This advanced e-learning course, “Investment and Finance Governance,” is meticulously designed for financial professionals, particularly Boards of Trustees, who are committed to navigating the complex intersection of strategic leadership and sound financial stewardship. In an era marked by a palpable “crisis in leadership” and dwindling public trust, this course emphasizes that great leadership is fundamentally about making great decisions. Participants will delve into the profound impact of leadership biases, such as the illusion of control and overconfidence, on strategic outcomes, learning how even high IQs can exacerbate these pitfalls. The curriculum provides a robust framework for strategic thinking, exploring its core elements—from defining the organizational “arena” to identifying vehicles for growth and understanding economic value. Crucially, the course dissects the common problem areas that impede strategy execution, such as a lack of awareness and misaligned incentives, and offers practical guidance on the four fundamental building blocks for successful implementation: decision rights, information flow, organizational structure, and motivators. By equipping learners with the tools to champion purposeful transformation, enhance performance management, and strategically allocate resources, this course empowers leaders to evolve their organizations, foster trust, and drive sustainable financial success.

Key Topics

• Crisis in Leadership and Trust
• Leadership Biases
• Strategic Thinking
• Elements of Strategic Thinking
• Strategic Planning and Management Initiatives
• Assessing the Situation (External and Internal Assessment)
• Organizational Drivers of Success
• Balanced Scorecard (BSC) Perspectives
• Cascading Strategy Through Structure and Process