NEW: The Boardroom Syndicate

 

Introducing The CEO Institute's exclusive Boardroom Syndicate - for aspiring and active board directors.

Launching August 2025

The Boardroom Syndicate: Your Strategic Advantage

For many CEOs, the next evolution of leadership lies at the board table. But the path isn’t always clear. That’s why The Boardroom Syndicate exists – to guide and accelerate your transition with expert-led sessions, real-world simulations, and a curated circle of peers.

Whether you’re embarking on your first commercial board role or seeking to enhance your existing directorship experience, this program offers a structured, supportive environment to refine your governance acumen and improve your influence and effectiveness.

The Boardroom Syndicate provides a safe, secure, and strictly confidential environment to speak freely and share your boardroom challenges under Chatham House rules.

 

Common Challenges You May Face

  • Uncertainty in Role Transition: Moving from an executive to a non-executive position can blur lines of influence and responsibility.​
  • Limited Governance Experience: Understanding the nuances of board operations, fiduciary duties, and strategic oversight requires specialised knowledge.​
  • Network Gaps: Accessing the right board opportunities often depends on connections within exclusive circles.​
  • Confidence in Contribution: Even with extensive leadership experience, contributing effectively at the board level demands a different skill set.​
  • Remaining Relevant: Keeping abreast of current board issues, from changing employment laws, investor relations, and improving board dynamics.
 

What You Gain from The Boardroom Syndicate

  • Enhanced Governance Skills: Deepen your understanding of board responsibilities, risk management, and strategic oversight.​
  • Peer Learning: Engage with a cohort of experienced professionals, sharing insights and real-world experiences.
  • Mentorship: Receive guidance from seasoned board members and governance experts who understand boardroom complexity and those tricky situations.
  • Expanded Network: Connect with a diverse group of leaders, opening doors to new board opportunities.​
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Who it's for?

The Boardroom Syndicate is designed for high-performing CEOs embarking on their first commercial board role as well as existing Non-Executive Directors looking to strengthen their capability and strategic influence.

Whether you’re building a portfolio of board positions, or stepping into your first commercial directorship, this program meets you at that pivotal moment, offering wise counsel and insight, and the support of peers who understand the stakes.

If you’re asking, “What’s next for my leadership journey?” This is it.

Mary Verschuer (3)

Meet your chair - Mary Verschuer

With significant CEO and executive experience, Mary transitioned to a full-time portfolio of board and mentoring roles in 2016 after holding her first board positions whilst an executive starting in 1992.

Mary has been a Non-Executive Director of listed businesses – from start-ups to large multinational global business, she has experience on government boards and not-for-profit organisations. She has also chaired several boards and committees.

Mary’s strengths in the boardroom come from her innate curiosity, sharp intelligence and considerate approach to people.

Throughout her board and executive career, experience has honed her skills in governance, commercial acumen and judgement, values-based people leadership, working with a risk lens and seeing opportunities, with deep skills, in supply chain, B-to-B sales, marketing, innovation and M&A.

Mary has worked with SME’s to large Multinationals, Private Equity, and ASX-listed organisations. She has worked across a variety of industry sectors in all business phases; from start-up, to IPO, to rapid growth, and sale of business.

 

How to Get Started

  1. Express Interest: Reach out to our team to discuss your aspirations and determine if the Boardroom Syndicate aligns with your goals.
  2. Join a Cohort: Become part of a carefully selected group of peers, ensuring a rich and relevant learning environment.
  3. Engage and Learn: Participate in structured sessions, workshops, and discussions led by experts in governance and board leadership.​
  4. Apply Your Skills: Leverage your enhanced capabilities to secure and excel in board positions.​

The Boardroom Syndicate is the definitive pathway for experienced executives

and emerging non-executive directors to step confidently into board careers with lasting impact.