Annual Program
DDI Board Boot Camp
May 24-25, 2023, Rizzo Conference Center, Chapel Hill, NC
Download the application for the 2023 program 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. We will form Peer Pods for those interested. Following the program each Peer Pod will meet with a group leader three times (for an hour) before the end of the year. This is an opportunity to work on skills discussed at the Boot Camp. Enrollment is limited and based upon application. For more information, contact Lissa Broome, 919.962.7066; lbroome@email.unc.edu
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
DDI Database & Website Refresh: Peek Behind the DDI Search Curtain
Wednesday, August 24, 2022, 4 - 5 pm EDT, Virtual
Learn about updates to the DDI database and website that can further your board search and corporate governance education. We will pull back the curtain and discuss the industry background and functional skills requested in the searches we have performed since January 2021. Review how to upload your refreshed board resume (refined following Deb Wheatman’s July 19 presentation). Hear from search partners about the value of the DDI database and from DDI database member Mary-Sara Camerino on best practices to simplify your entry into other databases, including Equilar, Diligent, and Bolster.
Register here.
How to Enhance Your Online Presence with Anouk Pappers
Wednesday, September 14, 2022, 4 - 5 pm EDT, Virtual
Please join us for an encore with Anouk Pappers. Anouk is one of our most frequent speakers for a reason. Her sessions are chock full of actionable steps you can take to enhance your online presence to help you towards fulfilling your goal of serving on a board or acquiring additional board seats.
Register here.
Networking for a Board Seat
Thursday, October 27, 2022, 4 - 5 pm EDT, Virtual
A panel of directors will discuss various aspects of networking for a board position, including attendance at events, membership in other organizations, making and following up on in-person connections, and networking with your base -- the people who have worked with you, know your talents best, and can be your champions.
Save the date! Registration link coming soon.
How I Got My First Board Seat, Part 2: The Interview Process and Your First Board Meeting
Wednesday, November 16, 2022, 4 - 5 pm EDT, Virtual
Join Suzanne Miglucci and panelists from last spring’s How I Got My First Board Seat program to dig into the specifics of the board interview process, including how to prepare and what questions you may be asked. The panelists will also discuss how to get up to speed, integrated into the board and company culture, and what to expect at your first board meeting.
Save the date! Registration link coming soon.
What You Need to Know About Director Compensation and D&O Insurance – the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Tuesday, December 6, 2022, 4 - 5 pm EDT, Virtual
The panel will discuss how director compensation is structured at different types of companies – public companies, mature private companies, PE-backed private companies, and start-ups – including the advantages and disadvantages of each form of compensation. Learn some of the basics of what to look for in Directors’ and Officers’ (D&O) Insurance and how it will operate to protect directors in the event of a lawsuit.
Save the date! Registration link coming soon.
Past Programs
Board Resume Workshop with Deb Wheatman
July 19, 2022, Virtual
Deb Wheatman discussed your Unique Value Proposition (UVP) and how to convey it on your board resume. She showed us examples of board resumes from successful board candidates and role play with one of our database members to discern their UVP. This session is great for those just starting on their board journey or looking for some inside tips on how to stand out.
Deb Wheatman is founder and president of Careers Done Write, a marketing and branding company. Her new book, HELP! to HIRED, can be found here.
If you would like to receive a link to the Zoom recording of this program, email Jennifer De La Rosa, jdelarosa@unc.edu
ESG for Board Members
April 6, 2022, Virtual
We hosted Brad
Ives, CEO of Credo ESG Solutions, which provides ESG solutions for private
equity firms and their portfolio companies, and Paula Alexander,
Senior Director of Sustainability at The Clorox Company, to increase your
ESG-literacy. They provided background on the current ESG landscape and
examples of how PE firms, their portfolio companies, and public companies are
responding to investor focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance issues.
If you would like to receive a link to the Zoom recording of this program, email Jennifer De La Rosa, jdelarosa@unc.edu
How I Got My First Board Seat
March 17, 2022, Virtual
We heard from five new board members on how they got their first
board seat. Their stories showed us the varied paths to the corporate
boardroom.
Panelists include:
If you would like to receive a link to the Zoom recording of this program, email Jennifer De La Rosa, jdelarosa@unc.edu
The Equilar Diversity Network and How it Can Help You on Your Board Journey
February 22, 2022, Virtual
This session reviewed the DDI and OnBoardNC partnership with the Equilar Diversity Network, including a refresher on how to engage with this tool. We will learn more about Equilar’s partnership with Nasdaq to help Nasdaq-listed companies identify diverse directors and comply with the new board diversity listing requirement.
If you would like to receive a link to the Zoom recording of this program, email Jennifer De La Rosa, jdelarosa@unc.edu
New Year, New You: Maximizing Your Authentic Presence for Board Service
January 25, 2022, Virtual
DDI welcomed Katherine Johnson, the founder of True Self Presence Consulting and The Leadership Presence Lab. Katherine partners with next level leaders to tap into their personal power and step into a presence and authentic personal brand that establishes credibility, encourages connection, and inspires respect. She provided tips for improving your online as well as personal presence. She discussed how to be authentic, establish trust, make a connection, and influence others. Read her bio here.
If you would like to receive a link to the Zoom recording of this program, email Jennifer De La Rosa, jdelarosa@unc.edu
The Power of a Strong Online Presence with Anouk Pappers
December 8, 2021, 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 returned 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.
Writing Board Resumes and Bios with Deb Wheatman
December 1, 2021, Virtual
We met 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.
Leading from the Boardroom -- Private Company Governance
November 10 - 11, 2021, Raleigh, NC
DDI database members were invited to join the NACD Research Triangle Chapter and OnBoardNC for an in-person event on Leading from the Board Room: Private Company Forum. The two-day event included panels on paths to an exit event, IPO readiness, composition of the board, supply chain risk (which included DDI database member Keith Pigues), talent recruitment and retention, and data security and privacy.
Focusing on Diversity and Inclusion in the Boardroom, with the Diligent Director Network
November 3, 2021, 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. In this webinar, we learned how to be part of a network of diverse directors and rising directors, including access to view and apply for board opportunities at leading organizations worldwide.
If you would like to receive a link to the Zoom recording of this program, email Jennifer De La Rosa, jdelarosa@unc.edu
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:
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Determine the overall financial health of a business
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Develop probing questions to gauge management's financial and analytical skills
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Ensure alignment between corporate strategy and financial decision making
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Set expectations, both financial and operational, for a strategic acquisition
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Evaluate results of strategic moves post-acquisition
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Understand the company’s prospects for future success
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Assess the meaningfulness and reliability of long-term financial forecasts
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“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:
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Profiles are included in an exclusive database of nearly one million executives and board members
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Hundreds of organizations access BoardEdge to search for board candidates
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Gain complimentary access to Equilar’s governance knowledge center
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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:
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The latest data on diversity, equity and inclusion and board decision-making
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How to prepare for service on a for-profit board
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Advancing skills as a sitting director
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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:
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Making the right impression with a board-appropriate Headshot
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Writing an effective Headline that goes beyond your title & company
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Articulating board value in the Summary
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Adjusting Experience section to be more board-relevant
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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:
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Communicate boardroom value &expertise
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Maximize readability
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Optimize content organization and formatting
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Avoid outdated tactics
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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.