Boardroom Ready
Empowering executives to make an impact in boardrooms
About Boardroom Ready
Boardroom Ready was created in 2016 to assist executive women in the life sciences secure their first director role. The program is designed to enhance a woman’s opportunities of finding a board appointment through classroom education and applied learning sessions. There are networking events, ongoing programming focused on current industry issues, and development opportunities to give participants every advantage in achieving their goal of board service.
The success of the Boardroom Ready program is unprecedented and since inception has made a positive impact on corporate boards. There are nearly 200 program alumnae and more than 150 board placements serving in eight countries.
In addition to the board preparedness curriculum is the community of Boardroom Ready alumnae who support each other and amplify their message to accelerate their path to the boardroom.
Meet the 2024 Boardroom Ready Cohort
Selection
The selection process is very competitive. Each year approximately 20 women are selected to participate in the Boardroom Ready program. A diverse selection committee of six men and women who are experts in the board selection process will review and evaluate each application. While there is no “magic formula” for what the selection committee looks for, successful applicants in the past have extensive industry expertise (often having a C-suite title) as well as experiences and traits that are desirable for a wide variety of boards. Applicants will be notified in July regarding whether they have been accepted into the program.
How does the Boardroom Ready program work?
Application Process
– Applications for the 2024 Cohort are closed.
– Applicants must have an active paid WIB membership and an interest in continued involvement with WIB (e.g. either through Executive Women In Bio (EWIB), local chapter involvement, sponsorship, or mentorship).
Selection Process
– A selection committee of life-science leaders will review and evaluate each application.
– The committee is looking for applicants with extensive industry expertise (most with a C-suite title) as well as experiences and traits that are desirable for a wide variety of boards.
– All applicants will be notified of their status by the end of May 2024.
– The final list of participants will be announced in July 2024.
Participation Fees and Costs
– The fee to participate in the 2024 Boardroom Ready program is $7,500.
– Participant fees must be paid in full by June 27, 2024.
– If the accepted applicant’s company is paying the fee and has a 30-day accounts payable policy, let us know during your acceptance so we can accommodate.
– Included in the fee are all in-person events, most meals during the September and October sessions, an assigned mentor, and time with a resume consultant.
– Note that all Boardroom Ready participants are responsible for their own travel and lodging arrangements and costs to attend in-person Boardroom Ready events, including the board certification course at George Washington University and the applied learning course and retreat in San Francisco.
The Curriculum
Classroom Component
– A three-day course held at George Washington University in Washington, DC in September 2024.
– During the classroom component participants gain a deep understanding of director duties, board composition, time commitment, board operations and best practices when participating on public and private company boards.
Applied Learnings Component
– This session is an extension of September’s classroom component.
– These sessions will be held in San Francisco in October 2024.
Resume Consultant
– You will have the opportunity to work with a resume consultant.
– The consultant will assist with the development of your board CV, bio and LinkedIn profile.
Life Sciences Recruiter Access
– We work with a variety of executive search firms to create connections for our participants.
– WIB is a trusted referral source and can funnel Boardroom Ready participants into ongoing board searches.
How does the Boardroom Ready program work?
Application Process
– Applications for the 2025 cohort will open January 15, and close on February 20.
– Applicants must have an active paid WIB membership and an interest in continued involvement with WIB.
Selection Process
– A selection committee of life-science leaders will review and evaluate each application.
– The committee is looking for applicants with extensive industry expertise (most with a C-suite title) as well as experiences and traits that are desirable for a wide variety of boards.
– All applicants will be notified of their status in the summer.
– The final list of participants will be announced after all selected applicants confirm their participation.
Participation Fees and Costs
– The fee to participate in the 2025 Boardroom Ready program will be announced closer to January.
– Participant fees must be paid in full before the program starts.
– Included in the fee are all in-person events, most meals during the September and October sessions, and time with a resume consultant.
– Note that all Boardroom Ready participants are responsible for their own travel and lodging arrangements and costs to attend in-person Boardroom Ready events, including the board certification course at George Washington University and the applied learning course and retreat in Boston.
The Curriculum
Classroom Component
– A three-day course held at George Washington University in Washington, DC in September 2025.
– During the classroom component participants gain a deep understanding of director duties, board composition, time commitment, board operations and best practices when participating on public and private company boards.
Applied Learnings Component
– This session is an extension of September’s classroom component.
– These sessions will be held in Boston in October 2025.
Resume Consultant
– You will have the opportunity to work with a resume consultant.
– The consultant will assist with the development of your board CV, bio and LinkedIn profile.
Life Sciences Recruiter Access
– We work with a variety of executive search firms to create connections for our participants.
– WIB is a trusted referral source and can funnel Boardroom Ready participants into ongoing board searches.
The 2024 Boardroom Ready Executive Profiles Directory
All Boardroom Ready alumnae can choose to be included in our Executive Profiles Directory that is updated frequently. If you are looking for board-ready executives to join a board, access the Directory below.
