How to Write A For Profit Board Bio
If you are at the point in your career where you would like to join a Board, your Board biography is the foundation for landing your first, or next, Board seat.
Your Board Bio should articulate the value you could bring to a company as a Board member, nothing more, nothing less. Note: A Board biography is not the same as your company Executive Biography.
Executive Biography - is a narrative of your resume.
Board Biography – is a narrative of your specific skills in relation to serving on a Board.
The best bios tell a story that entices the reader to want to get to know the executive personally and understand his or her unique talents and value. It is your “personal executive press release” designed to wow the reader. Executives must visibly position themselves and be recognized as thought leaders in focused areas and truly stand apart from the competition. A well done executive bio is a key document for articulating an executive’s personal brand.
A well written executive bio frames a personal brand that is presented with conviction and confidence. Your executive personal brand should be framed by three factors:
Essence — of who you are,
Guru — of what you know, and
Star — what you do and how you do it
Specificity is the key in an executive Board bio. Words like “leadership skills” or “communication ability” are too broad to be descriptive. It is essential to highlight exactly what makes you a great leader or outstanding communicator. It is the specifics that set you apart from other great leaders and outstanding communicators.
Here is a template for your Bio:
1st Paragraph:
Position yourself as a leader in your area of expertise and highlight your personal brand. Sum up who you are and why you are an asset to the board based on the value you can contribute. Briefly describe your current title and company and the major responsibilities you are accountable for and the major regions your work spans. If you have P&L responsibility, mention that here.
2nd Paragraph:
Give a brief career history or concise career progression, naming key companies and industries you have worked in. If you are responsible for revenue, mention that here. Your focus would likely be on the past 10 years of your work history and those accomplishments. Discuss any international experience you have, give more detail about P&L responsibilities and note specialized industry knowledge. Describe the groups you have led, major initiatives you implemented and if you were part of a corporate turnaround.
3rd Paragraph:
Sum up all the rest of your accolades, with attention to one or two truly significant and relevant achievements. If you have prior public, private or nonprofit board service, describe it here. Also mention any awards/recognition you have received.
4th Paragraph:
Include education, certifications, languages, professional affiliations—whatever credentials are important include that here as well as where you currently reside.