The Companion Guide
to The Reality of Becoming a Non Executive Director

Turn what you’ve heard into a practical plan for your NED journey

Download ‘The Reality of Becoming a NED: The Joys & Responsibilities’ practical reflection guide created by James Talbot and Bridget Farrands.

It brings together more than 60 thought-provoking questions from the six-part podcast series to help you consider what becoming – and succeeding as – a Non-Executive Director really involves.

  • BENEFITS

    > Why you want to become a NED and whether the role is right for you

    > How to move from executive authority to boardroom influence

    > What distinctive value you could bring to a board

    > How to target and secure an appropriate first appointment

    > How to develop your confidence and presence in the boardroom

    > What it takes to move from arriving to surviving, and ultimately thriving, as a NED

  • REFLECTION TO ACTION

    Becoming a NED is not simply a change of title. It requires a shift in how you use your experience, authority, relationships and judgement.

    This guide will help you move beyond a general ambition to “become a NED” and start asking the more important questions:

    > What kind of board role would genuinely suit me?

    > What would a Chair value about my experience?

    > Which executive habits might make me less effective as a NED?

    > Am I properly prepared for the responsibilities involved?

    > What do I need to do next?

    You do not need to answer every question immediately. Start with the section that most closely reflects where you are today and identify the questions that make you pause. Those are often the ones that reveal your most important next steps.

  • WHO IS THIS FOR

    The guide has been created for:

    > Senior executives considering a future portfolio or NED career

    > Aspiring NEDs preparing to pursue their first appointment

    > Executives who are struggling to translate their experience into a compelling board proposition

    > Newly appointed NEDs adjusting to the realities of the role

    > Experienced NEDs who want to reflect on their contribution and boardroom effectiveness

    Whether you are exploring, preparing, arriving or developing, the guide will help you identify where you are—and what deserves your attention next.

About your hosts

Bridget Farrands is an international consultant, coach, writer and teacher specialising in transition, change and leadership presence. She helps senior leaders adapt successfully to new responsibilities and make a confident, effective contribution in demanding roles.

James Talbot helps senior executives turn their board-level experience into successful NED appointments and supports Chairs, CEOs and boards with governance, strategy and board effectiveness. His work covers NED readiness, positioning, targeting, networking, interview preparation and due diligence.

Together, James and Bridget bring complementary perspectives on both the practical route into NED work and the personal transition required to become effective in the boardroom.