Q & A with Author Jill Griffin

Why did you decide to write this book?

A single event, actually. I was sitting in the Paris Airport and while I had a few minutes alone to think, I asked myself “What brings you the most joy in your professional life? And, the answer came in a heartbeat: my board work, and particularly my board work with Luby’s/Fuddrucker’s Restaurants. I knew right then and there that I needed to write a book. 

Earn Your Seat on a Corporate Board is filled with wisdom that could work in so many different parts of the business world. How did you learn all of this?

Well, first of all I spent three years researching this book and doing what you do when you want to gain wisdom and insight: you ask wise and insightful people for advice. I asked these folks how they got their board seats and then what advice they would give to others out there seeking board seats.

I have to tell you: I learned a great deal, met the most amazing people, and it was fun!

I’ve also lived a lot of what you see in the book. My experience as an author, executive, and consultant came in very handy. The result is what I hope is a very helpful and encouraging book for business leaders of all kinds.

What do you hope to accomplish with this book and your work?

I would like for people to have a clear vision about whether they are board material or not. I’d like to tell people what boards do, so that they can see if they have any interest in serving on boards.

Then secondly, I want them to step out and use every resource they have to become board worthy and to put themselves in front of sponsors and influencers that can help them.