Coding Chats episode 44 - Joe Woodhouse shares his unique journey from software to non-executive director roles, emphasizing the importance of building skills, networking, and understanding board dynamics. He discusses the concept of 'luck surface area' and how being open to opportunities can lead to success. Joe highlights the significance of emotional intelligence in leadership and the value of experience in non-profit boards. He also addresses the role of training and education in career advancement and the importance of diversity in board composition.
Chapters
00:00 Developing Skills for Non-Executive Roles
04:50 The Role of Non-Executive Directors
05:33 Luck Surface Area: Creating Opportunities
10:50 Understanding Cash Flow in Decision Making
16:27 The Value of an MBA in Business Understanding
19:51 Understanding Reputational Damage in Security
20:21 The Importance of Team Dynamics in Business
21:34 Engagement in Community Projects
22:42 Diversity in Perspectives and Decision Making
24:22 Conflict Resolution in Community Committees
24:54 Financial Planning and Resource Allocation
27:45 The Role of Not-for-Profits in Society
28:42 Profitability in Not-for-Profit Organizations
30:30 Emotional Decision Making in Business
32:09 The Journey to Board Membership
33:07 The Value of Experience Over Formal Training
34:07 The Industry of Self-Help and Career Advancement
36:30 The Path to Board Roles
41:09 The Importance of Volunteer Experience
43:51 Big Tech's Perspective on Board Experience
45:57 Influence vs Authority in Leadership
49:26 Diversity and the Wisdom of Crowds
52:08 The Value of Soft Skills in Business
53:07 Encouragement to Volunteer and Engage
Joe's Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joewoodhouseengineer/
John's Links:
John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncrickett/
John’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johncrickett
John's Twitter: https://x.com/johncrickett
John's Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johncrickett.bsky.social
Check out John's software engineering related newsletters: Coding Challenges: https://codingchallenges.substack.com/ which shares real-world project ideas that you can use to level up your coding skills.
Developing Skills: https://read.developingskills.fyi/ covering everything from system design to soft skills, helping them progress their career from junior to staff+ or for those that want onto a management track.
Takeaways
Joe Woodhouse's journey showcases a unique path to non-executive roles.
Building skills for board positions requires deliberate effort and experience.
The concept of 'luck surface area' emphasizes the importance of being open to opportunities.
Networking and curiosity are key to creating professional connections.
Understanding board dynamics is crucial for effective decision-making.
Non-executive directors play a vital role in governance and strategy.
Cash flow considerations are essential in business decision-making.
Experience in non-profit boards can provide valuable insights and skills.
Emotional intelligence is critical for influencing and leading teams.
Diversity in board composition enhances decision-making and innovation.