If you are a lawyer in the private legal practice, google this term: “trademarkia”. You will learn it is a website that offers free web content, connects users to paid legal services and as of 2019, it helped the new law firm that started it to top the filing of trademarks — dethroning the traditional law firms… Indeed, new entrants in tech law are taking small pies from the big boys. Now is the time for new law firm strategy – where will growth come from? What is your law firms long term game? Where do you plan to grow…
Are you winning?
Below is a memo a branch manager of a bank wrote to his team, which I was part of, after an encounter. At the time, we persistently came to work late. That was way back in 2003! It is surprising that this discipline of timekeeping is a real career trapper. In Uganda, when it rains, many programs change. People fail to move. Something called an umbrella does not exist. On my first job, it rained. I came slightly late, just checked in 10 minutes past the official reporting time of 8:00 am. Then branch manager at Nile Bank looked at…
Is a chairman higher than a CEO?
Yes, in perceived terms. In real terms, no. The corporate structure is based on a chain of command from lower management levels to most senior. Level 0– top most level. Shareholders or founders level. The people who appoint the board of directors, who are headed by the board chairman. Often times, the founder may and can appoint himself or herself on the Board. In America, it is common. Level 1 —Board members. The people who run the business on behalf of the founder or shareholders. Ideally, shareholders appoint board members required. And on their first sitting, they elect their Chairman.…
Is cybersecurity advice valuable to a board of directors?
Of course, it is. I recently delivered a talk to the Board of Directors of a major, not for profit organization in Africa. I was surprised at their basic appreciation of the cybersecurity risk management strategy. Compared to Bank Boards, Not for Profit Boards don’t invest a lot in learning new and emerging business risks as their counterparts in financial institutions. Nevertheless, all board members need ongoing advice on cybersecurity. Competitive advantage today is through a company’s ICT infrastructure investment and optimization. Without a robust ERP system, for example, your Company is at a competitive disadvantage. However, automation comes with…
Is your board in existence as a necessary nuisance?
Once I was asked by an SME owner to help set up a board of directors. When I asked why the board was needed at the time, his answer was revealing. “I want to apply for funding. I have been informed when you have the board of directors, you stand higher chances.” A board should not merely be ceremonial. It must be progressive and value-adding. In today’s technology-driven business models of ecosystems, platforms and A ceremonial board cannot win. It is for mere window dressing – to the public and partners, the company has aboard. However, in reality, the…
Is your board effective?
No board is 100% effective. But the imperfection varies. On a scale of 1 (ineffective) to 10 (effective), what is the degree of your board imperfection? Just like no person is perfect. No board is perfect. When I joined the council of ICGU, the then Chief Executive Officer, Samuel F. Owori, invited the newly appointed members for an orientation meeting. “You need to understand what everything about ICGU so that you are able to perform your oversight role effectively”, he said. For a whole day, he told us about the background of ICGU, gave us copies of key documents about…
