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

I have worked in corporate governance for more than 20 years and currently serve as Group Board Secretary & Governance Director at Dubai Taxi Company PJSC, a publicly listed company in the UAE. Throughout my career, I have focused on strengthening governance frameworks, supporting Board effectiveness and promoting sound decision-making. Continuous learning has always been an important part of my professional journey.

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

Governance is evolving rapidly. Boards today are expected to oversee not only strategy and financial performance, but also emerging areas such as AI, cybersecurity, sustainability and increasing stakeholder expectations. As a governance professional, I wanted to ensure that my knowledge continued to evolve alongside these changes and remained aligned with international best practice.

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

I was looking for a program that would complement my practical experience with a structured and internationally focused perspective. The Diploma in Corporate Governance offered an opportunity to benchmark my knowledge, challenge my thinking and continue developing professionally in a discipline that never stands still.

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

I particularly valued the practical approach of the programme. Rather than focusing solely on theory, it encouraged critical thinking and connected governance principles with real boardroom challenges. The coverage of Board effectiveness, leadership, stakeholder governance and emerging governance issues was especially relevant to my role.

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

The Diploma in Corporate Governance reinforced many aspects of my practical experience, while providing fresh perspectives that I have incorporated into my work. It strengthened my ability to advise the Board on governance matters with greater confidence and helped me view governance through an even more strategic lens, particularly in relation to Board effectiveness, oversight and long-term value creation.

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

The Diploma strengthened my ability to support the Board through enhanced governance frameworks, more effective Board processes and the application of international best practices. This has contributed to better informed discussions, stronger oversight and ultimately higher quality decision-making in my organisation.

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

The most valuable aspect was the opportunity to step back from day-to-day responsibilities and reflect on governance from an international perspective. The program reinforced the importance of continuous learning and demonstrated how governance continues to adapt to changing business environments and emerging risks.

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

Never assume that experience alone is enough. Governance is constantly evolving and continuous professional development is essential for anyone who wants to remain effective in the boardroom. My advice to both aspiring and experienced governance professionals is simple: good governance evolves as organisations, risks, technology and stakeholder expectations evolve. We must evolve with it.

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

5/5