Dina Nasser Harake’s Board Journey

What started you on your path to your new role – a network referral, a board role facilitator organisation/head-hunter, another route?

I had been working with the Institute of Finance and Governance as a business development consultant. When they decided to launch a Club of Directors, they wanted me to lead this club and take on the role of president for its inaugural term. My previous work and dedication to governance and leadership development led them to consider me for this role.

How impactful was your network in helping you successfully complete the board hiring process? Where did they provide assistance – document production, interview prep, due diligence?

My network was quite impactful in helping me successfully complete the board hiring process. Over the years, through my work with the UN Global Compact Lebanon and other entities, I have built strong relationships with professionals in various sectors. Those contacts assisted me mainly in interview prep and due diligence. Their insights and support were invaluable throughout the process.

What strength or qualification helped pull you over the finish line? Is there a specific skill or experience that made you stand out among others in the candidate pool?

My leadership skills, dedication to projects, and credibility within my network are key strengths that helped me stand out among others in the candidate pool. My experience in governance and leadership development, as well as my proven track record of successfully leading initiatives, made me a strong candidate for the role.

What features of the business or elements in the board structure made you want to take on the role, e.g., a specific career challenge, strong values alignment, learning opportunities, something else?

Interest in good governance practices in Lebanon is growing and in high demand given the problems that the country faced due to poor governance approaches. Having a Club of Directors for the first time in the country, one with a good pool of qualified professionals, will be impactful. This structure will create new networking, learning and job opportunities. I was drawn to this role due to the opportunity to contribute to the growth and spread of good governance practice in Lebanon. Being part of the country’s first, true Club of Directors was a significant factor in my decision to take on this role. I believe that the club will have a positive overall impact on formulation and execution of governance practices in Lebanon and provide valuable networking and learning opportunities for members. I look forward to helping the organisation grow and helping achieve our mission.

Follow Dina Nasser Harake on LinkedIn.