H a r v a r d | B u s i n e s s | S c h o o lExecutive Education
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Program Advising team
Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
New Program
Preparing to Be a Corporate Director—Virtual
Dates: 14–17 MAR 2021
Location: Virtual
Fee: $5,000
The program fee covers tuition, e-books, and online case materials.
This program includes live online classes, self-paced work, discussion groups, and virtual networking. Download brochure for detailed schedule.
Program Announcement
Thank you for your interest in this program. The SEP 2020 session is filled to capacity,
and additional applications will not be accepted. For up to date information on future
offerings, please bookmark this page.
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 live online 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.
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 live online 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.
This virtual 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.
This virtual 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 director, 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 the opportunity 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 connecting 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
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
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 a global group
of peers and build your network.
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 a global group
of peers and build your network.
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.
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, e-books, and online case materials. No payment is necessary
until you have been accepted. Payment is required prior to the program start date.
If you need to cancel participation, you must submit your request in writing more
than 14 days before the program start date to receive a full refund. Cancellations
received 7 to 14 days before the program start date are subject to a payment of 50
percent of the program fee. Requests received within 7 days of the program start date
are subject to full payment of the program fee.
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, e-books, and online case materials. No payment is necessary
until you have been accepted. Payment is required prior to the program start date.
If you need to cancel participation, you must submit your request in writing more
than 14 days before the program start date to receive a full refund. Cancellations
received 7 to 14 days before the program start date are subject to a payment of 50
percent of the program fee. Requests received within 7 days of the program start date
are subject to full payment of the program fee.
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.
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 or geography. In addition,
during a panel discussion, a group of experienced executives will share how they have
leveraged board service in their career strategy.
Through interactive lectures and global case studies, this program will delve into
board issues that apply to organizations from any industry or geography. In addition,
during a panel discussion, a group of experienced executives will share how they have
leveraged board service in their career strategy.
Program Format
The program takes place over four days, with live, synchronous classes daily (10:15
AM to 4:15 PM ET, including two 30-minute breaks and one 15-minute break), a required
welcoming session, and small group discussions for learning and networking. Class
sessions will take place via the Zoom platform. You will also have ample opportunity
for interaction with faculty and peers inside and outside the class sessions.
Collaborative learning is an integral part of the experience. To maximize the benefit
for everyone, you are expected to attend every session, complete all assignments,
and contribute effectively in the class and in small groups. We advise setting aside
a total of 2-3 hours per day for program work in addition to the synchronous class
sessions.
The program takes place over four days, with live, synchronous classes daily (10:15
AM to 4:15 PM ET, including two 30-minute breaks and one 15-minute break), a required
welcoming session, and small group discussions for learning and networking. Class
sessions will take place via the Zoom platform. You will also have ample opportunity
for interaction with faculty and peers inside and outside the class sessions.
Collaborative learning is an integral part of the experience. To maximize the benefit
for everyone, you are expected to attend every session, complete all assignments,
and contribute effectively in the class and in small groups. We advise setting aside
a total of 2-3 hours per day for program work in addition to the synchronous class
sessions.
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
Overseeing 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
Succeeding as an influencer while operating as an outsider with part-time responsibilities
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
Shaping or changing corporate culture
Managing risk in the corporation
Opportunities on corporate boards
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
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
Lynn S. Paine
John G. McLean Professor of Business Administration
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
Lynn S. Paine
John G. McLean Professor of Business Administration
H a r v a r d | B u s i n e s s | S c h o o lExecutive Education
