Reflections on Six Years as a Global Board of Director (NED) with the Institute of Management Accountants: A Journey of Learning and Leadership

As I conclude my six-year tenure on the board of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) in the USA, I find myself reflecting on the great experiences and insights I got to experience. Being on a Global Board of an important institute meant being partially responsible for the institute, the team and the brilliant members.

It also meant working closely with inspiring leaders who made sure to guide me, help me grow and trust my experise.

Throughout the 6 years, I had the opportunities to serve on various committees, including Governance, Performance Oversight and Audit, and Volunteering. This has not only enriched my professional capabilities but also deepened my appreciation for the collaborative spirit and forward-thinking my fellow board members and amazing staff have. Let me share with you some learnings:

The Broader Journey: Strategic Guidance and Representation

Throughout being on the board, I had the privilege of traveling three times a year across various states in the USA, participating in board meetings that involved strategic guidance and organisational decision-making. This changed my perspective on the diverse challenges and opportunities facing professionals today. It also enriched my global prospective on things.

Through the years, my career has developed in parallel and I found myself an IMA representative for data strategy and emerging technologies. This role allowed me to advocate for the integration of cutting-edge technologies and share my experience with other professionals. It also allowed me to:

• Strategic Guidance: Providing insightful contributions to shape the IMA’s strategic direction and policies.
• Data Strategy Advocacy: Championing the adoption of emerging technologies to enhance the profession’s relevance and impact.
• Networking: Support building a robust network of professionals dedicated to advancing the field of data strategy and emerging technologies.

The Committees:

One the IMA board you get the opportunity to work on different committees, I was fortunate to be on Governance 3 times, Performance Oversight once and Volunteering twice, lets me share with you more:

• Governance Committee: Cultivating Strategic Vision

My three-year engagement with the Governance Committee was instrumental in shaping my understanding of organisational ethics and strategic oversight. This is where I saw the importance of fostering a culture of integrity, strategic leadership and transparency in action. If an organisation doesn't have a strong strategy is ain't moving forward.

• Performance Oversight and Audit Committee: Ensuring Operational Excellence

Serving for a year on the Performance Oversight and Audit Committee provided me with a comprehensive understanding of financial excellence. This role helped me understand the discussions needed at that board level and critical investment thinking.

• Volunteering Committee: The Power of Engagement and Community Building

My two years on the Volunteering Committee highlighted the transformative power of volunteerism which I am so passionate about. This committee led the importance of leveraging volunteer efforts to drive the IMA’s mission and foster a sense of community among members.

Conclusion: A Gratitude-Filled Farewell

As I roll off the board, I am so grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped my journey. The lessons learned, the relationships built, and the memories.

I look forward to continuing my support for the IMA and the data strategy and emerging technologies profession in new and meaningful ways.

Thank you to Jeff Thomson, GCB.D, CMA, CSCA who was always there and watched my career grow since joining the IMA after university, he made sure that I am involved and I add to the profession through my skills across my career!

Thanks Virginia (Ginger) D. White, CMA, CSCA, BB, MBB, MBA, MSSF , Christian Cuzick , Paul Juras, PhD, CMA, CPA , Steve McNally, CMA, CPA, MBA , Gwen van Berne, CMA , Rich Brady for the awesome leadership, you showed us how all different styles of leadership are important!

All my fellow board members, committee colleagues, and the IMA community for the amazing memories!

It was a pleasure working with you Michael DePrisco over the past couple of years, I am sure the IMA will grow massively with your leadership together with Sunil Deshmukh. U.S. CMA and Peter Dolan !

Thank you to amazing IMA staff, you are brilliant and I did enjoy working with each and every person of you!

#Leadership #Governance #IMA #Volunteering #datastrategy #EmergingTechnologies