Introduction to Martin Rowinski and Boardsi
Martin Rowinski, the self-proclaimed CEO and co-founder of Boardsi, claims to have over 25 years of experience in C-level executive roles and leadership consulting. His company, Boardsi, is marketed as an innovative executive recruitment platform, designed to connect highly qualified candidates with advisory and board positions across industries.
Promising a streamlined and technology-driven approach, Boardsi positions itself as a revolutionary tool for businesses seeking top-tier talent and executives looking for board-level opportunities. The platform also offers a network for C-suite executives to find advisory roles in a simplified manner.
However, beneath the polished surface of this supposed matchmaking service lies a disturbing truth exposed by numerous client reviews. Victims have come forward with detailed accounts of their experiences, revealing a pattern of fraud, deceptive practices, and unmet promises.
This blog will delve deeper into the various complaints and reviews that highlight how Boardsi, under Rowinski’s leadership, might not be what it appears.
Is Boardsi a Legitimate Service or a Scam?
The overwhelming consensus from many clients is that Boardsi, led by Martin Rowinski, is nothing more than a scam. While Martin Rowinski and his company claim to connect clients with high-level board advisory positions, the reality is far different.
Many customers report paying hefty sign-up fees and monthly subscriptions, only to be left with nothing but disappointment. Here are some of the common complaints shared by victims:
False Promises and No Results
Numerous clients have shared their frustrations about paying significant fees to join the platform, only to find that no board position was ever offered. One review from a frustrated CEO of a leadership consulting firm highlighted that after six months of being “onboarded,” no opportunities were presented.
Despite having 10 years of experience leading multiple private equity-backed companies, the client was left in the dark with no follow-up or leads, and when questioned, Boardsi failed to provide any analytical data about their matchmaking process.
Overpriced Services and Unfulfilled Expectations
Many reviews suggest that the company overcharges its clients for services that are neither effective nor transparent. Clients reported paying up to $200 upfront, followed by ongoing monthly fees of $195, without any substantial engagement or results. The platform, which was advertised as a tool for finding prestigious board roles, turned out to be little more than a glorified directory that failed to produce the promised results.
Bait-and-Switch Tactics
Several clients described encountering what seems like a “bait-and-switch” scheme. Initially, they were contacted by a salesperson who promised exclusive, high-paying advisory roles.
However, when they made follow-up calls, they were redirected to an Indian call center where representatives seemed ill-prepared for more in-depth discussions. In some cases, clients were promised specific positions that were never available, and when questioned, staff members often responded with vague answers or claimed that they had misunderstood the nature of the calls.
Poor Customer Support and Lack of Communication
One of the most consistent complaints about Martin Rowinski’s Boardsi is its lack of communication. After signing up and paying the required fees, clients report being abandoned.
Some received a brief onboarding call, but after that, there was little to no follow-up. Clients were left to sift through job postings on their own, only to never hear back after submitting applications. Even those who reached out to customer service for assistance were met with long wait times and unsatisfactory responses.
No Proven Success Stories
A significant red flag for many prospective clients is the complete lack of success stories or testimonials from individuals who have successfully secured board roles through Boardsi.
Clients often express frustration over the company’s failure to provide evidence that its platform truly helps people find meaningful advisory or board positions. Many questioned the integrity of the platform, especially given the absence of tangible success stories or case studies that demonstrate its effectiveness.
Misleading Advertising and Unsubstantiated Claims
Martin Rowinski and his company make bold claims about revolutionizing executive recruitment and helping companies build high-performance boards at a faster and more cost-effective rate. However, several customers point out that these claims are misleading.
They argue that there are many established executive search firms that provide the same services without charging the high fees that Boardsi demands. Some even argue that Boardsi’s approach is fundamentally flawed because they charge candidates for services, rather than having companies pay for finding qualified board members.
A Money-Making Scheme
A common thread among all the reviews is the suspicion that Boardsi is less about helping clients secure legitimate board positions and more about extracting money from individuals.
Clients who paid the sign-up fees were often told that they needed to invest additional amounts to continue receiving services, yet none of the promised opportunities materialized. For many, it felt like a money-making scheme rather than a legitimate recruitment service.
What is Martin Rowinski’s Role?
Martin Rowinski has marketed himself as an expert with decades of experience in C-level roles, and his name is heavily associated with Boardsi’s operations. However, the mounting complaints suggest that the services under his leadership are neither effective nor ethical.
Rowinski’s claim of leading a global recruitment company that helps executives land board positions does not align with the reality reported by his clients. The numerous reviews expose a stark contrast between his professional reputation and the negative experiences of those who trusted him with their career aspirations.
Conclusion: Is Boardsi Worth Your Time and Money?
Based on extensive client reviews, it’s clear that Boardsi, under the leadership of Martin Rowinski, has failed to deliver on its promises. Multiple clients have reported being misled, paying for a service that did not provide the opportunities or support they were promised. The company’s model of charging candidates upfront and then offering little in return raises serious concerns about its legitimacy.
If you’re considering using Boardsi to find a board position or advisory role, be wary of the numerous complaints and red flags. It’s advisable to do thorough research and explore other reputable executive search firms or platforms that offer more transparent services without the high fees and broken promises.
Before committing any time or money to Boardsi, consider reading through the reviews and success stories of others who have navigated similar challenges.Ultimately, whether or not you choose to engage with Martin Rowinski’s Boardsi will depend on how much you value transparency, results, and customer service. From the reviews we’ve explored, it seems that Boardsi is a company to approach with extreme caution—if you decide to engage, do so with eyes wide open.
Final Thought
In conclusion, if you’re serious about finding a board position or advisory role, you should explore alternative options and avoid wasting your time and money on Boardsi. Many professional networks and executive recruitment services provide similar opportunities without the deceptive tactics that Boardsi has been accused of. Always be cautious when dealing with companies that seem too good to be true, especially those that require upfront fees and promise exclusive opportunities that may not exist.
