Board Director Program

Michigan Ross School of Business

Leadership

About Programme

Board members play a critical role in guiding their organizations toward achieving their vision and goals in the dynamic business landscape. However, to succeed in this role, senior executives require multidisciplinary skills, including industry knowledge, strategic thinking, governance expertise, financial acumen, and ethical judgment.

The Board Director Program from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan empowers senior executives like you with the strategic insight and governance skills needed to excel in board roles across diverse industries. The program provides a deep understanding of the complexities of boardroom dynamics, corporate oversight, and values-driven leadership, preparing you to navigate the challenges and opportunities faced by corporate boardrooms.

This immersive five-month program is designed by thought leaders and experts from Michigan Ross with backgrounds spanning corporate governance, strategic management, and board-level leadership. It offers a unique blend of online and on-campus learning, real-world case studies, interactive discussions led by world-renowned faculty and seasoned board members, and networking opportunities with global peers navigating similar responsibilities.

Upon completion of this program, you will emerge with the hands-on skills and credibility required to perform successfully on a board and add value at the highest level of an organization.

Comprehensive Curriculum

The program’s curriculum is delivered through live online, in-person sessions, and asynchronous modules. Through engaging core modules, you will learn the best practices in corporate governance, hone your strategic management skills, understand how to navigate boardroom dynamics, and foster a culture of integrity within the boardroom. An immersive, in-person module will give you further insights into governance challenges as well as provide networking opportunities.

Immersive Learning Experience | On-Campus Sessions

The final module of this program is a five-day in-person experience on the Michigan Ross campus in Ann Arbor, Michigan. During this immersive experience, you will participate in simulations and apply the strategic concepts learned during the program. This module will allow you to participate in engaging and interactive sessions on governance challenges and opportunities. Additionally, on-campus networking will provide opportunities to build lasting connections with industry leaders from around the globe.

The Ross School of Business is collaborating with online education provider Emeritus to offer a portfolio of high-impact programs for working professionals. With over 350,000 students from more than 80 countries, Emeritus delivers management education programs with a live-teaching model and graded assignments. Through this collaboration, we are able to offer broad access to the world-class knowledge for which Michigan Ross is known, in an engaging and interactive digital environment.

Programme Audience

Senior executives aspiring to serve on corporate or nonprofit boards

C-suite leaders and senior leaders seeking to transition to board roles

Current board members

Investors or advisors involved in board governance matters

Programme Benefits

Understand corporate governance principles: Develop a deep understanding of governance structures, fiduciary duties, and the roles of board members in ensuring organizational accountability.

Enhance strategic leadership skills: Learn to oversee corporate strategy, balance short-term performance with long-term growth, and navigate complex decision-making scenarios.

Develop financial acumen: Gain proficiency in interpreting financial statements, evaluating key performance indicators, and assessing financial risks.

Strengthen risk oversight capabilities: Identify and mitigate operational, financial, and compliance risks while understanding the impact of emerging financial technologies.

Leverage digital transformation and AI: Understand the role of emerging technologies, cybersecurity threats, and data privacy regulations in corporate strategy and governance.

Foster boardroom effectiveness: Enhance communication, improve decision-making processes, and implement best practices for high-performing boards.

Succession planning: Learn how to build diverse board cultures, implement succession planning strategies, and foster inclusive leadership.

Testimonials

"Board members must possess a combination of strategic insights, governance expertise, and ethical frameworks to effectively steer their organizations forward. The Board Director Program from Michigan Ross, designed for current and aspiring board directors, offers a comprehensive understanding of corporate governance, ethical leadership, and financial acumen combined with ESG initiatives to help you step up to this critical role."

Mike Barger

Faculty Director, Board Director Program; Assistant Clinical Professor of Business Administration and former Executive Director, Ross Online, Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan

Testimonial Source