Sogang Institute for Sustainable Management Innovation Holds Pilot Orientation for Women Outside (Independent) Director Executive Program

The Institute for Sustainable Management Innovation at Sogang University held a “Pilot Orientation for the Women Outside (Independent) Director Executive Program” on March 6, officially marking the launch of the program.

▲ Scene from the Pilot Orientation for the Women Outside (Independent) Director Program

This orientation was organized to share the direction and operational plan of a talent development program aimed at cultivating strategically capable women outside directors, in response to evolving corporate governance environments and the growing trend of increasing female participation on corporate boards. It also served as the starting point of a pilot program designed to review and refine the curriculum prior to the official launch.

The event was attended by Professor Jang Young-gyun, Vice Director of the Institute, Dr. Lee Wan-jae, Chair of the Program Recommendation Committee, and Dr. Lee Beop-pyo, Chair of the Sponsorship Committee. Approximately 30 female Ph.D. holders and doctoral candidates in business administration from Sogang University also participated, demonstrating strong interest in the program.

▲ Orientation in progress

In today’s corporate landscape, the appointment of female outside directors is increasingly recognized not merely as a legal requirement but as a key component of sustainable growth strategies. As demands for ESG management and strengthened corporate governance continue to rise, so does the need for board members equipped with professional expertise and strategic insight.

In response to these changes, the Institute has developed a “practice-oriented, research-based training program for women outside directors,” combining industry expertise with doctoral-level research capabilities. Notably, the program is designed based on the industry experience and academic strengths of Sogang University’s E-PhD female scholars.

In addition, the program adopts a participatory learning model, incorporating industry site visits, roundtable discussions with business leaders, and group reflection sessions. These elements aim to enhance both understanding of board-level decision-making processes and practical insights.

▲ Commemorative photo featuring Professor Jang Young-gyun, Vice Director of the Institute; Dr. Lee Wan-jae, Chair of the Program Recommendation Committee; Dr. Lee Beop-pyo, Chair of the Sponsorship Committee; and approximately 30 female Ph.D. holders and doctoral candidates in business administration from Sogang University

The Institute plans to accumulate operational experience and refine the curriculum through this pilot program before officially launching the “Women Outside (Independent) Director Executive Program” in September 2026.

Pilot program lectures will be held every Friday at 7:00 PM in Room MA812 of Matteo Hall at Sogang University.

An official from the Institute stated, “As corporate governance environments evolve, demand is growing for women board members with strategic thinking and professional expertise. We hope this program will serve as a platform to systematically cultivate a pool of qualified female outside director candidates equipped with both industry experience and research capabilities.”

Meanwhile, the Institute also aims to build a network connecting corporations with female outside director talent through this program, ultimately contributing to innovation in corporate governance and the advancement of sustainable management.