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

Before discovering The Corporate Governance Institute, I had over 30 years of professional experience in development finance, credit, portfolio management, risk management and financial operations, including senior management responsibilities within a Pan-African development finance institution. My experience has involved working across diverse African markets, overseeing complex portfolios, strengthening governance and risk frameworks, and supporting strategic decision-making.

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

I have always been particularly interested in risk and corporate governance. The main challenge I faced was gaining a deeper understanding of international best practices and how to effectively translate them into strong governance, from the board-level through to management, to support the success and sustainability of an institution.

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

I went with TCGI because it is one of the leading institutions in the corporate governance world. I chose the Diploma in Corporate Governance to deepen my knowledge of governance principles and gain practical insight into international best practices. I wanted to strengthen my ability to contribute effectively at Board and management levels and support sound, transparent and sustainable decision-making.

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

Two elements particularly stood out during my learning journey. First, I gained a deeper appreciation of the importance of organisational culture and how it is no longer solely a management responsibility, but a key Board responsibility in preventing governance failures and crises. Second, the course highlighted the growing importance of ESG in today’s business environment, particularly the role of materiality assessments in identifying and addressing the issues that matter most to an organisation and its stakeholders.

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

Completing the course has strengthened my understanding of corporate governance, risk and ESG and has broadened my perspective on effective leadership. It has reinforced the importance of Board oversight, accountability, organisational culture and informed decision-making. I am now better equipped to challenge constructively, identify governance and ESG risks and contribute to more sustainable and effective institutional leadership.

How has it improved decision-making or performance within your organisation?

I initially took this course to better prepare for a future role as a Non-Executive Director (NED). However, the course’s breadth and practical focus have also strengthened my understanding of the corporate world, particularly the principles, responsibilities and boundaries that guide effective governance. This has improved my ability to make more informed decisions, ask the right questions and better understand the “dos and don’ts” of corporate leadership and oversight.

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

What I found most beneficial was the flexibility of TCGI’s learning platform, which let me balance my studies with my professional responsibilities. I also valued the discussion forums and webinars, which gave me opportunities to exchange perspectives, learn from others’ experiences and connect the course content to real-world governance issues.

What advice would you give future learners wishing to pursue the Diploma in Corporate Governance?

My advice would be to approach the Diploma with an open mind and a willingness to learn beyond the course materials. Take the time to engage with the discussion forums and webinars, as they provide valuable practical perspectives. Most importantly, apply the principles of good governance to your own professional experience, as this makes the learning more meaningful and impactful.

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

5/5