Masterclass: Beyond Leadership: The Next Level of Influence

There is a point in the journey of accomplished leaders when the capabilities that drove their success are no longer sufficient, not because they are wrong, but because the level of the game changes.

This session explores the shift from operational leadership to board level influence. This is not an intro session on governance, nor a technical discussion about boards. It is an exposure to a different logic of leadership, one defined less by execution and authority, and more by stewardship, judgment, timing, and influence without direct control.

Senior executives often work closely with boards without fully understanding how influence is actually built inside the boardroom. The proximity can create familiarity, but not necessarily perspective. This session challenges participants to reconsider what changes when leadership moves beyond operations and into governance.

Through real boardroom dynamics, strategic dilemmas, and structured reflection, participants will examine the shift from execution to stewardship, from authority to influence, from operational speed to strategic timing, and from delivering answers to shaping the questions that ultimately define direction.

Designed for senior leaders, C level executives, and high potential decision makers already operating in complex business environments, the session offers a first framework for understanding board readiness as a mindset shift rather than a career promotion.

AGENDA

• 17:30 – 18:00 – Welcome and informal gathering
• 18:00 – 20:00 – Conversation

PARTICIPANTS WILL LEAVE WITH:

• a clearer understanding of how boardrooms function beyond formal structures,
• new mental models for strategic influence,
• perspective on the gap between executive performance and governance contribution,
• and a personal reflection on what their next level of leadership may require.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

• C level executives
• Senior leaders and directors
• Executives interacting with boards or governance structures
• EMBA/MBA alumni and senior professionals preparing for broader strategic roles
• Leaders interested in governance, strategic influence, and long term decision making

SPEAKER

Carmen Micu, MABPD, EMBA, MEng

CEO & Co-Founder Envisia,
Chair of the board IASE Global

With more than 25 years of experience in general management, marketing, and strategic communication, Carmen Micu has held local, regional, and global leadership roles within organizations such as Wella AG, Beiersdorf AG Hamburg, Prodal Group, and Omnicom Media Group.

Her professional journey combines executive leadership with a strong focus on governance, strategic influence, and sustainable business transformation. Carmen holds two master’s degrees and is an alumna of prestigious institutions, including IESE Business School, The Wharton School, Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, ASEBUSS, and the University of Washington. She is also Hogan certified in personality assessment and serves as Chair of the Board of IASE Global.

As founder and CEO of Envisia – Boards of Elite, Carmen is dedicated to advancing professional governance education and developing the next generation of board ready leaders. Her work brings together strategic rigor, community building, and a distinctive ability to challenge established leadership paradigms while creating practical frameworks for executive growth.