Mock boards | Notion

Mock boards are groups of 5-10 highly seasoned experts that we custom match to each accelerator team based on industry sector, type of business, and the team’s need for business expertise. We create mock boards for two reasons:

Network extension: We help each team member extend their network through building connections with thought leaders, domain experts, and seasoned entrepreneurs and investors in DEC’s collective network who can give them feedback and help them build their ventures
Practice working with a board of advisors: We stage mock board meetings to create an experiential learning experience where teams build, nurture, and manage a board of advisors through running 1.5 hour long mock board meetings twice throughout the accelerator.

Who are the mock board members?

Mock board members are drawn from highly experienced faculty, alumni, and community members who generously volunteer their time and expertise to help Tufts entrepreneurs learn.

**Click here to view mock board members and meeting times for each team.**

Tufts Conflict of Interest Policy

Mentors who volunteer to join a TVA mock board agree to abide by the Tufts Financial and Personal Conflict of Interest policy under the category of “Advisors”, Section vii – “Mingling of Outside Professional Relationship with University Professional Relationships”.

The intent for this section is to make sure Advisors do not take any financial interest in the teams they mentor for the duration of a Derby Entrepreneurship Center-sponsored mentorship engagement. Any actual or potential conflicts must be promptly disclosed to the Center for follow up.

What is the time commitment for a mock board member?

We invite mock board members to meet with their designated teams three times during the summer.

A 30 minute meet-and-greet call with their designated team by June 20, 2025. Each team will reach out to their mock board members to arrange this call.
A 1.5 h virtual mock board meeting on July 10, 2025. Each team will have a designated time slot, and calendar invitations will be sent to mock board members for that time slot. Teams will also have access to a conference room for any local board members who wish to join in person.
A 1.5 h virtual mock board meeting on August 7, 2025. Each team will have a designated time slot, and calendar invitations will be sent to mock board members for that time slot. Teams will also have access to a conference room for any local board members who wish to join in person.

We would like to convene the full board for each meeting, however, we understand that there may be schedule conflicts. We ask mock board members to commit to attending at least 1 mock board meeting and if they have a conflict with the other meeting, to make other arrangements to review pre-read materials and give the team feedback ahead of time.

We also ask mock board members to review materials that their teams send to them in advance of mock board meetings so they come primed for a strategic discussion.

What are mock board meetings and how do they work?

TVA’s mock board meetings are 1.5 h long round table discussions. Mock board meetings are invited to join over Zoom, however, we will also provide rooms with video conferencing equipment that can accommodate local board members who wish to join in person.

Please note that the mock board meeting is not a pitch practice session or an occasion for teams to report out on their current status. Instead, it is an opportunity for a strategic discussion about business fundamentals. Teams should organize the use of time accordingly.

Following are guidelines for running a successful mock board meeting.

1 week prior to the mock board meeting date: Teams shall send out a pre-read package with pertinent information that sets the stage for a strategic discussion on topics of interest. An agenda with a clear time budget should be part of this package
Guidelines for running a mock board meeting:
- Teams shall open the meeting with a brief presentation to set the stage for a strategic discussion
- Teams shall then facilitate a strategic discussion with board members
- Teams should divide and conquer so one person is facilitating while another is taking notes
- Teams should not feel compelled to respond to feedback in the moment. Instead, take it in, digest it, and respond at a later date as needed.
- As a rule of thumb, teams should shoot for a 3:1 ratio between discussion and presentation - you should listen more than you talk