Start your journey as an External Advisor or Board Member
Our program is designed to elevate experienced business leaders and managers into impactful external advisors and board members. By connecting you with companies seeking your strategic insight, we empower you to make a meaningful difference.
During this programme, (aspiring) advisors and board members are guided through the key themes that arise within advisory and supervisory boards. The curriculum focuses both on in-depth theoretical knowledge and on its practical application.
Over the course of two days, experts will guide you through essential topicsn including:
Day 1 - Foundations, Identity and Boardroom Dynamics
- Session 1: What does good governance look like in 2025?
- Session 2: Your role as advisor & why diversity is not just a checkbox
- Session 3: Governance tensions - debating with style
Day 2 - Strategy, Digital Transformation and Performance in Action
- Session 1: Strategy in turbulent times - your impact as advisor
- Session 2: The board in action - efficient, digital and purposeful
- Session 3: Live simulation - experience the boardroom from the inside
The training will take place on 4 and 25 November 2025, from 9;00 to 16:00 at the Voka Box.
Voka will present your profile to entrepreneurs seeking your skills and expertise for their advisory or supervisory board.
How does it work?
Following an in-depth screening of knowledge, competencies and leadership qualities - both of the entrepreneur aiming to establish a board and the external advisor or board member candidate - we ensure the ideal composition of the board.
It is essential that your values as a prospective external advisor align with those of the company.
Please note: while we do our utmost to facilitate strong matches, placement is not guaranteed.
You will become part of an extensive network of advisors and entrepreneurs.
You'll have the opportunity to expand your network and gain inspiration during our Community Event. More details to follow.
Who Should Apply?
We are looking for candidates who meet one of the following experience levels:
Executive of a company with at least 100 FTEs, OR
Executive of a scale-up with at least 30 FTEs, OR
C-level manager (e.g. CEO, CFO, COO) in a company with at least 250 FTEs, OR
Consultant or coach with previous experience as an executive in a company with at least 100 FTEs.
Prior experience as an advisor on an advisory or supervisory board is not required.
To avoid conflicts of interest, we aim to prevent situations in which individuals serving on multiple boards are in a competitive, client, or supplier relationship with one another.
Please Note:
Although we strive to make the best possible matches, we cannot guarantee placement within a company.
Testimonials
Valentine Batjoens (CEO, Extremis and former Head of Market Strategy at Renson):
"As an external advisor at van Cauter Multitechnieken, I contribute my expertise in marketing strategies, business development, and internal processes. We also explore innovation, digitalization, and potential acquisitions. Entrepreneurs benefit greatly from an external perspective to challenge and guide their strategic decisions."
Dirk Van den Branden (CEO & Co-owner iQunet):
"The value of experienced advisors cannot be overstated. Within just a year, our advisory board's fresh perspective transformed the entrepreneurs' approach from 'doubt and uncertainty' to 'dare and do."
Voka's netwerk of external advisors truly lives up to its reputation.
Participation Fee
The LAB will be held on 4 and 24 November 2025, from 9:00 to 16:00.
Participation fee: €1,250 (excl. VAT).
You may be eligible to apply for the SME portfolio (kmo-portefeuille) if your company qualifies.
If you are interested, please fill in this form and and answer the following questions:
