As Global Head of Platinum at Thomson Reuters, Lisa Pent is a key member of the company's largest division and provider of critical news, information, and analytics. She attended the Women on Boards program at Harvard Business School (HBS) Executive Education to build on that professional success and reach her goal of becoming a board director. Pent shares her thoughts about the program and describes how it gave her the knowledge and network to achieve that ambition.
Becoming a board director is my top career goal. My longer-term goal is having up to three board roles. An executive program seemed like a good bridge toward that goal. I was aware that HBS offered top-notch executive education programs, and that drove me to apply to Women on Boards.
Yes. I wanted to learn more about what a board director does and understand the risks and other considerations of serving in that role.
I tried to go in with a very open mind, so almost everything surprised me—in a good way. From the caliber of the professors and attendees to the classroom experience, everything was absolutely outstanding.
It was one of the best aspects of the program. The pre-assigned groups gave me an immediate anchor for meals and social activities. They were really fantastic.
It was much better than I could ever have imagined. Between the program and the network connections I made, I feel like I have a good foundation moving forward.
Your "Unique Identity," which is the lesson taught by Professor Frances Frei resonated with all of us. It helped us understand the differences in how you present your credentials for a board role versus a job opportunity.
