There’s something magical about autumn in Boston and Cambridge, and this October, I had the privilege of experiencing it while attending Harvard Business School’s "Preparing to Be a Corporate Director" program.
Our cohort felt like a United Nations assembly, with 118 professionals from 33 countries, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences to the table.
From day one, we were immersed in the renowned HBS Case Study Method. Almost immediately, we found ourselves grappling with real-world corporate dilemmas—stepping into the shoes of CEOs and board members, confronting activist investors, and making decisions that could shape the future and survival of companies.
We explored critical areas of corporate governance: the intricacies of board dynamics, the pivotal role directors play in corporate transformations, and the complexities of CEO succession planning. One particularly memorable session focused on board oversight of AI.
The faculty—Professors Suraj Srinivasan, Lynn Page, David Fubini, and John Coates—were exceptional. Their ability to guide discussions, challenge our assumptions, and draw out insights from the group was masterful.
I was also honored to receive signed copies of their seminal books, including:
Capitalism at Risk: How Business Can Lead by Joseph L. Bower, Herman B. Leonard, and Lynn S. Paine
Winning in Emerging Markets: A Road Map for Strategy and Execution by Tarun Khanna and Krishna G. Palepu
Hidden Truth: What Leaders Need to Hear but Are Rarely Told by David Fubini
But the learning extended beyond the classroom. Some of the most valuable insights came from conversations over coffee or during group discussions. I was fortunate to be part of an incredible discussion group—Rene, Rusty, Candina, Cajetan, Olivier, Lutz, and Natalie—whose diverse backgrounds and perspectives challenged my thinking and broadened my horizons in unexpected ways.
As the program drew to a close, I reflected on the immense responsibility, challenges, and risk-reward conundrum that comes with being a corporate director.
Walking away from Harvard Business School, watching the autumn leaves in shades of red, yellow, orange, and brown spiral to the ground in Harvard Yard after crossing John W. Weeks Memorial Bridge over Charles River, I felt deeply inspired.
I left with new ideas, a profound passion for governance, and a commitment to driving positive, far-reaching change in the boardroom and beyond.
Ainul Azam
Boston-Cambridge, MA
October 2024
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