Ibrahim Misto – Get to know our VAB member

What inspired you to become a member of the Virtual Advisory Board community?

I decided to join the Virtual Advisory Board (VAB) community because I am always keen to collaborate with global professionals and organisations that provide valuable resources for making a tangible impact on people’s career journey’s and eventually the organisations those individuals lead.

I wanted to share my extensive experience in the corporate world (which is close to 25 years now), my growth mindset, and my leadership skills with others as well as learn from my VAB peers’ unique and valuable experiences.

VAB aligns perfectly with my ambition to expand my access to board roles and to enrich my board journey. It provides a platform for connecting with key decision-makers, raising visibility and facilitating critical boardroom conversations. Mark’s and David's passion and vision for this unique community, as well as the enthusiasm of other VAB community members I spoke to before joining were pivotal in my decision. Since my onboarding in May, I have engaged in numerous networking and learning activities and received valuable guidance for developing my personalised Board Build Plan. This has put me on a clear path for the next three years of my board journey.

In what area do you feel board advisors can add the most value for Boards of Directors (BoDs) and executive teams?

Board advisors play a pivotal role in guiding Boards of Directors (BoDs) by offering crucial guidance in different areas like adopting cutting-edge technologies, disrupting current business models, and exploring new business ventures. By bringing diverse experiences and external fresh perspectives, board advisors can help boards and executive leadership teams navigate complex challenges; thus fostering innovation and strategic growth.

What would be your dream company/organisation to work with as a board advisor/NED?

I am passionate about bridging the digital divide and empowering communities. With my extensive background in technology, telecom, fintech, and digital innovation, I am excited about advisory board roles with start-ups; helping these types of companies scale and succeed. As a Non-Executive Director (NED), I aspire to support companies aiming to disrupt their industries, leverage technology for innovation, and secure future-proof market leadership. I am also committed to continuing my voluntary board roles with NGOs and philanthropic organisations; advocating for educational excellence and shaping tomorrow's innovators through my involvement with university governing councils and advisory boards.

What book or podcast would you recommend to VAB members that might improve their skills in corporate governance, board advisory or boosting board-to-executive team communications?

I recommend the book Good to Great by Jim Collins. It provides excellent insights into leadership, strategic decision-making, and cultivating a high-performance culture. The principles outlined in this book are helpful for enhancing the effectiveness of corporate governance and board advisory roles. Thus, it’s an invaluable resource for VAB members.

Follow Ibrahim Misto on LinkedIn.