Elevating Your Career: 10 Lessons from Lara Oyesanya on Executive Presence
The African Corporate and Government Counsel Forum (ACGC) in partnership with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch recently hosted a webinar titled “Mastering Influence: Establishing Executive Presence for In-House Counsel”. One of the many collaborative sessions that two organizations are partnering on to deliver professional development support to corporate government counsel across Africa.
The discussion, was led by Lara Oyesanya, Group General Counsel, Company Secretary and Chief Legal Officer, Zepz & Winner of Women4Africa 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. With over 40 years experience Lara brought a wealth of knowledge to the session. The session was skilfully moderated by Justina Lewa, Former Company Secretary & Chief Legal Counsel, Sterling Bank Plc and Chair of the In-house & Government Counsel Forum of the NBA Lagos Branch,
Key Themes and Insights
The session covered several critical areas for in-house counsel:
- Effective Time Management and Work-Life Balance
- Navigating Corporate Culture and Stakeholder Relationships
- Leveraging Technology and AI in Legal Practice
- Adapting to Regulatory Changes and Compliance Challenges
- Developing Leadership Skills and Emotional Intelligence
- Importance of Networking and Continuous Professional Development
Highlights from the Fireside Chat
Question 1: Did you have mentors, or do you still have mentors? How did you reach the peak of your career?
Lara shared that her career success was a result of a combination of determination, self-belief, resilience, and the influence of supportive leaders she encountered. She emphasized that while she did not have formal mentors, various influential figures played pivotal roles throughout her career. Lara highlighted the importance of learning from these interactions and integrating those lessons into one’s professional journey.
Question 2: What are some key strategies you used to get to the top?
Lara underscored that a career is more of a marathon than a sprint. She stressed the importance of knowing oneself, including one’s strengths and weaknesses. She also discussed establishing clear career objectives and deploying various strategies from an early stage. Lara pointed out that understanding personal attributes and tailoring career strategies accordingly is crucial for long-term success.“Career pathway is more of a marathon rather than a sprint. Deploy different strategies from a very early age by knowing who you are, your strengths.”
Question 3: How can in-house counsel become more visible and influential?
Lara advised in-house counsel to shift the perception of their role from merely a support function to an integral part of the business. She emphasized understanding business dynamics, becoming solution-oriented, and thinking like a businessperson. Lara highlighted the necessity of being pragmatic and business-focused to gain a competitive edge. She was emphatic that in-house counsel should not spend valuable time trying to justify their competence. The fact that someone has been chosen for a certain position is proof enough that they are deserving to be there. Instead, focus on getting people to listen to you and strive to have market intelligence
“To be successful, you need to think like the business. Businesses are interested in someone who is pragmatic and business oriented and a person who enables the business have a competitive edge.”
Question 4: What is your daily routine like, and how does it help you maintain executive presence?
Lara attributed her discipline and structured lifestyle to her upbringing. She emphasized the importance of planning and organizing her week every Sunday, ensuring that she and her children were prepared for the week ahead. This routine included daily reviews of tasks and reflecting on accomplishments before bed. Such discipline has been vital in maintaining her executive presence.
“Discipline is key. Present yourself in a manner that you want people to treat you in. Be engaging and have a vast level of knowledge.”
Question 5: Why is networking and continuous professional development important for in-house counsel, and how have you built your personal brand and maintained continuous executive presence?
Lara highlighted the value of networking and continuous professional development for career growth and success. She encouraged in-house counsel to actively participate in industry events, join professional associations, and seek mentorship opportunities. Continuous learning through courses, certifications, and staying abreast of industry trends is vital for maintaining relevance and enhancing expertise.
She stressed the importance of self-presentation, continuous learning, and engaging confidently with others. Her personal brand is built on being knowledgeable, credible, and resourceful, with an emphasis on integrity and how others perceive one’s brand when not in the room. Lara also referred to herself as a “smiling assassin,” highlighting the balance between being approachable and maintaining a strong, influential presence. She emphasized that while it is important to be kind and approachable, one must also be firm and decisive when necessary.
“I present myself as a smiling assassin – approachable yet firm and decisive when it matters. It’s about striking the right balance.”
Question 6: Have you encountered any misconceptions or biases about in-house counsel that might affect their chances of being selected for boardrooms?
Lara discussed the misconception that lawyers are overly risk-averse, which can hinder their selection for board roles. She advised lawyers to align with the business’s risk appetite, add value through compliance, and collaborate with other business areas to overcome this bias. Lara emphasized the importance of accessibility, trust-building, and leveraging legal knowledge to influence business strategy positively.
“Lawyers need to move from just managing risk to helping the business create value.”
Question 7: How do you relax with so much work?
Lara emphasized that maintaining a balance between work and relaxation is crucial for sustaining her productivity and mental well-being. She finds relaxation through various activities that help her unwind and rejuvenate. One of her favorite ways to relax is by walking, which not only clears her mind but also provides physical exercise. Walking allows her to disconnect from work-related stress and enjoy moments of tranquility. Additionally, Lara enjoys listening to Afrobeats, which uplifts her spirits and provides an enjoyable escape from her busy schedule. Traveling is another passion of hers, offering opportunities to explore new cultures, meet new people, and gain fresh perspectives. This exploration contributes significantly to her personal growth and relaxation. After particularly busy days, Lara finds solace in unwinding with Netflix, watching her favorite shows and movies to take her mind off work. Ensuring she gets adequate rest is a priority, as she understands the importance of sleep for overall health and productivity. Lara makes it a point to get a good night’s sleep to recharge for the next day.
Question 8: How can technology and AI be leveraged in legal practice?
Lara highlighted the transformative role of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in modern legal practice. She emphasized that embracing technological advancements can significantly enhance efficiency, accuracy, and overall productivity for in-house counsel. Lara discussed the importance of staying updated with the latest tools and platforms that can streamline legal processes, such as contract management systems, e-discovery tools, and predictive analytics.
“Embracing AI and technology is not optional; it’s essential for staying competitive and delivering efficient legal services.”
Question 9: How can in-house counsel adapt to regulatory changes and compliance challenges?
Lara stressed the necessity for in-house counsel to stay vigilant and adaptable to the ever-evolving regulatory landscape. She pointed out that understanding and anticipating regulatory changes is crucial for maintaining compliance and mitigating risks. Lara recommended continuous learning and proactive engagement with regulatory bodies to stay ahead of compliance challenges.
“Adapting to regulatory changes is about foresight and preparation. Stay informed and be proactive to turn challenges into opportunities.”
Question 10: What is the importance of developing leadership skills and emotional intelligence for in-house counsel?
Lara underscored the importance of developing strong leadership skills and emotional intelligence (EQ) for in-house counsel. She explained that effective leadership involves not only technical expertise but also the ability to inspire and manage teams. Emotional intelligence, including self-awareness, empathy, and interpersonal skills, is critical for building trust and fostering a collaborative work environment.
“Leadership is not just about knowing the law; it’s about understanding people. Emotional intelligence is the cornerstone of effective leadership.”