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How to Build a Personal Board of Advisors

No single mentor can advise you on everything. The most successful people build a 'personal board' — a handful of trusted advisors covering different angles. Here's how to assemble yours.

Digby R. Kerr
By Digby R. Kerr — Wharton MBA, author of 12 books, founder of Kerr University™. 35+ years leading global business.

Cover the key roles

A strong personal board has variety: someone senior in your field, someone in an adjacent industry, a peer who'll be honest, and a sponsor who'll advocate. Different perspectives protect you from blind spots.

Choose people who'll be honest

The value of your board is candor. Pick people who'll tell you the truth, not just cheer you on. One honest advisor is worth ten flatterers.

Nurture the relationships

A board isn't formal — it's a set of relationships you invest in over time. Stay in touch, give as well as take, and lean on different members for different questions. A committed lead mentor, like the 1-on-1 mentoring at Kerr University, can anchor the whole board.

Frequently asked questions

What is a personal board of advisors?

A small group of trusted mentors, peers, and sponsors who advise your career from different angles.

Who should be on my personal board?

Someone senior in your field, someone from an adjacent industry, an honest peer, and a sponsor.

How do I build one?

Choose people who'll be honest, nurture the relationships over time, and give as well as take.

How do I start?

At Kerr University™ mentoring is always 1-on-1 with Digby R. Kerr, flexible around your schedule, affordably priced, with 24/7 WhatsApp access and free certificate courses included. Book a free 30-minute session.

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