Zahrah Cader, the Legal, Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Director at Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC), offers a comprehensive exploration of the role played by the leadership team in fostering integrity and decision-making within the organization.
1. How does the leadership team exemplify and promote integrity within the organization?
Legal, Corporate and Regulatory Affairs is one of the most diverse teams at CTC, particularly in terms of experience, age and work. In my experience, I’ve found that creating the right environment is paramount for enabling people to drive high performance and create a driven, truly integrated team. To facilitate such growth, it is important to emphasize individuals’ capabilities and the need for them to foster open communication and transparency.
Corporate governance plays a pivotal role in the business environment to ensure a well-oiled team driving integrity. It puts forward a structured framework for sound decision-making and strategic planning. At CTC, we have deeply integrated the Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) framework within our DNA, with special emphasis on the Governance pillar. CTC provides secure platforms like the “Speak up” initiative, allowing employees and individuals beyond the organization to voice concerns without fear of reprisal. As part of a global company, we have been able to adapt and localize international standards and policies that equip us to carry out our responsibilities.
However, it is not just policies, leaders are responsible for setting the tone for the entire organization. Promoting ethical and inclusive behaviour starts from the top. Robust policies only work as tools to further facilitate integrity and uphold high standards of corporate governance in our business practices. Leaders themselves need to demonstrate accountability and maintain open channels where trust is built. They set a standard for honesty, transparency and fairness which then inspires the broader organization to adopt and makes it easier for them to incorporate it into their daily work streams.
2. What is your leadership style and how would you say it has evolved by the influence of mentors and role models?
I believe in constant evolution, and my leadership style is an embodiment of exactly that. I am a culmination of my personal leadership experiences, representing a journey marked by growth and development, with a mix of the diverse influences of the esteemed mentors and leaders I’ve had myself.
Working with diverse teams has also helped evolve my understanding of what teams need. Learning about mentoring is so much more about learning from your mentees’ reactions to your leadership than it is about learning from leaders. My teams also have over the years helped me refine my leadership style and continue to do so. One lesson that stands out is the emphasis on fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment, moving away from a purely top-down approach.
Line managers also play a significant role in shaping behaviours. I have adapted various dynamic styles by witnessing how my previous line managers navigated complex situations with grace and authenticity. Learning through their examples I have been able to hone my commitment towards creating an environment where I lead with empathy. It led me to adopt a people-centric leadership style, prioritizing strong relationships with team members, understanding their strengths, and additionally aligning their goals with the organization’s mission where we know that each of us is working towards a common purpose.
Beyond organic learning, structured training also amplifies leadership evolution. At CTC, our organizational approach focuses on a 360-degree learning and development program, incorporating on-the-job learning, coaching, mentoring, and training based on individual needs. Robust policies and leadership development programs contribute to the creation and maintenance of a high-performing team. ‘Leadership’ is not only confined to the leadership teams, but every individual throughout the entire workforce has the capabilities to demonstrate leadership in various aspects. It is important to develop this trait from the earlier stages of their career. I also believe acknowledging and rewarding the right people in the right way is pivotal, as is fostering a culture and work environment that support the development and retention of high-performing individuals and teams.
Learning from others’ experiences has provided a wealth of knowledge in a shorter timeframe, and their insights have opened doors to valuable networks, diverse perspectives, and potential career advancements. It is imperative to recognize the significance of mentors and role models. I believe their guidance plays an instrumental role in helping an aspiring leader navigate through challenges and accelerate their personal and professional growth whilst developing effective leadership traits. Through learning and applying various leadership styles, leaders can build trust and facilitate effective performance and growth that will eventually play a role in the success and growth of the organization.