“As a non-finance professional, I now feel much more confident in tracking financial performance, spotting risks, and using data to guide strategic decisions.”
When Brent Jenkins attended Cranfield’s Finance for the Boardroom programme, he was eager to deepen his understanding of business finances to support the strategic goals of his organisation.
“With over 30 years of experience in software development and leadership roles, I currently manage a team developing engineering-grade simulation software used in the automotive industry, and prior to this I ran my own bespoke software consultancy for twelve years.
“The main reason I chose the Finance for the Boardroom programme was to gain clarity on financial processes such as budget planning, forecasting, and interpreting key financial metrics. I wanted to develop the ability to identify trends and ratios that could indicate the health of the business, its departments, and teams.
"My ultimate goal was to anticipate risks, address them proactively, and use financial data to shape effective strategies and set achievable goals for my teams."
“The programme exceeded my expectations in several ways. The course leaders brought a wealth of experience to the classroom, presenting the foundational concepts in an accessible way and building on them to provide a deeper understanding of financial strategies. Their expertise in mergers, acquisitions, and investments added valuable context to the discussions.
“Our diverse group of delegates also enriched my experience on the programme. Coming from various industries, they brought unique perspectives to our group activities and discussions which I found enlightening. Their questions, comments, and approaches to problems provided me with new ways of thinking about financial challenges.
“One of the key insights I gained was how specific numbers, trends, and financial ratios can reveal the overall health of a business. This was a revelation for me. I realised that by analysing this data, it’s possible to determine the utilisation levels of resources within teams, gauge efficiency, and make informed decisions to drive the business forward. These are concepts I can immediately apply in my current role, particularly as I am always looking for ways to track and improve team performance while identifying opportunities for growth.
“The facilities at Cranfield were excellent; from the high-quality catering to the seamless organisation of the programme, every detail was thoughtfully handled. Adele, who looked after the group, went above and beyond to ensure everything ran smoothly, which made the entire experience enjoyable.
“This programme has made a real difference to how I approach my work."
"As a non-finance professional, I now feel much more confident in tracking financial performance, spotting risks, and using data to guide strategic decisions. It’s given me the tools to connect technical and financial leadership more effectively, helping ensure my teams stay aligned with the business’s long-term goals.
“I would recommend Finance for the Boardroom to anyone with an interest in understanding what drives their company’s financial success. Being a leader without a finance background, at times I’ve felt perplexed by some of the terminology used in business, but this programme provided invaluable insights and has improved my ability to interpret financial data. For me, it was a transformative experience, and I am grateful to Cranfield for delivering such a high-quality learning opportunity.”
Finance for the Boardroom programme
Find out more about Finance for the Boardroom or download the brochure:
