What It Takes to Join Your First Board artwork
HBR On Leadership

What It Takes to Join Your First Board

Sep 10, 2025 · 47 min

Eight women who’ve been on boards share how they landed a seat, gained confidence in the role, and found unexpected personal and professional benefits in the work. We hope their perspectives and advice will encourage you to consider trying it yourself some day. Ellen Zane, who runs a Harvard workshop for women interested in board work, gives further insight based on her deep experience as a direct…