THE SEASONED DIRECTOR PROGRAM 2026
COHORT 7
- 11th to 15th May 2026
- Enashipai Resort & Spa, Naivasha
The Association of Women Accountants of Kenya (AWAK) is a non-political and non-profit making professional women accountants’ organization, which draws its membership from women accountants. Since its formation in 1994, AWAK has continued to pursue its main objective of member empowerment, at the same time contributing to varying needs in society. With its motto “Uplifting our World,” AWAK champions for women empowerment in the society, a role it has played with vigor across the continent.
An abundance of programs and initiatives across the globe have been initiated to unblock the pipeline of professionals moving to entry and middle management level. These continue to increase the pool of both women and men suitable for senior positions. Despite the positive impact these programs have had in making women take up top management roles, their number continues to be relatively low as many boards are dominated by men. However, it is not just a numbers game, the mindset of women seeking leadership positions and role models for women also count. The extent to which a board is effective is also an important factor considering that board dynamics are affected by the quality and the caliber of the board members.
The Seasoned Director (TSD) Program is designed, to address today’s knowledge gap between the operational role and oversight role that women and men in leadership face as they discharge their duties both at management level as well as the board level. The program’s broad objective is to enable managers, board directors and C-Suite professionals to be more effective in discharging mandate with high level in-depth and practical knowledge while also leveraging on the power of networks both at an individual level and at an institutional level.
The long-term objective is to have a ‘’Board Ready’’ data base that can be tapped into by organisations seeking to fill board positions. By attending this program, the delegates will gain a greater understanding of global best practice of leadership and board oversight through exposure to top notch professionals and directors from different sectors who have made outstanding impact in their sphere of influence.
The Approach
The Program is organized in small cohorts and designed to present salient elements of leadership theory but emphasize the application of theory to real C-Suite and board room situations. Our goal is to prepare attendees for career progressions by empowering mind and paradigm shifts for when roles change. A blended practical approach encompassing the following will inform the mode of delivery:
Class discussion: Instructor-led classroom approach will be utilized for participants to get to know each other and blend to each other as a cohort.
Conversations with seasoned board members: it is anticipated that every cohort will have a blended mix of seasoned and early-stage leaders that will allow for mentorship and sharing of experiences. Participation will be critical to the success of the course.
Case studies: These sessions will explore on practical cases where delegates will be expected to read, be “present!” and participate in the discussions to enable interactive learning.
Simulations: This will involve mockup for real board room wars, how to navigate through emotional intelligence and a formal dining experience
Demystify the Numbers: Finance & Non-Finance Professionals
Governance: The Business Case for Good Governance: Boardroom Dynamics and Key focus areas
Sustainability: Sustainable Leadership and Building a Legacy
Strategy: Transformation Leadership: Driving Change and Innovation in the BANI World
Risk Governance & Management: Data-Driven Risk Management
Personal Branding, Networking & Fine Dining and Etiquette
Board Simulation: Navigating the shifting landscape of governance
Emotional Intelligence and Conflict Management: Emotional Intelligence and Conflict management
Strategic Succession Planning: Mitigating Risks, and Ensuring Long-Term Organizational Resilience.
Objectives
By the end of TSD COHORT 7, the delegates who will be comprised of Senior Executives and Board Should be able to:
- Understand the key focus areas of an institution with emphasis on strategy, risk, sustainability, culture and people.
- Appreciate insights from other experienced professionals in diverse industries including Board Members and Chairs on the challenges of serving at the C-Suite Level and on boards within Kenya and in other countries.
- Develop a Board Savvy attitude of new strategic insights, perspectives and leadership skills.
- Lead change, initiate, innovate and sustain a comparative and competitive advantage.
- Have a self-reflection on the quality of networks required for progression and how to manage the relationships beyond the workplace.
- Appreciate and interrogate matters finance, financial sustainability and investments.
Target Participants
This being a leadership role, admission of delegates will be critical. It is anticipated that eligible participants will have more than 5 years’ experience. In view of this, the following cadres will be eligible: Senior level Managers, Heads of departments, CEOs, Managing Directors, Directors and Board Members in both public and private sectors. This program offers participants a great opportunity for interaction and networking across different sectors and the continent through sharing practical gained experience between delegates and experts in the above modules.
CHARGES
KES 120,000
PAYBILL NUMBER:
821715
ACCOUNT NUMBER:
TSD/Name
OR Cheque; payable to: Association of Women Accountants of Kenya
Account Number: 0708000396
Absa Bank, Bunyala Road Branch
IFMIS Number: 460338
Type the cheque number in the space provided.