In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the role of board members, advisors, and executive-level consultants has become more vital than ever. An increasing number of professionals are seeking opportunities to lend their strategic insight to companies looking for growth and governance support. This is where platforms like Boardsi claim to step in — matching experienced professionals with companies in search of advisory talent. But what exactly is Boardsi, and is it a legitimate platform?
TLDR: Too Long, Didn’t Read
Boardsi is an executive recruitment platform that connects professionals with paid board and advisory roles at companies worldwide. While it positions itself as a modern solution for corporate matchmaking, opinions on its legitimacy are mixed. Some find success, while others raise concerns about its pay-to-play model. As with any platform, due diligence is highly recommended before committing financially.
What Is Boardsi?
Boardsi is an online platform designed to help seasoned professionals and executives find board positions or advisory roles in companies that need leadership support. Established in 2017 and headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, Boardsi operates under the umbrella of “modern executive search.” The idea is simple: experienced professionals get matched with companies that are looking for strategic guidance, funding connections, or help navigating complex challenges.
The company markets itself to a wide range of professionals — from retired executives to current leaders wanting to expand their influence beyond their day job. It also targets companies of all sizes looking to bolster their boards with qualified advisors or directors.
How It Works
The Boardsi process is straightforward in concept. Here’s how it typically works for a professional signing up:
- Create a profile: You start by entering your background, skills, and experience.
- Consultation call: Boardsi often offers a consultation to understand your goals better.
- Choose a membership plan: This is where the platform diverges from traditional recruiting — users need to pay for a membership.
- Receive board opportunities: Based on your profile, Boardsi claims to match you with open roles at various companies.
Companies, on the other side of the equation, submit their needs via the platform. Boardsi then uses its algorithm and team to find potential candidates from its subscribed talent pool. The company promotes this model as a “win-win,” claiming it speeds up the matching process and increases chances for successful placements.
The Membership Model: A Point of Controversy
Unlike traditional executive search firms that earn commission or are paid solely by the hiring company, Boardsi requires professionals to pay for visibility and access. The membership fee — which varies, but has been reported as ranging from several hundred to over $2,000 annually — is the main point of skepticism for many.
Critics of the platform argue that legitimate recruiters do not ask candidates to pay for job opportunities, especially at the executive level. On the other hand, supporters view Boardsi as a matching platform similar to LinkedIn Premium or job boards that offer increased visibility — worth the cost for the right person.
Common Membership Features Include:
- Profile placement within Boardsi’s executive database
- Access to a portfolio of board positions
- One-on-one coaching or strategy calls
- Resume formatting or improvement services
- Direct introductions to decision-makers
Is Boardsi Legit?
This is the key question, and the answer isn’t black and white. Boardsi is a legally registered company, maintains a functioning website, and has many public-facing executives listed on LinkedIn. It’s been featured in media publications and has garnered interest in business circles. However, legitimacy doesn’t always translate to satisfaction or value.
Here’s a breakdown of arguments for and against Boardsi’s legitimacy:
Points That Support Boardsi’s Legitimacy:
- The company is officially registered and operates under a visible business address.
- Executives from the company actively participate in podcasts, blogs, and articles.
- Some professionals have reported successful board placements through the platform.
Points That Raise Red Flags:
- Numerous online reviews question the value of the paid membership.
- Few users report follow-ups after initial consultations or placements.
- The concept of paying for access to advisory roles feels counterintuitive to many experienced executives.
Client Testimonials and Reviews
Boardsi displays glowing testimonials on its website from professionals who claim they successfully landed advisory or board roles thanks to the platform. However, when you venture into third-party review sites such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and Glassdoor, the narrative becomes more mixed.
Some individuals express frustration over hefty membership fees and vague deliverables. Others say they were pitched to pay before seeing any actual opportunity listings. While some reviews praise the professionalism of the Boardsi team, others argue that the opportunities are generic and not tailored.
Transparency is a recurrent concern. Several people mentioned unclear refund policies and hard sells during initial consultations, which may leave a bad taste for skeptics.
How Boardsi Compares to Traditional Executive Search Firms
Boardsi’s platform sets itself apart by combining tech-driven matching software with one-on-one consulting services. Yet it diverges from traditional search firms, which typically work directly with companies and do not charge candidates. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Boardsi | Traditional Executive Search |
|---|---|---|
| Candidate Pays? | Yes | No |
| Technology-Driven Matching | Yes | No (usually manual) |
| Access to Opportunities | With Membership | Case-by-case basis |
| Application Process | Platform-Based | Through Recruiter |
Who Could Benefit the Most From Boardsi?
If you’re an executive who’s recently retired, looking to diversify your career by joining advisory boards, or seeking networking exposure to up-and-coming startups, Boardsi might offer value. Here are types of individuals who stand to benefit the most:
- Serial entrepreneurs who want to give back as mentors or advisors
- Corporate executives exploring paid side opportunities
- Professionals who prefer a structured platform over cold-outreach networking
What to Consider Before Signing Up
Before diving into a Boardsi membership, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and ask yourself:
- Do I understand the deliverables I’ll receive for the membership fee?
- Does my experience align with the types of roles Boardsi offers?
- Have I fully vetted alternatives (such as networking events, executive search firms, or LinkedIn)?
- Am I comfortable paying for access even if a placement is not guaranteed?
The Bottom Line
Boardsi is a platform that blends technology and executive recruitment to connect professionals with board opportunities. It’s a bold approach that offers convenience, but it comes at a cost — literally and figuratively. While it’s certainly not a scam, and many have had positive experiences, it’s also not a guaranteed golden ticket to boardroom success. Proceed with caution, review the fine print, and make sure it aligns with your career goals and financial comfort zone.
In the end, Boardsi might be the right fit for some and the wrong fit for others — but either way, potential users should do their homework (and perhaps, ask some of their own board-level advisors) before committing.