What it means to graduate from ICD Directors Education Program

Although I officially became a graduate of the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), Directors Education Program (DEP) in November 2019, today with the announcement of our graduating class in the Globe and Mail, I am inspired to express my gratitude for the honour and privilege of learning alongside some of Canada’s most distinguished professionals and educators. 

This is not a commercial for the ICD, but a tribute to this first-class program, which runs in cities across the nation. The ICD staff and associated Universities across Canada provide the utmost support and professionalism. 

Corporate Canada is a very special and unique group of entities, entities that need the oversight and stewardship of high performing Boards. And the ICD Directors Education Program is here to ensure that Canada has a steady supply of high performing individuals to provide that service.

Speaking as a former student, I can attest that the DEP is not for the faint of heart. The learning material is vast and deep, and the program is intense and overwhelming at times. The program is designed to train current and future Directors to act with integrity; to be open to innovation not just operations; and to expect and advise on the management of the numerous risks that every organization faces in today’s volatile world.

From financial analysis and earnings management, to digital transformation and cybersecurity, to compensation and ethics, and so much more, the DEP prepares students to examine their independence and how they will challenge boardroom norms; how to ask incisive questions; how to push for knowledge both inside and outside of the boardroom; and how to truly know the organizations Directors serve. 

Although I am not American, I am a global citizen. And on the day after the Trump acquittal and the day of the Globe and Mail publication of the ‘yearbook’ photo of my fellow DEP3 Graduates (Ottawa), the timing couldn’t be more perfect: I am profoundly reminded of the importance of ethics and governance in all organizations and institutions, in all parts of the world.

The DEP3 (Ottawa) cohort is a group of some of Canada’s best and brightest. This is what it means to graduate from the ICD Directors Education Program: We came together in 2019 as strangers and we graduated together as (I hope) lifelong friends and future Board colleagues. Together we learned, we laughed, we supported, we celebrated, and now, more than ever...we are ready to serve.