Why company secretaries are priceless assets

DAR ES SALAAM: AS the world keep on changing at a speedy pace, it provides an opportunity for people to evaluate themselves in order to keep abreast with the ongoing transformations.

There is no room to remain stagnant but rather, embrace the motion and flow with the beat of the rhythm in order to withstand any storm.

Basing on this, people are spending sleepless nights figuring out how to sharpen their skills and improve working efficiency for the sake of achieving greatness.

In the world of corporate, there are series of changes that are taking shape mainly targeting people in various disciplines as one way of elevating their potential and contribution towards reaching certain goals.

Try to imagine the adorable works done by secretaries, who are sometimes referred to as ‘corporate drivers’ just because they truly know everything in detail on how the company operates.

Thursday this week, Dar es Salaam was the epicenter of the game changing first ever ‘Company Secretaries Round Table Forum’ which brought together a vibrant cross-section of industry sectors — from banking, insurance, oil and gas, mining, NGOs, to private enterprises, Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA), and the UN Global Compact Tanzania.

This impactful forum was a platform to reveal to the world about the compelling works being done by secretaries and luckily, the beneficiaries walked away with many positive insights that will help to add value to their responsibilities.

The serene ambience of the Serena Hotel where the forum unfolded was electrified with conversations, insights, and inspirations as corporate governance professionals gathered for The Company Secretaries Roundtable.

This landmark event boldly redefined the modern role of the company secretary under the theme “Governance Re-imagined: The Role of a Company Secretary.”

Convened by Ms Janeth Edson, the Global Head of Legal Governance and Board Liaison at CAMFED International (UK), the event was meticulously organized by Spring Attorneys who ensured that everything is in the right place for the meaningful event to be unpacked.

However, the diversity in attendance reflected not just the importance of the company secretary’s evolving role, but also the growing appetite for conversations that move beyond compliance towards strategic governance.

In her opening remarks, Ms Edson emphasized that “the company secretary of tomorrow is not merely a custodian of minutes or compliance checklists — but a trusted architect of corporate strategy.

Her keynote anchored the day’s discussion on the fundamental shift from the traditional view of the company secretary as an administrative officer to that of a boardroom influencer, strategic advisor, and cultural catalyst.

Later, panel discussions followed, featuring Ms Lucy Minde, Group Head of Legal & Compliance at the Karimjee Group, and Mr Jay Atara, a UK-based sustainability expert.

The sessions explored topics such as “Beyond Compliance – The Company Secretary as a Strategic Advisor” and “Company Secretary: Influencer vs Implementor.”

Participants engaged in lively exchanges on the balance between governance precision and strategic agility as a balance increasingly critical in today’s volatile business environment.

One of the engaging discussions centered on the topic ‘Tackling Pressure and Boardroom Dynamics’ which was lively as participants were fully alert aiming to grasp whatever was being shared.

Similarly, another segment that touched souls of many attendees was titled ‘Handling Pressure Tactfully and Dealing with Dysfunctionality of the Board’ which generated robust debate.

Drawing from her vast corporate experience, Ms Janeth urged secretaries to “cultivate emotional intelligence alongside technical competence,” adding that “a secretary who can tactfully navigate boardroom dynamics is a priceless organizational asset.”

Yes, it was convincing to find out that the beneficiaries of the forum conceded that what they had been fed from the experts will go a long way to transform how they work through balancing board expectations, regulatory demands and stakeholders’ relationship.

The last panel discussion led by Mr Jay Atara focused on how company secretaries can become catalysts for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) integration.

“ESG is no longer an optional report, it is a corporate imperative,” Mr Jay emphasized while insisting that “Secretaries are uniquely positioned to embed sustainability into governance structures and translate it into real organizational value beyond compliance.”

The session sparked dynamic conversations on how Tanzanian institutions can align with global sustainability frameworks while driving meaningful local impact.

However, what made this roundtable particularly notable was the rich sectoral representation as attendees shared experiences that broadened perspectives and deepened discussions.

From corporate executives to emerging governance professionals, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive basing on the fact that it was not just another compliance talk but rather, it was a conversation about leadership, transformation, and the future of governance.

Meanwhile, as the event concluded, Ms Edson expressed her gratitude and extended an open invitation for the next Company Secretaries Roundtable, scheduled for Quarter Three of 2026.

“Today’s dialogue is just the beginning. Governance is evolving fast, and so must we,” she remarked…and for many participants, the day ended not just with new ideas but with renewed purpose and hope.

The takeaway was clear — the modern company secretary is no longer an unsung administrator but a strategic person guiding organizations through complexity, risk, and opportunity.

Indeed, if the buzz and enthusiasm at Serena Hotel were indications, then the next roundtable promises to be exceptional, a must-attend forum for governance professionals eager to be part of the re-imagining of corporate leadership in Tanzania and beyond.