Martin Rowinski, a reputable technology and executive recruitment leader, is transforming how companies approach boardroom connections. With 25 years of C-level experience, Martin co-founded Boardsi, a cutting-edge SaaS platform that simplifies the search for the Board of Directors and Advisors. Martin is the driving force behind Boardsi’s proprietary AI-driven software, along with being a global speaker and author of The Corporate Matchmaker. His insights have been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and CEO Today. In this interview, he shares his journey from a technology pioneer to a successful CEO and his vision for the future of board recruitment.
Martin, can you share a bit about your journey from a technology pioneer to the CEO of Boardsi, and what inspired you to launch this innovative platform?
Certainly! My journey began in communist Poland, where freedom, opportunity, and choices were severely limited. From a young age, I was drawn to the idea of expressing myself and dreaming of possibilities beyond those constraints, though this often got me into trouble. At just 8 years old, my mother revealed a strategy to leave Poland and pursue a life of greater opportunity. By the age of 10, after an 8-month stop in Italy, we arrived in California, where I could begin to chase the “American Dream.”
By 14, I was already intrigued by technology. Starting with a Commodore 64, I immersed myself in this world and stayed on that path through college and my early career as a Management Information Systems (MIS) Director. Working closely with the company’s two founders where I began, I learned the essence of entrepreneurship and realized I wanted to create my own opportunities.
From there, my career evolved. I relocated to Southern California, where I entered the mortgage industry, creating a foundation for consulting with various companies. This eventually led me to establish my own mortgage company, which thrived until the 2008 real estate crash. After that setback, I returned to my roots in technology, co-founding and later selling my shares in an SEO company.
Consulting remained a part of my professional journey until an idea took root. Together with past co-founders, I envisioned a platform that could transform how executives connect with board opportunities. What started as a simple matchmaking concept “The Corporate Matchmaker” has grown into what Boardsi is today: a comprehensive Board Suite. Boardsi now includes Board Preparation, Executive Board Education, and Executive Branding, helping executives not only find opportunities but also evolve into impactful board leaders. Our AI-driven matchmaking technology ensures these connections are precise and purposeful.
But we’re far from finished. Boardsi continues to grow, and we’re launching a new tool this December: the Executive Impact Report. This document will help companies gain a clear understanding of an executive’s potential contributions and their value as a board leader or advisor.
It’s been a journey filled with challenges, risks, and growth, but each step has reinforced the belief that innovation, resilience, and the pursuit of meaningful connections are key to success. My goal remains to empower executives and help them shape the future of leadership, one opportunity at a time.
Boardsi integrates AI-driven solutions alongside human insights for board placement. Can you elaborate on how this hybrid approach improves the executive placement process and ensures long-term success?
Absolutely. At Boardsi, we believe that technology and human expertise complement each other in powerful ways, and this synergy is at the heart of our executive placement process. Our AI-driven solutions are designed to analyze vast amounts of data quickly and accurately, identifying matches between executives and board opportunities based on qualifications, experience, and alignment with company goals. This allows us to streamline the initial stages of the placement process, ensuring that every connection starts with a solid foundation.
However, successful board placement goes beyond algorithms. That’s where the human element comes in. Our team brings years of experience, insight, and intuition to the process, evaluating factors that technology can’t always measure—such as cultural fit, leadership style, and the nuanced dynamics of a boardroom. By combining the precision of AI with the depth of human judgment, we create a hybrid approach that ensures not just placement but the right one.
This approach also supports long-term success. AI enables us to continually refine matches based on feedback and outcomes, ensuring that our recommendations evolve as both executives and organizations grow. At the same time, our human consultants provide ongoing support, helping executives prepare for their roles through resources like our Board Preparation and Executive Branding programs.
Ultimately, the hybrid model allows us to deliver a personalized experience at scale. It ensures that every executive and every organization we work with receives the insights and tools they need to build meaningful, effective partnerships. This balance of cutting-edge technology and human insight is what sets Boardsi apart and drives lasting impact in boardrooms worldwide.
The Executive Board Education component of the Board Suite is unique. Why is boardroom education critical for executives, and how does this program prepare them to create meaningful change in their roles?
Boardroom education is essential because serving on a board is fundamentally different from other executive roles. While executives are accustomed to operational decision-making, board members must focus on governance, strategy, and oversight. This shift requires a distinct set of skills and a deep understanding of boardroom dynamics, legal responsibilities, and strategic influence.
The Executive Board Education component of the Board Suite bridges this gap, equipping executives with the knowledge and tools they need to excel in these roles. Our program emphasizes critical areas such as fiduciary duties, risk management, governance frameworks, and how to align organizational strategy with long-term goals. It also includes practical insights into managing boardroom relationships, navigating complex discussions, and contributing to high-level decision-making processes.
What sets this program apart is its focus on real-world application. We combine foundational knowledge with case studies, simulations, and expert-led workshops that mirror the challenges board members face. This hands-on approach ensures that participants are not only prepared to take on board roles but also to create meaningful change once they are there.
By investing in boardroom education, executives become more than just seat-fillers—they become active contributors to a company’s success. They’re prepared to challenge assumptions, offer strategic insights, and guide organizations through uncertainty. This program empowers them to lead with confidence and effectiveness, ultimately driving innovation, fostering growth, and shaping the future of the organizations they serve.
Personal branding has become increasingly significant in securing leadership roles. How does Boardsi’s Executive Branding service help executives stand out in today’s competitive board candidacy landscape?
Personal branding is more important than ever in today’s competitive landscape, especially for executives aspiring to secure leadership roles. Board positions are not just about qualifications or experience—they’re about how well an executive can articulate their unique value proposition, align with a company’s vision, and inspire confidence in their ability to contribute at the highest level. This is where Boardsi’s Executive Branding service plays a transformative role.
Our Executive Branding service helps executives define and refine their professional identity. We focus on crafting compelling personal narratives that highlight not just accomplishments but also the leadership qualities, strategic thinking, and unique perspectives that make them invaluable to a board. This includes creating a polished Executive Profile that communicates an executive’s expertise, values, and potential impact in a way that resonates with decision-makers.
In addition to profiles, we offer guidance on thought leadership and visibility strategies, such as public speaking, publishing, and networking. By positioning executives as authoritative voices in their fields, we help them stand out and attract opportunities that align with their goals.
Over the years, I’ve written extensively on the importance of executive branding, exploring the nuances of building a professional identity that opens doors. This body of work has culminated in an upcoming book on executive branding, which dives deep into the strategies and insights executives need to position themselves for success. I’m excited to share this resource soon, as it will further empower leaders to differentiate themselves and secure meaningful board roles.
Boardsi’s Executive Branding service ensures that executives not only meet the expectations of board candidacy but exceed them by showcasing their unique strengths and aligning their personal brands with the needs of forward-thinking organizations. In today’s highly competitive environment, having a strong personal brand isn’t optional—it’s a game-changer.
As the landscape of board services evolves, what trends or innovations do you foresee shaping the future of board recruitment, and how is Boardsi positioned to lead these changes?
The board services landscape is undergoing significant transformation, driven by shifts in organizational priorities, technology advancements, and a growing emphasis on diversity and impact. Companies are no longer just looking for board members with strong resumes; they want leaders who bring strategic insights, diverse perspectives, and a clear ability to drive meaningful change. These trends are reshaping the recruitment process, and Boardsi is at the forefront of this evolution.
One of the biggest trends is the integration of advanced technology, such as AI, to create more precise and efficient matching between executives and board opportunities. AI allows us to analyze data at scale, ensuring not only that qualifications align but also that cultural fit and strategic goals are considered. At the same time, human insights remain critical for evaluating the nuanced dynamics that make board placements successful. Boardsi’s hybrid approach—combining technology with experienced consultants—positions us uniquely to lead in this area.
Another key shift is the growing focus on boardroom diversity. Organizations are recognizing the value of varied perspectives in fostering innovation and resilience. Boardsi’s approach to executive branding, education, and placement reflects this emphasis, helping leaders from diverse backgrounds prepare for and secure meaningful board roles.
As the space continues to grow and evolve, we are committed to growing with it. This forward-thinking approach is why we created the Executive Impact Report, a tool designed to elevate the recruitment process. The report provides organizations with a comprehensive analysis of an executive’s potential contributions, focusing on their ability to serve as effective board leaders or advisors. By delivering actionable insights, it bridges the gap between what companies need and what executives offer, ensuring more impactful placements.
Looking ahead, the future of board recruitment will demand even greater alignment between organizational needs and leadership capabilities. Boardsi is not only prepared to adapt to these changes but also to drive them. By continually innovating and expanding our services, we are building the foundation for the next generation of board leadership, empowering both executives and organizations to thrive.