The last few weeks have been quite busy with work, as I’m adjusting to my new model of operating. Part of this period involves figuring out an effective daily routine. Having just announced my new independent director services role while continuing to build my legal practice, I’ve been taking stock of what this new chapter actually looks like on a day-to-day basis. I wanted to share some reflections.
The True Value of Flexibility
I am thoroughly enjoying the flexibility of my current working arrangement. The topic of workplace flexibility was on my mind recently following the news regarding HSBC in Hong Kong and their back-to-office mandate. While many law firms have already reverted to a four-day office week, banks in HK had initially seemed more flexible. However, it appears the tide is turning back toward the office.
I can understand mandatory return-to-office policies for client-facing staff, but it makes less sense for legal teams. I have several friends at the bank who are unhappy with these changes. One friend, working at a different bank that mandated returning to the office, noted that everyone simply sits at their desks taking Teams or Zoom meetings — which rather defeats the purpose of mandatory face-to-face attendance.
For me, the benefit is straightforward: I can focus on the work itself rather than the optics of where it’s being done. Today my kids were off school and having a playdate. I worked from home in the morning while they were busy with their friends, and joined them all for lunch before heading into the office in the afternoon. That kind of balance isn’t possible in a rigid office environment.
Embracing the Unfamiliar
Even with years of experience under your belt, taking on new challenges means confronting what you don’t know. Recently, I have been involved in a process that is entirely new to me: handling stamp duty for the transfer of shares. As an experienced offshore lawyer, this was never something I had to worry about. Our specific case has some unique features, making it quite a process. Fortunately, I received excellent internal guidance, and the stamp office staff were extremely helpful.
It was a great reminder that leaning into unfamiliar territory is how we grow. Once the deal officially completes, I feel I will have a new practice note in the making to help others navigate the same hurdles.
A New Chapter in Governance
As many of you saw earlier this week, the announcement regarding my new role finally happened. I had been speaking about this opportunity in the background for some time.
My previous post covered the strategic case for independent oversight and what Altura Governance brings to the table. On a personal level, what strikes me most is how different this feels from anything I’ve done before. The conversations I’m already having with my new partners are pushing me to think about governance, accountability and fund structures in ways I hadn’t fully considered. I have genuine industry veterans alongside me, and that’s not something I take lightly. I’m excited to see what we build together.
Off the Clock
I finally finished reading Wool. I don’t think I’ll get round to watching the TV show Silo, but I’ll be reading the follow-up books. I’ve since started A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, prompted by having recently watched the HBO show. One day George RR Martin will finish The Winds of Winter…
A Note on Consistency
I’ve been a bit under the weather this week and haven’t been able to work out as much as I usually do. I’ve used the time to focus on stretching and keeping moving. A tight body has always been one of my main issues, and with the recent schedule changes, my stretching routine had unfortunately fallen away.
Getting back to it this week, I’ve already noticed my body feeling a bit looser. It’s a reminder of something I know but often forget: consistency matters even when the results aren’t immediately visible. Much like building a new practice or settling into a new role, the quiet, consistent efforts eventually pay off.