Building a Foundation for Boardroom Success
As vice president of engineering for Apple, Inc., Isabel Mahe spends her days steeped in technology. She came to Harvard Business School (HBS) Executive Education to take a break from the tech world and focus on a specific task: preparing to be a best-in-class board member. She fulfilled that goal and more in the Women on Boards program. She shares her thoughts about the program.
What did you hope to get out of this program?
I had three main goals. I wanted to learn how to be elected to a board position, how to be a great board member, and how to make good friends while expanding my network.
What surprised you most about the experience?
There were several things that surprised me, including how much fun I had and how many friendships I forged during the short week. I was also impressed with how much support we got from one another and from the program faculty. Many of the professors have real-world experience, and even helped us make modifications to our cover letters. Much of what I learned led me to reexamine myself, including how I approach my career, network, and relationships. Finally, I was excited to see how well organized HBS is—we had such a productive week!
How did the program influence your view of corporate boards?
It helped me develop a greater understanding of the differences between non-profit boards and corporate boards.
How did the living group contribute to your program experience?
I really enjoyed the discussions with my living group, and I learned a great deal from others in my diverse group. The living group also enabled us to forge deeper connections with each other.
How would you describe this program to someone considering it?
In this program, you learn a lot about how to become a great board member—at the same time, you forge amazing friendships and have a lot of fun. The program gives you the time and tools to engage in self-reflection in order to better understand who you are, how you are doing, and what else you should be considering in your career. It was absolutely the best investment I could make in one week!