Alumni Testimonials
Lifelong learning is the cornerstone of UCD Smurfit Executive Development’s approach. No matter how far you have advanced in your career, there are always new insights to uncover, different mind-sets to explore and more opportunities for growth. Smurfit Executive Development’s transformational experience has made an impact on executives around the globe. Here are a few stories from participants who embraced their Diploma in Corporate Governance journeys and emerged equipped to grow themselves, their teams and their organisations.
Dan Barrett, Vice President IT, Tyson Foods
“As a CIO, the inclusion of technology governance in the UCD Diploma in Corporate Governance was the catalyst for my decision to join the programme. It was the first year this forward-looking and highly relevant module was introduced, a timely recognition of the growing strategic importance of digital oversight at board level. The content explored everything from cybersecurity and digital risk to data governance and AI, providing a comprehensive view of how boards must now engage with technology as a core part of their governance responsibilities.
The diversity of backgrounds in the classroom, ranging from finance and legal to healthcare and the public sector, created a genuinely enriching environment where peer learning was just as valuable as the formal teaching. The programme is academically rigorous, but also practical and thought-provoking, with real-life scenarios that helped bring governance principles to life. Whether it was financial oversight, board dynamics, legal responsibilities, strategy and business performance or risk management, every session was thoughtfully delivered by experienced faculty and industry experts.
For anyone considering or preparing for an INED role, this diploma is a must. It not only builds the technical knowledge and critical thinking required, but also helps cultivate the strategic mindset and cross-sector awareness essential for board effectiveness today. I would highly recommend it!”
Dyan Daly, Director of Physical Analysis, Forensic Science Ireland
“The UCD Diploma in Corporate Governance was a compelling journey into the world of academic excellence, insight and creativity, not to mention the tricks and tips for the day job. I consider myself really lucky to have shared this experience with talented leaders from all sectors of industry and Public Service. I benefitted enormously from the course work, classroom discussions and great facilities on offer at UCD Smurfit Executive Development. A truly fascinating uncovering of Corporate Governance, a framework by which to live your best professional life and a window into What Good Looks Like.”
Ronan Horgan, CEO at Capitalflow
"You join a group of executives from completely different backgrounds from commercial to public service. Each is mature and experienced enough to leave their ego at the door and be open to listening to one another. You learn as much from your peers as from the faculty. The range of different topics and subjects covered; all taught by different expert lecturers with unique styles, I thought was brilliant. It was thoroughly engaging, and learned a lot from the working group that I was assigned to during the programme who were a great help.”
Helen Prendergast, Company Secretary, Davy
“I had the privilege of participating in the UCD Professional Diploma in Corporate Governance, and I can confidently say that it was a transformative experience. As a Corporate Governance Risk Expert, I found the practical application of governance theories particularly valuable. The collaborative learning environment allowed me to draw on my professional experiences and learn from fellow participants who came from a wide variety of sectors and backgrounds. The class established a strong bond and has continued to stay in touch providing an excellent network to lean into when advice or direction is needed. Graduates emerge as informed, agile, and critical thinkers, capable of navigating complexity and uncertainty that governance challenges regularly present. The UCD course is the gold-standard qualification in corporate governance in Ireland and is constantly evolving to reflect emerging trends and practices. A must for any aspiring directors or governance professionals!”
Mary Horgan, Professor of Infectious Diseases, University College Dublin
“Investing time and effort in to successfully completing the Diploma in Corporate Governance has been worth it for me, personally and professionally. The course was delivered by experts in the field who had the ability to impart knowledge in a clear way to a class from diverse professional backgrounds. The course has given the confidence to use this important new skillset to practice corporate governance to the highest level and has opened new opportunities for me in my career.”
Carmel O'Brien, Chief People Officer, Axa Insurance Ireland
“Having just completed the Diploma in Corporate Governance with the class of 2024, I would heartily endorse the course. Not only does it provide a deep dive into the complexities of the ever evolving landscape of Corporate Governance, but it also includes a group of lecturers who are passionate about the topic and completely generous with their time, to ensure that the students on the course get all they need both in class and out. The Group assignments were a great way of ensuring that all of the class collaborated and learnt from a diversity of backgrounds and expertise. A challenging but invigorating experience.”
Alison Duffy, Head of Corporate Services, Chester Beatty
"The Corporate Governance Diploma delivered by Smurfit is truly without parallel. The range of topics covered ensures participants are up to date with developments, well prepared and builds confidence in your ability to rise to and meet the challenges you may encounter in your current and future roles. The course is designed and delivered in an engaging and appropriately demanding format that drew the best from people while ensuring we were supported on our learning journey. I believe the benefits of attending the course are both to my career and my personal life through the insights gained and relationships established."
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