Board Chairs Connect

It has been tailored for current or near-term board chairs of for-profit, large not-for-profit, and Crown organizations beginning their term in the next six to twelve months. This program is not intended for committee chairs unless they meet the above criteria. 

After completing all components of the course, participants will:

• Gain insights, diverse perspectives, and real-world experiences to enable them to make more informed decisions in complex governance landscapes.
• Stay at the forefront of governance excellence, fostering continuous learning and enhancing your leadership with best practices.
• Build a supportive network of board chairs from diverse industries who understand your unique challenges.
• Enhance leadership as a board chair with strategic planning proficiency for effective decision-making and consensus-building.
• Gain valuable insights on stakeholder engagement from experienced board chairs to shape transparent and collaborative organizational strategies.
• Be empowered to shape the organization's future vision through scenario planning in an ever-changing landscape.
• Qualify for up to 4.5 CEUs toward the annual requirement to retain their ICD.D designation.

These sessions use a blended online learning structure that weaves together best practices in adult education with robust opportunities to engage with board chair peers. Each session is comprised of one 1.5-hour online discussion forum led by a highly experienced board chair facilitator. The structure of each includes:

1. Independent online preparation (less than one hour per module)

Participants will receive an article and/or video to set the context for the upcoming session, as well as the questions that will be presented for discussion. Participants will receive access to these materials approximately two weeks prior to the instructor-led session. 

*Note: completion of some independent learning components may require a live internet connection.

2. Live, facilitator-led session (approximately 1.5 hours each)

The three facilitator-led online sessions, convening approximately 4 weeks apart, will focus on the discussions of key governance challenges introduced through independent learning.

Attendance at the live sessions is required for successful series completion. The live session may include full group discussions, breakout group discussions, case studies and exercises, Q & A with facilitators and other experts and more.

3. Learning sustainment and engagement opportunities

Following session completion, participants will be invited to join an Alumni Portal, becoming part of a board chair community where they will have opportunities to engage in discussion forums with course peers to exchange questions, ideas and experiences and apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills.