Academia de Guvernanță. The Role of a Board Member Isn’t a Performance. It’s a Skill That Must Be Learned
In Romania, the status of a board member is often associated with prestige, a long career, and strong connections. But serving on a board of directors means far more than social validation—it demands strategic decision-making, independent thinking, and a kind of responsibility that is difficult to practice outside this specific context. For the first time in Romania, these requirements now benefit from a formal educational framework with academic recognition.
Envisia – Business School and the Romanian-American University are launching the postgraduate program “Corporate Governance that Creates Value”, accredited by the Ministry of Education and the National Authority for Qualifications, specifically designed for those who hold or aspire to real governance roles.
A Role You Can’t Play Without Preparation
“There’s a widespread belief that anyone can be a board member. But until now, there hasn’t been any program worldwide that truly professionalizes this role.” — Carmen Micu, CEO and co-founder of Envisia
Boards are where strategic directions are set, where risks, ethics, and the future are debated. That’s why even the most solid professional experience is not enough. A board role is not an executive one—it’s transversal. It requires systemic understanding of the organization, the market, and both legal and moral responsibilities.
The Value-Creating Corporate Governance program is designed to provide exactly that kind of preparation—structured, recognized, and aligned with both Romanian and international board realities. “Postgraduate programs are a natural answer for leaders who no longer have time for traditional master’s degrees. Flexible, focused, practical—that’s the future of executive education.” — Costel Negricea, Rector, Romanian-American University
Three Essential Areas Developed by the Program
► Independent Thinking
Perhaps the hardest quality to cultivate—and the most essential.
“In a board filled with bright minds, maintaining clarity and independence is no easy feat. That’s what distinguishes a symbolic member from a professional one,” says Carmen Micu on Academia de Guvernanță (Profit.ro TV).
► Professional Integrity
Not an abstract concept, but the foundation of all strategic decisions—especially under pressure.
► Critical Thinking & Discernment
The ability to navigate complexity, assess risks, and anticipate consequences is trained through case studies, simulations, and direct interactions with real-world leaders.
What’s New About This Accredited Program?
Spanning 50 hours over 3.5 months, the program combines governance theory with hands-on application. Participants benefit from:
✔ A quarterly-updated curriculum based on research across Romanian boards
✔ Relevant case studies aligned with the OECD’s 21st-century leadership competencies
✔ Instructors and facilitators with real boardroom experience in public and private sectors
✔ Access to a professional community of over 300 governance-experienced members
✔ A growing alumni network offering peer-learning, support, and opportunity
“Postgraduate programs give leaders immediate, flexible access to applicable knowledge—more suited for those already engaged in organizational leadership than a traditional two-year master’s,” explains Costel Negricea.
The program is tailored for non-executive board members, C-suite executives, entrepreneurs, consultants, general secretaries, investors, and other professionals who work closely with boards.
A Strategic Moment for Governance in Romania
This program launch comes at a pivotal time, as Romania advances its accession to the OECD—where strengthening corporate governance is a core requirement.
“It’s a great opportunity to build an educational framework that validates knowledge and promotes thinking systems aligned with OECD principles and modern governance codes,” says Carmen Micu.
“Accrediting this program marks a key moment in expanding academic offerings into vital areas of today’s leadership—and it responds directly to a real need in the socio-economic landscape,” adds Costel Negricea.
The Value-Creating Corporate Governance postgraduate program addresses not only a local demand, but also a global movement toward the standardization and professionalization of organizational leadership across all sectors.
Looking to join a board or strengthen your position on one? Learn more and register here.
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