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.
Lucy Masterson, Chief Executive at Irish Youth Foundation
“I loved the diversity of people coming from completely different backgrounds. I met people working in totally different sectors, who have become confidantes and friends. The teamwork really brought forward each individual’s strengths including my own. There were different skill sets, thought processes and different approaches to problem solving but we worked respectfully and constructively with each other. I couldn't recommend it highly enough, especially for our not-for-profit sector. Governance in our sector has improved dramatically but there is still more work to be done. I would love to see more people from the charity, not-for-profit sector, investing in themselves and investing in the sector by doing this course. Believe me, you will learn so much.”
Stephanie Manahan, Former CEO of the Central Remedial Clinic. Now CEO of Pieta.
"I would genuinely say that this program changed my life. It added incredible value to my role as newly appointed CRO of the Central Remedial Clinic. I recall seeing the Diploma in Corporate Governance online and it read like a textbook for the job that I had in front of me. As I progressed, it gave me phenomenal confidence in the task that I had before me. The skills I learned were phenomenal as an executive leader in a very challenging time and a very challenging environment."
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.”
Fiona Naughton, Supervisory Board Member at Glen Dimplex
"I realised I needed to improve my skillset and to learn more about being on a board. I wanted to make sure I was actually qualified to be on the board of Glen Dimplex and wasn’t just there because I was a family member. I really enjoyed the programme. We were given so much valuable information on all the different aspects of being on a board. We covered a broader range of subjects and in much more depth than I expected. It was a big time commitment but it was definitely worth it."
Ian Drennan, Director of Corporate Enforcement at the ODCE
"While I have a large degree of exposure to the legal aspects of company directors’ obligations, I have had less contact with some of the other areas covered by the diploma – particularly around the more psychological and behavioural aspects of boards. And I found that particularly interesting and very beneficial in giving a better understanding around the many multi-faceted and multi-dimensional layers to boards and how they operate and their power dynamics. That was probably the part that I found most interesting."
Brian Murphy, Non-Executive Director & Advisor
"The diploma is an excellent offering and very well executed. The content of the course and the quality of the lectures and workshops were superb. There was also great diversity within the student class – we had people from the voluntary, public and private sectors; male and female; old and young. Having that range of perspectives was hugely beneficial – the debates and arguments we had in class were fantastic and were a big part of the learning experience. There was a great ambience about the programme and it created a huge esprit du corps. A lot of us within the class still stay in touch and we have formed a bit of a network out of it. Overall, it was a great experience.”
Helen Prendergast, Head of Board & Executive Risk Governance, Bank of Ireland.
“I had the privilege of participating in the UCD 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.”
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."
Carmel O'Brien, Chief People Officer/Independent Non-Executive Director
“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.”
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