Career Mums Breaking Barriers: A Guide to Joining the Boardroom
Balancing career ambitions with family responsibilities is a reality many mums face every day. It’s no small task, yet more and more mums are expanding their sights toward board positions as a next step. Why? Because joining a board can offer a sense of purpose, a platform for real change, and importantly, flexibility that works around family life.
Whether you’re considering your first board role or just looking for ways to contribute your expertise in a meaningful way, this guide can help you take the first steps, supported by resources from Women on Boards to get you there.
Why Board Roles are a Great Fit for Mums
Mums already have a set of skills that are highly valuable in the boardroom: multitasking, resilience, adaptability, and a knack for thinking on their feet. These are just some of the qualities that make mums fantastic board candidates.
Beyond the skills mums bring, board roles offer unique advantages for those juggling family and career. Serving on a board allows for both strategic influence and professional growth, without requiring the 9-5 that often clashes with family schedules. Plus, board work is all about impact – allowing you to shape the direction of organisations that align with your values.
Steps to Getting Started in Board Roles
If a board role sounds intriguing, here’s how to get started:
- Identify Roles that Align with Your Passions and Strengths
Reflect on the causes you’re passionate about and the expertise you can bring. Do you care deeply about education, healthcare, or local community organisations? Targeting roles that match your interests helps ensure a fulfilling experience. - Network with Intention
Networking is invaluable when pursuing a board role. Women on Boards hosts regular events designed for networking and support, where you can meet people who understand your journey and introduce you to new opportunities. Whether in-person or virtual, these events are a chance to connect with like-minded women, experienced board members, and mentors who can guide you. - Develop Board-Ready Skills
If you’re concerned about a learning curve, consider attending board-readiness workshops or training sessions. Women on Boards offers a variety of courses covering governance, risk management, financial oversight, and more—perfect for mums looking to build or refresh their skills before diving into the boardroom.
Leveraging Women on Boards for Career Mums
When it comes to supporting mums on the path to the boardroom, Women on Boards has a wealth of resources designed to make the journey easier and more accessible. From board-ready courses to mentorship and dedicated job boards, these resources can be the bridge between where you are now and where you want to be.
Take inspiration from others: mums who have successfully transitioned to board roles through Women on Boards often share stories of how they balanced work, family and board duties. These stories can provide insight, encouragement and practical advice on how to manage it all.
Embrace the Boardroom Opportunity
Joining a board as a mum is more than possible – it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution, grow your career, and be part of something bigger. With the right support, resources, and determination, there’s no limit to the impact you can have. If you’re ready to explore this path, Women on Boards is here to help you find your place at the table.