For senior executives preparing for a first, next or strategically important board appointment. Understand where your experience fits, sharpen your board contribution and build a practical plan for the board market.
Christian & Timbers offers two programs built around a shared advisory process, with development matched to your experience and goals.
For executives building a board contribution around AI strategy, investment, transformation or oversight. This includes leaders with deep AI experience developing their governance judgment, and experienced enterprise leaders strengthening their ability to oversee AI.
The program combines the core board readiness process with development priorities in AI strategy, economics, governance and enterprise risk.
For executives building a board contribution from enterprise leadership, finance, operations, people, regulation, industry experience or other relevant expertise. Development focuses on governance, oversight, committee contribution and the move from operator to director, with AI literacy included where relevant.
Both programs begin with the same workbook and confidential strategy discussion. We help confirm the right program and development priorities during that discussion. You do not need to decide before speaking with us.
A direct view of where your candidacy stands and what needs strengthening.
The board-level problems your experience equips you to help an organization address.
The ownership environments, sectors, stages and geographies where your experience is most relevant.
A practical approach to pursuing a credible first or next appointment.
Clear language and supporting evidence for your candidacy, including inputs for your board biography.
The capabilities and experience to strengthen, with relevant preparation and planned learning identified.
Priorities for the next 90 days and a longer view of the next 12 months.
Your strategy discussion sets the direction. We agree the development priorities most relevant to your goals, then identify preparation, learning and practical discussion that can help you progress.
Complete the Board Readiness Workbook, then discuss your experience and board ambitions with a senior Christian & Timbers advisor. We use that work to develop your contribution thesis, target board profile, positioning and next steps.
Agree two to four development priorities. Selected governance and AI preparation resources are available now. As the curriculum launches, participants will be matched to relevant modules, rather than automatically taking the full sequence.
Planned fireside conversations and mock board sessions will give participants opportunities to apply their learning, work through board decisions and receive feedback. Invitations and timing will depend on readiness, relevance and availability.
Agree your next steps with the team. Planned Executive Peer Groups and individual review will support continued development as the programs expand.
The planned curriculum connects the priorities from your strategy discussion to the decisions directors face. Each module will combine preparation, a facilitated session and a practical exercise you can keep and use.
The move from operator to director. Board and committee responsibilities. Financial oversight. Capital allocation. CEO succession. Risk. Director selection. Diligence before accepting a seat.
AI strategy and maturity. Investment and economics. Model choices. Enterprise risk and governance. The emphasis is on the questions directors should ask and the evidence they need to exercise oversight.
Planned firesides and mock boards will provide opportunities to apply this work and receive feedback. Your learning plan will identify what is relevant to you, what is available and what will follow as the program develops.
Timing and invitations for planned elements depend on your stage, interests and availability. The team will agree the next step with you.
Christian & Timbers brings an executive search perspective to board readiness. We consider your experience against the needs of different boards, ownership environments and company stages, and help you build positioning that reflects where you can make a credible contribution.
Managing Partner, Global Aerospace & Defense
Max works directly with participating executives to develop their board contribution thesis, identify relevant board environments and build a practical positioning and market strategy.
Start with a confidential introductory conversation. We discuss your goals and whether either program fits, then invite you to begin the workbook where appropriate.
The workbook takes about 2.5 hours and saves as you go. Your strategy discussion follows review of the workbook. Any further learning, fees, timing and participation commitments will be explained before you agree to them.
Participation supports preparation, development and relationships. Board appointments and introductions are considered individually and are not guaranteed. Any introduction depends on readiness, fit, market demand, conflicts, client requirements and the decision of the organization involved.
We acknowledge receipt within one business day. The Board Readiness team reviews your workbook and supporting documents, then contacts you to arrange the confidential strategy discussion. Following that discussion, we prepare your agreed assessment, positioning materials, development priorities and next steps.
Your workbook, supporting documents and program feedback are used to prepare your assessment, strategy discussion and participation. We ask for your authorization before sharing your profile with a prospective board or client, or introducing you to other participants. Any shared exercises or materials will be agreed with you in advance.
Read the privacy notice for information about service providers, retention and your rights. Questions: boardreadiness@christian-timbers.com.
Assessing your board or appointing a director? Boards, CEOs and investors evaluating board AI capability can explore our AI Board Readiness Assessment. Organizations recruiting directors can speak with our Board Search practice.
New to the programs? Request a confidential conversation with the Board Readiness team.
Received an invitation? Start your workbook with your code. Returning participants can sign in to the Board Readiness Portal.
Sign in to the Board Readiness Portal. Your saved answers and documents are where you left them.
Board Readiness Programs, Christian & Timbers | boardreadiness@christian-timbers.com | 415-622-3193
