The top three things that keep a busy CEO up at night include: (1) Disruptive technology management including ICT security issues; (2) Great talent that is trustworthy; and (3) Business development, client retention and profitable growth Whatever you are doing today, how are you fixing these or making it easy for your CEO? To get ahead, you must make it easy for your boss to shine. You can easily transform your career by writing down a memo to your CEO of how to grow the business with 1-2 clear; practical and innovative ideas that do not require huge investment. Disruptive…
Lawyers’ vs Internal Auditors’: Why CEOs and other top executives value lawyers more than the auditors? Part 1
Have you ever wondered why most CEOs will make the first call to their lawyers when faced with a key decision and ignore the internal auditor and or the accountant altogether? Wonder no more. First, we need to understand the difference between a good lawyer and a bad lawyer. The key difference is the quality of their ‘first opinion’, the piece of advice you immediately get from your lawyer when you consult about a problem that you need immediate response there and then. A good lawyer’s first opinion rarely changes even after consultations. An average lawyer or a bad lawyer,…
Tool #30 of 104 is to have the right guide
“Luke 6:39 Jesus told a parable to his disciples: ‘Can one blind man guide another? Surely both will fall into a pit?” It is not easy to live in a country where class defines which table you should sit on. The schools you attended provide you a ticket to a certain exclusive class. The challenge is at senior one, the decision of which school to attend is made on your behalf by the parents. And thereafter it is not easy to change! For the less fortunate ones, wind throws you somewhere and you must do your best. That is where…
Tool #28 of 104 is to avoid being comfortable with the average
Luke 6:17 Then fixing his eyes on his disciples he said: ‘How happy are you who are poor: yours is the kingdom of God. Happy you who are hungry now: you shall be satisfied. Happy you who weep now: you shall laugh. Happy are you when people hate you, drive you out, abuse you, denounce your name as criminal, on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice when that day comes and dance for joy, for then your reward will be great in heaven.” Are you too good to be great? Are you too comfortable in your present life to…
Tool #28 of 104 is to focus on the big picture: catching fish or men?
Luke 5:1-11 But Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on it is men you will catch.’ Then, bringing their boats back to land, they left everything and followed him. Your thinking will determine your future success potential and the ability to impact others. As parents complete the race of placing their children in ‘good’ schools, some of us who were not that lucky can only look. The school my wife and I had indicated as first choice for our daughter, did not give her a place. That is when she opened-up and said, “I really did…
Role of the Board in IFRS 9 implementation part 1
The board provides insights that the management may lack. For this reason, experienced and exposed people sit on board. Boards are helped by committees which have technical skills and expertise in the subject matter. For IFRS 9, the audit committee of the board plays a critical role in IFRS 9 compliance. The board and its committees must provide guidance to management especially the executive team to help navigate rough waters, identify and optimize opportunities, provide timely and reliable financial information to shareholders. Compliance is one of the key roles of the board. By now, many, if not all companies that…
