OUR STUDENTS
Our students come from diverse backgrounds from all over the world, but they share one thing in common: determination to succeed. In these student profiles, you’ll see first hand how their hard work, supported by our expert guidance & practical learning has helped them achieve outstanding results.
Company Secretarial Assistant at MSP Organisation
​India's path into corporate governance began somewhere unexpected. She studied Fine Art and History of Art at Loughborough University, with a foundation degree at UCL, and had no plan to end up in governance. That changed when she came across a trainee corporate governance role at MSP with a job description that particularly interested her.
Just two months into the role, she sat the Foundation exam after self-study but fell massively short with just 17 marks. This was an early setback that could have completely de-railed her career.
From MSP, she moved to Alter Domus as a Company Secretary Officer, a role she held for almost three years. Partway through this role, her studies were put on hold while she faced a series of health issues and underwent multiple surgeries. This was followed by a year in temporary roles, whilst focusing on getting her health back before returning to anything career related. Once she felt ready, India moved back to MSP to pick up both her career development and her studies.
“Restarting wasn't a straightforward decision. Having failed the Foundation exam once already, I was nervous about giving it another go. I spent time researching different providers before settling on Strategic Tutors Limited. After one phone conversation with Buff, I knew I was in good hands.
I feel genuinely grateful to have been taught by Buff. He took what is a very challenging textbook and put an incredible amount of work into turning it into something structured, clear, and genuinely manageable to learn from.
What stands out most to me is the consistency he brings to every session. He always comes in with real enthusiasm and encouragement, and it’s clear he genuinely cares about how we are doing and whether we are keeping up.
For those on the course who were learning everything from scratch, his patience has been especially remarkable. He never rushes through things or makes anyone feel left behind. He is always willing to explain things again in different ways until they click. He brings the study text to life with stories and real-world examples. This extra context makes the topics much more memorable, easier to understand and it helps the subject feel much more approachable.
During the month before the exam, I underwent surgery for breast cancer. After a brief break to recover, I dusted myself down, caught up and kept going.
Buff's support and teaching enabled me to pass going from a miserable fail of 17% to a brilliant 70% pass!
I would definitely recommend him, and I’m genuinely looking forward to continuing with Strategic Tutors Limited as I move forward into the qualifying programme”
Senior Manager at Hawkamah, the Institute for Corporate Governance
Dominic Elvin is Senior Manager at Hawkamah, the Institute for Corporate Governance, based in Dubai, UAE. At Hawkamah, he works closely with public and private companies and their boards, delivering governance advisory services, board evaluations, and tailored training programmes that address the region’s unique challenges and opportunities.
Dominic self‑studied for the majority of the CGQP. With the final stage being heavily case‑study focused, he chose to supplement his preparation by attending Strategic Tutors’ two‑day Revision Bootcamps in Risk Management and Boardroom Dynamics.
“By the time I got to my final two exams, I felt confident in my ability to understand theory and content, having studied independently for most of the qualification. What I really wanted at that stage was support in translating that knowledge into what the examiners were actually looking for, particularly when it came to the case studies.
The Strategic Tutors bootcamps were perfect for that. Buff and Seetal were fantastic and genuinely gave exactly the knowledge and focus needed to pass the exams. They explained things clearly, shared practical tips and techniques, and helped me structure my answers in a way that made sense under exam conditions.”
“That support was invaluable and completely changed how I approached the exams. It gave me far more confidence going in, and the results spoke for themselves, including a distinction in Boardroom Dynamics. I would definitely recommend Strategic Tutors to anyone studying the CGQP. The bootcamps give you the right tools and techniques to turn what you’ve learned into a pass when it really matters.”
Assistant Company Secretary at Keller Group plc
Diana’s journey into corporate governance took an inspiring turn after beginning her career in law. Having earned her Bachelor of Laws and qualified as a lawyer in Ukraine, she stumbled upon her true calling in governance while serving as the Head of the Bar Issues Commission at the International Bar Association (IBA) in London. Managing global operations, board schedules, and committee governance at the IBA sparked a deep passion for the field, setting her on a dedicated path toward corporate secretarial excellence.
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Since then, Diana has built expertise across high-profile settings—ranging from financial services at Floreat Merchant Banking to board support management at Metropolitan Gaming and secretarial role at Wise plc. Today, she serves as Assistant Company Secretary at Keller Group plc, supporting committee operations, listing rules compliance and entity management.
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To solidify her practice, Diana has been pursuing the Chartered Governance Qualifying Programme through The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland. She was exempt from completing the Foundation Programme and Company Law exam due to her legal background, and has successfully passed all Part 1 and most of Part 2 CGI modules.
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Diana attended Strategic Tutors Limited"Immersive" 10 week live online course and 2 Day "Bootcamp" revision course for 2 modules and this is what she had to say about her learning experience.
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Strategic Tutors Limited stands out as a game-changer for governance professionals navigating the Chartered Governance Institute (CGI) Qualifying Programme, combining deep subject-matter expertise with exceptionally well-structured, highly engaging tuition. Their interactive "Immersive" courses and intense revision "Bootcamps" go far beyond standard exam preparation by demystifying dense study texts, sharpening exam technique, and equipping us, students, with actionable strategy to manage heavy workloads without feeling overwhelmed. By fostering an environment where practical advice meets unmatched academic support – as evidenced by their students consistently securing top-tier pass rates and rare Distinctions – Buff and Strategic Tutors Limited proves to be an invaluable partner and true catalyst for success in governance education.
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Diana passed Boardroom Dynamics with her first ever Distinction pass.
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Diana is now just one single exam away from becoming a fully qualified Chartered Governance Professional. Driven by the ethos of her favorite Nelson Mandela quote – “It always seems impossible until it is done” – she is eagerly preparing to cross the finish line and continue elevating governance standards.
Company Secretarial Assistant at Legal & General Investment Management
I sat the Risk Management module in November 2025 for the second time and unfortunately failed again. It was the only exam I had failed twice, and I was feeling completely hopeless.
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It was after this that my husband came across Strategic Tutors and contacted Buff. After speaking with him, he encouraged me to enrol. Fast forward a few months, and I passed my Risk Management exam with 63%!
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I can honestly say the following made a huge difference:
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Weekly exam-style questions for homework
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Using the 12-step format to structure answers in the exam
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Buff’s guidance — follow his exact instructions and you will pass!
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The guest speaker during the revision course, who provided helpful hints that could easily be incorporated into answers for those extra marks.
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I now have just one exam left to sit — Boardroom Dynamics — and I plan to enrol with Strategic Tutors again.
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I would highly recommend Buff and the team. If you put in the work and follow their guidance, you will pass!
Governance Professional at SBM Bank (Mauritius) Ltd
Manisha is a Governance Officer within the Company Secretariat function at SBM Bank (Mauritius) Ltd, where she supports the Company Secretary in servicing the boards and committees of the Bank. Her work spans preparing meeting agendas and papers, drafting board and committee minutes and managing regulatory compliance with the Mauritian governance framework.
Manisha began the CGI UK & Ireland Qualifying Programme back in 2015, taking a few breaks along the way before working steadily towards completing the programme. She studied several papers in self-study mode, she felt that as she progressed through the programme she needed more structured support. In 2025, she joined Strategic Tutors for the Development of Strategy, taking both the lively weekly online "Immersive" classes and the "Bootcamp" revision weekend, led by Buff. She went on to take Boardroom Dynamics with Seetal Anand and has now completed the CGI UK & Ireland qualifying programme, qualifying as a Chartered Secretary.
As a student based in Mauritius, what I valued most about Strategic Tutors was access to genuinely quality courses designed for the CGI exams, something not always easy to find as a foreign student. Beyond the excellent tutors, it was the support and encouragement throughout that made the difference. The tutors teaching were engaging and rigorous, and I always felt part of the group despite studying from a distance. I'm grateful to have had that support behind me.
Specialist, Company Secretary at Pearson plc
Jenny is a law graduate who qualified as a Legal Executive in 2019 before beginning her The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland journey in 2025. She has more than 10 years’ experience in education governance, having started her governance career at Cambridge Assessment in 2014 before joining Pearson in 2024.
Through her previous qualifications and experience, Jenny was eligible for the CGI fast-track route. She sat the Corporate Governance examination in June 2025 and the Risk Management examination in June 2026.
“In late 2025, after sitting a particularly stressful Corporate Governance examination, I attended a CGI conference and met several others who were either part or newly qualified. When I asked for their advice on passing the CGI examinations, two people independently recommended Buff. I decided then it was time to change tutors – and I was not disappointed.
Buff teaches a clear 12-step approach to answering every question, supported by an invaluable technique of using tables to manage word count and ensure that every available mark is addressed. I admit I was sceptical at first, and the method took some getting used to, but these techniques proved invaluable in the examination.
They helped me focus on exactly what was required and complete my answers within the time allowed. Buff’s tutoring – and, in particular, the extremely helpful revision weekend – gave me the confidence to move away from the approaches I had used in previous exams and adopt a far more effective strategy.
Do you have to put in the work? Absolutely – there are no shortcuts. But if you want a tutor who cuts through the detail, focuses on what really matters and gives you a practical approach to the examinations, I would wholeheartedly recommend Buff.”
Governance & Compliance Partner at Halton Housing
Katie Hamlett
Katie has worked in housing association governance for over 20 years. Her introduction to governance came in 2005 as part of a team delivering a housing stock transfer to a newly formed housing association. 12 months later, Katie moved to a Governance Officer role at Halton Housing.
The organisation has seen many changes over the past 20 years and Katie is now the Governance and Compliance Partner. Katie leads a team responsible for providing a complete governance service across the Halton Housing group, handling meeting servicing, board recruitment, induction, training, appraisal and effectiveness reviews. Katie also ensures governance across the group meets regulatory requirements and maintains the risk management and assurance framework across the group.
Her The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland qualifying journey began in 2015. Katie made good progress initially but for various reasons took an extended break from studying until re-starting her studies in 2024. She studied Company Compliance & Administration with Campbell's College which she passed. Katie felt she needed a more active learning approach for the Finance (IFAI) module which took her to KCB GLOBAL where she also passed. She then moved on to Risk Management as her first Part 2 module and joined Buff Cooper's classes for the first time for his Risk Management revision weekend. Katie scored a Merit in this exam with 68%.
She then joined Strategic Tutors Limited for Development of Strategy, taking both the live weekly online “Immersive” classes and Buff’s “Bootcamp” revision weekend.
Katie scored her first Distinction pass with an outstanding 78%. Well done Katie!
Here are Katie's thoughts on her experience studying with Strategic Tutors Limited
“In terms of Strategic Tutors approach, I’d highlight the following as being really key to helping me.
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Focussing on the key models etc. and trusting in not needing to know everything in the textbook
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The 12 steps, regularly practicing with this and also writing it down in the reading time before the exam starts. This really helped me to keep focus when up against the clock on the day.
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Using the case study as the “golden ticket” I think what I did differently with Strategy compared to Risk was to get a really good understanding not just of the organisation in the case study but also its wider operating environment, reading around the topics it covered.
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Also, the guest speaker session on the revision weekend made an invaluable contribution”
Katie has signed up for Strategic Tutors Limited “Immersive” and “Bootcamp” courses for her last exam, Boardroom Dynamics. Seetal Anand is looking forward to welcoming you to her first "Immersive" session on Wednesday 11th March.
Company Secretary,
BAM UK & Ireland
Michelle qualified as a solicitor in 1996, 28 years before starting her journey to qualify with The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland Institute.
Michelle has always enjoyed company law and started her career as in house general counsel of BAM Nuttall Ltd in 1998. In the early 2020’s the group took a divisional approach and Michelle was appointed Company Secretary of BAM UK & Ireland Division, comprising three operating companies with a turnover of £3 bn. It was at this time that Michelle decided to take the CGI examinations to enhance her technical knowledge and show commitment to her Company Secretarial role. Due to exemptions she entered the CGI Fast Track route.
“I confess that to do these exams 30 years after leaving school and whilst working full time was daunting. I sat my Corporate Governance exam in June 2024 and passed first time – so far so good. Due to the shorter lead up to the November exams, I chose to sit my final exam, Risk Management in June 2025. Despite working hard for the exam (200+ hours of study) I failed, by a significant margin. I didn’t feel confident going into the exam despite my hard work and the idea of having to study again was disheartening.
Other students had spoken highly of Buff and I decided I needed a change in tutor and tutoring style to have a chance to pass my resit in November 2025. It was then that I discovered Strategic Tutors Limited Tutors and spoke with Buff who took the time to listen to me and gave me confidence that it was possible for me to pass.
Buff made it clear that weekly homework would be set throughout the course. Sometimes we would work alone, other times in pairs and we would also be required to mark each other’s work for a few sessions ‘to step into the examiners shoes’ and understand their expectations. He also told me of his 12 Steps technique. I dived in and committed to this immersive approach. Every lesson, all the homework and the 12 Step technique (a lifesaver in the exam). I rounded this off with Buff’s online revision weekend (more homework!) to help hone my exam skills.
Despite some unexpected personal challenges a few weeks before the exam (that’s life, isn’t it) I sat the exam and felt more in control of the paper than previously, in part due to the 12 Steps technique and in part due to the focussed study sessions. And I am delighted to say I passed! I cannot describe the elation and relief, for myself and my family who provided immense support throughout.
Attending the study sessions was essential to me having a chance to pass. It provided a supportive environment, making study a shared and enjoyable experience rather than a lonely one.
Buff is firm but fair, he takes no nonsense and is totally committed to enabling his students to pass the exams, often with flying colours.
Would I recommend you try again if at first you don’t succeed? Absolutely!"
Senior Company Secretary Assistant at Clyde & Co , Dubai
Nidhiya joined Clyde & Co in 2011 as an Administration Assistant and moved into the Corporate Services team six years later. That’s where her interest in governance grew, and she began the Chartered Governance Qualifying Programme.
She has now spent eight years in the Corporate Services team at Clyde & Co LLP and currently works as a Senior Company Secretary Assistant, supporting the end‑to‑end corporate governance lifecycle for a broad portfolio of entities. She manages incorporations, board meetings, statutory registers, and regulatory filings across various jurisdictions in the UAE.
Nidhiya studied with Strategic Tutors Limited for her first module from Part 2 of the Chartered Governance Professional exams, Risk Management, part of The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland Qualifying Programme.
She attended Strategic Tutors Limited "Immersive" 10 week live online course and 2 Day "Bootcamp" revision course and this is what she had to say about her learning experience.
“Juggling a full‑time job with two young kids is never easy, but Strategic Tutors Limited and Buff’s classes have truly made studying manageable and far less stressful. Buff’s classes were very engaging and his practical, realistic approach and exam techniques/tips (especially the 12 steps technique) gave me the confidence to approach the exam with ease”
Nidhiya passed Risk Management with her first ever Merit pass. Well done Nidhiya, a huge achievement and milestone in your qualification journey. Nidhiya’s has signed up with Strategic Tutors Limited to take both Boardroom Dynamics and Development of Stratrgy exams in June 2026.
Executive at One Advisory FRP Advisory
Tom Birt
Tom got into Corporate Governance after he discovered the field whilst he was taking a Graduate Scheme at a public sector company. Since then, Tom has moved in to the world of professional services at One Advisory, where he helps to support clients in their compliance and regulatory management, especially when it comes to listed regulation, such as Market Abuse Regulation, running Annual General Meetings, and Director’s fiduciary duties.
Tom studied with Strategic Tutors Limited for his first Chartered Governance Professional exam, Company Compliance & Administration, part of The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland Qualifying Programme.
Tom attended Strategic Tutors Limited's "Immersive" 10 week live online course. Due to his dedication to his studies Strategic Tutors Limited rewarded Tom with a full bursary to attend their 2 Day "Bootcamp" revision course.
Tom's feedback from his time with Strategic Tutors Limited was "Buff was highly engaging and a great source of knowledge, exam strategy and practical advice for preparation. The course was well structured and helped to highlight how best to spend one's time in the run up to the exam - as well as helping to deal with the sheer amount of content that is in the study text, and how overwhelming that can feel"
Tom scored one of only 6 Distinction passes in the November 2025 exam out of a total of 131 candidates. Well done Tom, amazing achievement. Now on to the next 6!
Senior Associate and Head of the Technology, Media, Telecommunications, IP and Sustainability Practice at KTA Advocates
KTA Advocates is regional law firm with presence across Africa and an international client base. In her role, Cathrine supports multinational corporations and growing enterprises in regulatory compliance, licensing structures, corporate setup, and governance frameworks. Her work spans establishing appropriate corporate governance structures, coordinating board processes, and preparing and reviewing board documentation to facilitate effective decision-making.
Cathrine studied with Strategic Tutors Limited for her final two Level 2 modules, Risk Management and Boardroom Dynamics, for the The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland Qualifying Programme.
She attended Strategic Tutors’ November weekend revision courses, and this is what she had to say about her experience:
“You know the saying, ‘what you fear, you attract.’
There is a common perception that the The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland is daunting, particularly for international candidates, and while it certainly demands discipline and commitment, wouldn’t it be refreshing If the process was made clearer and more manageable?
I began the programme in 2021 and in 2025 I dared to complete four papers in one year. Was it a challenge? Absolutely. But being introduced to Strategic Tutors Limited Tutors, and Buff Cooper in particular, during my November sitting for Boardroom Dynamics and Risk Management made a significant difference. Strategic Tutors Limited provided structure, clarity and confidence at a critical stage.
The November weekend revision sessions were rigorous, practical, and highly interactive. The Strategic Tutors’ teaching style is different, I must say. Buff’s use of a structured 12-step technique for answering examination questions, set exam trigger words, homework, session guest speakers based on the case study and the module, combined with mock presentations and peer discussions significantly broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of the subject matter, ultimately strengthening my confidence.
Buff is firm yet supportive, ensuring discipline while maintaining calm reassurance during what can be an intense revision period.
I definitely attracted something, but it was not fear. With the support of Strategic Tutors Limited Tutors and their team, I have now successfully completed the CGI Qualifying Programme and qualified as a Chartered Governance Professional”