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Executive Education
... Right arrow Harvard Business School Right arrow Executive Education Right arrow Programs for Individuals Right arrow Topic-Focused Programs Right arrow Accelerating Board Diversity Right arrow Overview
... Right arrow Harvard Business School Right arrow Executive Education Right arrow Programs for Individuals Right arrow Topic-Focused Programs Right arrow Accelerating Board Diversity Right arrow Overview

Accelerating Board Diversity

Accelerating Board Diversity
The OCT 2023 session of Accelerating Board Diversity has been canceled. You may be interested in the related program Preparing to Be a Corporate Director.
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      Summary

      Today's corporations are getting serious about increasing boardroom diversity, driven by the benefits of diverse points of view in the boardroom and by shareholder and social pressure to do so. This imperative for more diverse boards is animating board recruiting and expanding the demand for minority candidates.

      In this program, senior executives from underrepresented minorities will prepare to fulfill this growing demand. The program will equip you with critical tools and insights that will enhance your readiness for corporate board service and enable you to make a lasting contribution at the highest level of an organization.

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      Summary

      Today's corporations are getting serious about increasing boardroom diversity, driven by the benefits of diverse points of view in the boardroom and by shareholder and social pressure to do so. This imperative for more diverse boards is animating board recruiting and expanding the demand for minority candidates.

      In this program, senior executives from underrepresented minorities will prepare to fulfill this growing demand. The program will equip you with critical tools and insights that will enhance your readiness for corporate board service and enable you to make a lasting contribution at the highest level of an organization.

      Key Benefits
      Board service presents unique responsibilities, dynamics, risks, and opportunities—and calls for a distinctive set of skills. Emphasizing the issues facing minority board candidates and directors, this program examines best practices for corporate boards and explores options for corporate board service. You will learn how to present yourself for a potential board position, navigate the search process, select the right board to serve on, and ensure your success in the role. You will gain a greater understanding of the role and responsibilities of corporate directors and the opportunities and challenges you can expect to face while serving on a corporate board. By completing this program, you will signal that you are equipped with the core knowledge needed to be effective as a corporate director.

      DetailsExpand AllCollapse All

      Maximize your contribution as a board directorMaximize your contribution as a board director
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      • Confidently assume the role of corporate director, including legal and fiduciary duties
      • Develop the competence and knowledge needed to manage critical board tasks
      • Appreciate the role and function of the board chair and board committees, especially those related to audit, compensation, and nomination/corporate governance
      • Engage in collaborative decision-making with colleagues who may have differing perspectives
      • Address opportunities and challenges as you work to maximize your effectiveness as a minority board member
      Expand your leadership capabilitiesExpand your leadership capabilities
      Dropdown down
      • Add value to an organization by overseeing its leadership and strategic direction
      • Deepen your awareness of current and emerging issues facing boards and companies
      • Balance the demands of shareholders with those of other stakeholders in driving long-term corporate performance
      • Become "C-suite ready" by using board service as an executive development tool
      Analyze board opportunitiesAnalyze board opportunities
      Dropdown down
      • Become a more attractive candidate for board service through better personal positioning
      • Evaluate board service opportunities in various contexts and organizations
      • Perform due diligence before joining a board
      • Assess the time and commitment required to serve on a board
      • Determine the ideal time to join a board and where you can make your greatest contribution
      Develop a personal strategy for your board careerDevelop a personal strategy for your board career
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      • Clarify your reasons and motivations for joining a board
      • Develop a thoughtful plan for integrating board service into your career
      • Plan how you will balance the board director role with a full-time position
      • Manage your personal reputation as a board director, especially in moments of organizational crisis
      Expand your personal and professional networkExpand your personal and professional network
      Dropdown down
      • Extend your network by meeting and collaborating with accomplished executives from various backgrounds and industries
      • Build relationships with a diverse group of peers who can provide wide-ranging insights into your business challenges and career decisions

      Key Benefits Dropdown up

      Key Benefits Dropdown down

      Board service presents unique responsibilities, dynamics, risks, and opportunities—and calls for a distinctive set of skills. Emphasizing the issues facing minority board candidates and directors, this program examines best practices for corporate boards and explores options for corporate board service. You will learn how to present yourself for a potential board position, navigate the search process, select the right board to serve on, and ensure your success in the role. You will gain a greater understanding of the role and responsibilities of corporate directors and the opportunities and challenges you can expect to face while serving on a corporate board. By completing this program, you will signal that you are equipped with the core knowledge needed to be effective as a corporate director.
      Details

      Maximize your contribution as a board director

      • Confidently assume the role of corporate director, including legal and fiduciary duties
      • Develop the competence and knowledge needed to manage critical board tasks
      • Appreciate the role and function of the board chair and board committees, especially those related to audit, compensation, and nomination/corporate governance
      • Engage in collaborative decision-making with colleagues who may have differing perspectives
      • Address opportunities and challenges as you work to maximize your effectiveness as a minority board member

      Expand your leadership capabilities

      • Add value to an organization by overseeing its leadership and strategic direction
      • Deepen your awareness of current and emerging issues facing boards and companies
      • Balance the demands of shareholders with those of other stakeholders in driving long-term corporate performance
      • Become "C-suite ready" by using board service as an executive development tool

      Analyze board opportunities

      • Become a more attractive candidate for board service through better personal positioning
      • Evaluate board service opportunities in various contexts and organizations
      • Perform due diligence before joining a board
      • Assess the time and commitment required to serve on a board
      • Determine the ideal time to join a board and where you can make your greatest contribution

      Develop a personal strategy for your board career

      • Clarify your reasons and motivations for joining a board
      • Develop a thoughtful plan for integrating board service into your career
      • Plan how you will balance the board director role with a full-time position
      • Manage your personal reputation as a board director, especially in moments of organizational crisis

      Expand your personal and professional network

      • Extend your network by meeting and collaborating with accomplished executives from various backgrounds and industries
      • Build relationships with a diverse group of peers who can provide wide-ranging insights into your business challenges and career decisions

      Who Should Attend

      • Senior executives interested in serving on a corporate board
      • Executives who are retired or preparing for retirement and considering board opportunities
      • C-level executives who are board-facing (e.g., CEO, CFO, CHRO, CSO) and seek to strengthen their leadership capabilities
      • Partners from audit or consulting firms
      • Partners and executives of private equity and venture capital firms
      • Nonprofit board directors who aspire to serve on corporate boards
      • New board members in small- and medium-sized firms

      While the program is designed for U.S. and Canada-based executives who self-identify as an underrepresented person of color and/or LGBTQ, and will be most beneficial to those who identify as such, the program is open to all executives who otherwise fulfill the admissions criteria. Please find our policy on nondiscrimination here.

      Program for Leadership Development participants earn 3 PLDA Points on completion of this program.

      Dive Deeper into the Experience
      Youngme Moon teaching in the HBSonline studio
      Understanding the Benefits of Our Virtual Programs
      Four participants of our live online programs share their experiences.
      Read Their Stories
      Play video
      Play video
      Discover more about business. And yourself.Discover more about business. And yourself.
      Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.
      Watch the VideoWatch the Video
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      Who Should Attend Dropdown up

      Who Should Attend Dropdown down

      • Senior executives interested in serving on a corporate board
      • Executives who are retired or preparing for retirement and considering board opportunities
      • C-level executives who are board-facing (e.g., CEO, CFO, CHRO, CSO) and seek to strengthen their leadership capabilities
      • Partners from audit or consulting firms
      • Partners and executives of private equity and venture capital firms
      • Nonprofit board directors who aspire to serve on corporate boards
      • New board members in small- and medium-sized firms

      While the program is designed for U.S. and Canada-based executives who self-identify as an underrepresented person of color and/or LGBTQ, and will be most beneficial to those who identify as such, the program is open to all executives who otherwise fulfill the admissions criteria. Please find our policy on nondiscrimination here.

      Program for Leadership Development participants earn 3 PLDA Points on completion of this program.

      Dive Deeper into the Experience
      Youngme Moon teaching in the HBSonline studio
      Understanding the Benefits of Our Virtual Programs
      Four participants of our live online programs share their experiences.
      Read Their Stories
      Play video
      Play video
      Discover more about business. And yourself.Discover more about business. And yourself.
      Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.
      Watch the VideoWatch the Video
      Previous Next

      Leaders in Virtual Learning

      When you participate in a virtual HBS Executive Education program, you benefit from a powerful learning experience carefully designed with a virtual setting in mind. Through live, synchronous program sessions you'll engage directly with our renowned faculty to learn from their latest research, gain actionable takeaways, and facilitate your growth. In addition, virtual discussion groups will connect you to an exceptional group of peers and build your network.

      Dropdown down Dropdown up

      Leaders in Virtual Learning

      When you participate in a virtual HBS Executive Education program, you benefit from a powerful learning experience carefully designed with a virtual setting in mind. Through live, synchronous program sessions you'll engage directly with our renowned faculty to learn from their latest research, gain actionable takeaways, and facilitate your growth. In addition, virtual discussion groups will connect you to an exceptional group of peers and build your network.

      Learning and Living at HBS

      When you participate in an Executive Education program on the HBS campus, you enter an immersive experience where every aspect of the learning model has been carefully designed to facilitate your growth. Your learning will take place on your own, in your living group, and in the larger classroom, driven by the renowned HBS case method.

      Dive Deeper into the Experience
      Youngme Moon teaching in the HBSonline studio
      Understanding the Benefits of Our Virtual Programs
      Four participants of our live online programs share their experiences.
      Read Their Stories
      Play video
      Play video
      Discover more about business. And yourself.Discover more about business. And yourself.
      Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.
      Watch the VideoWatch the Video
      Previous Next
      Dropdown down Dropdown up

      Learning and Living at HBS

      When you participate in an Executive Education program on the HBS campus, you enter an immersive experience where every aspect of the learning model has been carefully designed to facilitate your growth. Your learning will take place on your own, in your living group, and in the larger classroom, driven by the renowned HBS case method.

      Dive Deeper into the Experience
      Youngme Moon teaching in the HBSonline studio
      Understanding the Benefits of Our Virtual Programs
      Four participants of our live online programs share their experiences.
      Read Their Stories
      Play video
      Play video
      Discover more about business. And yourself.Discover more about business. And yourself.
      Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.
      Watch the VideoWatch the Video
      Previous Next

      Admissions Criteria and Process

      We admit candidates to specific sessions on a rolling, space-available basis, and encourage you to apply as early as possible. Although most programs have no formal educational requirements, admission is a selective process based on your professional achievement and organizational responsibilities.
      Read More
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      Answering Your Questions

      Our Program Advising team can help you at any stage of the admissions process—starting with identifying the program that best addresses your learning and development goals. Contact a program advisor via email or call 1.800.427.5577 (outside the U.S., call +1.617.495.6555).

      Application Submission

      We recommend that you apply at least four weeks before the program start date. You may use our online form or download an application. HBS maintains all application information in strict confidentiality. We acknowledge receipt of applications via email. In the unlikely event that you do not receive an acknowledgment, please email us at exed_admissions@hbs.edu or call us at +1.617.495.6226.

      Application Review

      To optimize the learning experience and maximize the exchange of ideas, our Admissions Committee makes selections that balance each participant's experience, scope of current responsibilities, and type of organization. HBS seeks candidates who reflect a broad range of industries, functions, countries, and backgrounds. We review applications monthly and will contact you via email with the Admissions Committee's decision.

      Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

      The program fee covers tuition, books, case materials, accommodations, and most meals. You will be invoiced upon admission to the program. Invoices are due within 30 days of receipt, or upon receipt if the program start date is less than 30 days from the invoice date. If you need to cancel or defer your participation, you must submit your request in writing more than 30 days before the start of the program to receive a full refund. Cancellation or deferral requests received 14 to 30 days prior to the start of the program are subject to a fee of one-half of the program fee. Requests received within 14 days are subject to full payment.

      Admissions Criteria and Process Dropdown up

      Admissions Criteria and Process Dropdown down

      We admit candidates to specific sessions on a rolling, space-available basis, and encourage you to apply as early as possible. Although most programs have no formal educational requirements, admission is a selective process based on your professional achievement and organizational responsibilities.

      Answering Your Questions

      Our Program Advising team can help you at any stage of the admissions process—starting with identifying the program that best addresses your learning and development goals. Contact a program advisor via email or call 1.800.427.5577 (outside the U.S., call +1.617.495.6555).

      Application Submission

      We recommend that you apply at least four weeks before the program start date. You may use our online form or download an application. HBS maintains all application information in strict confidentiality. We acknowledge receipt of applications via email. In the unlikely event that you do not receive an acknowledgment, please email us at exed_admissions@hbs.edu or call us at +1.617.495.6226.

      Application Review

      To optimize the learning experience and maximize the exchange of ideas, our Admissions Committee makes selections that balance each participant's experience, scope of current responsibilities, and type of organization. HBS seeks candidates who reflect a broad range of industries, functions, countries, and backgrounds. We review applications monthly and will contact you via email with the Admissions Committee's decision.

      Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

      The program fee covers tuition, books, case materials, accommodations, and most meals. You will be invoiced upon admission to the program. Invoices are due within 30 days of receipt, or upon receipt if the program start date is less than 30 days from the invoice date. If you need to cancel or defer your participation, you must submit your request in writing more than 30 days before the start of the program to receive a full refund. Cancellation or deferral requests received 14 to 30 days prior to the start of the program are subject to a fee of one-half of the program fee. Requests received within 14 days are subject to full payment.
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