Programs

Annual Program

DDI Board Boot Camp

May 25 & 26, 2022, Rizzo Conference Center, Chapel Hill, NC

Download application here.

This program is designed for women, people of color, and those who would add in other ways to diversity and who want to learn more about corporate board service. Topics include the job of a director, the skills needed and how to develop them, realistic approaches to advancing your candidacy for a board of directors' position, diverse directors in non-diverse settings, and evaluating companies and opportunities. The 2021 program was followed up with Peer Pods. Each Peer Pod met with a group leader three times (for an hour) before the end of the year. This is an opportunity to follow up with the skills taught in the Boot Camp. Enrollment is limited and based upon application. For more information, contact Lissa Broome, 919.962.7066; lbroome@email.unc.edu

Thank you to our generous program sponsor:

Thank you to our 2021-22 Diversity Champion:

Sponsorship opportunities: If your company is interested in sponsoring this program, please email Lissa Broome, lbroome@email.unc.edu. Sponsorship includes complimentary registrations.

Upcoming Programs

Focusing on Diversity and Inclusion in the Boardroom, with the Diligent Director Network

November 3, 2021, 4:00 - 5:00 pm, Virtual

We're excited to share with our members a unique opportunity with Diligent, the leader in modern governance technology. Last year, Diligent launched their Modern Leadership initiative to improve diversity from the top, starting with the boardroom. Join us for a webinar to learn how you can be part of a network of diverse directors and rising directors, including access to view and apply for board opportunities at leading organizations worldwide.

Register here.

Leading from the Boardroom -- Private Company Governance

November 10, 2021, 1:00 - 4:30 pm and November 11, 2021, 8:30 am-Noon, Raleigh, NC

The DDI is once again partnering with our local NACD chapter to bring a fantastic program to our members. Governance of private companies has become an increasingly complex job, as boards confront new enterprise risks ranging from supply chain disruption to talent acquisition and retention, data security and privacy, and more. At the same time, private companies focused on growth face a range of choices including taking on new investors or strategic partners, preparing for an IPO, and considering non-traditional financing methods such as special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs).

Please note: DDI Database members may take advantage of free registration here!
Learn about each session on the NACD website: day one and day two. Use link above to register.

Writing Board Resumes and Bios with Deb Wheatman

Wednesday, December 1, 2021, 4:00 - 5:00 pm, Virtual

Meet with Deb Wheatman, founder and president of Careers Done Write, a marketing and branding company, for some tips on writing board resumes and board bios. Packaging yourself and understanding your board value proposition are important steps in your corporate board journey. Get a head start on your New Year’s Resolutions and work on your board documents in December!

Register here.

The Power of a Strong Online Presence with Anouk Pappers

Wednesday, December 8, 2021, 4:00 - 5:00 pm, Virtual

Anouk Pappers has presented several times for the DDI and we always learn so much on the importance of having and controlling a strong online presence, and how to promote yourself as a board candidate. She returns this winter with her lessons on what's next . . . after you've created your Personal Brand, started publishing, how to stay relevant, engage, and find the time to create new content?
Learn more about Anouk’s company here and here.

Register here.

Past Programs

Corporate Board Member and Corporate Board Member Institute Info Session

October 19, 2021, Virtual

We learned about Corporate Board Member and Corporate Board Member Institute. Corporate Board Member publishes Corporate Board Member magazine and newsletter and the Institute hosts peer networks and educational programs for board members. Corporate Board Member focuses on current public company board members, but its newsletter and some of its other educational resources are available to all.

If you would like to receive a link to the Zoom recording of this program, email Jennifer De La Rosa, jdelarosa@unc.edu

DDI & OnBoardNC: Financial Literacy for Directors 2.0

October 13, 2021, Virtual

This 90-minute session is designed for current public and private company board directors who are not financial experts. While these directors may rely on the expertise of their Audit and Finance Committee members, this session focused on building the “financial muscle” of all board directors, consistent with their oversight responsibilities. Aspiring directors may also find this session helpful to strengthen their due diligence and interview preparation efforts.

During this session, we discussed how to use financial information and operational indicators to:

• Determine the overall financial health of a business
• Develop probing questions to gauge management's financial and analytical skills
• Ensure alignment between corporate strategy and financial decision making
• Set expectations, both financial and operational, for a strategic acquisition
• Evaluate results of strategic moves post-acquisition
• Understand the company’s prospects for future success
• Assess the meaningfulness and reliability of long-term financial forecasts
• “Read between the (financial) lines” to identify and anticipate red flag issues

This session built on the knowledge gained from “An Introduction to Financial Literacy for Corporate Board Directors” presented in September, 2020. This foundational session teaches attendees how to learn about public companies through their financial documents. If you did not attend the session, it is suggested that you view the session recording ahead of the 2.0 session. If you would like to receive a link to the Zoom recording of both the 1.0 and 2.0 program, email Jennifer De La Rosa, jdelarosa@unc.edu

Moderator: Wendy Burden
Panelists: Bonnie Hancock, Edwina Woodbury and Ravila Gupta

DDI & OnBoardNC Intro: Him For Her

October 6, 2021, Virtual

Join the discussion with Ann Shepherd, Co-Founder and COO of Him For Her! Ann talked about the value of joining Him for Her as a member (joining the talent network of candidates) and the unique way they engage corporations and candidates (usually a live conversation) to help place new board members. And, by the way, the service is free for candidates!

An Introduction to Private Directors Association

September 14, 2021, Virtual

The DDI is pleased to invite you to learn about and consider if membership with the Private Directors Association is right for you. DDI members get a special 20% discount off the $350 annual membership fee (valid until the end of 2021). Private company board service is often overlooked by aspiring directors. PDA has networking opportunities through their 20+ local chapters, rich educational content including a certificate in private company governance, an online library of a proprietary body of knowledge, and a director and advisory board member search service for private companies. View the PDA overview for the DDI here.

If you would like to receive a link to the Zoom recording of this program, email Jennifer De La Rosa, jdelarosa@unc.edu

Establish Your Personal Brand and Enhance Your Online Presence - presented by Anouk Pappers

August 18, 2021, Virtual

Anouk Pappers was back with us this summer! She teaches us the importance of having and controlling a strong online presence, and how to promote yourself as a board candidate. She’ll talk about the common mistakes people make with regards to their online presence and give us her Tips and Tactics for personal branding.

The National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) and the NACD Research Triangle Chapter

July 15, 2021, Virtual

Many of you are familiar with NACD. Until recently membership was limited to sitting board members of for profit or nonprofit companies, but NACD’s new Accelerate provides an entry point for those who are not current board members. NACD Accelerate™ is a unique, two-year program that creates a pathway for high-potential executives with little or no experience in the boardroom to prepare for board service. Participants are provided with the tools, resources, and exposure that—along with excellent business judgment—are essential to launching a successful career as a director. NACD Accelerate also includes enrollment in NACD’s Director Professionalism foundation course for new and rising directors and the NACD Virtual Directorship Certification program.

Additionally, we heard about other resources provided by NACD and its local NACD chapters (in this case the Research Triangle Chapter) – some of which are also available to non-NACD members.

If you would like to receive a link to the Zoom recording of this program, email Jennifer De La Rosa, jdelarosa@unc.edu

TAKE YOUR SEAT and DDI

June 16, 2021, Virtual

Friends, if you haven’t met Jerusha Stewart yet, this is your perfect opportunity. Jerusha is CEO + Co-founder of TAKE YOUR SEAT, a new and fast-growing social venture company with a powerful commitment to boardroom diversity. Their comprehensive online community is free for candidates such as yourself and links Black candidates with board leaders, and provides education, mentorship, access, and opportunity. Their philosophy of give a seat, add a seat, fill a seat, and share the mission includes us all. This session with Take Your Seat will focus on aspiring board candidates of color and allies.

If you would like to receive a link to the Zoom recording of this program, email Jennifer De La Rosa, jdelarosa@unc.edu

A Look Inside Athena

June 10, 2021, Virtual

DDI members have a special opportunity to join Athena Alliance, a community platform that brings together women leaders, investors, CEOs, board directors, and corporations in one global, digital ecosystem. The DDI is thrilled to present this free, one-hour information session with Athena Alliance and its dynamic founder and CEO, Coco Brown.

Athena memberships start at $850 on an annual basis, however, DDI members will be offered a discount. Members gain access to board opportunities, exclusive events, one-on-one mentorship, and more. They may also layer on one-on-one coaching.

If you would like to receive a link to the Zoom recording of this program, email Jennifer De La Rosa, jdelarosa@unc.edu

Broadening Corporate Board Diversity: Earning a Board Seat

May 27, 2021, Virtual

Welcome comments from Albert P. Carey, Executive Chairman at Unifi, our Diversity Champion.

Panelists:

• Emma Battle - Boards of Unifi Inc.; Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc.; Primo Water Corporation; and Southeastern Wind Coalition
• Andrea Bierce - Boards of UBS Bank USA and Cyient, a public company in Hyderabad, India; Freedom Communities; Advisory Board, Levine Cancer Institute
• Suzanne Miglucci - Boards of Terra Dotta, LLC; OnBoardNC and Advisory Board, DDI
• Shana Plott - CEO of Coleman Lew Canny Bowen executive search firm; board of Loaves and Fishes
• Jennifer Venable - Board of Fathom Holdings Inc. and Southeast Raleigh YMCA advisory board
• Richard (Stick) Williams - Boards of Coca-Cola Consolidated; HomeTrust Bank and HomeTrust Bancshares Inc.; and Bank of Commerce

Introduction to the Equilar Diversity Network

April 13, 2021

We’re pleased to announce that we are partnering with Equilar, Silicon Valley-based market leader in corporate leadership data, as its newest member of the Equilar Diversity Network (EDN). EDN is a consortium of more than 40 leading organizations focused on driving board diversity and changing the way organizations identify diverse board talent. The partnership presents a unique opportunity for member profiles to be included in Equilar’s BoardEdge database, recognized as a leading technology solution for board search.

DDI Database members are invited to create a profile within the BoardEdge platform. In this virtual informational session we will share resources and best practices for profile set up.

Partnership highlights and member benefits:

• Profiles are included in an exclusive database of nearly one million executives and board members
• Hundreds of organizations access BoardEdge to search for board candidates
• Gain complimentary access to Equilar’s governance knowledge center
• Receive exclusive member discounts to Equilar’s board education forums

If you would like to receive a link to the Zoom recording of this program, email Jennifer De La Rosa, jdelarosa@unc.edu

NACD, DDI, and OnBoardNC
Leading From the Boardroom: The Diversity Imperative

April 6-7, 2021

A two-day educational program for current and aspiring directors, and organizations interested in:

• The latest data on diversity, equity and inclusion and board decision-making
• How to prepare for service on a for-profit board
• Advancing skills as a sitting director
• A deep dive into strategic priorities for corporations and implications for corporate governance

View the NACD Resource Guide.

The Diversity Movement: Say This, Not That

March 25, 2021

Language is both a mirror and a force, constantly reflecting and influencing our actions, attitudes, and beliefs. That can be scary if every word is a window to our unconscious bias, but each of these interactions can also be a window to our best intentions and your personal growth. Inclusive language is the daily practice of intentional and unbiased word selection that acknowledges diversity, conveys respect to all people, and promotes equitable opportunities.

Donald Thompson, founder and CEO of The Diversity Movement!, led a live, facilitator-guided training that focuses on understanding inclusive language, its advantages, and applications. This session provided guidelines for inclusive language as well as highlighted real-world examples of words that are not inclusive and more inclusive alternatives. This session began with a high-level overview of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and the ROI of DEI before moving into the inclusive language focus. This event included interactive Q&A.

If you would like to receive a link to the Zoom recording of this program and the slides, email Jennifer De La Rosa, jdelarosa@unc.edu

An Intro to Startup Board Service and Bolster.com – Is It For You?

February 23, 2021

Learn more about what serving on the board of a start-up looks like, please join us for a webinar with our new partner, Bolster.  Bolster is an on-demand executive talent marketplace that helps accelerate companies’ growth by connecting them with talented executives for interim, fractional, advisory, project-based, and board roles.

Hear from Matt Blumberg, Cristina Miller, and Michelle Goldberg (bios here) about what start-up boards are looking for in board members and how your skills, professional and volunteer experience, and interests may help. The Bolster platform will be described in more detail.

If you would like to receive a link to the recording of this program, please contact Jennifer De La Rosa, jdelarosa@unc.edu. DDI Database members will be invited to join Bolster.

Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile for A Board Search
presented by Alyssa Gelbard

February 1, 2021

Whether you’re seeking a first-time board seat or are an experienced director, your LinkedIn profile requires a targeted approach. Don’t make the mistake of focusing solely on your impact as an operational executive. It’s critical to highlight all board experience (including nonprofit and advisory boards) as well as board-relevant experience (e.g., M&A, transformation, global expansion) and expertise in key areas (e.g., cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, risk management).

In this session, we’ll share essential strategies and tips to optimize your LinkedIn profile and improve visibility for a board search by:

• Making the right impression with a board-appropriate Headshot
• Writing an effective Headline that goes beyond your title & company
• Articulating board value in the Summary
• Adjusting Experience section to be more board-relevant
• Including relevant hard and soft Skills

Learn about Alyssa here.

Creating A Board-Ready Resume
presented by Alyssa Gelbard

January 12, 2021

A board-focused resume is a critical part of your toolkit when marketing yourself for a board seat. Whether just starting the board journey or well on your way, your resume should emphasize board-relevant content and not operational details. The resume you use for pursuing board opportunities is not the same one that should be used when applying for jobs. In this session, we’ll cover strategies and tips to:

• Communicate boardroom value &expertise
• Maximize readability
• Optimize content organization and formatting
• Avoid outdated tactics
• Apply best practices in each section

Learn about Alyssa here.

Establish Your Brand and Enhance Your Social Media Presence presented by Anouk Pappers

December 8, 2020

Anouk Pappers made a big impression back in July and came back by popular demand. She taught us the importance of your online presence and how to promote yourself as a board candidate. She went over the common mistakes people make and loaded us with her Tips and Tactics for personal branding. Learn more about Anouk’s company here and here.

Introduction to Mutual Fund Boards

November 16, 2020

In this session we learned about mutual fund board opportunities and how mutual fund boards differ from corporate boards. This session was presented by the Mutual Fund Directors Forum. The MFDF is an independent, non-profit organization that serves independent directors of mutual funds and other U.S. registered investment companies. This program is being offered at no cost.

If you would like to receive a link to the Zoom recording of this program and the slides, email Jennifer De La Rosa, jdelarosa@unc.edu

Race in the Boardroom

October 27, 2020

Panelists: Emma Battle, Bernard Bell, Keecha Harris and Lloyd Johnson

We discussed what role a corporate board of directors may have in helping address systemic racism. With the assistance of our wonderful panelists and the hands-on work of the program participants who provided ideas from their small groups, we compiled Race in the Boardroom: A Black Paper. The Black Paper’s purpose is to help guide discussion in the corporate boardroom about how boards can think about and respond to systemic racism and racial tensions in our society.

Financial Literacy for Directors

September 15, 2020

Panelists: Maryann Bruce, Wendy Burden, Nora Crouch and Lloyd Johnson

If you would like to receive a link to the Zoom recording of this program and the supporting materials, please contact Jennifer De La Rosa, jdelarosa@unc.edu.