Join online dialogues with renowned global leaders focusing on crucial sustainability issues. Gain access to carefully curated reading lists, original case studies and thought-provoking questions to help you create value, enhance resiliency, and establish good governance.

This designation (GCB.D) is your key to staying ahead in the rapidly evolving governance landscape.


Flexible Completion Timeline: 

  • Fast-Track Option: Complete in as little as 4 months 
  • Extended Track: Up to 12 months to complete all requirements and receive your designation 


Designation Requirement:

  • Must attend at least 4 live faculty sessions 
  • Must attend at least 3 live case-based sessions with peers 
  • Successfully complete board simulation  

What others say

“Competent Boards gives invaluable guidance on what boards must do if the businesses they guide are to respond successfully to today’s enormous economic, environmental and social challenges.”

- Martin Wolf, Associate Editor and Chief Economics Commentator, Financial Times


“Hands down the best director education out there. Global in scope, deep in content, extraordinary faculty. I am far more prepared to perform at a high level on the most important issues my boards are grappling with today.”

- Eric Wetlaufer (GCB.D), Managing Partner, TwinRiver Capital and Director, TMX Group, Investment Management Corporation of Ontario (IMCO), Enterra Solutions LLC, and Niyogin Fintech Ltd.; Former Senior Managing Director, CPPIB


"I think this program is more relevant than ever, and I would highly recommend it. I feel better equipped to oversee ESG and sustainability issues in my board rooms. Take a look at the topics covered over the 12 sessions to give yourself a sense of the breadth and depth of the curriculum."

- Leslie F. Seidman (GCB.D), Former Chair, Financial Accounting Standards Board (Fasb), Non-Executive Director and Audit Chair, Moody's Corp


"Since completing the Competent Boards program, I have been approached to join 8 different boards, and our market cap has increased $200-$300 million because of our efforts on ESG. When I meet a director or executive who says, 'we can't afford it', I say, ‘you can't afford not to!’"

- Paul Andre Huet (GCB.D), Chairman & CEO, Karora Resources



Course curriculum

    1. A welcome message from Competent Boards and Board Intelligence

    2. Course Outline

    3. Pre-Session Preparation Guide

    4. Glossary

    1. Strategic Topics

    2. Leader Insights: Georg Kell (20 mins)

    3. Leader Insights: Jens Moberg (13 mins)

    4. Leader Insights: Martin Wolf (15 mins)

    5. Leader Insights: Alexandra Rogan (14 mins)

    6. Knowledge Check: Session 1

    7. Key Takeaways

    1. Strategic Topics

    2. Leader Insights: Jakob Stausholm (25 mins)

    3. Leader Insights: Richard Smith-Bingham (23 mins)

    4. Leader Insights: Joan Michelson (15 mins)

    5. Knowledge Check: Session 2

    6. Key Takeaways

    7. Optional Leader Insights: Jeffrey Whitford (22 mins)

    1. Strategic Topics

    2. Leader Insights: Sanda Ojiambo (19 mins)

    3. Leader Insights: Herman Mulder (15 mins)

    4. Leader Insights: Claus Stig Pedersen (21 mins)

    5. Knowledge Check: Session 3

    6. Key Takeaways

    1. Strategic Topics

    2. Leader Insights: David Craig (22 mins)

    3. Leader Insights: Johan Rockström (23 mins)

    4. Leader Insights: Annette Stube (20 mins)

    5. Knowledge Check: Session 4

    6. Key Takeaways

    7. Submit Your Questions

    1. Strategic Topics

    2. Leader Insights: Erika Karp & Upkar Arora (12 mins)

    3. Leader Insights Video: Aron Cramer (22 mins)

    4. Leader Insight Video: Ulrika Hasselgren (16 mins)

    5. Leader Insights: Jingdong Hua (23 mins)

    6. Knowledge Check: Session 5

    7. Key Takeaways

    8. Submit Your Questions

About this course

  • $8,000.00
  • 90 lessons
  • 17 hours of video content

Twelve Faculty-Led Peer-to-Peer Live Sessions

Held on the second Tuesday of each month (starting July 8, 2025), these faculty-led sessions offer insight into real-world governance challenges and strategic decision-making.

Twelve Live Case Study Sessions (Facilitated Peer-to-Peer Group Activity)

Held on the third Tuesday of each month (starting July 15, 2025), these sessions are designed to apply theory to practice and sharpen boardroom thinking.

Board Simulation

This capstone simulation challenges participants to apply their learning to a realistic boardroom scenario. Participants must confirm their preferred simulation slot at least three months in advance.