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Your Personal Board of Advisors
The best leaders know this: success is not a solo effort. Behind every leader who is driving change and making an impact is a network of people—mentors, friends, and advisors—who push them to grow, challenge their thinking, and support their goals. But how often do we intentionally build this network to ensure we’re supported in every area of our lives? That’s the idea behind creating a personal board of directors, a concept shared by Keely Wilson, Senior Vice President of IT, National Nursing Association.
For Keely, a seasoned technology executive at Maximus, this idea has been life-changing. “A personal board of directors is there to help you think bigger and guide you through the decisions that matter most,” she explained. She likened it to a corporate board but with a focus on individual success and well-being. It’s about assembling a diverse group of trusted advisors who see your potential and hold you accountable—both professionally and personally.
Keely’s board has been a constant source of strength and a cornerstone of her success. Her board has been there to help her navigate career and life-defining moments, whether they be coming up with a decision, embracing change, thinking bigger, or ensuring she stays balanced as a leader, mother, and individual. She relies on her board to provide insight, encouragement, and accountability.
Keely shared three roles she believes are essential on any personal board of directors:
A mentor who has already walked the path you’re striving toward. They offer wisdom, guidance, and a clear perspective on the bigger picture.
Someone who asks hard questions, challenges your assumptions, and helps you see situations from different angles.
A fresh thinker who brings new ideas and keeps you updated on trends and innovations. For Keely, a younger mentor once introduced her to TikTok as a tool for learning AI prompts—proof that inspiration can come from unexpected places.
“Diversity is key,” Keely added, highlighting the importance of including individuals with different professional backgrounds, industries, and viewpoints. Her board includes lawyers, CEOs, CIOs, public sector leaders, and even a physician. “The more perspectives you have, the better equipped you are to make informed, innovative decisions,” she emphasized.
One of the most profound moments in Keely’s career came when her boss recommended her for a promotion as a program executive officer.
At first, Keely doubted herself. Could she take on this level of responsibility? Was she ready for such a visible position? That’s when her board stepped in. Her father, a lifelong mentor and trusted Sage, told her plainly: “No man would question this. Take the role and figure it out along the way.” Her husband, another trusted advisor, assured her that their family would make it work.
With their support, Keely took the leap and accepted the position, leading a massive team and managing one of the largest electronic health record systems for the Department of Defense. “It was the opportunity of a lifetime,” she reflected. “My board helped me see what I couldn’t see for myself and prepared me to succeed.” The role became a defining moment in her career and showed her the true value of having a team of people who believe in your potential, even when you’re unsure.
Keely’s story unfolded on How She Did It: Introducing the New League of Leaders, a series hosted by Melissa Dawn Simkins that celebrates women who lead with purpose and redefine what it means to succeed. In this episode, titled Aspire Higher: Build Your Personal Board of Directors to Go Bigger, Keely shared practical insights for assembling and nurturing a personal board.
Melissa reminded viewers, “Leadership today is about aligning purpose with action, and that starts with building relationships that challenge and inspire you.” Keely’s journey is proof that this approach works.
Write down the names of people in your life who already play supportive roles. Do they fit the roles of Sage, Devil’s Advocate, or Spark? Where are the gaps?
Join professional groups, attend events, or reach out to people whom you admire. Sometimes the best advisors are those outside your immediate circle.
Building a board isn’t a one-time task. Keep communication open and make an effort to nurture these connections.
Your board will challenge you. Embrace their insights, and let it push you to grow.
For Keely, leadership is about legacy and creating opportunities for others. Her dream isn’t just to become a CIO but to mentor future CIOs along the way. “Great leaders create more leaders,” she said. “That’s what drives me.”
As you think about your own journey, ask yourself: Who is in my corner? Who inspires me, challenges me, and believes in me? Start building your board today—because none of us is meant to go it alone.
To watch Keeley’s interview and to see other inspiring stories, you can check out newleagueofleaders.com.
Keely Wilson
Senior Vice President, IT
American Nurses Association
