Conducting an Executive Search for a Board Chair to drive better mental health policies and systems.
The Brief
Future Leadership™ was engaged by a leading mental health organisation to appoint a Board Chair. This important health leadership position involved playing a critical national role setting the agenda for national policy reform and driving better mental health policies and systems. As well as advocating for system reforms that improve mental health and enable the mental health sector to thrive. To unite and strengthen the mental health sector and develop and advocate for practical policy solutions.
Candidate net Promote Score
Future Leadership combines truly personalised relationships with innovative technology solutions to ensure an approachable and efficient process for all our Net Promoter Score across clients, successful candidates and unsuccessful candidates is well above industry standard.
Candidates supported every year
We maintain genuine relationships with past candidates and continue to support them with leadership solutions long term, after they land their role.
Senior Women Appointed since 2002
Over half of the executive search assignments undertaken by our team have resulted in the appointment of outstanding female or LGBTQI+ leaders to high profile roles.
Candidate Retention Rate for 12 months since 2002
Our thorough briefing process and ability to engage passive candidates mean that we go to great lengths to find the right person for the role – long term!
The Process
Future Leadership™ undertook a comprehensive search process tailored to the organisation’s needs. To find a candidate with demonstrated understanding of the strategic, fiduciary and governance responsibilities associated with chairing the Board.
Key steps included:
- Engaged with the board to understand the role’s strategic priorities and challenges.
- Leveraged extensive networks, advertising campaign, and referrals] to identify candidates with experience in deep understanding of Federal Government processes, solid experience as a Board Director and/or Chair, an understanding of revenue diversification with connections to support potential diversification opportunities, bipartisan approach and awareness and understanding of mental health.
- Six candidates were shortlisted, with three candidates who progressed to panel interviews.
- The final candidate presented extensive experience in the mental health sector.
This rigorous process ensured the appointment of a candidate capable to drive better mental health policies and systems, and unite and strengthen the mental health sector.
Emerging Capabilities
Governance and Compliance
Establishes, champions and measures the effectiveness of an organisation’s regulatory and
reporting systems. Identifies and evaluates risks, develops strategies to mitigate risk.
Strategy and Purpose
Develops and leads strategy for the function/organisation, taking a broad and long-term
perspective. Understands and considers context. Communicates and gains buy-in to the
function/organisation goals, direction and vision, promoting change initiatives
Commercial Acumen
Provides a deep understanding of relevant industry, marketplace and business drivers as
applicable to the organisation. Leverages the application of commercial tools and
frameworks to manage opportunities, conflicts and trade-offs.
Communications and Influence
Articulates messages with clarity and impact to build understanding, inspire action,
persuade others and enable information exchange. Considers the audience and draws on
different styles to create impact.
Systems Thinking
Views situations in their entirety, understanding all the parts at play.
Identifies the interconnected factors and how they influence each other, impacting the
whole system. Takes a strategic perspective.
Stakeholder relations
Establishes rapport with stakeholders, builds and sustains trusted and collaborative
relationships. Identifies and draws on relevant and diverse perspectives and integrates
them to support productive interactions.
The Outcome
A candidate with high credentials and an exemplary reputation was appointed to the position of Board Chair and commenced in the position in early February 2025. Their expertise in mental health will enhance the organisation’s ability to deliver its vision.
Candidate Testimonial
”It was a delight working with Kate from Future Leadership during the recruitment process. She maintained contact right throughout the process and kept me informed about where things were up to at every stage. It was a very positive and supportive experience.”
