Training 'Governance with Grit': Professionals Call for Governance to be Central to Organizations
On April 3rd, the Défi Training School, in partnership with the Chartered Governance Institute (CGI) Mauritius, held a training session titled "Governance with Grit: Leading Through Ethical Compliance" at the Ravenala Attitude hotel.
The six-hour training primarily targeted company secretaries, governance officers, and professionals tasked with supporting boards of directors and management teams. Narad Dawoodarry, President of the Chartered Governance Institute (CGI) Mauritius, emphasized the crucial role of governance in the country's economic and social development. "I am truly pleased to see such a large number of governance professionals gathered here," he stated.
According to him, governance is not merely an academic learning experience but a discipline to cultivate and integrate into daily practice. "Governance must develop within oneself. It is a driving elite of our society," he asserted.
Dawoodarry noted that good governance is also a tool for preventing scandals and misdeeds that could impact Mauritian society. "The more governance we have, the more protected we are, and the more assured economic progress becomes," he highlighted. He stressed that governance is not a cost but a strategic investment that attracts foreign investors and fosters the country's development. He also encouraged the young professionals present to seize the opportunity to engage with experts in finance, banking, and corporate secretarial work.
Robert Hungley, Vice President of the Republic of Mauritius, who was present at the opening of the workshop, reminded attendees of the critical importance of good governance for the country's development and international reputation. "We must accept that Mauritius is small, so we need to look beyond our borders. Anyone dealing with us will demand good governance," he declared.
The Vice President emphasized that the integrity of Mauritian processes is key to making a mark on the international stage. "We must demonstrate the integrity of our processes. If we want to break our barriers and enter the African market or elsewhere, good governance is essential," he maintained.
Addressing the workshop participants directly, Robert Hungley encouraged them to maximize the day. "Absorb today’s lessons, take good examples, and most importantly, once you return to your office, apply what you have learned. Let's put it into practice," he suggested.
180 Participants from Public and Private Sectors
This training, led by Erika Eliasson-Norris, CEO of Beyond Governance, aims to strengthen the culture of ethical governance and inspire future leaders to adopt responsible and transparent practices. Javed Suffee, project manager, noted that the event attracted around 180 participants from both public and private sectors.
"Over six hours, interactive workshops allowed participants to explore different facets of governance. At the end of this training, we hope everyone leaves with new skills in good governance that they can practically apply in their work," he explained. The initiative aims to enhance integrity and effectiveness in professional practices in Mauritius.
Erika Eliasson-Norris, CEO of Beyond Governance: 'Governance must not remain on paper; it must be lived'
From your international experience, what are the main challenges Mauritian companies may face in implementing effective and ethical governance?
I believe one of the key challenges lies in practical implementation, rather than merely on paper. It's not enough to have well-written policies: it’s primarily about culture and behavior. Effective governance hinges on individuals' capacity to do what is right for the organization, even when no one is watching. It fundamentally comes down to integrity. Companies must therefore go beyond procedures and ensure that values are genuinely lived out daily.
You mentioned that governance is not just a cost but also an investment. Can you provide concrete examples of how strong governance directly helps attract foreign investors or improve economic development?
Yes, absolutely. When an organization establishes a climate of trust, it reassures investors. They feel their money is in good hands, managed by competent and responsible individuals. This trust is essential for attracting foreign capital. Moreover, good governance is not only about avoiding risks; it also creates value.
Well-governed organizations make decisions more quickly and effectively, improving their overall performance. This can even lead to better company valuation. In this sense, governance becomes a true lever for economic growth.
What role do young professionals play in promoting governance, and how can they engage to become ethical leaders?
Young professionals are essential. They represent the driving force and future of the profession. Historically, roles like that of a company secretary were seen as purely administrative. Today, this perception must evolve. Governance is much more than that: it’s about advocating for what is right for the organization and having the courage to speak up when something is wrong. Young people must commit for the right reasons, believe in their roles, and realize they have a voice, regardless of their level of experience. Being a governance professional is fundamentally about demonstrating conviction and ethics in everyday actions.