The Result: A portfolio career on track
Today, Natalia is thriving in her new advisory roles. One of these positions is expected to transition into a formal NED role, marking a significant milestone in her non-executive career. Looking back, Natalia credits her success to a combination of preparation, learning, and taking action.
Natalia’s story is a reminder that with the right tools and a clear strategy, transitioning to the boardroom is possible. Whether it’s through training, networking, or simply putting yourself out there, the opportunities are there for those who are ready to take them.
Are you ready to start your journey to the boardroom? Explore how NEDonBoard can support you with training, networking, and access to opportunities.
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