98. How to Thrive as a Board Member with Mark Stewart

In today’s episode, Mark Stewart is sitting down with me. He shares his background and journey to Agriculture Future of America (AFA), explaining how he transitioned from higher education fundraising to his current role through networking connections.Mark described AFA's mission and highlights how AFA enhances students' networks and aids in career pathway exploration.We also dive deep into board governance. Mark shares insights from his experience across various organizations. He shares the importance of understanding different board structures and the critical need for proper vetting before joining any board.Mark stresses the significance of board member characteristics, highlighting critical thinking and objectivity as essential qualities. He cautions against joining boards solely to solve specific problems, emphasizing the importance of believing in the organization's mission.You'll learn the three main aspects of board responsibilities if you're looking to serve. Resources & Links:Author Patrick LencioniA Bit of Optimism PodcastCultivating Leaders- AFA PodcastBe A Maker SchoolJoin The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipEmail us at [email protected] the Of The West Email ListList your jobs on Of The WestConnect with Mark:Visit the AFA websiteConnect with Jessie:Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West websiteBe sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!Mentioned in this episode:Raising a champion takes more than feed. It’s work, time, and passion. Purina Equine Feed