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

Before discovering the Corporate Governance Institute (CGI), my professional journey was centred around health, safety, and sustainability within the corporate sector. I joined Inspired Thinking Group (ITG) in 2022 as Health, Safety, and CSR Manager, where I was responsible for implementing and leading initiatives to drive a strong culture of health, safety, and sustainability across the organisation.

In 2023, I was promoted to Head of Health, Safety, Sustainability, and Facilities, expanding my leadership role and strategic influence within the business. That same year, I completed the IMEA Level 7 Diploma in Business Sustainability, strengthening my expertise in sustainable business practices. However, I wanted to further develop my ESG knowledge and competence, particularly in corporate governance, strategy, and stakeholder engagement – which led me to the Diploma in ESG from CGI. This opportunity aligned perfectly with my ambition to deepen my ESG expertise and drive meaningful change within ITG and beyond.

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

The decision to take the Diploma in ESG from the Corporate Governance Institute (CGI) came at a pivotal stage in my career. Having recently been promoted to Head of Health, Safety, Sustainability, and Facilities at Inspired Thinking Group (ITG), I was eager to expand my strategic influence and ensure that ESG principles were fully embedded across the organisation.

One of the key challenges I faced was the ever-evolving ESG landscape – keeping up with changing regulations, stakeholder expectations, and sustainability best practices required a more comprehensive understanding of governance, risk management, and corporate responsibility. 

While my background in health, safety, and sustainability gave me a solid foundation, I recognised the need to broaden my expertise in ESG reporting, ethical leadership, and sustainable business strategy to drive more impactful change.

At the same time, this was also an exciting opportunity – ITG was on a journey to strengthen its ESG commitments and corporate governance, and I wanted to play a key role in shaping our approach. The CGI Diploma in ESG provided the perfect platform to enhance my knowledge, build confidence in ESG decision-making, and add value to both my organisation and my career progression.

Why did you choose to study for the Diploma in ESG with us to help with these challenges/opportunities?

I chose to study for the Diploma in ESG with the Corporate Governance Institute (CGI) because I wanted a practical, industry-focused programme that would equip me with the knowledge, frameworks, and strategic insight needed to navigate the evolving ESG landscape.

With my expanding role as Head of Health, Safety, Sustainability, and Facilities at ITG, I recognised the importance of deepening my expertise in corporate governance, sustainability strategy, and regulatory compliance. While I had already developed a strong foundation in health, safety, and sustainability, I wanted to enhance my understanding of ESG reporting, risk management, and ethical leadership to drive meaningful change within the organisation.

The CGI Diploma stood out because of its real-world applications, expert-led content, and focus on governance within ESG – key areas that aligned perfectly with my career goals. The course offered a comprehensive yet flexible structure, allowing me to gain immediate, actionable insights that I could apply to my role while balancing my professional responsibilities.

Ultimately, I saw this as an opportunity to further develop my leadership skills, strengthen ITG’s ESG strategy, and position myself as a key driver of sustainability and corporate responsibility within the business.

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

One of the most impactful elements of the Diploma in ESG with the Corporate Governance Institute (CGI) was the governance section. While I had extensive experience in health, safety, and sustainability, corporate governance was an area where my knowledge was more limited. This section provided invaluable insights into how governance structures, policies, and frameworks underpin effective ESG strategy and decision-making.

Understanding the roles and responsibilities of boards, regulatory expectations, and the integration of ESG into corporate governance has significantly enhanced my ability to contribute to strategic discussions and influence leadership decisions. The course also deepened my understanding of risk management, ethical leadership, and stakeholder engagement, which are critical for ensuring ESG initiatives are both impactful and sustainable.

This newfound knowledge has been instrumental in strengthening ITG’s ESG approach, giving me the confidence to align sustainability goals with governance best practices and drive long-term, responsible business success.

How has completing this course influenced your career, leadership approach, or governance or ESG skills?

Completing the Diploma in ESG with the Corporate Governance Institute (CGI) has had a significant impact on my career, leadership approach, and ESG skills. It has given me a deeper strategic understanding of ESG governance, allowing me to approach sustainability, risk management, and corporate responsibility with greater confidence and insight.

From a leadership perspective, the course has strengthened my ability to engage senior stakeholders, influence decision-making, and integrate ESG principles into business strategy. I now have a more holistic view of governance, enabling me to align sustainability initiatives with regulatory requirements, ethical leadership, and long-term business objectives.

Professionally, the qualification has improved my ability to drive meaningful ESG change within ITG, particularly in strengthening corporate governance, compliance, and reporting frameworks. It has also positioned me as a stronger ESG leader, equipping me with the tools and knowledge to support the company’s sustainability ambitions while ensuring responsible and ethical business practices.

Overall, this course has elevated my expertise, expanded my career opportunities, and reinforced my ability to lead impactful ESG initiatives with confidence and credibility.

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

What I found most beneficial about studying with the Corporate Governance Institute (CGI) was the flexibility of the completely online format. As someone balancing a demanding role as Head of Health, Safety, Sustainability, and Facilities at ITG, along with personal commitments, the ability to study at my own pace and around my existing schedule was invaluable.

This flexibility allowed me to stay focused and fully engaged with the course content without the pressure of fixed schedules or location constraints. It meant I could find that perfect balance between my work, personal life, and professional development. I was able to absorb the material deeply and apply it to my role in real-time, which made for a more engaging and impactful learning experience.

Additionally, the online learning environment provided me with access to a wealth of resources, expert-led content, and a global network of professionals that helped me further enrich my understanding of ESG and corporate governance, all while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.