I'm genuinely excited to deploy the analytical tools I've gained, and I know precisely where to probe. Most importantly, I now have the language and confidence to engage effectively with my finance partners.
Claudine Heron, a respected Divisional CEO within W&R Barnett Ltd, already had a distinguished career and significant responsibilities. Yet, driven by a genuine desire to enhance her strategic contribution and financial understanding, she embarked on a learning journey with INSEAD. This is the story of her experience and the "light bulb moment" that reshaped her approach to leadership.
As CEO of the Agri Division at W&R Barnett Ltd — Northern Ireland's largest family-owned business with a substantial £1.8 billion group turnover — Claudine Heron oversees a complex and diverse portfolio. Her leadership spans global commodity trading, extensive bulk liquid storage operations, and large-scale animal feed manufacturing. With a strong foundation in engineering and a proven track record in various demanding roles, Claudine's capabilities were well-established.
However, she recognised an opportunity for further growth. "I've always believed in continuous learning," Claudine explains, "and I felt that a deeper grasp of finance would allow me to contribute even more effectively, particularly in strategic discussions at the group board level." It was this sincere commitment to personal and professional development that led her to explore INSEAD's renowned Finance for Executives programme.
The Challenge: Speaking the Language of the Boardroom
Claudine Heron is no stranger to complex systems. As CEO of W&R Barnett's Agri Division, she steers a diverse portfolio encompassing global commodity trading, bulk liquid storage across multiple countries, and large-scale animal feed manufacturing. "My role demands a strategic eye on the performance of these varied businesses," she explains.
Her career journey is a compelling narrative of versatility – from development engineer at Mobil and BP to technical brand management for Walkers Crisps' iconic brands, before returning to Northern Ireland and ascending through the ranks at W&R Barnett. But despite her extensive operational and leadership success, Claudine identified a critical growth area.
"I wanted to enhance my toolkit for looking strategically at the business and strengthen my input at the group Board level," she confides. "I felt my financial language wasn't robust enough. I needed a deeper understanding."
The Turning Point: A "Light Bulb Moment" at INSEAD
Encouraged by her own CEO, an INSEAD MBA alumnus, Claudine turned to the INSEAD Finance for Executives programme. The impact was immediate and profound.
"I had a genuine light bulb moment on the very first day," Claudine recalls with evident enthusiasm. "We started discussing shareholder returns, and suddenly, years of historic conversations began to make perfect sense. I’d always felt a degree of apprehension when facing financially focused questions around returns from our Non-Executive Directors."
While a previous introductory finance course had provided a valuable foundation, Claudine found INSEAD offered something far more potent. "The INSEAD Finance for Executives programme shone a different, performance-focused light that I had been searching for. It was exactly what I needed."
Beyond the Spreadsheet: Practical Tools, World-Class Teaching
The programme's design and delivery resonated deeply with Claudine’s practical approach. "The Professors were not only approachable but brought an exceptionally high teaching standard," she praises. "The course masterfully recapped the basics in the initial days before rapidly advancing to sophisticated financial principles. Crucially, it armed us with practical tools that we could immediately test and apply in our breakout sessions."
This hands-on learning, combined with the high calibre of teaching, proved to be a powerful combination.
New Confidence, New Capabilities: Transforming Performance
The dividends of her INSEAD experience were swift and significant. "I now possess a deeper level of critical thinking regarding our Division's performance and, importantly, value creation," Claudine states. "I'm genuinely excited to deploy the analytical tools I've gained, and I know precisely where to probe. Most importantly, I now have the language and confidence to engage effectively with my finance partners."
The programme also prepared her for an increasingly vital aspect of her role: acquisitions. "My prior experience with acquisitions was limited, but this has potential to become a more significant part of my responsibilities, both as a group Board member and as we drive growth within the Division. The course delivered a much deeper understanding of critical concepts, and I feel far more confident in knowing the right questions to ask."
The INSEAD Edge: A Global Classroom on a Historic Campus
The renowned Fontainebleau campus provided an inspiring backdrop. "The quality of the other participants was a standout feature; their insightful questions significantly amplified my own understanding," Claudine notes. "The facilities are truly excellent, right down to the catering – an often-overlooked detail that’s crucial for success during an intensive programme."
She adds, "The diversity within our cohort – in roles, nationalities, and gender – fostered an incredible richness of thought. It was remarkable how a question from a peer could unlock a cascade of answers for me. The networking opportunities during breaks were invaluable for deepening my thinking." The "patient and engaging" professors also earned her high marks.
A Commitment to Continuous Growth
For Claudine, learning is not a destination, but an ongoing journey. "I passionately believe that your education never truly stops if you aspire to be at the pinnacle of your field," she asserts. "You must perpetually challenge yourself to see things from new perspectives."
The Verdict: "An Intense Few Days that Delivers a Mindset Shift"
Would she endorse the INSEAD Finance for Executives programme? "Absolutely, without a shadow of a doubt!" Claudine declares. "This course doesn't just teach you finance; it fundamentally provides a different lens through which to view business performance. It propels you along the maturity curve, helping you grasp what true value creation for shareholders really means. It’s an intense few days, but it delivers a genuine mindset shift – it certainly did for me."
Claudine Heron's journey underscores the profound impact that targeted executive education can have. For leaders aiming to elevate their financial fluency and strategic decision-making, INSEAD's Finance for Executives programme offers a proven path to unlocking new levels of performance and confidence.
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