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    Preparing to Be a Corporate Director

    Preparing to Be a Corporate Director
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    A Guide to the Big Ideas in Corporate Governance
    A Guide to the Big Ideas in Corporate Governance
    How corporations should be governed vary widely.
    Learn More
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    Program Advising team
    Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
    A Guide to the Big Ideas in Corporate Governance
    A Guide to the Big Ideas in Corporate Governance
    How corporations should be governed vary widely.
    Learn More
    Need Help? Contact Us:
    Program Advising team
    Email: executive_education@hbs.edu

    Summary

    What does it take to succeed as a corporate director? For senior executives interested in joining a corporate board, preparation is key, as board service presents unique responsibilities, dynamics, risks, and opportunities. It also calls for a distinctive set of skills. This 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.

    You may also be interested in the related program: Preparing to Be a Corporate Director—Virtual.

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    Summary

    What does it take to succeed as a corporate director? For senior executives interested in joining a corporate board, preparation is key, as board service presents unique responsibilities, dynamics, risks, and opportunities. It also calls for a distinctive set of skills. This 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.

    You may also be interested in the related program: Preparing to Be a Corporate Director—Virtual.

    Key Benefits
    This board-readiness program examines best practices for corporate boards and explores options and opportunities in corporate board service. You will gain a greater understanding of the role and responsibilities of corporate directors and the challenges you can expect to face in that role. By completing this program, you will signal that you are equipped with the core knowledge needed to be effective as a corporate director.

    DetailsCollapse All

    Maximize your contribution as a board directorMaximize your contribution as a board director
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    • Confidently assume the role of corporate directors, including legal and fiduciary duties
    • Develop the competence and knowledge 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
    • Engage in collaborative decision-making with colleagues who may have differing perspectives
    Expand your leadership capabilitiesExpand your leadership capabilities
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    • 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
    • Interact more effectively with your company's board as a senior executive
    • Become "CEO ready" by using board service as an executive development tool
    Analyze board opportunitiesAnalyze board opportunities
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    • Evaluate opportunities for board service 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
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    • Extend your network by living and working with accomplished executives from various backgrounds, industries, and countries around the globe
    • 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

    This board-readiness program examines best practices for corporate boards and explores options and opportunities in corporate board service. You will gain a greater understanding of the role and responsibilities of corporate directors and the challenges you can expect to face in that role. 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 directors, including legal and fiduciary duties
    • Develop the competence and knowledge 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
    • Engage in collaborative decision-making with colleagues who may have differing perspectives

    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
    • Interact more effectively with your company's board as a senior executive
    • Become "CEO ready" by using board service as an executive development tool

    Analyze board opportunities

    • Evaluate opportunities for board service 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 living and working with accomplished executives from various backgrounds, industries, and countries around the globe
    • 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 who are 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 who are 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
    Play video
    Play video
    Inside the ClassroomInside the Classroom
    See how exchange with faculty and peers yields new insights into critical business trends.
    Watch the VideoWatch the Video
    Play video
    Play video
    We Celebrate New Ways of Thinking. Are You Ready?We Celebrate New Ways of Thinking. Are You Ready?
    Thrive in a learning environment that welcomes diverse ideas and perspectives.
    Watch the VideoWatch the Video
    Play video
    Play video
    Understanding the Case MethodUnderstanding the Case Method
    Read the case, discuss with your peers, and decide how you would address the challenges.
    Watch the VideoWatch the Video

    Who Should Attend Dropdown down

    Who Should Attend Dropdown down

    • Senior executives who are 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 who are 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
    Play video
    Play video
    Inside the ClassroomInside the Classroom
    See how exchange with faculty and peers yields new insights into critical business trends.
    Watch the VideoWatch the Video
    Play video
    Play video
    We Celebrate New Ways of Thinking. Are You Ready?We Celebrate New Ways of Thinking. Are You Ready?
    Thrive in a learning environment that welcomes diverse ideas and perspectives.
    Watch the VideoWatch the Video
    Play video
    Play video
    Understanding the Case MethodUnderstanding the Case Method
    Read the case, discuss with your peers, and decide how you would address the challenges.
    Watch the VideoWatch the Video

    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.

    Review Our Campus Health & Safety Protocols

    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.

    Review Our Campus Health & Safety Protocols

    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. No payment is necessary until you have been accepted. Payment is required prior to the program start date. If you need to cancel or defer participation, you must submit your request in writing more than 30 days before the start of the program to receive a full refund. Cancellations or deferrals 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 down

    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. No payment is necessary until you have been accepted. Payment is required prior to the program start date. If you need to cancel or defer participation, you must submit your request in writing more than 30 days before the start of the program to receive a full refund. Cancellations or deferrals 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.
    ApplyDownload Brochure
    ApplyDownload Brochure
    ApplyDownload Brochure
    More Admissions Information
    Program content, dates, schedule, fees, technology platforms, and faculty are subject to change. In accordance with Harvard University policy, Harvard Business School does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities.
    View Virtual Program Offering
    A Guide to the Big Ideas in Corporate Governance
    A Guide to the Big Ideas in Corporate Governance
    How corporations should be governed vary widely.
    Learn More
    Apply
    Download Brochure
    Program Finder
    Need Help? Contact Us:
    Program Advising team
    Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
    A Guide to the Big Ideas in Corporate Governance
    A Guide to the Big Ideas in Corporate Governance
    How corporations should be governed vary widely.
    Learn More
    Need Help? Contact Us:
    Program Advising team
    Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
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