ubb
Columbia Business School

Corporate Governance Program

Advancing and Empowering Dynamic Executives and Board Leaders

Step into the boardroom armed with more than just ambition. Combining cutting-edge academic research with practical insights, this dynamic program, crafted by UBB FSEGA in partnership with Columbia Business School, equips board leaders and executives with the tools and strategies to drive proactive change and excel in today’s complex business landscape. With a sharp focus on Eastern Europe and a global perspective, it’s your blueprint for mastering modern governance.

Duration

• 4 Days in UBB FSEGA Campus, Cluj-Napoca;
• 7 Days in Manhattanville Campus, USA.

Format In-Person

In-Person

Corporate Governance Program

Duration

• 4 Days in UBB FSEGA Campus, Cluj-Napoca;
• 7 Days in Manhattanville Campus, USA.

Format In-Person

In-Person

Apply By April 5, 2025

Overview

Dive into practical frameworks, actionable tools, and insights from industry leaders, designed to help you foster a culture of innovation, lead diverse teams, and tackle challenges with fresh perspectives.

With a blend of theory and real-world applications, this program empowers you to transform obstacles into opportunities and drive meaningful change within your organization.

DATE

LOCATION

LENGTH

April 26, 2025

UBB FSEGA Campus

1-day program / Cluj-Napoca

May 12 - 18,2025

Columbia Business School Manhattanville Campus

3-days program / 1 week in New York

June 6-7,2025

UBB FSEGA Campus/Cluj-Napoca

2-days program / Cluj-Napoca

Program Key Features

The program integrates cutting-edge academic research with real-world applications, ensuring participants are equipped to make informed, strategic decisions. Drawing on the expertise of UBB FSEGA and Columbia Business School, the curriculum focuses on leadership, board dynamics, and sustainable governance practices tailored to today's fast-evolving corporate environment.

The program combines in-person learning sessions in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, and New York City, USA, offering a truly immersive experience. Through case studies, workshops, and panel discussions, participants actively engage in tackling complex governance challenges, gaining hands-on insights that can be immediately applied to their roles.

Designed for executives and board leaders, this program delivers critical skills for creating value, managing financial oversight, and steering your organization through the complexities of today’s business world. Participants explore the complexities of board leadership through interactive simulations and mock interviews, preparing them to navigate high-stakes boardroom scenarios with confidence.

Through its partnership with Columbia Business School, the program offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into global governance trends. Participants learn from faculty with international expertise and engage with peers from diverse industries, broadening their perspective and fostering cross-cultural understanding of governance strategies.

The program emphasizes practical, actionable strategies for developing high-performing boards and leadership teams. From fostering collaboration and managing board dynamics to addressing emerging challenges in governance, participants leave equipped to drive transformative change in their organizations.

This partnership infuses the program with the academic rigor and innovative thinking characteristic of Columbia's executive education. Participants benefit from access to Ivy League faculty and resources, as well as the unique experience of learning in New York City, the heart of global business leadership.

What’s in it for You?

UBB FSEGA’s Corporate Governance Program is designed to elevate your leadership to new heights, empowering executives and board members with the tools to drive sustainable success in a rapidly changing world. By blending cutting-edge academic research with hands-on workshops and insights from global experts, this program turns governance challenges into opportunities for growth and impact. You’ll gain actionable tools and frameworks that can be immediately applied to your work.

From mastering boardroom dynamics to leveraging governance frameworks that balance shareholder value with long-term sustainability, this program provides the strategic knowledge and practical skills you need to excel as a forward-thinking leader.

Who Should Attend?

If you’re a professional passionate about enhancing board performance, driving sustainable value creation, and mastering the complexities of modern corporate governance, this program is calling your name! Here’s who’ll get the most from our executive experience:

Designed for current and aspiring board members and senior leaders who seek to strengthen their strategic oversight, governance capabilities, and leadership impact.

Perfect for professionals working in governance roles, aiming to deepen their knowledge of governance frameworks, committee dynamics, and shareholder engagement.

For business leaders ready to take their companies to the next level by aligning governance practices with long-term strategic goals.

Ideal for those managing organizational units, looking to gain expertise in financial oversight, ethical decision-making, and cybersecurity governance.

For specialists responsible for risk management and compliance who aim to refine their skills in navigating complex boardroom challenges.

That are looking to add value by offering advanced governance strategies and insights to their clients.

In short, if you’re ready to lead with integrity, navigate complexity, and drive value through effective governance, this program is for you. Join us and shape the future of corporate leadership!

Key Benefits

A Boardroom Toolkit That Works

Understand the core principles of corporate governance and how they create value for both shareholders and stakeholders. Walk away with a toolkit for ethical decision-making, strategic alignment, and sustainable impact at the board level.

Financial Fluency, Simplified

Demystify financial oversight and gain the ability to ask the right questions. With a solid grasp of financial governance, you’ll confidently navigate the numbers that drive organizational success.

Global Insights, Local Impact

Benefit from a unique international collaboration with Columbia Business School, gaining perspectives from world-class faculty and peers across industries. This isn’t just theory—it’s action. With board meeting simulations, mock interviews, and interactive workshops, you’ll sharpen your leadership skills in real-world governance scenarios.

Key Topics

Discover the secret sauce behind exceptional board leadership. From aligning governance with strategy to mastering ethical decision-making, you’ll build the foundation to lead with confidence and clarity.

Learn how to cultivate cohesive board teams and foster effective collaboration. This includes managing interpersonal dynamics, enhancing decision-making processes, and optimizing board performance for long-term success.

Explore the role of audit, risk, and nomination committees in driving governance effectiveness. Gain insights into how these committees support corporate integrity, shareholder engagement, and organizational sustainability.

Numbers don’t lie, and neither will you. Build your financial fluency and gain the confidence to ask the tough questions, decode key indicators, and make strategic financial decisions aligned with organizational goals.

Understand the role of cybersecurity and digital transformation in corporate governance. Address emerging risks, adopt innovative technologies, and shape governance strategies that meet the demands of the digital age.

Develop the skills and strategies needed to advance your career in board leadership. From personal branding to navigating recruitment processes, this topic prepares you to secure impactful board roles and lead with confidence.

testimonials

Albert Segars

PNC Distinguished Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship

Cipriana Stan

Senior Digital Strategist - Brandocracy

Florin Lorenț

Logistics Director at Kaufland Romania & Moldova

Why Choose This Program?

  • Immediate Boardroom Impact:

    Apply proven governance frameworks, financial strategies, and leadership methodologies to drive meaningful change at the board level. Gain tools to elevate decision-making and ensure long-term organizational success.

  • Real-World Governance Insights:

    Learn from global experts and seasoned board members how governance strategies are applied across industries. Explore case studies and actionable insights to address complex challenges with confidence.

  • Global Perspective on Governance:

    Benefit from cross-border experiences, networking with international peers, and perspectives from renowned faculty at Columbia Business School and UBB FSEGA. Develop a deeper understanding of governance in a globalized economy.

  • Transformative Leadership Journey:

    This program goes beyond traditional governance training. It’s a comprehensive experience that redefines how you approach board responsibilities, navigate complexities, and foster sustainable value creation for stakeholders. Prepare to leave inspired, confident, and ready to make an impact.

Ready to take your seat at the table? Let’s make it happen.

If you’re ready to gain the skills, insights, and connections to lead confidently and make a lasting impact, download our brochure. Discover all the details about UBB FSEGA’s Executive Education program for an experience as ambitious as you are!

Here’s What Our Changemakers Say

Estera Anghelescu

Estera Anghelescu

Kaufland România & Moldova

„I would say that this program goes beyond just expanding your professional skillset – it transforms the way you approach leadership and innovation. 

The chance to learn from top-notch professors, exchange ideas with peers from orher companies/ industries, and visit innovative companies makes it an experience you simply can’t miss. 

Everyone involved in organizing this program contributed to making it a memorable experience, ensuring it was tailored to meet the current demands of the business landscape. And the networking opportunities? They’re invaluable. You’ll leave feeling inspired, more creative, and equipped to lead in a way that drives real change.”

Alexandru Simion

NTT DATA Romania

„This program completely changes the way I was thinking about Innovation in general. It demonstrated new ways to handle Innovation, new ways to harness ideas and input from others. The Executive Education offers new perspectives and different approaches when dealing with the management of the Innovation.
Everything that I have learned is applied in my daily collaboration with my colleagues from the Application and Software Engineering Unit that I am leading at NTT DATA when tackling new opportunities from the market. This program is not just a training program it is an Experience in itself.”

Georgiana Iancu

Management & Marketing Strategist

„The program helped me sharpen my understanding and skills in innovation projects and effectively support our clients’ in managing such projects. As a marketing and communication consultant, I often deal with diverse clients and creative challenges, and the frameworks I learned have become integral to how I structure problem-solving and collaboration with clients.
The practical approach of the program provided tools that I could immediately implement (e.g. Simple Rules approach), allowing me to make more informed decisions, and inspiring innovative solutions that align with client needs.”

Inspired by Their Stories?

If you’re ready to level up your leadership, drive real change, and join a network of like-minded professionals, this is your moment. Take the next step—apply now and let’s make an impact together!

Additional Benefits of our International Experience

Enhancing your education with an international perspective opens doors to exceptional personal and professional growth. Here’s what makes the Corporate Governance Program’s international experience so unique:

Columbia Business School

Step into the world-renowned Columbia Business School and experience its legacy of academic excellence. Learn from expert faculty and engage in dynamic discussions that bring cutting-edge governance strategies to life.

Experience life on the Manhattanville Campus in New York City, home to one of the most vibrant academic environments. Network, collaborate, and grow as you immerse yourself in an ecosystem designed for global leadership development.

Dive deep into governance topics with exclusive presentations from leading experts. Gain insights into global challenges, regional perspectives, and advanced boardroom strategies, empowering you to lead with confidence in any setting.

Participate in a unique networking event with the academic and professional Romanian community on the East Coast of the U.S. Build meaningful relationships, share experiences, and collaborate on future opportunities with like-minded leaders.

Join an elite network of alumni upon completing the program. Celebrate this milestone with a formal graduation ceremony at the Columbia Business School campus, a testament to your commitment to leadership and governance excellence.A Executive Education. Celebrate this achievement with a formal graduation ceremony at the historic DuBose House at The Rizzo Center in Chapel Hill.

Mark the end of your journey with the Annual Graduation Ceremony at UBB-FSEGA. It’s a perfect occasion to celebrate your personal and professional achievements alongside peers, faculty, and family, recognizing the transformative experience you've gained.

These benefits make the UBB FSEGA Executive Education program a truly transformative experience, blending international exposure with practical knowledge, cultural enrichment, and invaluable networking.

Application Procedure

We are thrilled to have you interested in our program! At our institution, we value diversity and strive to ensure that every participant’s level and objectives are carefully considered when confirming places in our program.

To increase your chances of securing a spot, we highly recommend submitting your completed application form as early as possible, ideally six weeks before the program start date. Along with the application, please include: 

Step 1

A Motivation Letter

This letter should express why you want to be part of the program and how you believe your background, experiences, and goals make you a valuable addition to the cohort.

Step 2

Two Reference Letters

These should be from senior executives or UBB FSEGA alumni who can speak to your professional accomplishments, character, and potential impact within the program.

Step 3

1-on-1 Interview with the Admissions Committee

Selected applicants will be invited to a personal online video interview to discuss their objectives and qualifications in greater detail. This interview will help us ensure that the program aligns with your career goals and that you will thrive in our community.

Our Admissions Committee is dedicated to reviewing applications carefully and providing prompt feedback. If you have questions about the program or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you make an informed decision and ensure a valuable experience.

Lastly, please note that our open programs are taught in English, and participants should be comfortable exchanging complex views and learning in an English-speaking environment.

We look forward to welcoming you to our programs and supporting you in achieving your goals!

Application deadline:

March 15, 2025.

Tuition and Financial Support

Participants are responsible for covering their travel expenses and incidentals before the end of the program.

We are pleased to offer several financial support options, available based on application and granted only to those who have signed the study contract with us. If awarded, the scholarship will either fully cover the tuition fee or reduce it by 50%.

  • One Full Scholarship

    Awarded to a candidate who exhibits exceptional leadership potential and a commitment to driving excellence in corporate governance.

  • Two Partial Scholarships

    Available to applicants with outstanding professional accomplishments and a clear vision for advancing corporate governance in their industries.

Additionally, we encourage team participation by offering customized group discounts for organizations enrolling five or more participants, with savings of up to 15%. Learning alongside colleagues enhances the experience and strengthens organizational alignment.

For more details on scholarships, group discounts, and application requirements, feel free to contact us.

We’re here to help you own your perspective and take your leadership expertise to the next level.

Meet Some of Our Esteemed Faculty

Our teaching team combines the expertise of esteemed faculty from Romania’s UBB Babeș-Bolyai University with world-renowned professors from the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School and beyond. Learn from thought leaders like Albert Segars, a pioneer in strategy and technology innovation; Arvind Malhotra, an expert in complex problem-solving; and Christopher Bingham, recognized for his insights into strategic management and organizational learning.

Together with other accomplished educators, they bring a wealth of global perspectives and practical knowledge to create a transformative learning experience.

Albert Segars

PNC Distinguished Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship

Arvind Malhotra

The H. Allen Andrew Distinguished Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship

Christopher Bingham

Phillip Hettleman Distinguished Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, Assistant Dean of Strategy and Innovation and Area Chair of Strategy and Entrepreneurship

Our Executive Education Experience

Ready for a journey that combines rigorous learning, world-class networking, and an inspiring environment? Here’s what you can expect:

  • What’s Included?

    This comprehensive in-person program kicks off with two immersive days at UBB FSEGA in Cluj-Napoca. A few weeks later, you’ll head to Columbia Business School’s Manhattanville Campus in New York City for three days of intensive learning. This unique blend of Romanian and American perspectives equips you with a global view of corporate governance.

The program includes all meals during program days in Cluj-Napoca: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, showcasing locally inspired cuisine. While at Columbia Business School in New York, breakfast and lunch are included during program days, allowing you the flexibility to explore local dining options for dinner and immerse yourself in the vibrant culinary scene of New York City. You will also get to experience a welcome networking reception at Columbia Business School Manhattanville Campus and a festive dinner in New York on the last day of the program.

You will have access to program materials for all activities, including a set of 10 case studies available in the Harvard Business Publishing collection on the main topics of the program.

Upon completing the program, receive a Certificate of Completion jointly issued by Columbia Business School and Babeș-Bolyai University. This prestigious recognition showcases your commitment to governance excellence and elevates your professional profile.

Our selective admissions process is based on professional achievements and leadership experience, and we admit participants on a rolling, space-available basis. There are no formal educational requirements, but applying early is recommended to secure your spot.

If you don’t yet have a U.S. visa, we’ll provide an official invitation letter to support your visa application and help reschedule to an expedited slot if needed, ensuring logistics won’t hold you back.

  • What’s Not Included?

    Participants are responsible for arranging their flights and travel logistics to both Cluj and New York City. This flexibility allows you to customize your travel arrangements to fit your preferences.

Program Highlights

A Journey in Corporate Governance and Leadership

1 Week Immersive Experience in the U.S.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant campus of Columbia Business School, exploring advanced corporate governance practices in a global context.

4 Days in Cluj-Napoca

Engage with faculty, peers, and thought leaders at UBB FSEGA, delving into the essentials of strategic leadership and governance.

Expert Faculty Members

Learn from distinguished professors and practitioners from Columbia Business School and UBB FSEGA.

In-Depth Board Mastery Workshop

Experience immersive sessions, including board meeting simulations and mock interviews to refine your governance approach.

Global Networking Opportunities

Connect with influential board members, business leaders, and peers during exclusive networking events in New York City and Cluj-Napoca.

Dual Graduation Ceremonies

Celebrate your achievements with dual ceremonies at Columbia Business School in New York and UBB FSEGA in Cluj-Napoca.

Cutting-Edge Governance Topics

Dive into modules covering strategic leadership, financial acumen, cybersecurity, and diversity in boardrooms.

A Transformational Journey

This program provides the tools and perspectives to lead with confidence, adapt to challenges, and create lasting impact in corporate governance.

Ready to elevate your career in an experience that’s as ambitious as you are? Apply today!

Program Directors

Răzvan V. Mustață

Babeș-Bolyai University, Faculty of Economics and Bussines Administration Dean, Assoc. Prof. of Accounting