What I Wish I Knew as a First Time Board Director
February 17, 2026 | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EDT
About
Stepping into the boardroom for the first time is both an achievement and a reckoning. The expectations are high, the dynamics are subtle, and much of what truly matters is never written down. In this candid salon, Teri Wielenga—seasoned public-company board director, audit committee chair, and former Fortune 500 finance executive—pulls back the curtain on what new directors rarely hear before their first meeting.
Drawing on more than 30 years of experience across global public companies, foundations, and high-growth ventures, Teri will share the lessons she learned the hard way: how boards actually operate, where new directors can add value quickly, how to navigate power dynamics and committee work, and how to avoid common early missteps that can quietly limit impact. This conversation will be practical, honest, and grounded in real boardroom experience—not theory.
Who should attend
This salon is ideal for first-time board directors, executives actively pursuing their first board seat, and experienced leaders preparing to transition from an operating role into governance. It will also be valuable for directors who joined a board recently and want to sharpen their effectiveness and confidence at the table.
Key takeaways
-What first-time directors most often misunderstand about their role—and how to recalibrate quickly
-How to build credibility and influence in the boardroom without overstepping
-The unwritten rules of board dynamics, committee work, and executive relationships
-How to prepare for meetings in a way that drives real contribution, not just participation
-Practical advice for navigating audit, finance, and governance responsibilities early in your board tenure
This salon offers a rare opportunity to learn from someone who has sat on both sides of the boardroom table—and to gain the perspective many directors wish they had before their first board vote.
