Kicking off our third cohort of the Women NED programme
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The third cohort of the Women’s Non-Executive Director (NED) Programme began with WiHTL & Diversity in Retail’s Founder & Chair, Tea Colaianni, recounting her own journey to becoming a NED and how her learning prompted the creation of this ground-breaking programme in 2023 — a programme which has now seen 70+ women leaders take part to date.
Becoming a NED requires a specific set of skills and knowledge that is notably different to an executive role. Our programme covers the essential topics that any aspiring NED needs to understand including Board governance, financial liability and NED role boundaries, as well as more bespoke guidance on adding strategic value in the boardroom, how to secure a role by improving professional networks and preparing a NED-ready CV.
The career outcomes of those taking part in this programme are remarkable and feedback has reflected the ambition and commitment felt at each in-person session. A previous programme graduate said: “The Women NED Programme is the most impactful and useful development programme I have been on in my 30 years of work. Filled with inspiring leaders, subject matter experts and educational materials, it provides a thorough insight into the realities of becoming a successful NED - warts and all! I'm sure our boardrooms would greatly benefit if all new NEDs could attend this programme.”
A new group of 17 women senior leaders were welcomed at the AlixPartners office in London for the programme kick-off and to meet in-person with cohort peers. This was followed by a fascinating talk by Richard Smith, Co-Head of Corporate and M&A at law firm Slaughter & May, who began by explaining the necessity and success of greater diversity — more women executives in this case — in the boardroom.
Outlining various aspects of corporate governance and how public and private companies operate differently with regard to NED roles and responsibilities, Richard went on to describe the key requirement of a NED as of promoting the success of the business over the long term, in addition to establishing procedures and checks, ensuring compliance is being adhered to, and — on a more individual level — for each NED to bring their own experience and expertise to the table.
Providing real-life examples of potential issues and responsibility brought yet another angle to the wide-ranging duties of a NED position but as with all leadership, the key lies in dealing with other people. Richard discussed how being on a Board is all about human dynamics and how you bring the best of yourself to the role through creating human relationships and working with other people on the Board. Choosing a company which is the right fit in terms of how a NED will interact with both the executive team and the Board is therefore paramount. The Women NED Programme includes detailed guidance — and first-hand knowledge from incumbent NEDs — on how to ensure these relationships are prioritised when applying for NED roles.
After breakout networking sessions, Tea rounded off the launch event with candid advice and tips from her NED and SID roles and wished the cohort the best of luck in their new learning journey.
Click here for more information on the our Women NED Programme.
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