How to become a non executive director in tech

Coding Chats episode 44 - Joe Woodhouse shares his unique journey from software to non-executive director roles, emphasizing the importance of building skills, networking, and understanding board dynamics. He discusses the concept of 'luck surface area' and how being open to opportunities can lead to success. Joe highlights the significance of emotional intelligence in leadership and the value of experience in non-profit boards. He also addresses the role of training and education in career advancement and the importance of diversity in board composition.

Chapters

00:00 Developing Skills for Non-Executive Roles

04:50 The Role of Non-Executive Directors

05:33 Luck Surface Area: Creating Opportunities

10:50 Understanding Cash Flow in Decision Making

16:27 The Value of an MBA in Business Understanding

19:51 Understanding Reputational Damage in Security

20:21 The Importance of Team Dynamics in Business

21:34 Engagement in Community Projects

22:42 Diversity in Perspectives and Decision Making

24:22 Conflict Resolution in Community Committees

24:54 Financial Planning and Resource Allocation

27:45 The Role of Not-for-Profits in Society

28:42 Profitability in Not-for-Profit Organizations

30:30 Emotional Decision Making in Business

32:09 The Journey to Board Membership

33:07 The Value of Experience Over Formal Training

34:07 The Industry of Self-Help and Career Advancement

36:30 The Path to Board Roles

41:09 The Importance of Volunteer Experience

43:51 Big Tech's Perspective on Board Experience

45:57 Influence vs Authority in Leadership

49:26 Diversity and the Wisdom of Crowds

52:08 The Value of Soft Skills in Business

53:07 Encouragement to Volunteer and Engage

Joe's Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joewoodhouseengineer/

John's Links:

John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncrickett/

John’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johncrickett

John's Twitter: https://x.com/johncrickett

John's Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johncrickett.bsky.social

Check out John's software engineering related newsletters: Coding Challenges: https://codingchallenges.substack.com/ which shares real-world project ideas that you can use to level up your coding skills.

Developing Skills: https://read.developingskills.fyi/ covering everything from system design to soft skills, helping them progress their career from junior to staff+ or for those that want onto a management track.

Takeaways

Joe Woodhouse's journey showcases a unique path to non-executive roles.

Building skills for board positions requires deliberate effort and experience.

The concept of 'luck surface area' emphasizes the importance of being open to opportunities.

Networking and curiosity are key to creating professional connections.

Understanding board dynamics is crucial for effective decision-making.

Non-executive directors play a vital role in governance and strategy.

Cash flow considerations are essential in business decision-making.

Experience in non-profit boards can provide valuable insights and skills.

Emotional intelligence is critical for influencing and leading teams.

Diversity in board composition enhances decision-making and innovation.