Company secretary | Julius Berger
Cecilia Ekanem Madueke
Company secretary | Julius Berger
· Team size: 4
How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?
My view is that the broader business strategy should focus on the sustainability of the business, as resilience is inherently tied to sustainability.
Instability or crisis is inevitable for any organisation, particularly in the dynamic operational environment. The key to overcoming such challenges lies in the response. My approach would be centred on proactive risk assessment, strategic review and scanning, stakeholder collaboration and engagement, as well as meticulous planning and execution.
I would prioritise establishing a clear framework for agile decision-making, upholding the sanctity of governance structures and officers, and ensuring alignment with the business’s sustainability initiatives to maintain operational stability. Additionally, I would emphasise open communication with the Board and executive leadership, fostering teamwork to navigate crises effectively.
In your opinion, what are the main trends affecting your work now (these can be legal, political, economic or business-based)?
The dynamics in the legal and regulatory environment significantly influence my work. Navigation, compliance, and advocacy demand constant adaptation to stay aligned with evolving laws and regulations. Additionally, persistent macro-economic headwinds and volatility require innovative responses to maintain stability and drive growth. Sustainability priorities are now central to corporate strategy and resilience, and managing stakeholder expectations plays a critical role in this. The political landscape also has a substantial impact, shaping laws, regulations, relationships, and foreign investment trends, which requires a sharp focus on anticipation and response. Technology has become a major influence, both as a tool and an effect, especially in an ever-evolving and uncharted terrain. Finally, no country or company operates in isolation today, and the global landscape, with its external events, continues to shape business outcomes and strategies.
What strategic priorities are guiding your legal team into 2025?
As we look toward 2025, the following strategic priorities will guide my team. First, strengthening standards and processes will be a key focus to ensure consistency and efficiency in our operations. Digital transformation will play a critical role, as we aim to leverage technology to enhance our capabilities and improve outcomes. Talent development will be central to building a future-ready team, with expertise not only in existing areas of law, governance codes, and regulations but also in emerging areas that will shape the future. Finally, relationships will remain a focal point, as fostering strong, collaborative connections with stakeholders is essential for long-term success.