Name: Erharuyi Idemudia
Position: General Counsel
Company: Africa Health Holdings Limited (AHH)
Sector (financial, govt, energy etc): Private Equity / Healthcare
Worked in the current position for: 3 years and 10 months
Years in-house: 8 years
An overview of my role is:
In my experience, I find that the role of General Counsel is very broad. It is not a strictly legal role, and I am not restricted to serve as the Company’s chief legal officer. Rather, I provide counsel and guidance to the Board of Directors (Board), as well as the management team on all matters – investments, operations, financial, legal, quality and compliance, human resources and business development. It is certainly not out of the ordinary course of business for a director or the chief executive officer to pick up the telephone and give me a call to seek my opinion on “a potential asset;” or ask, “how do we structure the deal?” Or “what are your views on this marketing strategy?”
So rather than restrict my views on legal matters, I have the opportunity to affect the Company’s core business on a larger scale; and be involved in decisions that directly impact our performance.
The best thing about my current job is: The people. On one hand, I have the privilege to work with some of the most dedicated, hardworking and passionate people I have ever met. Separately, I also have the honour of serving more than 1.3 billion Africans. The opportunity to contribute to the effort of building a critical industry in Africa means that I have the chance to join in the effort to build an industry, which will not only create jobs for Africans but more importantly, save our lives.
The most challenging thing about my current job is: Time difference. In addition to our healthcare facilities, which are located in multiple cities, AHH has a corporate presence in Accra, Lagos, Nairobi and New York City. As a multinational company (or in this case, cross-Atlantic, as well), I often have the good fortune of attending virtual meetings as early as 3:30 am. In case my chief executive officer is reading this, I am not complaining!
My most pivotal career move: Joining Golden Palm Investments Corporation (GoldenPalm).
The best lesson I have learned as a lawyer: Effective time-management skills are important to a successful legal career.
What advice would you give your younger self? Get some sleep!
Who are the key influencers that have shaped you along the way? My parents, my father’s twin brother, Fela Anikulapo Kuti and Thomas Sankara. In one way, or another, each of these persons have taught me the importance of selflessness and public service.
My favourite pro bono or volunteer activity is: I volunteer for a not-for-profit organization in Brooklyn, New York – Friends of Marcy Houses. It is an organization, which is dedicated to supporting and encouraging the youths in the Marcy Houses community. As part of the organization’s agenda, we create youth programs and other engagements, which motivate the Marcy-youth to develop important life skills; and help them flourish in their education.
The worst job I ever held was: I served as a concert usher during my time as an undergraduate student. Thinking about it, acting as an usher, itself, wasn’t really a bad gig. I think I consider it the worst job I ever had simply because most of the concerts were rock or techno music. I still do not get the appeal, frankly.
Most valuable life lesson that I still apply today is: Humility. It isn’t the easiest trait to maintain, but I believe that it is one of the most important. It opens you up to a lot of blessings. It is the first step towards wisdom— (a) gives you the opportunity to learn more than you would ever have known; (b) to grow as a person, as you learn about your weaknesses and improve your strengths; (c) to truly understand others and accept them genuinely and finally, (d) it gives you the chance to be of service.
Most rewarding achievement in my current or former role/s: It is linked to my informal coaching arrangements. It is extremely rewarding to share past experiences and guide appropriately.
I achieve work-life balance by: Reminding myself that (a) I have important people in my life, with whom I should share my time; and (b) there is so much to sightsee and experience in New York City, Lagos, Accra and Nairobi—all wonderful cities!
If I were not practicing law, I would probably be: The football coach of the Nigeria Super Eagles.
I’m currently reading: The Benin Monarchy: An Anthology of Benin History.
My current music playlist includes: Music by Fela Kuti, Simi, Wyclef Jean, 2pac, Sir Victor Uwaifo, Teni, Joe Boy, Davido.