Advise Pathway
How Do I Get Placed?
Board seats come through nominating committees and search firms. Fractional roles come through platforms and referrals. Advisory comes through your network. Here is exactly where to look for each model.
NACD (National Association of Corporate Directors)
BoardThe gold standard for board governance education and networking. Membership gives you access to director registries, governance courses, and peer forums.
Requirements: C-suite or senior executive experience. Governance training strongly recommended.
Pro TipComplete the NACD Directorship Certification. It signals governance competence to nominating committees.
Visit NACD →Boardlist
BoardA curated talent marketplace connecting diverse executives to board opportunities at private companies and startups.
Requirements: Senior executive experience. Strong professional brand.
Pro TipFill out your profile completely. Boardlist matches are algorithm-driven, and incomplete profiles get filtered out.
Visit Boardlist →Athena Alliance
BoardA membership community for women executives seeking board roles. Offers board readiness programs, matching, and peer advisory.
Requirements: VP+ level. Application-based membership.
Pro TipEven if you are not board-ready yet, the readiness program accelerates your timeline by 6-12 months.
Visit Athena Alliance →Nonprofit Board Matching (BoardSource, VolunteerMatch)
BoardEvery serious board director has nonprofit service in their background. It is not a consolation prize. It is how you build the governance track record that opens corporate doors.
Requirements: Passion for the mission. Willingness to fundraise or contribute.
Pro TipChoose a nonprofit where you will sit on the finance or governance committee. That experience directly transfers to corporate boards.
Visit Nonprofit Board Matching →Your Network (Warm Introductions)
AdvisoryThe #1 source of advisory roles. Founders and CEOs hire advisors they already trust. Your network IS your pipeline.
Requirements: Established professional relationships with founders, VCs, or executives.
Pro TipTell 10 people in your network that you are available for advisory work. Be specific about your domain and the type of company you want to advise.
AngelList / Wellfound
AdvisoryStartup job platform that also lists advisory opportunities. Many startups post advisory roles alongside full-time positions.
Requirements: Relevant domain expertise for the startup sector.
Pro TipSearch for "advisor" in your domain. Many listings are hidden behind the jobs tab.
Visit AngelList / Wellfound →Clarity.fm
AdvisoryPaid advisory calls with founders and executives. Good for testing demand for your expertise before committing to longer engagements.
Requirements: Strong professional profile. Domain expertise.
Pro TipStart with a low rate ($150-$200/hr) to build reviews, then increase. Social proof drives volume.
Visit Clarity.fm →Toptal
FractionalElite network of freelance talent including fractional executives. Rigorous screening (top 3% acceptance rate). Premium rates.
Requirements: Exceptional track record. Rigorous interview process.
Pro TipThe screening process is tough. Prepare like a job interview. Once in, the platform does the sales for you.
Visit Toptal →A.Team
FractionalCurated network of senior operators for fractional and project-based work. Strong in tech, product, and engineering leadership.
Requirements: Senior experience at recognized companies. Application-based.
Pro TipA.Team is relationship-driven. Accept a smaller first engagement to build your reputation on the platform.
Visit A.Team →Chief of Staff Network
FractionalNetwork of senior operators who serve as fractional chiefs of staff, COOs, and operational leaders for growing companies.
Requirements: Operations or general management background at the VP+ level.
Pro TipFractional COO and Chief of Staff roles are the fastest-growing segment. Position yourself as an operator, not a consultant.
Visit Chief of Staff Network →On-Demand / Direct Outreach
FractionalBuild your own pipeline through LinkedIn outreach, content marketing, and referrals. Higher margins (no platform fee) but requires sales effort.
Requirements: Strong personal brand and LinkedIn presence.
Pro TipPost one LinkedIn article per week showing your expertise. Inbound inquiries are the most profitable fractional pipeline.
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