ICD Launches Video Learning Series to Enhance Performance of Advisory Boards

On-demand series bridges gap between classroom and online director education

TORONTO, Sept. 24, 2015 /CNW/ - Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), the national association representing Canada's directors and boards, has launched an on-demand video learning series to help directors become more effective in serving on advisory boards for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The series comprises four modules of approximately 20 minutes each which can be completed online anytime, anywhere.

According to a 2014 study by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), 86 per cent of entrepreneurs who have an advisory board noticed an important impact on their business success including 67 per cent sales growth; yet only 6 per cent of Canadian SMEs have an advisory board. The series' curriculum, developed by the ICD, enables directors to better understand how to match their skills and industry experience to the needs of advisory boards, while supporting entrepreneurs in growing their business.

"Many Canadian small and medium enterprises don't have an advisory board because they believe it requires time and effort which could otherwise be spent on the business. In reality, a high functioning advisory board can open up opportunities for growth and long-term success," said Stan Magidson, President and CEO of the ICD.

"The ICD's video learning series is designed to help directors understand how they can contribute meaningfully in an advisory board, while demonstrating to entrepreneurs that advisory boards provide valuable advice and access to networks not currently available to them," Mr. Magidson added. 

The series covers topics such as deciding to serve on an advisory board, positioning oneself for potential board opportunities, developing a successful approach to high performance and navigating the transition from an advisory to fiduciary board. Modules are delivered in the form of interviews with distinguished corporate directors and thought leaders with deep advisory board experience including John Thompson, former chair of the board of TD Bank, Brian Hayward, a director on Princess Auto's advisory board and Dr. Gary Gorman, Dean Emeritus at Memorial University of Newfoundland.

The ICD offers a variety of director education opportunities including its flagship ICD-Rotman Directors Education Program (DEP), the ICD-Rotman NFP Program and one-day short courses on topical governance issues such as audit committees, human resources and compensation and enterprise risk. With the launch of its on-demand video series, the ICD has bridged the gap between classroom education and online learning. The series is currently available for members of the ICD only and can be found at www.icd.ca/VLS.

About the Institute of Corporate Directors
The Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) is the definitive 'go-to' resource and voice for Canada's directors and boards in the for-profit, not-for-profit and Crown sectors. As the national community for directors, the ICD is a not-for-profit, member-based association with more than 10,000 members and a network of 11 chapters across Canada. Representing the interests of directors, the ICD fosters the sharing of knowledge and wisdom through education, professional development programs and services, and thought leadership and advocacy to achieve the highest standard of directorship. For more information, please visit: www.icd.ca.

SOURCE Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD)

Maliha Aqeel, Director, Communications, Institute of Corporate Directors, Tel: [phone], ext. 229, Email: [email protected]