Flemming Holst Pedersen has spent the last 15 years dedicating all his time to his consulting company, S196, where he advises and helps a wide range of Danish companies develop and grow their businesses as well as improve their bottom line—often by securing a permanent seat on their boards.

He got his first board position about 20 years ago, and today his professional board career is a significant part of his work. This was also the reason why he recently chose to participate in the Advanced Board Programme, which is Scandinavian Executive Institute’s board education for experienced board profiles.

“Fundamentally, I believe that education is valuable. And if I were to spend a week improving my skills in board work, it should be at the highest level. I’ve been following INSEAD for a while, know what the business school stands for, and that the international perspective is paramount with many departments around the world. This approach – combined with the fact that you are with Scandinavian participants – was ideal for me,” he says.

According to Flemming Holst Pedersen, the program lived up to expectations.

“The board education program offered many good dialogues and discussions with skilled and pleasant people who are highly experienced in board work. Academically, the level was top-notch, and the INSEAD professors provided me with a new and valuable perspective on international board work. I truly feel that I have brought back a ’new and good dose’ from the world,” he adds.

“Overall, the program gave me a helicopter view, allowing me to reflect on my own and my companies’ actions. I received input on what could be improved. The other part involves a number of small and concrete things I have taken home. For example, I have bought a book on entrepreneurship for some of my clients, which I will ask them to read and then discuss. Finally, the program offered so much open dialogue and learning from other board members’ successes and mistakes, which has been extremely rewarding. It’s definitely not the last time I participate in an INSEAD program,” concludes Flemming Holst Pedersen.