Guiding experienced professionals through the transition from executive leadership to board governance.
- Understand the board landscape and governance expectations
- Define your board value and positioning
- Prepare the documentation and strategy needed to pursue board opportunities
The next cohort begins in May 2026. Participation is limited to maintain an interactive program.
The 6-Week NED Transition Program
A six-week pathway for experienced executives preparing for Non-Executive Director roles.
Many senior professionals reach a stage in their careers where they begin to consider board service.
They have built extensive leadership experience, strategic insight, and industry expertise. Yet when they begin exploring board opportunities, they often discover that the transition from executive leadership to board governance is not straightforward.
Board appointments follow a different process, require different positioning, and rely heavily on professional networks and credibility within the governance community.
For many aspiring Non-Executive Directors, the challenge is not capability. It is understanding how to navigate the pathway into the boardroom.
The NED Transition Program has been designed to provide a structured approach to this process.
Why Many Highly Qualified Executives Never Secure Board Roles
Professionals exploring board roles often encounter similar obstacles.
- Uncertainty about how boards identify potential Non-Executive Directors
- Difficulty translating executive experience into board-level value
- Lack of clarity about the different types of boards and governance structures
- Limited access to networks through which board appointments are often made
- Application materials that are appropriate for executive roles but not for board positions
Without a structured approach, many capable leaders spend years attempting to gain traction in the board space.
The Purpose of the Program
The program has been designed to help experienced professionals:
- understand the board landscape
- define their value as a potential Non-Executive Director
- position themselves effectively for governance roles
- develop board-appropriate professional documentation
- gain confidence in navigating board networks and appointment processes
The program focuses on practical preparation rather than theory, allowing participants to develop the foundations needed to pursue board opportunities.
The Journey Through the Program
Each stage of the program reflects a critical step in preparing for board roles.
Week 1 — Defining Your Board Value
Executives often underestimate how differently their experience needs to be presented at board level. This session focuses on articulating the perspective and expertise you bring to governance.
Week 2 — Understanding the Board Landscape
Participants explore the different types of boards and governance environments, gaining clarity about where their experience may be most relevant.
Week 3 — Positioning Yourself for Board Roles
Participants examine how board candidates are perceived within governance networks and how to begin shaping their professional profile accordingly.
Week 4 — Developing Board Application Materials
Participants develop the key documents used in board recruitment, including a board CV and professional board biography.
Week 5 — Navigating Board Networks
This session focuses on understanding where board opportunities arise and how to engage effectively with the networks through which many board appointments occur.
Week 6 — Preparing for Board Appointments
The final session explores board interviews, boardroom dynamics, and practical considerations for those preparing to serve as Non-Executive Directors.
What Participants Typically Gain
Participants completing the program generally leave with:
- a clearer understanding of where they fit within the board landscape
- a defined board value proposition
- a professional board CV and board biography
- insight into how board appointments are commonly made
- increased confidence when engaging with governance networks
Who the Program is Designed For
The program is intended for professionals with substantial leadership experience who are considering board service as part of the next stage of their careers.
Participants often include:
- senior executives exploring portfolio careers
- professionals approaching retirement from full-time executive roles
- individuals seeking their first Non-Executive Director appointment
- leaders wishing to broaden their governance involvement
Program Format
- Six live online sessions
- Practical exercises between sessions
- Discussion with peers at a similar career stage
- Structured guidance throughout the program
To maintain meaningful engagement, the cohort size is intentionally limited.
About the Facilitator
Elmarié Porthouse is the founder of NED Careers and works with experienced professionals exploring the transition into governance roles.
Her work focuses on helping senior leaders understand the board landscape and position themselves appropriately for Non-Executive Director opportunities.
Common Questions
Do I need prior board experience?
No. Many participants join the program while exploring their first Non-Executive Director role.
Is the program suitable for international participants?
Yes. The principles of board positioning and governance preparation are widely applicable.
Will this guarantee a board appointment?
No program can guarantee an appointment. The program focuses on helping participants position themselves effectively and understand the board landscape.
How long will I have access to the program material?
Each week's live session is recorded and uploaded to the platform for program participants who want to rewatch it. These recordings, along with the other resources, remain available for 6 months after the program ended.
What Previous Participants Said About the Program
"A worthwhile investment in professional growth."
Hazel Xulu - Trustpilot Review
"I highly recommend the program to anyone looking to advance their knowledge and career prospects as an NED or board member."
Mathlatsi Mayamane - Trustpilot Review
"NED Careers has been instrumental in preparing me for the boardroom."
Ntombi Baart - Trustpilot Review
Next Cohort
The next cohort begins in May 2026.
Places are limited in order to maintain the quality of discussion and interaction.
Professionals interested in preparing for board roles in a structured and thoughtful manner are invited to join the next cohort.