Creating a Holistic Educational Experience
As Global Vice President of TE Connectivity, Rowena Track was looking for an integrated way to learn more about corporate governance and respond to key business challenges. She found exactly that by completing three programs at HBS Executive Education: Making Corporate Boards More Effective, Audit Committees in a New Era of Governance, and Compensation Committees.
You've taken all three of our corporate governance programs. How well do they complement each other?
I wanted to have a fully rounded executive education experience about governance, the audit committee, and the compensation committee—and HBS's program was really the most robust. I like the case study section, the caliber of the participants, and the international environment. Combining the three corporate governance offerings helped me to truly explore governance at the fundamental level and the responsibilities of the audit committee and compensation committee. They're all integrated. Each course provides a distinct perspective, which helps to clarify the various responsibilities of the board and the committees. So I thought it was a very effective way to put them all together. It was a big commitment, but it was definitely well worth it. And I have been recommending this approach to other participants who have asked me.
Did you take anything away from the programs that you can draw on in the future?
Absolutely. There are takeaways from the courses and also from knowing the wealth of resources available at Harvard. I can envision myself coming back and meeting with or getting advice from professors who are experts in their areas, or even consulting with them if I am in a certain situation. The same goes for the participants, who represent a wide range of countries and backgrounds.
Were you able to network with other participants?
Yes, I've added to my universe of experts that I can call upon, both participants and professors.
Did these programs help you address any specific challenges?
Yes. As the board's responsibility and accountability evolves, shareholders are becoming more vocal, more activist—for example around the issue of compensation for CEOs and executives. So it's a very dynamic situation now. Coming here and learning to understand these issues and the effective role of the board was very valuable. If I'm facing a particular challenge, I often go back to my notes or communicate with alumni.