Verifying Leadership: How Calgary’s Credivera is Certifying the Next Generation of iGP Board Leaders in Canada

As Canada’s innovation economy scales, corporate governance is becoming more complex, with board members and executives needing a deeper understanding of technology, cybersecurity, and regulatory frameworks. Ensuring that Canada’s high-growth firms have access to qualified, well-prepared board members isn’t just about training—it’s also about verification. Organizations need confidence that the leaders they bring into the boardroom have the skills, credentials, and experience to guide companies through today’s fast-changing business landscape.

That’s where Credivera, a Calgary-based leader in workforce identity management, is making an impact. The company, led by CEO Dan Giurescu, has built the world’s first secure, open exchange for verifiable credentials. By enabling individuals and organizations to - share, and authenticate credentials in real-time, Credivera ensures that credentials remain up to date, accurate, and tamper-proof.

Credivera’s technology is now playing a key role in CCI’s Innovation Governance Program (iGP), our award-winning upskilling initiative for board members of high-growth technology firms. With over 1,100 graduates, iGP equips current and aspiring board members with expertise in corporate governance, cybersecurity, intellectual property strategy, ESG, and talent development. Now, thanks to Credivera, iGP graduates can carry a verified digital credential, ensuring their board-ready expertise is recognized and authenticated.

For Gabriella Boulos, CCI’s Director of Programming and Events, Credivera has helped take iGP’s credibility and professionalization to the next level.

“Having a verifiable credential is a game-changer for iGP graduates,” says Boulos. “With Credivera, we can authenticate and validate participation in the program, giving companies confidence that the board members they’re recruiting have completed rigorous, industry-leading training. It’s a perfect example of how we’re leveraging Canadian innovation to strengthen Canadian governance.”

Beyond supporting iGP, Credivera’s credentialing capabilities are helping CCI enhance its broader board and executive search work, where the organization actively connects high-growth companies with qualified leadership candidates. By integrating verifiable digital credentials into this process, CCI is ensuring that its network of board-ready executives is equipped with proven expertise and validated experience.

For Giurescu, the partnership with CCI is a natural fit.

“At Credivera, we believe that verifiable credentials are key to building trust in today’s economy,” he says. “By securing and authenticating the credentials of iGP graduates, we’re helping ensure that Canada’s boardrooms are filled with the best-prepared, most qualified leaders. This isn’t just about workforce identity—it’s about strengthening the entire innovation ecosystem.”

By working with a fellow CCI member to fortify its offerings, the council is demonstrating the strength of Canadian innovation supporting Canadian businesses. As governance continues to evolve, secure, verifiable credentials will be critical to ensuring that Canada’s innovation leaders have the skills, credibility, and trust needed to guide the next generation of high-growth firms. Credivera and CCI are proving that the future of leadership isn’t just about who you know—it’s about what you can prove.

The next cohort of the Innovation Governance Program runs from May to June, equipping leaders with the skills to navigate governance in Canada’s innovation economy. Applications are open until March 31. Apply at www.innovationgovernance.ca.

—

This article is part of CCI’s new “By Canadian Innovators” series, which showcases how members of the Council of Canadian Innovators work with homegrown companies to fuel their growth and make Canada more prosperous. Each story in this series highlights the unique contributions of these companies to building a more prosperous, innovation-driven economy. To learn more about the companies CCI works with to build a more prosperous Canada, visit our member directory.