Lead the Future with a Global
Competent Boards Designation
(GCB.D) and Certification
Become a catalyst for innovation and sustainable success with a global perspective, cutting-edge tools, and a strategic roadmap to lead in today’s fast-changing world.
Ready to apply?
What We Do
As the world undergoes rapid transformation—from climate change to AI and geopolitical shifts—businesses face unprecedented risks and opportunities. Amid these uncertainties, boards and executives must lead with confidence and clarity.
At Competent Boards, we equip leaders with the insights, foresight, and networks needed to excel in today’s complex environment. Through peer-to-peer exchanges on business-critical issues including AI, geopolitics, governance, and climate. empower board members and executives to shape the future boardroom and drive business success in a changing world.
What is a GCB.D?
GCB.D is a transformative executive education program designed to equip leaders for the challenges of tomorrow in just 3 months. We focus on:
- Providing the tools to lead impactful business transformations.
- Developing strategies to address global business challenges.
- Empowering you with the skills to lead effectively in a changing world.
This program goes beyond theory, delivering actionable insights and practical frameworks to help you thrive in today’s dynamic business landscape.
What You'll Gain
A World-Class Network
Join an exclusive community of over 1100 board members, executives, and thought leaders from across the globe. Build connections with influential peers, share diverse perspectives, and open doors to future collaboration.
Globally Recognized Credentials
Secure your future in the boardroom and get the credentials that headhunters, nomination committees, and investors worldwide are looking for.
Best Practices from Industry Leaders
Learn how to make a difference directly from leaders of the world’s most impactful businesses, including Unilever, Bank of America, Shell, the Financial Times, and more.
Global Insight and Foresight
Develop the skills and confidence to navigate business complexities and gain a unique understanding of the forces shaping the future of business.
Effective Decision-Making
Hone your ability to ask the right questions, challenge assumptions, make informed decisions, and lead with confidence in today’s rapidly transforming business environment.
Why Get Your GCB.D?
When you choose GCB.D, you join a program built for the bold. Here’s what sets us apart:
- World-Class Experts: Learn directly from globally renowned business leaders, educators, and trailblazers who are shaping industries.
- Real-World Impact: Be immersed in hands-on projects and case studies inspired by the challenges faced by some of the world’s most influential companies
- Global Perspective: Navigate the complexities of international business and digital transformation with confidence. 96% of alumni report improved communication with the board and key stakeholders.
- Career Acceleration: Elevate your leadership career. 55% of alumni secured new board seats or committee roles after earning their GCB.D.
- Next Level Networking: Join a powerful network of global leaders, thinkers, and innovators who are shaping the future boardroom.
“A certificate from Competent Boards would be extremely useful in giving comfort to investors, that they have at least begun their journey, and are looking at these issues with clarity, competence and a strategic view.”
(USA)
Curtis Ravenel
Senior Advisor to the co-Chairs and Vice Chair of the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ)
“I think this program is more relevant than ever, and I would highly recommend it. I feel better equipped to oversee 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.
(USA)
Leslie F. Seidman (GCB.D)
Former Chair, Financial Accounting Standards Board (Fasb), Non-Executive Director and Audit Chair, Moody’s Corp. & General Electric
“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.”
(United Kingdom)
Martin Wolf
Chief Economics Commentator, Financial Times
A 3 Month Virtual Program
for Board Members and Senior Level Professionals
Our esteemed global faculty lead three dynamic sessions to equip you with the tools and strategies to navigate today’s most pressing boardroom challenges. Engage directly with faculty speakers in an interactive learning environment as we focus on critical issues within:
Session 1 – Charting the Path: Navigating Uncertainties and Dilemmas in the Boardroom
This session explores how boards can view uncertainty as an opportunity to strengthen their strategic approach, turning challenges into drivers of innovation and growth. Participants will analyze real-world scenarios to enhance decision-making skills, address complex dilemmas, and manage risks effectively. The discussion will emphasize building resilience and sustainability into decision-making, helping organizations balance short-term wins with long-term value creation.
Session 2 – Actioning Trust and Transparency: Agile Strategies for Responsible Leadership and Impact
This session examines how trust and transparency are essential to effective leadership and sound governance. Topics include fostering trust through clear communication, navigating stakeholder concerns, and aligning governance strategies with ethical principles. Participants will gain practical insights into managing challenges such as greenwashing, AI oversight, and workforce management while maintaining a strong focus on measurable outcomes and accountability.
Session 3 – Being a Steward of the Future: Governance and Structure for Tomorrow’s Challenges
As governance requirements evolve, this session offers practical tools to help boards stay proactive and effective. Participants will explore the integration of artificial intelligence into governance, adapt to emerging compliance trends, and optimize board structures for agility. The session provides actionable strategies to address future challenges and equips leaders with the foresight needed to guide their organizations through an ever-changing business landscape.
These live discussions are supported by 12 in-depth modules that dive into critical topics across governance, sustainability, risk management, and leadership, ensuring you leave with actionable insights and tried-and-tested frameworks, and practical skills that you can apply immediately in your boardroom and beyond.
Module 1. Understanding New Geopolitical Risks and Expectations for Companies
Explore the complex geopolitical landscape that companies must navigate today. Gain insights into assessing geopolitical risks, meeting increased demands for ethical governance, and to tackle challenges and seize opportunities in a shifting global environment.
Module 2. Dealing with Dilemmas: Turning Business Risks into Opportunities
Navigate the unpredictable landscape of environmental, societal, and digital disruptions. Learn to balance short-term and long-term goals, enhance board-shareholder engagement, and refine disclosure practices to build resilience and sustainability.
Module 3. How to Use the UN Sustainable Development Goals Strategically
Delve into the strategic integration of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into corporate practices. Align business strategies with SDGs to drive innovation, oversee SDG implementation through board committees, leverage SDGs for competitive advantage, and ensure internal incentives support these goals.
Module 4. Impacts of Climate Change and Biodiversity: A Board’s Accountability
Explore the interconnected impacts of climate change, biodiversity, and socio-economic stability. Assess physical and transitional risks, understand the regulatory landscape, and enhance governance skills for addressing climate change and natural capital.
Module 5. How to Build ESG Oversight and Foresight
Lead with confidence by integrating ESG responsibilities into board committee charters. Learn how to align with stakeholder expectations, foster transparency, and create long-term value through robust ESG oversight and strategic foresight.
Module 6. Understanding Human Rights and Environmental Issues in Supply Chains
Address human rights and environmental issues within supply chains. Assess and mitigate risks related to modern slavery, forced labor, and environmental impacts, ensuring responsible and sustainable practices.
Module 7. Elevating Oversight of Human Capital Management (HCM) and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)
Integrate Human Capital Management (HCM) and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) principles within corporate governance. Drive innovation, organizational resilience, and competitive advantage through effective oversight of HCM and DEIB, ensuring alignment with evolving regulatory requirements and stakeholder expectations.
Module 8. Gaining Trust: Anti-Corruption, Integrity and Transparency Best Practices
Build a culture of integrity and transparency within your organization. This module offers essential practices to combat corruption, ensure compliance, and enhance stakeholder trust, positioning your company as a leader in ethical governance.
Module 9. Understanding Responsible Use of Data, Cybersecurity, AI and Digitalization
Navigate the digital age with confidence by understanding AI, data ethics, privacy, and cyber resilience. Learn to leverage digital technologies, foster transparency, maintain regulatory compliance, and protect corporate reputation while driving sustainable growth.
Module 10. Addressing Tax, Investment & Pay in an ESG-Focused World
Explore critical aspects of tax, investment, and executive compensation within the context of ESG principles. Understand evolving expectations for responsible tax practices, integrate ESG metrics into investment decisions, and align executive pay with long-term sustainable goals.
Module 11. Maximizing Shareholder and Stakeholder Engagement Around Disclosures
Enhance your communication and engagement strategies with shareholders and stakeholders. This module covers materiality considerations, strategic stakeholder engagement, and how to navigate the rise of shareholder activism with transparent and informative disclosures.
Module 12. Becoming a Steward of the Future: Best Practices in Corporate Governance
Position your organization at the forefront of sustainable and responsible business practices. This module equips leaders with insights to drive forward-looking governance, enhancing corporate resilience and earning stakeholder trust.
This engaging peer-peer case discussion not only imparts critical knowledge but also fosters a dynamic network to excel in your role.
- Real-World Case Studies: Dive deep into actual business scenarios, analyzing challenges and strategizing solutions with peers.
- Interactive Group Discussions: Engage in lively, guided discussions that stimulate critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving.
- Enhanced Networking Opportunities: Connect with a diverse group of peers, fostering valuable relationships and expanding your professional network.
The Board Simulation is an immersive exercise designed to replicate real-world boardroom challenges, allowing participants to apply their knowledge in a practical setting. This simulation facilitates decision-making and strategy development skills, focusing on sustainability and governance issues within a dynamic and interactive environment.
It’s a capstone experience of the program, ensuring participants can translate theoretical learning into actionable insights in a risk-free, collaborative setting.
- Use the transformative curriculum as preparation materials.
- Attend at least four out of the six scheduled sessions and discussions.
- Successfully complete the board simulation, assessed by external jurors.
Open to actively serving board members and senior-level professionals seeking to enhance their leadership and governance capabilities.
$6,495 USD
Upcoming cohorts
All other cohorts
Board Members
For non-executive directors, independent directors, and executive directors | Faculty Speakers to be announced
Business Leaders
For senior executives, investors,
and board advisors | Faculty Speakers to be announced
Program Overview
3 live sessions with
expert global faculty
3 live case-based sessions
with cohort peers
12 Modules
Insights from
world-renowned experts
Global Networking Opportunities
Curated Toolbox
for each module
35 hours of study over 3 months
CPE credit eligible
Program Fee
USD $6,495
Do you believe you are equipped to make more informed decisions?
believe they are better equipped to make more informed decisions.
It's all in the numbers
In April 2024, we conducted a survey of over 1,000 alumni from 55 countries around the world. Here is what they said:
believe they are better equipped to make more informed decisions.
feel more confident communicating with the board and other stakeholders.
reported gaining a new board seat or board committee appointment after obtaining their Competent Boards credentials.
would recommend Competent Boards to their network.
The content features exclusive insights from over 50 members of our faculty of globally renowned thought leaders, such as:
Francesca Ecsery
Non-executive Director, Air France, Henderson High Income Trust plc., Haffner Energy S.A., Association of Investment Companies (AIC); SID, CT Automotive plc.
Jakob Stausholm
Chief Executive Officer, Rio Tinto
Esther Aguilera
Board Member, Thirty Percent Coalition; Senior Advisor, Altura Capital, ALPFA, Inc.; Former President & CEO, Latino Corporate Directors Association (LCDA)
Miriam Vogel
President and CEO, EqualAI; Chair, National AI Advisory Committee (NAIAC)
John Streur
Founding Member Investor Advisory Group, SASB; Advisory Board Member ESG Initiative, The Wharton School; Advisory Board Member, Boston University Impact Measurement & Allocation Program (IMAP)
Alphonso David
President & CEO, Global Black Economic Forum
Jens W. Moberg
Owner and Founder, Leadership Institute; Chairman, Grundfos, pK Chemicals A/S and Adapteo; Vice Chairman, Poul Due Jensen Foundation; Board Member and Kirk Kapital
Chiara Del Prete
EFRAG Sustainability Reporting TEG (EFRAG SR TEG) Chair
Annette Stube
Chief Sustainability Officer, The LEGO Group; Board Member, Solvay
Agnes K Y Tai
PhD, CCB.D, SCR®, ESG Investing, FRM, CAIA, MBA, FHKIoD, Director of Great Glory Investment Corporation and Senior Advisor of iPartners Holdings Ltd.