Upcoming Session
(1 of 1)

Status: Accepting Applications

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 program fee covers tuition, books, case materials, accommodations, and most meals.

Admissions Criteria and Process

Apply

Download Brochure

Program Finder

Need Help? Contact Us:

Program Advising team

Email: executive_education@hbs.edu

Apply

Download Brochure

Program Finder

Need Help? Contact Us:

Program Advising team

Email: executive_education@hbs.edu

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.

Summary

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 All Collapse All

Maximize your contribution as a board director 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 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 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 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 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

Key Benefits

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

Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.

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

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

Dive Deeper into the Experience

Understanding the Benefits of Our Virtual Programs

Four participants of our live online programs share their experiences.

Read Their Stories

Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.

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.

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

Understanding the Benefits of Our Virtual Programs

Four participants of our live online programs share their experiences.

Read Their Stories

Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.

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

Understanding the Benefits of Our Virtual Programs

Four participants of our live online programs share their experiences.

Read Their Stories

Discover more about business. And yourself.Discover more about business. And yourself.

Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.

Watch the Video Watch the Video

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.

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

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.

What You Will Learn

Key TopicsExpand All Collapse All

Fundamentals of corporate governance 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 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 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 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 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 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?

Key Topics

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.

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.

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.

Faculty Cochairs

José B. Alvarez

Visiting Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Marketing

Read Full Bio

Lynn S. Paine

Baker Foundation Professor and John G. McLean Professor of Business Administration, Emerita

HBS Unit:

General Management

Read Full Bio

Suraj Srinivasan

Philip J. Stomberg Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Accounting and Management

Read Full Bio

Faculty

David G. Fubini

Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Organizational Behavior

Read Full Bio

Guhan Subramanian

Harvard Business School:

H. Douglas Weaver Professor of Business Law

Harvard Law School:

Joseph Flom Professor of Law and Business

HBS Unit:

Negotiation, Organizations & Markets

Read Full Bio

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.

Faculty Cochairs

José B. Alvarez

Visiting Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Marketing

Read Full Bio

Lynn S. Paine

Baker Foundation Professor and John G. McLean Professor of Business Administration, Emerita

HBS Unit:

General Management

Read Full Bio

Suraj Srinivasan

Philip J. Stomberg Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Accounting and Management

Read Full Bio

Faculty

David G. Fubini

Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Organizational Behavior

Read Full Bio

Guhan Subramanian

Harvard Business School:

H. Douglas Weaver Professor of Business Law

Harvard Law School:

Joseph Flom Professor of Law and Business

HBS Unit:

Negotiation, Organizations & Markets

Read Full Bio

Your Peers Expand Your Learning

Global Perspective

Experience the world in your classroom

Global Perspective

Experience the world in your classroom

Africa

Latin America

Middle East

91%

North America

3%Africa

3%Latin America

3%Middle East

91%North America

Experience

Years Worked

Experience

Years Worked

Less than 10 yearsLess than 10 years

10-14 years10-14 years

15-19 years15-19 years

20-24 years20-24 years

25-29 years25-29 years

30-34 years30-34 years

35-39 years35-39 years

40 or more40 or more

Less than 10 yearsLess than 10 years

10-14 years10-14 years

15-19 years15-19 years

20-24 years20-24 years

25-29 years25-29 years

30-34 years30-34 years

35-39 years35-39 years

40 or more40 or more

Education

Highest level attained

Education

Highest level attained

DoctorateDoctorate

GraduateGraduate

UndergraduateUndergraduate

Two Year CollegeTwo Year College

Foreign DiplomaForeign Diploma

High School DiplomaHigh School Diploma

DoctorateDoctorate

GraduateGraduate

UndergraduateUndergraduate

Two Year CollegeTwo Year College

Foreign DiplomaForeign Diploma

High School DiplomaHigh School Diploma

Your Peers Expand Your Learning: Global Perspective

Experience the world in your classroom

Global Perspective

Experience the world in your classroom

3%

Africa

3%

Latin America

3%

Middle East

91%

North America

3%Africa

3%Latin America

3%Middle East

91%North America

Experience

Experience

Years Worked

Years Worked

Experience

Years Worked

Less than 10 yearsLess than 10 years

10-14 years10-14 years

15-19 years15-19 years

20-24 years20-24 years

25-29 years25-29 years

30-34 years30-34 years

35-39 years35-39 years

40 or more40 or more

Less than 10 yearsLess than 10 years

10-14 years10-14 years

15-19 years15-19 years

20-24 years20-24 years

25-29 years25-29 years

30-34 years30-34 years

35-39 years35-39 years

40 or more40 or more

Education

Education

Highest level attained

Highest level attained

Education

Highest level attained

DoctorateDoctorate

GraduateGraduate

UndergraduateUndergraduate

Two Year CollegeTwo Year College

Foreign DiplomaForeign Diploma

High School DiplomaHigh School Diploma

DoctorateDoctorate

GraduateGraduate

UndergraduateUndergraduate

Two Year CollegeTwo Year College

Foreign DiplomaForeign Diploma

High School DiplomaHigh School Diploma

Apply Download Brochure

More Admissions Information

Apply

Download Brochure

Program Finder

Need Help? Contact Us:

Program Advising team

Email: executive_education@hbs.edu

Apply

Download Brochure

Program Finder

Need Help? Contact Us:

Program Advising team

Email: executive_education@hbs.edu

Related Programs

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Certificate of Management Excellence

Corporate Director Certificate

Digital Transformation Certificate

The Value

The Learning Experience

The Virtual Experience

Alumni Network

Admitted? Plan Your Stay

Insights

Admissions Requirements

Admissions Process

International Applicants

Payment, Cancellation, and Deferral

Already Admitted

Accelerating Board Diversity

"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

Summary

DetailsExpand AllCollapse All

Maximize your contribution as a board directorMaximize your contribution as a board director Dropdown down

Expand your leadership capabilitiesExpand your leadership capabilities Dropdown down

Analyze board opportunitiesAnalyze board opportunities Dropdown down

Develop a personal strategy for your board careerDevelop a personal strategy for your board career Dropdown down

Expand your personal and professional networkExpand your personal and professional network Dropdown down

Maximize your contribution as a board director

Expand your leadership capabilities

Analyze board opportunities

Develop a personal strategy for your board career

Expand your personal and professional network

Who Should Attend

Leaders in Virtual Learning

Leaders in Virtual Learning

Learning and Living at HBS

Learning and Living at HBS

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

What You Will Learn

Key TopicsExpand AllCollapse All

Fundamentals of corporate governanceFundamentals of corporate governance Dropdown down

Key responsibilities for board directorsKey responsibilities for board directors Dropdown down

Group dynamics on a corporate boardGroup dynamics on a corporate board Dropdown down

Influence of board committeesInfluence of board committees Dropdown down

Opportunities on corporate boardsOpportunities on corporate boards Dropdown down

Navigating your role as a minority board directorNavigating your role as a minority board director Dropdown down

Fundamentals of corporate governance

Key responsibilities for board directors

Group dynamics on a corporate board

Influence of board committees

Opportunities on corporate boards

Navigating your role as a minority board director

Special Program Features

Special Program Features

The HBS Advantage

The HBS Advantage

Your Peers Expand Your Learning

Your Peers Expand Your Learning

"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."

Accepting Applications

DetailsExpand All Collapse All

Maximize your contribution as a board director Maximize your contribution as a board director

Expand your leadership capabilities Expand your leadership capabilities

Analyze board opportunities Analyze board opportunities

Develop a personal strategy for your board career Develop a personal strategy for your board career

Expand your personal and professional network Expand your personal and professional network

Key TopicsExpand All Collapse All

Fundamentals of corporate governance Fundamentals of corporate governance

Key responsibilities for board directors Key responsibilities for board directors

Group dynamics on a corporate board Group dynamics on a corporate board

Influence of board committees Influence of board committees

Opportunities on corporate boards Opportunities on corporate boards

Navigating your role as a minority board director Navigating your role as a minority board director