When Should You Start Thinking About Non-Executive Director Roles? Much Earlier Than You Think

Are you waiting for retirement to pursue NED opportunities? Do you believe you need to step back from your executive career before exploring the boardroom? If so, you might be making a critical timing mistake in your NED journey.

The Misconception About Timing Your NED Career

When asked about the right time to start preparing for a Non-Executive Director role, most executives respond with:

"After I retire..." or
"When I'm ready to step back from my career..."

This "waiting for the perfect moment" mindset is surprisingly common among senior professionals. One FTSE 250 marketing director mentioned she was "waiting until she had more time" before exploring board opportunities. Another operations executive believed he needed to reach C-Suite before he could offer any value as a Non-Exec.

This delayed approach to NED preparation is concerning, especially considering that successful NED transitions require groundwork years before taking your first role.

Let's explore four critical insights to help you time your NED career correctly and avoid falling into the "perfect moment" trap.

Insight 1: The Best Time to Prepare is While You're Still Active

It's a common misconception that you should wait until winding down your executive career before pursuing NED positions.

In reality, your most marketable period is when you're actively solving problems at a senior level. SME boards don't want directors with impressive CVs; they want NEDs who are current, connected and offer fresh insights from the operational frontlines.

Your day-to-day experiences tackling real business challenges represent immediate value to these companies. Instead of waiting for some mythical "perfect time," start positioning yourself now.

The executive who is currently driving transformation or managing complex projects is far more attractive than one who did so five years ago. Timing matters in the NED market.

Insight 2: Building a Valuable Network Takes Longer Than You Think

Developing the networks that lead to board appointments is a slow-burn process that can't be rushed.

One executive who had been trying to secure NED roles immediately after leaving his C-suite position found himself starting from scratch. He shared: "I spent 20 years building deep relationships in my sector, but realised too late that those weren't the connections that would lead to board roles. I should have started cultivating a different network years earlier."

Most NED opportunities come through personal introductions and trusted referrals, not job boards or recruitment firms. Rather than scrambling to build these networks during a career transition, begin nurturing these relationships while still in your executive position.

Plant the seeds today for opportunities you'll harvest tomorrow in your portfolio career.

Insight 3: Executives Can Handle 1-2 Paid NED Roles While Maintaining Their Current Position

Here's what many don't realise: you don't need to wait until leaving corporate to start your NED journey.

Most executives have the capacity to hold 1-2 paid NED appointments while maintaining their full-time executive responsibilities. It isn't just possible - it's the perfect way to test the waters without financial risk.

A technology director secured a paid NED role with an SME in an adjacent sector without any impact on his executive position. He found that meeting once a month and providing occasional support between board meetings was entirely manageable alongside his main role, giving him invaluable experience for his eventual full transition.

There's another benefit: the transition from executive to non-executive thinking doesn't happen overnight. One former global CFO initially struggled to articulate how his expertise would translate to an advisory capacity rather than an operational one. "It took me six months to stop thinking like a CFO and start thinking like a board member," he admitted.

Developing your unique value proposition for the boardroom is an evolutionary process that benefits from real-world testing and refinement. Balance builds experience without risk.

Insight 4: The Learning Curve is Steeper Than Most Executives Anticipate

The skills that made you successful as an executive aren't identical to those required in the boardroom. Many executives underestimate the adjustment from doing to guiding, from directing to influencing and from managing to governing.

A former CEO who transitioned to a portfolio NED shared: "I wish I'd started the mental shift earlier. My first board role would have been far more effective if I'd spent time understanding the different dynamics before jumping in."

Instead of hoping your executive experience will seamlessly transfer to operating as a Non-Executive Director, it helps to understand the dynamics of working with SMEs. Be a student before being a teacher in your NED career.

The Ideal Timeline for Your NED Journey

The truth is that the ideal time to begin preparing for non-executive roles isn't when you're ready to take them - it's 1-2 years before you intend to secure your first position.

And the ideal time to actually take your first paid NED role? While you're still active in your current position.

As someone who regularly helps executives secure Non-Executive Director positions with SME companies and how to make an optimal transition, I can confirm that the most successful Non-Executive Directors begin laying the groundwork - and often taking their first paid appointments - while still active in their executive careers.

This approach is completely manageable from a time perspective and provides a safe environment to hone your board skills without risking your financial security.

There's nothing wrong with waiting until you leave full-time executive responsibilities to pursue NED roles if that timing aligns with your goals and priorities. Many executives successfully transition later in their careers.

I simply caution against the assumption that preparation can wait until you're ready to make the leap. The best time to start thinking about your NED journey is now.

Take the Next Step in Your NED Journey

At what point in your career are you considering non-executive roles? Have you already started preparing while still in an executive position?

If you're ready to accelerate your NED preparation, our one-day SME Non-Exec FastTrack workshop provides a comprehensive system for building your NED portfolio by finding, negotiating and working with ambitious SMEs for both income and impact.