Journeys to the Boardroom: Insights from the Houston EY/BoardReady Women in the Boardroom Event
We’re incredibly grateful to EY for their ongoing partnership and support of BoardReady’s mission. Last week, we had the opportunity to take our Seattle-based series on the road, hosting our first-ever “Women in the Boardroom” event in Houston. The panel featured seasoned board directors Barbara Duganier and Elaine Pickle, alongside our founder, Deanna Oppenheimer, as moderator. Together, they led a dynamic discussion about the different paths to landing a first board seat and what boards look for in newer directors.
Pictured, from left to right: Barbara Duganier (panelist), Elaine Pickle (panelist), Deanna Oppenheimer (moderator)
Here are some of the key takeaways from the conversation, along with a few of my own reflections on how the boardroom is evolving.
How Did You Land Your First Board Seat?
Getting a board seat doesn’t happen overnight - it’s about planting seeds long before an opportunity arises. To kick off the conversation, Elaine shared how she was intentional about letting her network know she was interested in board service. By engaging in conversations and showcasing board-relevant skills, she positioned herself as a strong candidate when the right opportunity came along.
Deanna added that serving on nonprofit boards can be an excellent stepping stone. It provides valuable governance experience, helps build boardroom acumen, and expands your network - sometimes even leading to corporate board opportunities.
Personally, one of my favorite parts of this panel was hearing the stories and real-life experiences of our speakers. Barbara shared that early in her search for a board position, she was advised that becoming a board director might be (considerably) challenging without holding a public company CEO or CFO title - a viewpoint that, as many of you know, was common at the time. However, what we’re seeing today is an evovling perspective.
Boards are increasingly recognizing the value of new and refreshed expertise, with leadership coming from a broader range of experiences beyond traditional C-suite roles.
This shift is opening up new opportunities for professionals with varied backgrounds to contribute their skills to the boardroom.
What Are Boards Looking for in Newer Directors?
For those looking to join a board, it’s important to understand what boards prioritize. Based on her experiences, Barbara categorized the key qualities boards seek:
Industry experience
Financial expertise
Specialized functional skills, including operational leadership
Boards are looking for directors who bring fresh perspectives while complementing the skills already at the table. But it’s not just about boards selecting directors - it’s also about directors choosing the right board. Elaine pointed out that newer directors should think critically about industry and cultural fit. Her advice? Do your homework. Review company filings, proxy statements, and skills matrices to see where your expertise aligns. A board seat is a significant commitment, and finding the right fit benefits both the director and the company.
Diversity of Thought and Experiences
On the topic of contributing meaningfully: here at BoardReady, we are conducting a study with the University of Washington to uncover best practices as it relates to director inclusion. As conversations around DEI and boardroom composition continue to be discussed and examined, this research feels more relevant than ever. Deanna asked the panelists for their perspective on these shifting dynamics, and they overwhelmingly agreed: companies that genuinely value diversity of thought and refreshed perspectives will continue to prioritize them.
Elaine summed it up well: the best boards operate by three core principles…
“Know. Respect. Support.”
Strong boards understand their stakeholders, respect all perspectives, and support leadership in making thoughtful, forward-looking decisions.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing we took away from this panel, it’s that the path to the boardroom isn’t one-size-fits-all. Everyone’s journey is different, but what remains consistent is the importance of strategic networking, continuous learning, and finding boards that align with your values and expertise.
If you’re considering a board role, now is the time to start taking action. Join nonprofit boards, grow your network, and be intentional about positioning yourself for the right opportunities.