Practical learning for directors, officers and executives. Building both the hard skills and the soft skills that make boards effective.
Why It Matters
Directors and officers are navigating increasing volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. Often the skills, experiences and knowledge that brought us to these roles were gained in less turbulent times.
Research consistently shows that hubris is a key barrier to board learning and development, and therefore to the long-term survival of the organisations that directors and trustees are custodians of. A key driver of poor board decision-making is often group psychology gone awry.
The remedy for both challenges is continual learning, both individually and as a group. Great board education brings directors and officers together in a collaborative environment to build on both the hard skills (knowledge, frameworks, technical understanding) and the soft skills (collaboration, constructive challenge, collective decision-making).
"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." Benjamin Franklin
"I was dreading this workshop, but what an amazing afternoon. Jason did a brilliant job facilitating us through a challenging issue. Extremely engaging!" Non-Executive Director, Large Superannuation Fund
Benefits
Every organisation is constantly evolving, as is its operating environment. Continuing education keeps directors and officers up to date with the issues, risks and opportunities that shape their governance responsibilities.
Directors and officers need a broad range of skills: strategic thinking, risk and compliance management, financial literacy, managing conflict, developing culture and understanding supply chains. These skills need to evolve as organisations and societies evolve.
Independent directors provide unbiased oversight and constructively challenge the executive team. Great collaborative learning deepens trust and understanding of how others around the board table think, learn and explore ideas.
Directors and officers must be aware of their legal and ethical responsibilities. Continuing education ensures they understand the latest governance standards and regulatory requirements.
Education programmes create opportunities for directors, executives and management to share experiences, learn from each other and deepen their understanding of each other. Some of the best governance outcomes come from these moments.
Boards make decisions as a group, not as individuals. Great education helps boards develop the collective capability to navigate complex issues together, manage healthy debate and reach better outcomes.
How I Work
Some of the best education moments I have experienced have happened when directors, executives, managers and staff worked together in a learning environment, collaborating to build their collective understanding.
My approach to director education is built on facilitation, not lecturing. I guide participants through content, draw on their own experiences, and create space for the kind of open, constructive discussion that builds both knowledge and trust.
Every engagement is tailored. Whether it is a full-day board strategy workshop, a focused session on a specific governance challenge, or an ongoing programme of director development, the content and format are designed around the needs of the group.
Facilitated sessions designed around a specific challenge, topic or strategic priority. Typically half-day or full-day, delivered in person or online.
Multi-session director development programmes built around an organisation's specific governance needs. Ideal for boards going through transition or growth.
Focused learning sessions delivered as part of a regular board meeting or dedicated development day. Efficient and immediately applicable.
Bringing directors from different organisations together to learn from each other's experiences. Particularly effective for peak bodies and sector groups.
AICD Faculty
The Australian Institute of Company Directors works with the best facilitators in the country. I have been an AICD Senior Facilitator since 2010, delivering governance, strategy, risk and cyber education across their flagship programmes to thousands of directors.
"The breadth of experience, the war stories and insights that Jason brought to our Board was crucial for us during a difficult transition." Managing Director, Privately Owned Corporation
Who This Is For
Director education works for organisations of every size and sector. I deliver tailored education for boards and councils across state and local government, peak bodies, not-for-profits, financial services, utilities and private enterprise.
Engagements are particularly valuable when:
The board has new members and needs to build a shared understanding of governance roles, expectations and ways of working.
The organisation is entering a period of change such as a strategic review, leadership transition, merger, or response to a significant event.
Specific topics need attention such as risk governance, cyber oversight, stakeholder management, or the board's role in culture.
The board wants to lift its collective performance and is looking for a structured, facilitated approach to ongoing development.
What participants say
Based on analysis of 875 survey responses across 134 AICD facilitation sessions, September 2020 to March 2026.
"Jason's facilitation style was unbelievable and awe inspiring. I've never been so excited about risk and strategy! Highly engaging and deeply rewarding, I left the class feeling energised and inspired."
Participant, AICD Company Directors Course
"I thought Jason was a fantastic facilitator and brought humour and good real life experience to his role. I think the success of the day was due to his skill at engaging the group."
Participant, AICD Company Directors Course
"Jason is an excellent and passionate facilitator who brought the material to life. He was able to cut through the detail in a very relatable way."
Participant, AICD Foundations of Directorship
"As a very new director I found all aspects interesting. Jason is a very skilled facilitator and was able to give very practical advice."
Participant, AICD Foundations of Directorship
"Jason was interactive, has many discussions and contextualised information to each person's different role. He is a great facilitator, with charm, wit, loads of knowledge and made the subject interesting."
Participant, AICD Governance for Directors
"The facilitator managed to make a dry topic entertaining and provided amazing real life examples."
Participant, AICD Company Directors Course
Every board has different development needs. Reach out for an obligation-free conversation about how tailored education could support yours.
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