BOARD X
The BOARD X Program prepares exceptional STEM women for board positions across Australia. We envision a future where STEM leadership is diverse, dynamic, and driven by women who are not just participants but pioneers.
One is not enough
At WILD for STEM, we are committed to diversity in STEM boardrooms, not tokenism.
Only 23% of STEM senior management positions are held by women. Through our Board X Program, we’re changing the narrative for Australian STEM boardrooms.
Board X is an immersive 12-month observership program that will see 50 STEM women paired with 50 boards around Australia. In addition to gaining unique insight into boardrooms nationally, participants will also receive executive coaching, training, and recruitment support.
At WILD for STEM, we’re not just helping women to take their seat at the table. We’re putting them there.
Board X Components
- Board Observership: An immersive 12-month board observership experience, matching you with leading STEM organisations to launch your board career.
- Executive Coaching & Mentoring: Group executive coaching, and mentoring support from board representatives.
- Recruitment Support: Tailored recruitment support to develop your governance CV and navigate the competitive landscape of board roles.
Board X Benefits
BOARD
EXPERIENCE
Gain real-world insight into STEM boards across Australia
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
Online and in-person options available to work with your schedule
WILD ALUMNI & COMMUNITY
Join an empowered, inclusive, and supportive community of STEM women
CONNECTIONS & NETWORKING
Open doors to influential board connections and networks
CAREER SUPPORT
& TRAINING
Group coaching opportunities
Eligibility
At WILD for STEM, we’re committed to a more diverse future for Australian STEM boardrooms.
We welcome applications from both women and non-binary leaders in STEM.
We encourage those with diverse lived experiences including those living with disability and neurodiversity, those living in rural and regional locations, those of culturally diverse backgrounds and of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage.
Who can apply?
Elibility Criteria
- Qualifications or extensive practical experience in STEM
- Currently employed in a non-academic role in STEM
- Governance trained or have substantial governance experience, and
- Strong aspirations to become a board director in the next 12-24 months
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should apply to the Board X Program?
Board X is seeking accomplished STEM women who are eager and ready to launch their board careers. Together with our Board X Hosts, we’re looking for candidates with the skills, knowledge and insights to drive significant change in the STEM field through influential leadership and decision- making roles.
If you’re a STEM leader with plenty of governance experience / training, and know you’d bring value to a board, then we encourage you to apply! We prioritise candidates who can clearly articulate the barriers they’re facing on their board career journey and how the Board X program, specifically, can help!
Do I need to meet all eligibility requirements, including being governance trained?
We’re looking for applicants who are ready to step into board roles today, or in the very near future. We’ve partnered with a range of boards who not only support our mission to change the narrative of STEM leadership in Australia, but also value the unique insights our incredible applicants can bring to their boards as observers. Who knows, our host boards may even use the opportunity to scout out talent for future director roles!
For this reason, we’re all keen to put our best foot forward. There’s a lot to know about being on a board – roles and responsibilities, risks, legals, finance and boardroom dynamics, etc. We need our Board X Observers to have a good understanding of this before they step into the room. There are a number of great governance programs out there – think the AICD, Governance Institute, etc – which can provide a great foundation for aspiring directors. But we get it, these can be expensive and time consuming.
So that’s why we’ll also accept extensive governance experience as an alternative to formal training. So, whether you have the formal training, or have experience reporting into boards, or have served on non-profit boards in the community, we encourage you to apply!
How do I apply for the Board X Program?
Ready to take on the Board X Program?
Applications are open on a rolling basis until early 2025. The form will require you to flex your writing skills by answering three questions:
1. Reflecting on your career achievements, as well as leadership and governance experiences to date, why do you think you would be an ideal candidate for Board X? (300 words)
2. How would your background, experience and insights enhance a Board as a Board X Observer? (300 words)
3. How will Board X help you to overcome barriers in attaining a board role? (250 words) You'll also need to upload a few items, including a snappy 60-90 second video showcasing yourself, a two-page CV highlighting your relevant qualifications and leadership experience, and a short bio.
What is the time commitment associated with participating in Board X?
Board X is a year-long commitment, depending on the board you are matched with you may attend anywhere from 4 to 10 meetings a year. In parallel you’ll receive six months of group coaching and governance recruitment support.
Depending on the board you’re matched with the Board X observership component could take up to 40 hours of meetings (spread over the year), plus a similar amount of time in preparation.
We estimate other program activities could take up to another 20 hours of time.
Can I apply for Board X if I am between roles, on maternity leave or a career break?
Inquiring whether you can apply for the Board X while on maternity leave or a break from your career? Absolutely! So long as you’ve recently held a professional STEM role, and meet all other
requirements, you’re good to go.
When, where and how is the Board X Program delivered?
Welcome to Board X, where the possibilities are endless! The program kicks off once you’re matched with a board, and the 12-month journey begins! During this time, you’ll attend board meetings, executive group coaching with fellow Board X participants, and engaging workshops and events.
As an added bonus we offer a complimentary 12-month membership with Women on Boards, which opens up even more opportunities to attend events and courses.
Board X blends both in person and digital opportunities, but the board meetings will be dependent on the board you are matched with. When applying we do ask you to indicate a preference, and we’ll do our best to accommodate them.
Am I matched with a company board for the observership experience, or can I organise my own board observership?
WILD for STEM is going to do all the work for you! When you apply for the program, we ask you several different questions that helps us match you with the most appropriate board. A board will then choose up to three candidates to interview and decide who they would like to take on as an observer.
Board X candidates are not able to organise their own board observership.
What is the cost of participating in Board X?
Board X is free for participants! Board X is funded by the federal Department of Industry, Science and Resources until 2025. While there is no cost to participate in the program, participants may incur some out-of-pocket costs in order to attend board meetings. For example, petrol, parking, and maybe flights – if you’ve said you’d be willing to travel interstate for meetings.
Feeling stuck between two amazing options?
If you’re a STEM-educated woman with strong leadership potential, ready to break down barriers and transform your field, then the WILD Program is for you.
If you’re a trailblazer with qualifications or extensive practical experience in STEM, governance training or experience, and ready to launch your board career, then Board X is your next move.
No matter which path you choose, we’re here to help you achieve and succeed.
Become a Board X Partner
Demonstrate your commitment to a more diverse future for STEM by hosting one of our exceptional Board X Observers.
For organisations that partner with us, Board X provides an opportunity to tap into the best and brightest minds from across the Australian STEM sector.
Board X Observers bring fresh perspectives and insights to boards, provide opportunities for succession planning and cultural change, and allow organisations to play a role in creating a diverse pool of board directors for the future.
Please register your interest below and we will be in touch.