Sufian Chowdhury, CEO of Kinetik, offers a grounded perspective for professionals aiming to earn a corporate board seat. He emphasizes that the path to board membership isn't about aggressively promoting oneself—it’s about creating value first. Sufian recommends consistently contributing in ways that show leadership potential, strategic thinking, and reliability. By showing up with substance and a track record of performance, professionals naturally position themselves as assets to boards seeking members who can offer real-world impact.
Rather than focusing solely on qualifications or titles, Sufian points to relationship-building as a key strategy. Actively engaging with experienced board members, offering support to advisory initiatives, and building long-term connections can open doors over time. This emphasis on proactive relationship development reflects Sufian's broader leadership style—one that values trust, clarity, and steady contribution over showmanship.
His advice also hints at the importance of industry focus. Understanding where your expertise fits and how it complements the makeup of an existing board helps prospective candidates stand out not just as participants, but as strategic additions. For those navigating the often opaque process of board selection, Sufian's guidance encourages patience, persistence, and positioning built on relevance and real impact.
Read the full article here: Forbes – 20 Tips for Landing a Seat on a Corporate Board