General counsel | IQbusiness
Yesthiel Singh
General counsel | IQbusiness
Looking forward, what technological advancements do you feel will impact the role of in-house legal teams in the future the most? Which have you found most useful in your legal team?
In the last few months, the evolution of the technological advancements in the market has left most people in awe. Pressures on in-house legal teams to boost efficiencies and cut costs mean legal technology has never been more important. It is important to recognise that in house teams in dynamic and technological industries are more likely to adopt advanced technology as opposed to more traditional industries.
One of the obvious frontrunners, is the continued integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into the legal space. Advanced AI tools can support with routine legal tasks, allowing in-house teams to allocate their time and expertise more strategically. It will also be interesting to watch the regulatory advancements related to AI.
With most of the technology being fuelled by data, I envisage that enhanced data security and privacy compliance tools will feature prominently given the evolving landscape of data protection regulations globally.
Ultimately, the integration of these technologies holds the promise of empowering in-house legal teams to be more strategic, proactive, and agile in addressing the complex legal challenges of the future.
How do you suggest in-house lawyers build strong relationships with business partners?
I believe that a crucial responsibility of a general counsel is to foster a robust connection between the legal team and the broader business. Central to this, are relationships based on trust and respect. In-house legal teams must be responsive, responsible, act with integrity and be available when required.
The legal team at IQbusiness prides itself on exhibiting an alignment to the vision and purpose of the company, whether it be in client engagements, or with internal stakeholders. We also ensure that the legal team displays strong business and commercial acumen providing advice on matters outside of the core legal mandate. This approach has cultivated a culture of trust, where the business places confidence in our judgment and skillset outside of the traditional legal and risk mandate. As a result, the legal team is often included in business and commercial decisions, making the legal function a crucial aspect of any transaction or decision-making process within the business.
It is also imperative for in-house legal teams to have to have a comprehensive understanding of the company’s strategy, vision and purpose so that they can align the legal department with the key stakeholders’ goals and objectives and provide opportunities for the team to provide creative legal solutions and grow their commercial skills in a manner that creates value for the company.
Yesthiel is the general counsel and company secretary at IQbusiness, the largest independent management and technology consulting firm in South Africa.
Yesthiel has played a critical role in propelling the organic growth of the business within the Pan-African market, as well as facilitating acquisitive growth through the successful completion of several significant acquisitions that align with the company’s growth strategy. As a result, IQbusiness experienced a threefold increase in size, both in terms of revenue and workforce headcount.
In 2023, Yesthiel played a crucial role in navigating through the sale of a majority interest in IQbusiness to a JSE listed entity. Yesthiel adeptly managed the legal process and took the lead in ensuring the success of the acquisition integration process.
Yesthiel goes beyond and uses his role as the youngest partner and EXCO member at IQbusiness to influence significant impact for young South Africans. He places transformation at the heart of his actions and sets a trailblasing precedent through initiatives such as the founding of the IQbusiness “YCo”, which is a pioneering youth transformation advisory board of under-35 technology and research professionals that acts as an advisory board to the EXCO to solve business problems and explore new opportunities challenging traditional thinking in a constructive manner, whilst also embracing new and relevant technology.
Yesthiel has also ensured that IQbusiness is one of the few registered B-Corporations in Africa by remaining as a purpose-driven organisation beyond profits. Yesthiel leads the B-Corporation initiative to ensure that his company meets high international standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.
Beyond his day-to-day, Yesthiel offers his personal time to youth and societal transformational initiatives, such as his partnerships with YES4YOUTH South Africa, resulting in at least 50 new technology jobs for unemployed South African youth a year. He also mentors many young South Africans in career and personal development areas. He is personable, dynamic, and committed to grow South Africa by uplifting his fellow South Africans of all ages, professionally and interpersonally. Yesthiel represents a leadership that is needed in South Africa to chart a vibrant, youthful and sustainable future.