S7 | Ep 8 | How to become a NED? with JoAnn Stonier, EX-CDO Mastercard, Lara Izlan, Director of Data, ITV & Abbi Agana, CEO, Leathermarket JMB

This is a special episode of the Driven by Data Podcast, where we publish our recent NED webinar!

Featuring JoAnn Stonier, Ex-CDO Mastercard, Lara Izlan, Director of Data, ITV and Abbi Agana, CEO, Leathermarket JMB

• Our speakers shared career trajectories into NED roles, emphasising diverse backgrounds (data, media, housing, finance, privacy) and recurring themes: continuous change, giving back, mentorship, and strategic coaching mindset.
• How to break into NED roles: build a board CV, clarify your 'why' and value proposition, leverage networks, observe boards, speak to chairs and current board members, and use targeted communities and programs.
• Differences between nonprofit and for-profit board experience: governance skills transfer but scale and profile matter; large/high-profile nonprofits can be gateways to commercial boards while small trustee roles mainly develop governance experience.
• What boards look for: subject-matter expertise gets you noticed, but financial literacy, generalist judgement, governance and fiduciary responsibility are baseline requirements; c-suite title is not strictly necessary.
• Practical expectations of NED work: time commitment varies (frequently ~20–25 hours/month for active boards), includes prep, board meetings, committee work, possible ad-hoc meetings and retreats, and requires doubling stated prep time as a rule of thumb.
• Common pitfalls and mindset shifts: NEDs must adopt 'noses in, hands out' approach, avoid being a hands-on operator, focus on strategic advisory and support rather than doing the work for exec teams.

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