Most directors focus on securing their first board appointment. Andrea Staines OAM took a different approach. Nearly 20 years ago, she made the deliberate decision to build a portfolio career as a full-time non-executive director, long before it became a recognised career path. Today, Andrea is regarded as one of Australia's pioneers of the professional portfolio director, serving across transport, infrastructure and retail while continually evolving her career. Speaking on the latest 20 Years of Women on Boards podcast, she shares the principles that have guided her journey. One of Andrea's strongest messages is that directors need to manage their careers with the same discipline they would apply to running a business. "You have to think of yourself as a business," she says. That means continually building your network, keeping your profile current, investing in your professional development and always looking ahead to the next opportunity. Building a board portfolio doesn't stop once you've secured your first appointment, it requires ongoing business development and a clear understanding of the value you bring. Rather than pursuing every opportunity, Andrea carefully identified where her executive experience would have the greatest impact. She deliberately built a portfolio across transport, infrastructure and retail services, creating diversity while staying true to her expertise. Perhaps her most memorable observation is that the greatest rewards of board work aren't financial. "Don't do board work for the money. If you want the money, stay as an executive." Instead, she believes board careers offer something far more valuable: professional diversity, personal flexibility and the opportunity to keep learning. After nearly two decades in the boardroom, Andrea's message is simple. A successful board career isn't built on a single appointment, it's built through continuous learning, thoughtful choices and a willingness to keep evolving. Learn more about womenonboards Host: Claire Braund OAM Guest: Andrea Staines OAM