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Course Description
Course 1. Quantum (60 minutes)
As a board member, how might we approach emerging technologies and prepare for a quantum future?
What are “quantum computers”?
What are the timelines, limitations, drivers, opportunities, and risks?
How might the board think creatively about emerging technologies and design a vision for the organization?
Course 2. Quantum and AI (60 minutes)
What are the use cases of quantum and what does the future of impact look like?
How might board leaders interact with startup ecosystems meaningfully, not just as the person writing the cheque?
How might boards create value and develop programs in quantum and AI as part of their strategic plans?
How might boards develop a talent pipeline, build an innovation ecosystem, begin conversations for partnerships, approach insider risk, and understand data governance?
Optional 30-minute 1:1 session with one of the Co-Managing Directors:
A discussion focused on advancing the strategic opportunities important to you, and help you design a roadmap with actionable next steps. We will ask interested participants to share a few notes with us prior to the meeting.
Testimonials
"Quantum Oaks Advisory managed to achieve exactly the right balance between sketching the scene of where the new emerging technology of Quantum Computing is right now, with the right level of science terminology (i.e. what a Board member should know or at least recognize), and the strategic and risk versus opportunity perspectives that Board members should take and focus their questions on. The practical break-out sessions were very useful for hands-on learning."
— Annemarie Straathof, Independent Board Director at BNP Paribas; Member of the Supervisory Board and Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee at FMO: Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank
"Useful entry point for boards to engage with AI and quantum without getting lost in the technical detail [...] Understanding where structural weaknesses exist today that may create risk tomorrow was particularly valuable, alongside a clear view of the underlying technology."
— Mary Francia, Board Member and INSEAD International Directors Network Ambassador for The Americas
“This was an excellent learning experience and a great chance to discuss an important topic that is both interesting and current. The thought-provoking and engaging course widened my perspective, and I gained insights that will surely be helpful later on. Thank you!”
— Mona Lehtinen, Chief Information Specialist, National Library of Finland at the University of Helsinki
"Challenging concepts that were well presented with a mix of theory and application. Thank you for offering this program!"
— Stephanie Olexa, MBA, Ph.D., Board Member and former Adjunct Professor
"Beyond technical specs, I saw incredible value in sharpening my ability to translate complex, cutting-edge topics like quantum computing and advanced AI into corporate frameworks that fit directly into the executive decision-making matrix. […] Translating frontier tech into the language of governance, strategy, and risk mitigation gets you in front of the decision-makers!"
— Kateryna Halstead, former Google Public Policy Fellow
"Well-organised program! Appreciate the opportunity to learn and connect with everyone."
— Tongshan Liu, DPhil student in nanomaterials at the University of Oxford
To Apply
We ask for a link to your web profile e.g. Linkedin. We offer a full refund if your application is unsuccessful. If you are unsure whether you meet the eligibility criteria for the program, please email Advisory@UnbuiltLabs.com with your web profile (e.g. Linkedin) and your preferred course date. We will be able to provide an admissions decision prior to registration.
Eligibility:
We are excited to welcome both experienced board members and emerging leaders, as the modern board composition evolves. However, this Certificate Board Leadership Program is only offered to individuals with billing addresses in the United States, Canada, Norway, Switzerland, or the European Union. We sometimes offer custom programs for groups and organizations outside of these regions, please reach out to learn more. Please be sure to review our Risk Management Policy on Government Contractors and Politically Exposed Persons below.
Preferred Access and Discounts for Organizational Partners:
We offer preferred access and discounts to the affiliates of our organizational partners, such as the Oxford Entrepreneurs Network for University of Oxford alumni, and the EU-funded Early Stage Investing Launchpad (ESIL). If you would like to partner with us, please feel free to reach out to Advisory@UnbuiltLabs.com. We are also open to media partnerships and partnerships with organizations looking to offer perks to our alumni community.
Learn More About our Program
For admissions, payment, and course policies, please view our Program Policies. Email Advisory@UnbuiltLabs.com if you have any questions or if you would like to book a group training program for your board. We also offer small group discounts for 2-3 participants. Reach out for more information.
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The certificate is awarded for completion of program requirements, which includes participation at both sessions 1 and 2.
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As part of our Emerging Board Leaders Program, we invite leading universities to nominate graduate students to our program and bring a fresh perspective to board conversations. Participants will receive fully sponsored seats. This includes one of the graduate schools at Columbia University in New York.
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Private Linkedin group to access our alumni network
Exclusive invites to alumni events
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As a private sector think tank, we decline government contracts, government contractors, as well as the management and board members of government or public agencies — from all countries — as a risk management measure. We also decline Politically Exposed Persons (PEP). Examples of PEP include but is not limited to Head of States, politicians, legislators, political party officials, management at state owned enterprises, as well as the members of the judiciary, military, or diplomatic functions of a government. In some cases we are able to accommodate people from international organizations, multilateral organizations, and development banks. Please email Advisory@UnbuiltLabs.com if you have any questions.
Leadership
Marguerite Van Cook, Ph.D.
From Marguerite's early days at the Treasury department at IBM in the 70s, working alongside colleagues on room-sized computers, she now brings her expertise to Quantum Oaks Advisory at Unbuilt Labs supporting boards on quantum computing vision and strategies. Marguerite Van Cook came to New York with her punk band The Innocents, after touring the UK with The Clash. She has been an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University, Hunter College, and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York. Marguerite has been a speaker at the UN, Boards Impact Forum, Williams College, Whitney Museum, MOMA, and other institutions. She serves on the Board of Unbuilt Labs. She is the President of the Board at Visual AIDS, and the President Emeritus of Howl Arts Inc.
Marguerite@UnbuiltLabs.com
Co-Managing Director
Marvin Cheung
Marvin has a background in emerging technologies, having consulted and advised startups in New York. He holds judge, reviewer, and mentor roles at Johns Hopkins, MIT, Kellogg-Morgan Stanley, and Yale University. Recognized for his astute understanding of complex global systems, he chairs the Global Consortium for Systems Research and serves on the Board of Unbuilt Labs as well as various advisory boards. He has also been a Global Diplomacy Fellow as well as an Expert on SDGs and Strategic Planning at the United Nations. He regularly briefs boards on pressing issues. He has given talks at the UN, MIT, ChairX, Boards Impact Forum, and other institutions. He writes a monthly Global Strategy Briefing for Boards at Quantum Insider. He is a member of the University of Oxford Quantum Information Society.
Marvin@UnbuiltLabs.com
Co-Managing Director