Executive Education
    ... Right arrow Programs for Individuals Right arrow Topic-Focused Programs Right arrow Accelerating Board Diversity Right arrow Curriculum
    ... Right arrow Topic-Focused Programs Right arrow Accelerating Board Diversity Right arrow Curriculum
    New Program

    Accelerating Board Diversity

    New Program
    Accelerating Board Diversity
    Kevin Henry executive education ABD participant

    "The faculty were able to draw out our best thinking, both individually and collectively."

    Kevin Henry
    Chief People Officer, BlueLinx Corporation, USA
    Read His Story
    Apply
    Download Brochure
    Program Finder
    Need Help? Contact Us:
    Program Advising team
    Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
    Kevin Henry executive education ABD participant

    "The faculty were able to draw out our best thinking, both individually and collectively."

    Kevin Henry
    Chief People Officer, BlueLinx Corporation, USA
    Read His Story
    Need Help? Contact Us:
    Program Advising team
    Email: executive_education@hbs.edu

    What You Will Learn

    Through interactive lectures and global case studies, this program will delve into board issues that apply to organizations from any industry. Additional materials, workshops, panels, inspiring guest speakers, and group discussions will address the challenges faced by underrepresented minorities and how you can contribute most effectively as a director, especially when there is no other minority representation.

    In addition, during a panel discussion, a group of experienced executives will share how they have leveraged board service as part of their career strategy. After the program ends, you will be able to draw on resources from Korn Ferry, a leading board search consultant, that can help you research and pursue corporate board opportunities.

    Dropdown down Dropdown up

    What You Will Learn

    Through interactive lectures and global case studies, this program will delve into board issues that apply to organizations from any industry. Additional materials, workshops, panels, inspiring guest speakers, and group discussions will address the challenges faced by underrepresented minorities and how you can contribute most effectively as a director, especially when there is no other minority representation.

    In addition, during a panel discussion, a group of experienced executives will share how they have leveraged board service as part of their career strategy. After the program ends, you will be able to draw on resources from Korn Ferry, a leading board search consultant, that can help you research and pursue corporate board opportunities.

    Key TopicsCollapse All

    Fundamentals of corporate governanceFundamentals of corporate governance
    Dropdown down
    • Examining the role and purpose of a corporate board
    • Understanding fiduciary and legal duties of the board
    • Reviewing the different types and structures of corporate boards
    • Recognizing how the role of a director differs from that of a corporate executive
    • Analyzing how board roles vary in companies at different stages of their life cycle, and in public versus private companies
    Key responsibilities for board directorsKey responsibilities for board directors
    Dropdown down
    • Overseeing corporate strategy and assigning strategic tasks to management teams
    • Managing CEO selection, succession, and compensation
    • Guiding mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate control events
    • Directing the renewal and evolution of roles on a board
    • Monitoring financial reporting and risk management functions
    Group dynamics on a corporate boardGroup dynamics on a corporate board
    Dropdown down
    • Working in a position where authority is shared by multiple individuals
    • Developing the ability to be a board leader and influence your peers
    • Collaborating effectively with highly accomplished peers
    • Transitioning from serving as an executive to serving as a board director
    Influence of board committeesInfluence of board committees
    Dropdown down
    • Overseeing financial reporting on the audit committee
    • Managing executive compensation on the compensation committee
    • Conducting oversight of corporate culture
    • Watching over risk in the corporation
    Opportunities on corporate boardsOpportunities on corporate boards
    Dropdown down
    • Developing a personal board bio and positioning yourself for a board role
    • Comparing how board seats differ on private boards versus public boards
    • Realistically assessing the duties and time involved in board membership
    • Weighing the pros and cons of joining a board during retirement versus earlier in a career
    • Evaluating board invitations and other prospective opportunities
    Navigating your role as a minority board directorNavigating your role as a minority board director
    Dropdown down
    • What are the dynamics of being a new board director and that of being a new underrepresented minority board director?
    • Are you the same as everyone else? Are you expected to do more?
    • How are you perceived in the boardroom?
    • How do you build your power and influence as a new board director?
    • How does bias play a role in the boardroom?
    • What is the experience of underrepresented minority board directors?

    Key Topics Dropdown up

    Key Topics Dropdown down

    Fundamentals of corporate governance

    • Examining the role and purpose of a corporate board
    • Understanding fiduciary and legal duties of the board
    • Reviewing the different types and structures of corporate boards
    • Recognizing how the role of a director differs from that of a corporate executive
    • Analyzing how board roles vary in companies at different stages of their life cycle, and in public versus private companies

    Key responsibilities for board directors

    • Overseeing corporate strategy and assigning strategic tasks to management teams
    • Managing CEO selection, succession, and compensation
    • Guiding mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate control events
    • Directing the renewal and evolution of roles on a board
    • Monitoring financial reporting and risk management functions

    Group dynamics on a corporate board

    • Working in a position where authority is shared by multiple individuals
    • Developing the ability to be a board leader and influence your peers
    • Collaborating effectively with highly accomplished peers
    • Transitioning from serving as an executive to serving as a board director

    Influence of board committees

    • Overseeing financial reporting on the audit committee
    • Managing executive compensation on the compensation committee
    • Conducting oversight of corporate culture
    • Watching over risk in the corporation

    Opportunities on corporate boards

    • Developing a personal board bio and positioning yourself for a board role
    • Comparing how board seats differ on private boards versus public boards
    • Realistically assessing the duties and time involved in board membership
    • Weighing the pros and cons of joining a board during retirement versus earlier in a career
    • Evaluating board invitations and other prospective opportunities

    Navigating your role as a minority board director

    • What are the dynamics of being a new board director and that of being a new underrepresented minority board director?
    • Are you the same as everyone else? Are you expected to do more?
    • How are you perceived in the boardroom?
    • How do you build your power and influence as a new board director?
    • How does bias play a role in the boardroom?
    • What is the experience of underrepresented minority board directors?
    ApplyDownload Brochure
    ApplyDownload Brochure
    ApplyDownload Brochure
    More Admissions Information
    Kevin Henry executive education ABD participant

    "The faculty were able to draw out our best thinking, both individually and collectively."

    Kevin Henry
    Chief People Officer, BlueLinx Corporation, USA
    Read His Story
    Apply
    Download Brochure
    Program Finder
    Need Help? Contact Us:
    Program Advising team
    Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
    Kevin Henry executive education ABD participant

    "The faculty were able to draw out our best thinking, both individually and collectively."

    Kevin Henry
    Chief People Officer, BlueLinx Corporation, USA
    Read His Story
    Need Help? Contact Us:
    Program Advising team
    Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
    Related Programs
    Making Corporate Boards More Effective

    Filled to Capacity

    Date 13–16 JUL 2022
    Format In-Person
    Location HBS Campus
    Making Corporate Boards More Effective
    Date 09–12 NOV 2022
    Format In-Person
    Location HBS Campus
    Compensation Committees: New Challenges, New Solutions
    Date 13–15 NOV 2022
    Format In-Person
    Location HBS Campus
    Audit Committees in a New Era of Governance
    Date 16–18 NOV 2022
    Format In-Person
    Location HBS Campus
    Women on Boards: Succeeding as a Corporate Director
    Date 28 NOV–02 DEC 2022
    Format In-Person
    Location HBS Campus
    Preparing to Be a Corporate Director
    Date 15–18 MAR 2023
    Format In-Person
    Location HBS Campus
    Value Creation Through Effective Boards
    Date 15–18 MAY 2023
    Format In-Person
    Location Spain
    Making Corporate Boards More Effective
    Date 12–15 JUL 2023
    Format In-Person
    Location HBS Campus
    Compensation Committees: New Challenges, New Solutions
    Date 16–18 JUL 2023
    Format In-Person
    Location HBS Campus
    Explore All ProgramsView Full Program Schedule
    Explore All ProgramsView Full Program Schedule
    Explore All ProgramsApplication PDF

    View Frequently Asked Questions

    Back to Top Arrow up