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

Currently, I serve as a Program Director in the technology industry, where I lead program direction, monitoring, and oversight. Previously, I was the Head of Operational Innovation at UCD Innovation Academy. My consulting career includes positions at EY and KPMG Ireland. I managed technology consulting projects and delivered impactful solutions to clients, running the governance for regulatory risk programs in the banking industry and major capital investment programs in the utilities sector.

In the military, I served as an Operations Officer with the EU Battle Group, overseeing critical operations. As a Military Observer with the United Nations, I contributed to peacekeeping efforts in Western Sahara. I led training for Somali forces as a Team Leader with EU Training Mission Somalia. My earlier military roles include serving as an Instructor at the Cadet School-Defence Forces Ireland, commanding a platoon with NATO in Kosovo, and commanding a platoon with the Defence Forces in Monaghan from July 2005 to March 2008.

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

Before taking your course, I was facing a combination of personal and professional challenges. Professionally, I had extensive experience in major program governance, particularly within highly structured and regulated environments. While this background provided me with a solid foundation, I recognised the need to expand my knowledge into the broader area of corporate governance.

One of the key opportunities I saw was the chance to learn current best practices and effective approaches in corporate governance. My previous roles had equipped me with a deep understanding of governance in traditional settings, but I wanted to understand how to apply these principles in the more agile and dynamic world of software technology. This transition required me to adapt to new methodologies and frameworks that are less rigid but equally impactful.

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

I chose to study for the Diploma in Corporate Governance with your institution because I was eager to learn how to positively influence governance in environments that prioritise flexibility and rapid innovation. The course offered a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between my existing expertise and the evolving demands of corporate governance in the tech industry.

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

One of the elements of the course that stood out to me and made a significant impact was how it challenged me in areas where I initially thought I was strong, particularly in risk and risk governance. The course provided a deeper and more nuanced understanding of these topics, pushing me to rethink and refine my approach.

Additionally, what was extremely useful were the insights and webinars that covered board dynamics and how to conduct evaluations and assessments of the board. These sessions offered practical, real-world perspectives that were invaluable in understanding the complexities of board interactions and the importance of effective governance practices. The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application in these areas has greatly enhanced my ability to contribute to and positively influence corporate governance.

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

Some aspects of the course have been immediately useful, allowing me to apply new insights and techniques straight away. One of the most significant impacts has been my ability to contextualise items and areas within a business that are connected to gaps or misalignment between the strategic direction at the board level and execution down through the organisation.

Under leadership, the course has afforded me a much greater perspective. It has allowed me to see the striking similarities between the concepts of strategy through to execution that I had experienced in the military. This realisation has been invaluable, as I now see how I can leverage my previous military experience to improve how I operate in the business world.

This newfound understanding has enabled me to identify and address gaps more effectively, ensuring that strategic objectives are aligned with operational execution. This has allowed me to adopt more holistic and informed strategies, ultimately leading to better governance outcomes and a more agile, responsive organisation.

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

The content is clear and accessible. I highly recommend that people join the live webinars that are on offer as they can provide great insight beyond the theory. Finally the additional links and references that are provided with each module have been really useful, and I have found myself referring to many articles and bookmarked websites since completing the diploma.

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

Take your time as you learn to capture some of the additional information that is made available in a module. In a busy world we can sometimes get through a module quickly, but if you take a little time to look through the additional web links and references you will find resources that can be immediately useful.