Tell us a bit about yourself and why you chose to study your course.

My name is Ayo. My academic journey is encouraged by a passion for understanding the dynamics of corporate ethics, strategic decision-making, and leadership. I have a background in business and education, influenced significantly by my parents, who own their own business. This environment awakened my interest in the workings of companies and the complex politics involved, steering me towards a bachelor’s degree in business education. This course enriched my understanding of various aspects, from leadership and motivation to the fundamentals of setting up a business.

Motivated by the idea of imparting knowledge, I immediately pursued teaching after my BSc, educating high school students in commerce and accounting for three years. While teaching I also began a robust seven-year career spanning business, insurance, education, and humanitarian sectors, honing my understanding of the critical role of administration and governance. During this period, while assisting in the family business and teaching, my quest for knowledge grew, leading me to explore corporate governance, ultimately driving me to enrol on the masters degree at Leeds Beckett University.

Conversations with my mentor provided me with deep insights into the field, further enhancing my understanding and interest. My passion for business, as well as my commitment to impactful governance are fuelled by witnessing Nigeria's entrepreneurial growth, underscoring the need for skilled professionals to guide this expansion beneficially.

What have been the highlights of your course experience?

From the very first day in class, it became evident that I was in a welcoming environment. The diverse backgrounds of my fellow students helped me feel at home. My favourite modules in the first semester were "Boardroom Dynamics" and "Interpreting Financial Accounting." Despite my prior experience in business and accounting, these two subjects proved revelatory, offering fresh perspectives on corporate dynamics. I particularly enjoyed the case studies on these modules, giving me insights into the pivotal roles played by corporate boards.

Has the course helped you to utilise your previous experiences and skills?

Through the course's focus on accountability, strategic decision-making, and ethical leadership, I have enhanced my skills as a company secretary.  The course has sharpened my risk assessment and decision-making skills, crucial in navigating the complexities of business environments. Also, corporate governance's emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and ethical practices has deepened my commitment to including these values in my own work. It has broadened my understanding of strategic planning, considering various perspectives and prioritising sustainability, stakeholders, and social responsibility. The Corporate Governance course has not only allowed me to exercise my existing skillset, but it has also fostered growth in key areas, preparing me for advanced leadership roles and challenges in the evolving business landscape.

Can you tell us about any practical opportunities on the course?

A company I worked for in Nigeria is currently on the verge of changing its board members. With the knowledge gained from this module on the course, I was able to advise the Executive Director of the partnership organisation on what to look out for when it comes to members of a board. The knowledge gained from the class "Boardroom Dynamics" has been a huge eye-opener because it helped a lot in understanding how a company behaves and reacts to problems.

How would you say the course has helped your own professional skills development?

Reflecting on my journey from where I started to where I stand now, there has been a significant transformation in my professional development and skillset, marked by enhanced discipline, accountability, and ethical practices. My understanding of strategic decision-making, along with the value of transparency and inclusivity in leadership roles, has deepened. This journey has sharpened my capabilities in risk management, strategic planning, and stakeholder communication, shaping me into a more competent and ethical professional. The MSc Corporate Governance course has laid a strong, ethical, and strategic foundation for my career growth.

Would you recommend this course to others?

If you are genuinely interested in understanding how a board can exert a negative or positive influence on an organisation, and in exploring the intricacies of organisational management concerning risk, strategy, finance, leadership, governance, ethics, and legal matters, then this course is definitely for you. It is an extremely interesting course, and you do not need to be a legal practitioner or a governance expert to enjoy it or benefit from it.

What are your plans for when you complete the course?

The plan involves practicing as a governance expert, while the dream and the goal is to serve as a consultant, particularly for start-up companies and family-owned businesses. However, as someone wisely pointed out, gaining a wealth of experience is crucial to becoming a successful consultant. Therefore, my initial focus is on developing expertise in governance, with the long-term vision of transitioning into a consultancy role for various companies.