23 June 2021
With multiple states across Australia in lockdown, it’s back to working from home and Zoom meetings for many corporations and organisations.
While face-to-face meetings and business lunches may be off the menu, the lockdown doesn’t mean you have to put the brakes on your board journey, says Women on Boards COO, Nicole Donegan.
“Now is the perfect time to do those things you’ve been putting off, such as updating your Board CV or LinkedIn profile, watching those webinars you’ve bookmarked and listening to podcasts you’ve been meaning to get to,” she said.
“Perhaps there are some board roles you’ve been meaning to apply for, but haven’t got round to doing. While there are lots of annoying elements to being in lockdown, it is also a chance to use the extra time - where you would normally be commuting to work or in endless meetings and lunches - to focus on your board career and ways to enrich it.”
Here are Women on Boards’ ten tips for boosting your board career in lockdown.
​Update your LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn is an ever growing platform that’s become critical to develop our board and leadership career. There’s also loads of new features that are available to help you get noticed and make the right connections.
If you need some help take a look at our LinkedIn series presented by Designer and Trainer, Karen Tisdell. The pre-recorded 60-minute webcasts include Building your personal LinkedIn profile, Building valuable LinkedIn connections, What’s new on LinkedIn and more.
Refresh your Board CV
Did you know that your Board CV should only be two to three pages? When was the last time you updated your Board CV? If you have some time you can develop your Board CV at your own pace using our On Demand Build your board CV webinars, that you can watch in your own time.
If you need some help, check out WOB’s Build your board CV online self-directed course or attend our next online webinar for some personal assistance.
Find out if you're Board Ready - Take the quiz
Take the WOB Quiz to find out if you’re board-ready. The fun four-question quiz won’t eat up too much of your day but could have a big impact on your board journey.
Apply for a Board Role
Take action and apply for a Board role. Not sure where to start, take a look at the WOB Vacancy Board, which currently has more than 160 vacancies on offer.
Get Connected - Reach out to colleagues
Just because you can’t head out in person, lockdown doesn’t mean you can’t connect. “In fact, it’s the perfect segue to pick up the phone or send an email to reconnect. Check in, ask how they are faring,” said Nicole.
Another way to stay in the loop is to reach out to other members on the WOBShare platform. Our online community platform gives WOB members a chance to connect to discuss information and learn from each other.
Discussions range from tips for your first board interview to advice on how to transfer from the corporate world to a NED portfolio career.
Get Connected - Attend an online event
Having a date in your diary, something to look forward to and the chance of having an interesting conversation and meeting other people while learning valuable skills is another way to beat the boredom and break up the week.
Women on Boards has a range of online events planned. Take a look at the WOB Events Calendar.
“There really is something for everyone, from those starting out on their board journey to experienced directors looking to hone their certain skills,” said Nicole.
WOBChat is our interactive fortnightly online session, providing a facilitated friendly environment for members to meet, network, share and learn. Session are free to WOB Members.
Coming up:
How to Manage Your Digital Footprint on 28 July
My journey to ASX boards with guest NED Cheryl Hayman on 11 August
Virtual Speed Mentoring on 25 August
Board Kick-starter webinar
How to gain positions on Government Boards (10 August) and Sports Boards (9 September)
Get Inspired - Listen to a Podcast
Whether walking the dog or hiding away in the bedroom with headphones on, now is your opportunity to finally listen to those podcasts you’ve been meaning to get round to.
Not only are they a great way to relax and zone out from your work (or family chaos), they’re also a chance to learn new skills and be inspired.
WOB co-founder Claire Braund’s Making it Real podcast series features interviews with inspirational leaders and directors about their board journey.
There are more than 40 episodes to listen to, with new episodes added weekly. Episodes are listed on the WOB Australia website and you can subscribe on most podcasts apps including Stitcher, Podcasts, Spotify and Libysn.
Get Inspired - Read
If you’re in need of a ‘boost’ why not check out all the inspiring women who have shared their board journeys with us at WOB?
WOB’s Lessons from the Boardroom series features advice and stories from women including financial journalist Lelde Smits, currently the youngest director on the Australian Shareholders Association to former cabinet-maker and now NED and governance governance and engagement expert Martina Rienzne.
Invest in YOU
Remember, it doesn’t have to be all about work. Make sure to take time to invest in yourself, and your wellbeing. Whether it’s reading a book, going for a run, painting or making jam, it’s vital to take time out away from the screen too.
Here’s what some of the WOB team has been doing in lockdown to chill out: “I’m finally sorting out my photos and catching up on doing some photo-books that I have been planning for years,” said Nicole.
“I have set up a temporary gym in my garage and have also got round to restoring and repainting an old rusted windmill in the garden. I also made marmalade for the first time.” said Geraldine Cardozo, WOB Online Content Manager.
Find out more about Women on Boards’ resources
If you’re new to the network or curious about what we do, join us for our Introduction to Women on Boards free lunchtime webinar on 29 July. Attendees will receive a discount code to get 10% off the join price for a FULL Membership (T&Cs apply).