If you’re a tech leader considering your next board role or business opportunity, it’s natural to want to understand how digitally mature the organisation really is. Rather than getting caught up in buzzwords or checklists, it’s more valuable to explore how the board approaches technology and AI with curiosity and openness. Here are some thoughtful areas to reflect on when assessing your next move.
Leadership, understanding and engagement
Strong boards in this day will have Directors who are genuinely interested in how digital transformation and AI shape their business and market. It’s less about technical expertise and more about a willingness to learn, ask insightful questions, and appreciate both opportunities and challenges.
“In an interview scenario I'd want to hear about examples of where this has worked and where the challenges are in a business. I hear lots about wanting to adopt new technologies and less about really understanding the impact these will have on the business or its clients.”
Sarah Vick, NED and Advisor to digital agencies
How familiar are board members with the impact of technology on the business model?
Do they engage in meaningful conversations about digital trends and risks?
Is there a culture of continuous learning around technology?
“Sustainable growth depends on balancing product-centric and customer-centric thinking - and that balance only happens with commercially-minded Product leadership at Board level.”
Craig Unsworth, Chiefly Product
Integration into strategy and decision-making
Technology is most powerful when it’s woven into the organisation’s strategy rather than treated as a separate initiative. Boards that see digital and AI as strategic enablers tend to align these efforts closely with business goals and innovation priorities.
Are digital initiatives clearly linked to measurable business outcomes?
Does the board regularly review progress and adapt plans accordingly?
How involved are directors in shaping and supporting digital strategy?
Data-driven culture
Boards that embrace a data-driven mindset use insights from analytics and AI to inform decisions confidently. Transparency and trust in data quality are key to making this work well.
Is data integrated into board discussions and reporting?
Are there open conversations about data quality and interpretation?
How does AI help highlight new opportunities or potential risks?
Skills and talent readiness
A diverse range of skills, including digital and AI fluency, strengthens any board. Many boards benefit from inviting technical leaders or external advisors to contribute to their perspectives, helping to bridge any gaps.
What mix of expertise exists around the table?
Are there opportunities for technical voices to join discussions as guests or advisors?
How does the board approach ongoing skill development and responsible AI adoption?
“Boards definitely need a digital and AI expert across the table. However, real impact can only be made across the business if substantial investment is made to upskill the employees and new talent with digital and AI expertise are hired to balance the skill gap.”
Namrata Sarmah, Women in Product and CPO Track
Agility and adaptability
In today’s fast-changing environment, boards that foster agility and a growth mindset are well positioned to support innovation. They encourage experimentation, learning from experience, and adapting governance to keep pace.
How quickly can the board and organisation respond to new technological developments?
Is there an openness to trying new approaches and iterating?
Are governance structures designed to support innovation and flexibility?
When exploring your next board or leadership role, look for a board that embraces these qualities with enthusiasm and a genuine commitment to evolving. It’s this mindset that will enable technology to be a true catalyst for innovation and growth beyond just improving speed and efficiency.
Your next opportunity is not only about what you bring (more on that topic soon) but also about finding the right environment where technology and leadership grow together.
“How can you be the person that helps bring about the change and be THE person on the board who gets and understands technology?”
Tiffany St James, Transmute
Integrating technology into strategic thinking, embracing agility and positioning yourself as the person who just ‘gets it’, is key – share your comments and ideas with me and I’ll be writing about that next.
