A winning mix.

• Author: Kristie, James
• Position: EDITOR'S NOTE - Editorial

Every editor likes to bring in fresh voices to the pages of their publication. But every editor also has their "go to" authors--those who are known for their expertise in the subject matter and have written dependably for the editor before. I typically have both in every edition of Directors & Boards, and this issue especially so.

Susan Stautberg, co-founder of WomenCorporateDirectors, is one of my trusty experts when I am looking for guidance to offer our readers on "how to get on a board." I put that phrase in quote marks because it is one of our most compelling topics, and it has started out yet again to be just that in 2015. Maybe it has something to do with a new year bringing new ambitions (and new resolutions). But in the first several months of 20151 have been the recipient of numerous expressions of interest--along with accompanying CVs--by old colleagues and new acquaintances who have their sights set on gaining a board seat.

So who better to turn to for "getting on a board" advice than a trusty boardroom veteran like Susan, especially when she has just come out with a new book that is chock full of important insights and counsel. Written with co-author Nancy Calderon, their book is titled Women on Board: Insider Secrets to Getting on a Board and Succeeding as a Director. You will find an excerpt on page 64. (I always look for a distinctive piece of editorial to close out each issue--my Endnote--and this passage from their book is just that.)

It is only right that I use this Editor's Note to offer up a few "getting on a board" tips, too. The following are actually Susan and Nancy's; I did not have space in their article for them...