Revolutionizing Access to Opportunities: An Interview with Boardsi CEO Martin Rowinski

Since 2017, Boardsi has been revolutionizing the executive recruitment landscape and building a global reputation for itself. Helmed by CEO & Co-Founder Martin Rowinski, Boardsi maintains an extensive talent pool and is known for its engaging podcasts, Leadership Talks and Boardroom Chronicles, hosted by Rowinski. Boardsi was counted among the Inc. 5000 in 2023 and was an Inc. Power Partner in 2022.

How did you get started with Boardsi?

The inception of Boardsi was driven by a distinctive gap I observed in the recruitment industry, specifically in the realm of board positions and advisory roles. My journey into this venture was not abrupt but fueled by a longstanding passion for consulting and a fervent desire to assist businesses in unlocking their potential. Over the years, I’ve been privileged to witness firsthand the transformative impact that strategic guidance and expert advice can have on companies. These experiences not only honed my expertise but also ignited a desire to scale this impact.

I envisioned creating a platform that would democratize access to these invaluable resources, making it easier for companies to find the right board members and advisors, and for professionals to find roles that match their expertise and passion. This vision culminated in the formation of Boardsi, a response to the clear need for a more streamlined, efficient, and accessible way to bring together companies and top-tier talent for board and advisory positions. It was about turning a personal passion into a global solution, and the journey so far has been incredibly rewarding. 

What is a problem you have identified in board recruitment?

Over the past seven years, a significant issue we’ve encountered in the realm of board recruitment lies in the inability to thoroughly review all outstanding executives, with companies often narrowing down to just a handful for interviews. This gap, as we’ve observed, is predominantly driven by two critical factors: executive board education and executive branding.

These elements are essential in ensuring that an executive’s profile stands out and aligns with the strategic needs of a board. Recognizing this, we at Boardsi are actively working towards bridging this gap. Our approach involves empowering executives by enhancing both their board education—equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to serve effectively on a board—and their personal branding, ensuring they can present their experiences and capabilities in a manner that resonates with the strategic goals of prospective companies. By addressing these key areas, we aim to improve the visibility of exceptional talent while ensuring a more comprehensive and informed selection process for companies seeking to bolster their boards with the right individuals.

How do you think your background has impacted the success of Boardsi?

My background has played a pivotal role in shaping the success of Boardsi, primarily through a blend of entrepreneurial experience, a deep understanding of technology, and a passion for building meaningful connections. Starting my career in the tech industry, I developed a keen insight into how technology can be leveraged to solve complex problems and create opportunities for growth and innovation. This experience was instrumental in designing Boardsi's platform, which uses cutting-edge technology to streamline the board recruitment process, making it more efficient and accessible.

My entrepreneurial journey has instilled in me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and visionary thinking. These qualities have been crucial in navigating the challenges of growing a startup into a successful enterprise. I've always believed in the power of strategic advisory and the significant impact that the right board members can have on a company's trajectory. This belief, rooted in my own experiences, has driven Boardsi's mission to democratize access to board positions and advisory roles, making it easier for companies and executives to find their perfect match.

Understanding the nuances of what makes a successful executive-board relationship has enabled us to refine our approach continually, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed the expectations of our clients. This blend of technological insight, entrepreneurial spirit, and a deep-seated belief in the value of strategic advisory has been instrumental in Boardsi's growth and will continue to guide our path forward. 

What is a unique tenet/component of Boardsi that sets you apart?

Our platform's distinctive feature lies in its ability to harness the power of technology to facilitate precision matching between executives and companies. Unlike traditional executive search processes, which can be time-consuming and often rely on a limited network, Boardsi leverages an advanced algorithmic approach. This technology enables us to comprehensively understand the skills, experiences, and aspirations of our executive members, as well as the specific needs and goals of companies. By doing so, we can create highly tailored matches that go beyond surface-level compatibility to ensure a deep strategic fit.

We are committed to democratizing access to board positions, making it easier for a diverse range of executives to find roles that match their expertise and for companies to discover untapped talent. This commitment to diversity and inclusion is not just about filling quotas; it's about enriching boardrooms with a variety of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds, which is proven to drive innovation and enhance decision-making.

Our focus on continuous education and development for both executives and companies sets us apart. We offer resources and training that help executives enhance their board readiness and personal branding, while also providing companies with insights on how to effectively integrate and leverage their boards. This dual approach ensures that both parties are primed for success, fostering long-term, impactful relationships.

In essence, Boardsi's unique tenet is its blend of technology-driven precision matching, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and focus on continuous education and empowerment. This combination not only sets us apart but also drives our mission to revolutionize the way board recruitment and advisory services are delivered.

Key Takeaways

• Identifying and addressing gaps in existing systems or processes can lead to innovative solutions and opportunities for personal or professional growth.

• Enhancing one's skills and personal branding can significantly improve visibility and opportunities in competitive environments, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and self-promotion.

• Leveraging technology and embracing entrepreneurial thinking can streamline complex tasks and open new avenues for efficiency and innovation in one's career or personal projects.