In Their Own Words: The Value To Business People On Nonprofit Boards -- Part II

Apr 1, 2010 6:30 PM ET

Alice Korngold's Blog

Earlier this month, I quoted business people regarding the value they derive from serving on nonprofit boards. While it is widely understood that nonprofits have much to gain from the expertise and resources that board members bring to bear, it is also useful to recognize that board members gain from the experience as well.

Here is a second set of comments from board members who serve on a wide variety of boards-- regionally, nationally, and globally.

Feel free to add your own thoughts at the end of this post in the comments section below.

Q: How has your nonprofit board service helped you develop as a leader?

A: "I did not appreciate the leadership experience that I would gain serving on the board of the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH).  In addition to governance matters, the board is very involved in significant strategic initiatives and decisions.  Many of these issues are common in for-profit organizations.  I have been able to apply some of the lessons learned through my involvement with CSH to my business."

A: "I am a better entrepreneur and executive because of my engagement as a board director in the nonprofit world.  I presently serve on two boards, KaBOOM! and water.org.  These organizations challenge the commonly held stereotypes of nonprofit organizations as "soft" or "slow" or "unwilling to change."  Both are as innovative and nimble as the most well-regarded venture-backed startups. 

See continuation here....http://bit.ly/dyzbeI

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