Abstract
Purpose This paper aims to explore potential opportunities for corporate learning and development functions to play a strategic leadership role by meeting the professional development needs of company directors. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted an interview with Mr Dmitriy Larionov, an independent director at Kazakhtelecom and Air Astana. Findings The interview revealed that, from the perspective of the interviewee, company directors do have important professional development needs. These needs, however, are not easily satisfied and can go unmet. Practical implications Learning and development professionals in listed companies can play a heightened strategic and influencing role in corporate governance by better equipping directors to perform their duties well. Originality/value Air Astana is a rapidly expanding company in a highly competitive and universally significant industry. Kazakhstan is a new country without a history of private companies. Kazakhstan is one of the world's fastest developing economies.