Stuart Levine is Chairman and CEO of Stuart Levine & Associates, at International Strategic Planning and Leadership Developing Company. Levine also currently serves as Chair of Broadridge Financial Solutions and Lead Director of D’Addario & Company. Levine gave us some valuable information on how to prepare for public board candidacy. Here are a few of his tips:

PROVE YOUR VALUE
Levine’s advice to board candidates is to ask yourself, “How am I going to add value to this corporation?” He adds that there are many people who want to get on boards and you must make yourself stand out from the rest by noting and expressing exactly how you are going to add value as a board member. Levine suggests doing your homework and expressing specific ideas that are beneficial to the company.

DO YOUR RESEARCH
Interviews are extremely powerful. This first impression is important- it will show the company how you are going to benefit them being on the board. Do your research and study the company. Understand what direction the business is going, how you see it moving ahead, and how you will be a valuable asset to the board.

DETERMINE HOW YOU WILL ENHANCE THE CULTURE OF THE BOARD
Understanding the culture of the company and the ways they communicate and problem solve are crucial when deciding if you would be a good fit for the board. This is also essential for creating a common connection to the fellow board directors. Knowing this information will help determine which professional experience and situations to highlight during your interview and showcase you as a valued addition to the culture of the board and company as a whole.

The opinions and experiences expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Women in the Boardroom.