Connectd Board Advisor Academy

Connectd is a platform that matches startups and scaleups with fractional executives, board advisors and non-executive directors. Its Board Advisor pathway starts with the Connectd Academy, an eight module online program on the skills, behaviors and attitudes of a board advisor. The content is on-demand video with follow-up exercises, curated by subject matter specialists, and completion earns up to 30 CPD-accredited points.

The modules cover research and due diligence on startups, what advisory roles look like inside a startup, building a board advisor CV, the board advisor as a mentor, the difference between doing and advising, using a network for business development, and securing paid roles including personal brand and interview strategy. Members also get one-to-one mentoring from experienced portfolio professionals and access to webinars and roundtables.

Everyone who finishes the Academy for a pathway receives a guaranteed pro bono six month advisory placement with a startup or scaleup from the Connectd network, which can continue as a paid engagement if both sides agree. Connectd says most members hold a full-time position while they complete the program. Pricing is not published on the page; prospective members book a call or apply.

• Hone research and due diligence skills for strategic advisory work
• Understand how advisory roles operate inside startups and how they differ from fractional executive and non-executive director roles
• Provide oversight and guidance and translate executive specialisms into advisory insight
• Set clear roles, boundaries and expectations with founders, and separate advising from executing
• Use and expand a professional network for business development
• Build a board advisory brand, a board advisor CV and interview approach to secure paid roles