In the journey of leadership, especially for women striving to own their ambition, power, and femininity, the path can often feel isolating. As you climb the ladder, the higher you go, the fewer role models and mentors you might find who truly understand the unique challenges and strengths you bring to the table. This is where the concept of a Personal Advisory Board comes in—a curated group of mentors, peers, and trusted advisors who can provide invaluable guidance, support, and perspective.

For ambitious women, building a Personal Advisory Board is not just a career strategy; it’s a transformative tool to help you navigate your leadership journey with confidence, authenticity, and impact. In this blog, we’ll explore what a Personal Advisory Board is, why it’s essential for ambitious women, how to build one, and how it can fuel your leadership career.

What is a Personal Advisory Board?

Think of a Personal Advisory Board as your own team of advisors, much like a company’s board that guides its CEO. Your board is a diverse group of trusted peers, mentors, and industry experts who are invested in your success. They’re there to offer advice, challenge your thinking, open doors to new opportunities, and keep you accountable to your career goals.

Unlike formal mentors, your board members don’t need to be part of a structured program. They are your go-to sounding board, providing honest feedback and different perspectives on your career decisions. Each member of your board brings their unique expertise, experience, and connections to help you navigate the complexities of leadership and your career.

Unlike a traditional board, you’re unlikely to bring your Personal Advisory Board together for meetings. You’re more likely to pick and choose who you need for any given situation and seek their input and guidance at any given time. Your board may contain a mix of your personal and professional network and potentially paid roles such as your coach or formal, paid mentor.

The goal is to end up with a group of people with whom you have a strong relationship built on trust and mutual respect. These are the people who will be championing your success and bring a depth of experience and diversity of ideas and approaches for you to benefit from. Just like a traditional board, there is no perfect number. For me, I’d suggest no less than 4 and no more than 8. You want enough people to bring the desired diversity and not so many that you’re hamstrung by the need to stay in touch and cultivate the relationships constantly.

Why Ambitious Women Need a Personal Advisory Board

1. 1. 1. Breaking Down Isolation in Leadership Roles Leadership, especially in senior and executive roles, can be lonely. Women often find themselves in the minority, both in gender and often in style. This lack of representation can make it challenging to find guidance and support that truly resonates. A Personal Advisory Board offers a safety net of support, giving you a circle of people who understand your journey and are committed to helping you succeed.
      2. Owning Your Ambition, Power, and Femininity One of the greatest benefits of having a Personal Advisory Board is the ability to own your ambition unapologetically. For many women, there’s a hesitancy to fully embrace ambition due to societal expectations and stereotypes. With a board that champions you, you gain the confidence to assert your goals, lean into your power, and embrace the unique strengths your femininity brings to leadership. Your board is there to remind you of your worth and to encourage you to aim high.
      3. Strategic Guidance and Diverse Perspectives Your board provides diverse perspectives that challenge your thinking and broaden your view of what’s possible. This diversity can help you see opportunities where you might have seen obstacles and can offer creative solutions to complex problems. They act as a strategic sounding board, helping you think through decisions, navigate office politics, and prepare for career-defining moments like negotiations, promotions, or transitions.
      4. Accountability and Encouragement to Step Up Ambitious women often juggle multiple roles and responsibilities, making it easy to put their own needs on the back burner. Your Personal Advisory Board keeps you accountable to your career ambitions. They push you to step up when you might otherwise hold back and celebrate your wins—big or small—reminding you to own your accomplishments and keep striving for more.
      5. Access to Networks and Opportunities One of the most powerful aspects of having a Personal Advisory Board is the access it provides to new networks and opportunities. Your board members can introduce you to people, invite you to the right rooms, and vouch for your capabilities. This expanded network can accelerate your career trajectory and open doors that you might not have even known existed.

How to Build Your Personal Advisory Board

Creating your Personal Advisory Board requires intentionality and thoughtfulness. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you build a board that will propel you forward:

1. Identify Your Goals and Needs

Start by reflecting on your current career stage and where you want to go. Are you aiming for a C-Suite role? Looking to enhance your strategic thinking? Wanting to refine your executive presence? Defining your goals will help you identify the types of advisors you need. Consider what skills, insights, or connections you need to get from where you are to where you want to be.

2. Select a Diverse Mix of Advisors

Diversity is key when assembling your board. Seek out individuals who bring different perspectives, skills, and experiences. This might include:

• • • Industry Experts: Individuals who understand the nuances of your sector and can offer insider knowledge and connections.
    • Subject Matter Experts: People with specific expertise in areas like finance, strategy, marketing, or technology that align with your growth needs.
    • Peers and Colleagues: Those who are on a similar career path or have recently been in your shoes and can provide relatable insights and support.
    • Other Senior Leaders or Executives: Those who have reached the level you aspire to and can offer guidance on navigating the upper echelons of leadership.
    • Networkers and Connectors: Individuals who are well-connected and can open doors to new opportunities or introduce you to influential contacts. These people are well respected with broad networks.
    • Development Professional: Depending on your needs you may want to include some paid professionals in your advisors. For example, if you have an executive coach or professional mentor who you work with, you may consider including them in your Personal Advisory Board.

Remember, your board members don’t all need to be in your industry or even in the same country. The key is to find people whose insights and support will help you grow.

3. Make the Ask: Reaching Out to Potential Board Members

Approaching someone to join your Personal Advisory Board can feel intimidating, but it’s all about framing the ask with sincerity and clarity. Be upfront about why you’re reaching out, what you admire about them, and how you hope to learn from their expertise. Make it clear that you value their perspective and would appreciate their guidance as you navigate your leadership journey. Finally, make sure you’re clear about what you want from them in terms of time and input.

Example of an outreach message: “Hi [Name], I’ve long admired your leadership journey and the impact you’ve made in [industry/role]. As I work toward my next career goal of [insert goal], I’m seeking guidance from leaders I respect to help me grow and refine my approach. I am specifically interested in your experience with {insert specific detail}. I would love to connect with you periodically on a call or by email to gain insights from your experience. I envision this would be somewhere between monthly and quarterly. Your perspective would be incredibly valuable to me.”

Of course, there will be people who are already in your network who you might consider part of this board, be courteous and define the ask from them as well. This secures their commitment and investment in you. The people you are wanting to connect with in this way are no doubt highly sought after as mentors and support for others. By formally asking for their support, you give them the opportunity to graciously accept or decline and set some boundaries around the relationship.

4. Nurture Your Relationships

Building your Personal Advisory Board is just the first step; maintaining these relationships is where the real value lies. Regular check-ins, whether through coffee chats, virtual meetings, or email updates, keep your board engaged and invested in your success. Share your progress, seek advice on specific challenges, and express gratitude for their support.

Nurturing these relationships is about more than just taking—look for ways to give back, whether it’s offering your insights, sharing articles of interest, or simply being an engaged and appreciative mentee.

5. Stay Open to Feedback and Be Ready to Act

Your Personal Advisory Board will offer insights that sometimes push you out of your comfort zone. Be open to their feedback, even when it challenges you. Remember, these individuals are there to help you grow, and their feedback is a gift that can help you refine your approach and make more informed decisions.

Take their advice seriously and be proactive in implementing the actions they suggest. Showing that you value their input by taking action reinforces your commitment to your growth and keeps them invested in your journey. Don’t forget to let them know the outcome of their input.

Owning Your Ambition with Your Personal Advisory Board

For ambitious women, having a Personal Advisory Board is about more than just career guidance—it’s about reclaiming your power, owning your ambition, and embracing your unique strengths as a leader. It’s about having a circle of trusted advisors who remind you that your goals are valid, your voice is powerful, and your leadership journey is worth investing in.

Ready to Own Your Ambition?

Your leadership journey doesn’t have to be a solo endeavour. By building a Personal Advisory Board, you’re surrounding yourself with the expertise, support, and encouragement needed to elevate your career. It’s time to take control, own your ambition, and lead with the power and femininity that set you apart.

If you’re not sure you can do this alone, in the 12-week Power Pivot Program, we dive deep into helping women leaders define their personal brand, build their confidence, and develop their unique leadership style. We guide you through the process of assembling your Personal Advisory Board, leveraging their expertise to accelerate your growth, and stepping fully into your power.

Let’s build your board and transform your leadership together. Join the Power Pivot Program today and start creating the leadership journey you deserve.