Femi Gbede is an investment funds attorney and a co-founding partner of the international law firm, GAB Sterling. He recently received the Emerging Global Leader Award at the Global Entrepreneurship Awards in Accra, Ghana. In this interview with REMI FEYISIPO, he spoke about corporate and legal leadership, role lawyers should play in a global society, among others. Excerpts:
How would you define an emerging global leader, and how can this leader impact their local community?
An emerging global leader understands global systems while staying anchored in local realities. You learn how markets, institutions, and cultures interact across borders, then apply that knowledge in ways that people around you benefit from directly. Community impact shows through stronger businesses, better governance, access to opportunity, and mentorship for younger professionals. Leadership grows when local progress reflects global standards adapted with care and respect.
What is your perception of leadership, especially in the corporate world?
Leadership rests on accountability and clarity. A leader sets direction, makes difficult decisions, and accepts responsibility for outcomes. In corporate environments, leadership demands strong governance, ethical discipline, and respect for trust placed by stakeholders. Influence matters more than titles, and people follow leaders whose actions show consistency, fairness, and long-term thinking.
What unique leadership role should lawyers play in a global society?
Lawyers occupy a distinct position because legal work shapes the systems others rely on. Our role extends beyond compliance into institution building, risk prevention, and dispute resolution
before harm spreads. Across borders, lawyers act as connectors between legal regimes, cultures, and expectations. Strong legal leadership supports stable markets and public confidence in institutions.
You were recently awarded the Emerging Global Leader Award at the Global Entrepreneurship Awards in Accra, Ghana. What does this award mean to you and your career?
This award reflects years of deliberate work across law, business, and cross-border advisory, much of which happened away from public attention. The recognition speaks to consistency, judgment, and a commitment to building structures that last. For my career, the honour signals a shift toward greater responsibility and visibility. People look to you differently once recognition arrives, and expectations rise to match the trust placed in your work.
What do you have to say to the organisation that awarded you this honour?
I appreciate the confidence shown through this recognition and the decision to highlight work at an early stage. The honour brings responsibility alongside gratitude. My commitment moving forward focuses on service, mentorship, and leadership rooted in integrity and long-term impact across communities locally and globally.
Which kind of leader do you see yourself becoming in five years?
In five years, my focus will centre on building institutions and platforms rather than handling matters one by one. The goal involves mentoring younger lawyers and founders, contributing to policy conversations affecting emerging markets, and supporting businesses operating between Africa and the United States. Growth remains grounded in accessibility, discipline, and results-driven leadership.
