Brockovich delivers leadership advice in Scotland – Daily Business

Erin Brockovich, the environmental activist and consumer advocate who inspired the eponymous Academy Award-winning film, is to address a leadership programme in Scotland.

Ms Brockovich, who rose to fame after winning the biggest environmental lawsuit in American history, will be among the speakers on the week-long course at St Andrews University.

She was a legal researcher who became a 20th century icon overnight thanks to Julia Roberts’ Oscar-winning performance in the 2000 movie.

She portrayed the campaigner’s dogged persistence to secure the largest medical settlement lawsuit in history. Her investigation revealed that Pacific Gas & Electric had been poisoning the small town of Hinkley’s Water for over 30 years,, leading to the largest direct action lawsuit of its kind that resulted in the utility giant paying $333 million in damages to more than 600 Hinkley residents.

Ms Brockovich will take part in the new education programme organised by the Institute of Directors (IoD) and St Andrews University Business School.

It aims to equip current and aspiring board members with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of leadership in a fast-changing global environment.

Professor Mark Brewer, Dean of the Business School, said: “This collaboration brings together the academic excellence of St Andrews and the IoD’s unmatched expertise in corporate governance.

“The Global Certificate in Company Direction is for leaders who want to drive meaningful change and excel in their boardroom roles. By combining real-world case studies, peer learning and cutting-edge research, this programme offers a transformative experience for directors worldwide.”

Participants will explore essential topics, including the role of the board in corporate governance, leadership for directors and strategy development.

The programme also features a unique boardroom simulation, executive coaching sessions, and insights from high-profile speakers on critical themes such as Environmental, Social and Governance factors, Artificial Intelligence and crisis management.

Jonathan Geldart, IoD Director General and a St Andrews alumnus, said: “The IoD has a long-standing commitment to raising standards of professionalism in boardrooms across the globe.

“Partnering with the University of St Andrews, one of the world’s leading academic institutions, allows us to deliver a truly world-class leadership programme. This course is an unparalleled opportunity for directors to deepen their understanding, broaden their horizons, and join a global network of leaders committed to excellence in governance.”

The Global Certificate in Company Direction takes place from 18 to 24 October. Details here  Global Certificate in Company Direction | Institute of Directors