Janice Snyder’s Experience at Harvard’s Women on Boards Course: A Powerful Leadership Journey
Recently, Janice Snyder, Partner and Director of Assurance Services at McKonly & Asbury, had the opportunity to live out the firm’s core vision statement, Helping Others Thrive, by participating in Harvard Business School’s prestigious Women on Boards course, designed for senior executive women who already sit on nonprofit or private boards. The selective admissions process requires applicants to have significant leadership experience and strong recommendations—and Janice was a perfect fit.
Currently, Janice is the Chair of the Pennon, Inc. (formerly WITF) Board of Directors. She also served as the past Chair of both the United Way of the Capital Region and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Pennsylvania. With such extensive leadership experience, Janice was excited to attend the program and further develop her understanding of governance, strategy, and risk management.
Bringing Valuable Insights Back to Her Work
For Janice, one of the most impactful aspects of the Women on Boards course was the opportunity to learn about best practices for board leadership, particularly in areas like corporate governance and risk management. “The course utilized case studies and interactive dialogue to challenge our thought processes and decisions made by past boards and leaders,” she said. The lessons she took away from this experience are already helping her make a bigger impact in her current and future roles. She plans to apply these strategies to her work with her boards, ensuring that they remain effective, engaged, and strategic in their decision-making.
Learning from a Diverse Group of Women Leaders
One of the most unique features of this program was the chance to interact with an incredible group of women from around the globe. With 128 women attending from 31 countries, Janice was able to engage in discussions with a diverse network of professionals who brought their own unique perspectives to the table. “The backgrounds, personal and professional, of each participant are remarkable,” Janice said. “I learned so much about their leadership, career paths, and unique skills.”
Her small group was made up of leaders from the UK, China, Spain, Nigeria, and the US, and discussing case studies with these women gave her a greater appreciation for how cultural differences shape leadership styles and decision-making processes. These conversations were both eye-opening and enriching, showing Janice the power of diverse perspectives in problem-solving and leadership.
Shaping Leadership Styles and Improving Communication
A big focus of the program was examining how women are perceived in the boardroom. For Janice, the course reinforced the importance of intentionality and patience in her leadership approach. “It provided valuable perspectives on being clear in communication, seeking feedback, and adapting to your leadership team,” she shared. She also learned that staying relevant in your profession and leadership role is key to success— “The biggest threat to an individual’s success is their team,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and continuous learning.
The course didn’t necessarily change her approach to leadership, but it did offer her tools to refine it. By being more intentional, patient, and open to feedback, she can become an even more effective leader and communicator in her board meetings and daily work.
Drawing Inspiration from Fellow Leaders
Another highlight of the Women on Boards course was the chance to network with women who have accomplished incredible things in their careers. In her small group, Janice worked alongside two CEOs, a lobbyist, a global equity investor, and a human resource professional from a top 20 global company. “Their perspectives on each case study brought so much value,” Janice said. “I learned a tremendous amount from each of them.”
The networking opportunities were just as valuable as the academic lessons, as Janice was able to gain insight into how these women navigate their professional challenges. She found their experiences to be inspiring and looks forward to incorporating some of their strategies into her own leadership style.
Applying Board Skills to Day-to-Day Work
Throughout the course, Janice learned how her skills align with what boards need, particularly in areas like risk management and the critical importance of tone at the top. One of the case studies that stood out to her was about risk management and the roles of the board and the audit committee. She plans to incorporate these lessons into her daily work, making sure that risk management is a priority and that the culture within her teams and boards fosters psychological safety and strong leadership.
Perhaps the most important takeaway from the course for Janice was the idea that asking questions is one of the most powerful leadership skills. She’s committed to being more intentional about incorporating this into her day-to-day interactions, ensuring that her decisions are well-informed, and her leadership remains effective.
Why Programs for Women Leaders Matter
Janice also reflected on why it’s so important to have programs specifically for women in leadership. Women are still underrepresented in boardrooms and leadership roles, and programs like Women on Boards are critical in helping women advance in their careers. “Women currently represent 34% of Fortune 500 board members and 30% of Russell 3000 board members, but only 17% of private company boards,” she pointed out. “These percentages are at least double what they were 10 years ago. However, there is still work to be done.”
Harvard’s research shows that women often face barriers to advancement, such as being passed over for promotions and opportunities. These challenges make programs like Women on Boards even more valuable. They provide women with the skills, knowledge, and the network they need to thrive in leadership positions and increase their representation on boards.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Janice’s experience at the Women on Boards course was transformative, providing her with new tools and perspectives that will allow her to help others thrive. As she applies these lessons to her work, she’s excited to make a bigger impact on her boards and in her profession. With her deep experience and fresh insights, Janice is proving that leadership is a lifelong journey of learning, connection, and growth. She is well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the future and continue her impactful work in the world of business and nonprofit governance.
About the Author
McKonly & Asbury is a Certified Public Accounting Firm serving companies across Pennsylvania including Camp Hill, Lancaster, Bloomsburg, and Philadelphia. We serve the needs of affordable housing, construction, family-owned businesses, healthcare, manufacturing and distribution, and nonprofit industries. We also assist service organizations with the full suite of SOC services (including SOC 2 reports), ERTC claims, internal audits, SOX compliance, and employee benefit plan audits.
