Accelerating Board Diversity
- Dates: 04–07 OCT 2023
- Format: In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.
- Location: HBS Campus
- Fee: $11,250
"The faculty were able to draw out our best thinking, both individually and collectively."
"The faculty were able to draw out our best thinking, both individually and collectively."
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.
Admissions Criteria and Process
Answering Your Questions
Application Submission
Application Review
Fee, Payment, and Cancellations
Answering Your Questions
Application Submission
Application Review
Fee, Payment, and Cancellations
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.
Participants should expect to spend at least 9-12 hours on self-paced case preparation prior to attending the program. Case materials will be made available approximately two weeks prior to program start.
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What You Will Learn
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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.
Participants should expect to spend at least 9-12 hours on self-paced case preparation prior to attending the program. Case materials will be made available approximately two weeks prior to program start.
Key TopicsExpand AllCollapse All
Fundamentals of corporate governanceFundamentals 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 directorsKey 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 boardGroup 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 committeesInfluence 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 boardsOpportunities 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 directorNavigating 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?
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?
Special Program Features
After the program ends, you will have the option to meet with a board leadership specialist from Korn Ferry, a leading board search consultant, to help you research and pursue corporate board opportunities.
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Special Program Features
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After the program ends, you will have the option to meet with a board leadership specialist from Korn Ferry, a leading board search consultant, to help you research and pursue corporate board opportunities.
The HBS Advantage
Our Executive Education programs are developed and taught by HBS faculty who are widely recognized as skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.
Baker Foundation Professor and John G. McLean Professor of Business Administration, Emerita
Philip J. Stomberg Professor of Business Administration
Senior Lecturer of Business Administration
H. Douglas Weaver Professor of Business Law
Joseph Flom Professor of Law and Business
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The HBS Advantage
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Our Executive Education programs are developed and taught by HBS faculty who are widely recognized as skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.
Faculty Cochairs
Baker Foundation Professor and John G. McLean Professor of Business Administration, Emerita
HBS Unit:General ManagementPhilip J. Stomberg Professor of Business Administration
HBS Unit:Accounting and ManagementFacultySenior Lecturer of Business Administration
HBS Unit:Organizational BehaviorHarvard Business School:H. Douglas Weaver Professor of Business Law
Harvard Law School:Joseph Flom Professor of Law and Business
HBS Unit:Negotiation, Organizations & Markets
Your Peers Expand Your Learning
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Your Peers Expand Your Learning
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Global PerspectiveExperience the world in your classroomGlobal PerspectiveExperience the world in your classroom3%Africa3%Latin America3%Middle East91%North America3%Africa3%Latin America3%Middle East91%North AmericaExperienceExperienceYears WorkedYears WorkedExperienceYears WorkedLess than 10 yearsLess than 10 years10-14 years10-14 years15-19 years15-19 years20-24 years20-24 years25-29 years25-29 years30-34 years30-34 years35-39 years35-39 years40 or more40 or moreLess than 10 yearsLess than 10 years10-14 years10-14 years15-19 years15-19 years20-24 years20-24 years25-29 years25-29 years30-34 years30-34 years35-39 years35-39 years40 or more40 or moreEducationEducationHighest level attainedHighest level attainedEducationHighest level attainedJD/LawJD/LawMDMDPhDPhDMBAMBAMS/MAMS/MABS/BABS/BAForeign DiplomaForeign DiplomaJD/LawJD/LawMDMDPhDPhDMBAMBAMS/MAMS/MABS/BABS/BAForeign DiplomaForeign Diploma
"The faculty were able to draw out our best thinking, both individually and collectively."
"The faculty were able to draw out our best thinking, both individually and collectively."