Application period for Boardman’s Board Buddy Program 2025 is open – Apply now!
31.10.2024
The application period for international Boardman Members is open from October 31, 2024, to January 31, 2025.
The Board Buddy program is a peer mentoring initiative where Boardman pairs its international members with Finnish board members. The program focuses on sparring around board work and leadership themes, creating a valuable connection with your Board Buddy and networking with other program participants.
The Board Buddy program was piloted first time in 2024, and it was so succesfull that we decided to continue the program in 2025. We will match ten pairs for the 2025’s program.
Board Buddy Program’s objectives
The Board Buddy program has two main objectives:
- To learn and spar about board work and leadership
- To network.
Pairs will gain insights through one-to-one discussions, learning from each other about board work and leadership. Great topics include differences in board practices in Finland vs. abroad, finding board position and succeeding as a board member. Pairs will benefit the most when they agree on a new topic to discuss for each one-to-one meeting.
In addition to creating a valuable connection with your own Board Buddy, additionally two events are organized within the program for all the pairs to expand their network.
Schedule
An opening event for all pair will be organized on March 11, 2025, from 4 PM to 6 PM.
The closing event will takes place on October 23, 2025, from 4 PM to 9 PM.
In addition to these planned events, pairs meet one-to-one every 4-6 weeks according to their own schedules.
Why to apply?
When this year’s participants were asked what was the best part of the program, here’s what they said:
“Developing a strong relationship with an exceptional individual who has acted as a guide to board performance in Finland.”
“I got good advices how to switch from executive to non-executive.”
“Sharing of experiences, contacts and ways of approaching the [board position] search.”
“Chatham house rules setting for discussing common issues and being able to learn from both parties.”
Matching the pairs
Pairs for the Board Buddy program are matched based on written applications. Therefore, it is extremely important to fill in your application thoroughly when applying. Please describe the topics you wish to discuss with your pair and your areas of expertise, i.e. what knowledge you could share with your pair.
By sending us your application letter, you commit to participate in the program, if we find a pair for you.
Boardman will review all applications and match the selected pairs via email by February 2025 at the latest.
Who can apply?
Boardman’s English-speaking Boardman Members can apply using the link below. Please note that we cannot guarantee a pair for all applicants, as the number of participants is limited.
Apply for the Board Buddy program here
Remember to apply for Boardman Membership
Only Boardman Members can apply for the Board Buddy program. There are two ways how to become a Boardman Member:
1. You have completed Boardman’s CG and Board Work in Finland training. Fill in the application, and you will be automatically accepted as a member.
OR
2. Apply for the membership without having attended our training. In this case, the following terms apply:
- You are from outside Finland but work as a business executive or board member in Finland or Finnish companies.
- You have two positive references from Boardman’s network.
- Acceptance for membership will be confirmed by Boardman International Working Group.
Apply for Boardman Membership here
More information from Karoliina, karoliina.kuhalampi@boardman.fi