Women on Boards: Succeeding as a Corporate Director

Executive participants in study group

Navigate the board selection process and maximize your success as a corporate director.

  • Dates

    To Be Confirmed

  • Status

    Check Back to Apply

  • Format

    In-Person

  • Location

    HBS Campus

  • Fee

    To Be Confirmed

The program fee covers tuition, program materials, accommodations, and most meals.

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Program Announcement

The information below is based on the prior program session and does not reflect potential changes to faculty and course content for future program offerings. For a list of upcoming programs, visit our program finder.

Traditionally, most board appointments are made through informal networks that are especially hard for women to break into. With a focus on the critical issues facing boards today, you will learn how to approach board selection strategically and raise your profile to find your best match.

Women on Boards unpacks the board selection process and provides you with the knowledge you need to instantly drive impact as a new member. You'll also develop the skills and network you need to attain your ideal board appointment.

Key Program Features

Key Topics

  • Examine best practices to learn how high-functioning boards drive value

  • Explore the legal and regulatory environments affecting boards

  • Recognize the gender lens—how women are perceived in the boardroom

  • Understand the politics and pitfalls of corporate networks

  • Match your skills and talents to the board's specific needs

  • Raise your profile among directors, founders, and funders

  • Disrupt the established lines of succession and become the winning candidate

Program Format

  • 5
    days on the HBS campus
  • 12–15
    hours of pre-program work

Case materials and a detailed schedule will be made available approximately two weeks prior to program start.

Who Should Attend

  • Senior businesswomen who hold positions in large established companies ranging from division head to CEO—or who are retired from such positions

  • Women in senior executive roles who currently sit on nonprofit or private boards who wish to serve on public corporate boards in any industry

  • While the program is designed for executives who identify as women or nonbinary, the program is open to all who otherwise fulfill the admissions criteria. Please view our policy on nondiscrimination for more information

Global Perspective

Group of four women in conversation
3%
Africa
5%
Asia Pacific
15%
Europe
3%
Latin America
4%
Middle East
70%
North America

Top Industries Represented

  • 18%

    Financial

  • 12%

    High Technology

  • 12%

    Professional Services

  • 10%

    Chem/Pharma/Bio

  • 10%

    Consumer Products

  • 5%

    Nonprofit Services

  • 4%

    Education

  • 4%

    Health Care

  • 4%

    Raw Materials / Energy

  • 3%

    Manufacturing

Experience

Years Worked

  • 4%

    Less than 10 years

  • 2%

    10-14 years

  • 7%

    15-19 years

  • 23%

    20-24 years

  • 25%

    25-29 years

  • 25%

    30-34 years

  • 12%

    35-39 years

  • 2%

    40 or more

Companies That Have Participated

  • Apple
  • Credit Suisse
  • DuPont Company
  • General Motors
  • The Hershey Company
  • Marriott
  • NBCUniversal
  • Office Depot
  • Save the Children
  • Thomson Reuters Corporation
  • Unilever
  • Zurich Insurance Group

Teaching Team

All our executive education programs are developed and taught by a team of widely recognized HBS faculty. Many are 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

  • Headshot of Boris Groysberg

    Boris Groysberg

    Richard P. Chapman Professor of Business Administration

  • Headshot of Lynn S. Paine

    Lynn S. Paine

    Baker Foundation Professor John G. McLean Professor of Business Administration, Emerita

Faculty

The HBS Experience

This in-person program takes place on our storied campus where you'll live and learn at the heart of Boston's vibrant business, academic, and technology hubs.

At HBS, every detail is carefully calibrated to drive your success. Living arrangements and classrooms that spark connection. Unrivaled academic resources. And rejuvenating fitness, dining, and cultural amenities.

View of Executive Education area of HBS campus

The dedicated Executive Education area of campus features multiple classroom buildings and three residence halls around a quad

Residence hall bedroom and bathroom, with woman looking out a window

Our well-appointed residence halls feature private bedrooms, living group lounges, and courtyards to fuel vibrant discussions

Admissions

We admit applicants on a rolling, space-available basis, so you are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible.

The selective admissions process is based on professional achievement, organizational responsibility, and the admissions criteria for each program as described in Who Should Attend. There are no formal educational requirements for HBS Executive Education programs.

Learn more about the admissions process and requirements.

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.