Tell us about your professional experience before discovering The Corporate Governance Institute.

Before discovering The Corporate Governance Institute, I had built more than six years of experience in the banking sector and currently serve as Head of the Management Board Staff at Evocabank OJSC, one of the most innovative and digitally advanced banks in Armenia.

Working closely with executive leadership and the Management Board, I support strategic decision-making and ensure strong governance and compliance practices. This role gave me first-hand exposure to board-level processes and strengthened my interest in corporate governance as a key driver of transparency, accountability and sustainable growth. That growing interest ultimately inspired me to deepen my expertise through TCGI.

What challenges or opportunities were you facing in your career or on your board before taking our course?

Before taking the Certified Company Secretary Professional course, I was facing the challenge of navigating increasingly complex governance expectations in a fast-evolving digital banking environment. In my role I am closely involved in numerous managerial processes where transparency, risk oversight and strategic alignment are critical.

At the same time, this was a major opportunity to strengthen my expertise in key areas shaping modern corporate life. The Diploma’s highly relevant modules on AI governance, ESG and risk management were particularly impactful, as these topics are becoming central to responsible and sustainable decision-making at the board level.

Why did you choose to study for the Certified Company Secretary Professional to help with these challenges/opportunities?

I found the course to be a perfect opportunity to contribute to my continuous learning journey. Its strong focus on critical areas aligned perfectly with the opportunities I wanted to pursue, enhancing my ability to support the Board, strengthen governance practices and contribute to sustainable, responsible decision-making.

Can you describe any particular elements of the course that stood out to you or made a significant impact?

The Diploma is very affordable and perfectly structured. The balance between the quantity and quality of learning materials is excellent. The case studies with active contributions were highly interactive and informative as well. I also appreciated how the content is focused on the key points of each topic making it easy to absorb the material, while the module-by-module approach motivates deeper exploration of every subject. Overall, the course is thoughtfully designed to combine clarity, depth and practical application.

How has completing this course influenced your career, leadership approach, or governance or Company Secretary-related skills?

Completing this Diploma has had a significant impact on my career and leadership approach. It strengthened my governance and Company Secretary-related skills, particularly in areas like legal compliance, ESG and emerging trends, which are increasingly critical in modern corporate life.

The Diploma also enhanced my ability to support my organisation effectively, make informed strategic decisions and approach challenges with a globally aligned perspective. Overall, the CoSec Diploma has helped me combine practical experience with international best practices, boosting both my confidence and effectiveness as a leader.

What did you find most beneficial about studying with The Corporate Governance Institute?

The most beneficial aspect of studying with TCGI was the combination of practical insights and globally recognised best practices. As a member of a company operating in another jurisdiction, it was essential for me to have a platform that provided opportunities to learn, integrate and compare governance practices across different regulatory and corporate environments.

What advice would you give future learners wishing to pursue the Certified Company Secretary Professional?

My advice to future Company Secretary learners is to fully engage with the course. Focus on understanding not just the theory but how governance, in general, is applied in real-world corporate settings. Be curious, ask questions and participate in conversations with other participants. This will help you gain a broader, global perspective.

Most importantly, approach the course as an opportunity to strengthen both your technical skills and strategic thinking, so you can make a truly meaningful impact in your organisation.

How likely are you to recommend our certifications to a colleague?

5/5