On December 4, 2024, the second Diverse Directors Programme (DDP) cohort participated in an intensive Mock Board Day, hosted in collaboration with AXON. This event marked the culmination of their three-month journey through the DDP curriculum, during which they honed their skills and knowledge to step confidently into the world of Non-Executive Directorships (NEDs).
The day was enriched by expert facilitation and invaluable contributions, as well as a stellar lineup of industry professionals who brought the fictional scenarios to life.
The Purpose of the Day
The Mock Board Day was designed as a “trial by fire,” giving participants a unique opportunity to apply their learning in realistic scenarios. The day went beyond theoretical discussions, challenging participants to navigate governance complexities, wield their influencing skills, and engage in tough conversations—all essential for effective boardroom leadership.
The agenda mirrored the dynamics of a real board meeting—albeit with added drama! Participants took on role-play exercises that delved into the strategic, financial, and operational challenges faced by three fictional organizations.
What Happened on the Day
The day opened with introductions. The cohort split into small groups and the participants rotated through scenarios, tackling challenges ranging from financial strategy pivots to leadership crises and talent retention.
In Scenario One, Gina Jardine, Non-Executive Director, Chair of Women in Mining UK and Managing Partner at Jardine Oates, took on the role of Chair with poise and authority. She was joined by Jennie Ryrie, Founder of Ryrie, who played the dynamic Chief People Officer, and the Oscar-worthy Paula Rogers-Brown, who delivered an unforgettable performance as CEO.
Scenario Two introduced Michael Salako, Investor Director at Start Codon, in the fitting role of an Investor Director. With an absent Chair, the cohort had to step up to manage the meeting, skillfully balancing Michael’s assertive agenda with the company’s broader objectives—a real test of leadership and governance under pressure.
For Scenario Three, our very own Ralph Sutton, Audrey Raymond, and Stephanie Hill gave outstanding portrayals. Their performances brought realism and urgency to the table, immersing the cohort in the complexities of a high-stakes boardroom scenario. AXON’s involvement showcased the indispensable role communication plays in navigating crises, aligning stakeholders, and creating clarity within the boardroom.
Key Themes Explored
- Governance in Action: Cohort members demonstrated their understanding of effective governance, exploring the balance between strategic oversight and operational involvement.
- Challenging Conversations: Role-playing exercises pushed participants to challenge peers, debate alternative strategies, and find consensus under pressure.
- Navigating Uncertainty: Scenarios presented complex, evolving challenges, testing participants’ ability to stay focused on long-term goals while managing immediate risks.
- Influence and Persuasion: Effective communication emerged as a recurring theme, with participants practicing how to influence colleagues and stakeholders while maintaining professionalism.
Highlights and Reflections
The day’s scenarios showcased the cohort’s progress and adaptability. Whether tackling cash flow dilemmas, mediating leadership discord, or balancing ethical considerations with investor demands, participants proved their ability to think critically, collaborate effectively, and remain composed.
The discussions highlighted the importance of prioritizing the company’s interests above individual agendas and stepping into confidence to ensure their voices were heard. Emotional intelligence emerged as a critical tool for leading with influence rather than authority.
It was fascinating to see how each group approached scenarios differently, underscoring that there is rarely a single “right” answer. Instead, it is the quality of the conversations and collaboration in the boardroom that truly matters.
Why the Mock Board Day Matters
For aspiring NEDs, experience is everything. The Mock Board Day bridged the gap between theory and practice, giving participants a glimpse into the challenges they might face in their future roles.
Our AXON team—Ralph Sutton, Audrey Raymond, Stephanie Hill and Yasamin Moeini Feizabadi—along with our outstanding guest contributors, highlighted how critical it is to have expert advisors and skilled communicators in the room to handle crises, align messaging, and ensure clarity during high-stakes situations.
A few of the Cohort members summed it up perfectly:
“I didn’t know quite what to expect from Mock Board Day. Emma and Em put us through our paces with three challenging boardroom scenarios, made all the more realistic by having executives role-play alongside us. It was a chance to use the skills we’ve been honing over the last few months and to get real-time feedback on what went well and areas for development. I feel far better prepared for challenging boardroom situations that may arise in the future and learned more about myself in the process. An incredible day of growth that I’ll reflect on for years to come.”—Zoë Johnson
“I thoroughly enjoyed the mock day! The scenarios were realistic yet challenging, providing an invaluable opportunity to apply our expertise and learnings from the program in a safe environment. A big thank-you to everyone who contributed to making the day a success!”—Sally-Anne Emmas
With this immersive experience under their belts, the DDP cohort stands ready to contribute as dynamic, thoughtful, and effective board members, equipped to navigate even the toughest of challenges.