Welcome to the AgencyNXD FAQ page. Here you'll find answers to the most common questions from agency leaders looking for a Non-Executive Director and from experienced professionals interested in becoming one.

For Agency Leaders

Q1: What exactly is a Non-Executive Director (NXD)?

A Non-Executive Director is an experienced, independent advisor who sits on your board or leadership team but is not involved in the day-to-day running of the business. Their role is to provide an external perspective, constructive challenge, and strategic guidance. Think of them as part-mentor, part-strategist, and part-critical friend, all focused on the long-term health and growth of your agency.

Q2: My agency is doing okay. Why do I need an NXD?

Many successful agencies reach a point where the skills that got them there aren't the skills needed for the next stage of growth. An NXD is for leaders who are ambitious. They can help you break through a revenue plateau, prepare your business for a future sale, improve profitability, build a robust leadership team, or provide the accountability you need to achieve your biggest goals. They bring the experience of having already solved the problems you are currently facing.

Q3: When is the right time to hire a Non-Executive Director?

The right time is often when you feel you've hit a ceiling or are facing a significant strategic choice. Key triggers include:

• You feel isolated and lack a confidential sounding board.

• Your growth has stalled, and you're not sure why.

• You are considering an acquisition or preparing for a sale in the next 1-3 years.

• You need to improve financial discipline and commercial rigour.

• You want to build a formal board structure to improve governance.

Q4: How does the AgencyNXD process work?

Our process is completely self-serve, but we’re more than happy to help you with any stage of the process.

1. Benchmark: Complete our FREE Agency Scorecard to help ascertain your agency's strengths and areas for improvement, or jump straight to….

2. NXD Search: Search our extensive panel of agency NXDs by specialism of free text search here.

3. Connect with your preferred NXDs: Whe you’ve chosen one or more NXDs simply connect with them via the platform. At this stage you can share your scorecard results and/or send anote outlining the challenge or topic you’d like to discuss.

4. Appointment: Once you've found the perfect match, you can access the NXDs up to date schedule and book a call. At this stage you’ll be asked for payment to secure that time slot.

Q5: How are your Non-Execs vetted?

Our reputation rests on the quality of our NXDs. Every Non-Exec in the AgencyNXD network is personally vetted and must meet strict criteria. We look for a proven track record of senior leadership experience, typically as a former agency founder, MD, or C-suite executive. We verify their experience, successes, and, most importantly, their aptitude for mentoring and strategic guidance.

Q6: How much does it cost to hire an NXD through your platform?

Our fee structure is transparent. All 1 hour calls are £400+ VAT. If you’d like to purchase multiple hours in advance, just drop us a note and we’ll set that up for you.

For Non-Executive Directors

Q1: What are the criteria to join AgencyNXD as a Non-Exec?

We are a curated platform and pride ourselves on the exceptional calibre of our members. To be considered, you will typically have a significant track record of senior leadership success, such as founding, scaling, and selling an agency. Above all, you must have a genuine passion for mentoring and guiding the next generation of agency leaders.

Q2: How do I apply to join the AgencyNXD network?

The first step is to get in touch via the "Contact Us" section of our website. Please provide a summary of your experience and your LinkedIn profile. If your profile aligns with our criteria, we will schedule an introductory call to discuss your background and ambitions in more detail.

Q3: Is there a fee for me to join the platform?

No. There is no fee for vetted Non-Executive Directors to join the AgencyNXD network. Our fees are covered by the agencies seeking your expertise.

General Questions

Q2: How do I get started?

If you are an agency leader, the best way to start is by scheduling a no-obligation, confidential Discovery Call with us.