31/03/2026
A Message from Our CEO
Finance for Boards at IMD Business School, Switzerland
Over the past months, I had the privilege of completing the Board Director Diploma courses at IMD Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland. This journey was more than an academic experience; it was a deep reflection on responsible leadership, governance, and the evolving role of boards in today’s complex global environment.
The program brought together senior leaders, entrepreneurs, and board members from around the world. What made this experience particularly meaningful was not only the academic learning, but also the exchange of perspectives and real-world governance challenges shared by participants across industries.
A key pillar of the program was High Performance Boards, which explored how effective boards operate beyond formal structures. High-performing boards challenge management constructively, oversee long-term strategy, and ensure accountability while protecting sustainable value creation.
Another important theme was Stakeholder Management. Today’s boards must look beyond shareholders and understand the broader ecosystem in which companies operate: employees, regulators, communities, and partners. Responsible governance means balancing these interests while ensuring the resilience and long-term success of the organization.
The program also addressed Women on Boards, a topic that remains particularly important to me. Increasing diversity in boardrooms is not only about representation—it strengthens decision-making, improves oversight, and helps organizations navigate complex global challenges with broader perspectives.
Equally essential was Finance for Boards, reminding directors that strong governance requires financial literacy. Board members must understand financial structures, risk exposure, and long-term capital strategy in order to provide meaningful oversight and strategic guidance.
For me, these insights are not only theoretical. As the founder of Global Match AG , working with companies and partners across the Middle East and Africa, the principles of governance, transparency, and sustainability directly influence how we support our clients and partners in different markets.
Stronger governance frameworks help businesses grow responsibly, build trust with international partners, and create sustainable value across borders. The knowledge gained through this journey will continue to shape how we approach partnerships, advisory work, and long-term collaboration with companies operating in dynamic emerging markets.
My sincere thanks to IMD for this inspiring and rigorous journey, and to the professors and fellow participants who made the experience so enriching.
Learning never truly ends, and I look forward to applying these lessons in boardrooms, partnerships, and across the communities we serve.
— Rasha Oudeh
Global Match AG CEO
www.globalmatchag.com
