A "peer-learning" initiative launched in 2009, now spanning six European countries: the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Scandinavia and the UK. Access is reserved to INSEAD alumni paid members.
IN-Board prepares INSEAD alumni for board positions, connecting participants who share similar interests. Designed by alumni for alumni, it's an executive education programme that follows the best of INSEAD's lifelong-learning tradition.
IN-Board targets people who are, or aspire to be, board members of SMEs, startups and listed corporations — as well as alumni who work with the board of their company, such as C-suite roles, strategic consultants, and private equity professionals.
Belgian alumni take part in six Labs where experienced professionals and business specialists share their knowledge. Each lab runs 17:00–20:30 at the premises of a corporate partner.
Governance frameworks and codes for listed and private companies — one-tier vs two-tier boards, director responsibilities and liabilities, the role of the secretary-general, board committees, and shareholder meetings. Plus the legal framework: civil and criminal liabilities, risk mitigation, market communication, activism, and compliance.
Family business governance and dynamics, succession planning, family governance structures, the board's role in family businesses, and best practices for structuring governance for long-term value creation.
Corporate values and mission, crisis and business risk management, the role of board members and management during transformation and crisis, stakeholder relationships, and crisis communication.
Roles of the chairperson, non-executives, independents and CEO; the decision-making process between board and Excom; assessing board performance; attitudes, behaviours and biases; and observations across board types.
A comprehensive understanding of ESG issues, their business impact, and how directors can effectively oversee and integrate sustainability principles into strategy and operations.
Types of professional investors and situations; the private equity governance model; board composition — which directors, when, and what expertise; and how boards actually function under investor ownership.
A long weekend on the Fontainebleau campus led by INSEAD Professors Erik van de Loo and Jaap Winter, focused on the behavioural aspects of board work — board dynamics, effectiveness and leadership. A full day of group coaching, based on a 360° appraisal, helps participants assess and improve their leadership style. It's also a chance to connect with IN-Boarders from the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Scandinavia and the UK.
Each wave writes a white paper on a topic relevant to the board, strengthening the group's bond and depth on a specific theme. The group selects a topic by the end of Lab II and finalizes the paper by the end of Lab VI.
The programme ends with a Graduation Ceremony, typically in late March, where the white paper is shared with former participants.
Open to INSEAD alumni (MBA or Executive Programmes) and IAAB members. Around 100 alumni have attended the Belgian programme so far, from listed companies, private companies, family enterprises, start-ups, government, social profit, private equity and consulting. Participants are experienced executives and board members with international profiles; prior board experience is welcome but not a prerequisite.
Organised by the Belgian IN-Board Committee, under the leadership of Luc Vanbecelaere and Donald Wildiers (Country Heads).
Reach out to Helena Andre for registration and details on the next wave.
inboard@inseadalumni.be