Accelerating Board Diversity
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
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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.
DetailsExpand AllCollapse All
Maximize your contribution as a board directorMaximize 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 capabilitiesExpand 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 opportunitiesAnalyze 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 careerDevelop 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 networkExpand 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
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.
- 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.
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.
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Leaders in Virtual Learning
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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.
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Learning and Living at HBS
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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 ExperienceFour participants of our live online programs share their experiences.
Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.