Reflections from the INSEAD Netherlands Governance Forum 2026 (Amsterdam, 26 March)
March 26th, 2026
This forum was a valuable opportunity for members to shape their board careers by learning directly from seasoned non‑executive directors — and to ask the “hard questions” that come with the transition from executive to board roles.
Theme: “The Journey of Becoming a Respected Board Member”
We dug into:
- What you need to learn (and unlearn) when moving from an executive to a non‑executive role.
- How to develop yourself: mentors, networks, reading, board programs, and more.
- How to handle success and failure — both as a board and as an individual.
- How to choose the right board roles — and know when it’s time to step down.
@Jeroen Smit moderated an inspiring session with three experienced board members — @Marguerite Soeteman Rijnen, @Jolande Sap, and @Kuldip Singh — who shared their journeys, personal dilemmas, and practical tips.
Key ideas that stuck with us:
- Mindset shift: CEO roles are “hands out of your sleeves, hands-on”; non‑executive roles are “hands off.”
- Lifelong learning: Use your networks, participate in events, follow courses IDP-C or IN-BOARD. AI is a powerful tool for analysis and learning — but never upload sensitive or confidential information.
- Governance in action: Constructive dissent is at the heart of good governance. Build trust with your fellow directors and the executive team — because when a crisis hits, workload and pressure explode.
- Stay curious: Ask questions and be “shamelessly curious.” Be close to yourself — focus on your strengths and where you can add the most value.
- Due diligence matters: Before joining a board, talk to the Supervisory Board, Executive Board, Shareholders, and other stakeholders. Connect with the Company Secretary and check the onboarding process.
Many more insights were shared throughout the afternoon. A big thank‑you to @Marguerite, @Jolande, and @Kuldip for their openness — and to all participants for their thoughtful questions and contributions.