Career Growth for Company Secretaries: Opportunities and Challenges

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Our OpenSpace event series has been designed to help develop and nurture future leaders within the governance industry.

At the fifth OpenSpace, Megan Barnes Head of Secretariat at Ocado, shared her insights on how the evolving role of the secretariat function can be a key player in a company’s success.

The session explored Megan’s career journey, while deep diving into the transformation of the Company Secretary (CoSec) role by addressing key challenges and uncovering essential skills for career progression.

The evolving role of the CoSec

This article summarises the points raised at October’s OpenSpace, exploring how the role of Company Secretary is shifting to a strategic function that supports broader business objectives.

Transforming perceptions

Shifting the perception of the CoSec role from administrative support to a strategic partner is no quick fix.
But this also presents the opportunity to educate wider teams about the depth and value of the CoSec role, which extends far beyond managing directors’ calendars and signing documents.

To address this, it’s crucial to clearly define and communicate the scope of your responsibilities. Building credibility often starts with contributing high-impact, value-added projects that increase the visibility of the CoSec function.

Building strong relationships across the organisation is another critical step. Collaborating with diverse teams and conducting informational sessions can help demystify the CoSec role – and importantly, its strategic importance.

Integrating the CoSec team into boardroom discussion can also help here. Whether it’s improving the flow of information to the board, streamlining evaluations or enhancing the quality of reports, this collaboration demonstrates the tangible value of governance at the highest level.

Enhancing processes

Change is inevitable in the CoSec landscape, but managing it effectively requires careful consideration of different variables, such as board buy-in, team size and available resources.

Fortunately, the tight-knit nature of the CoSec world offers opportunities to learn from others in the same situation. Attending industry events, seminars and workshops allows like-minded professionals to share experiences, benchmark practices and adopt innovative approaches. This not only enhances the CoSec function’s value, but also strengthens your professional network and personal brand, positioning you for long-term career success.

Navigating career challenges

Building robust foundations

One of the biggest challenges in the CoSec profession is addressing skill gaps across different roles and levels. This session highlighted the importance of mastering foundational knowledge and technical skills early in your career. The groundwork pays off as you progress, particularly when adapting to new regulations of challenges.

Gaining experience across different organisations is also invaluable. No matter what level you’re at, exposure to various management styles and opportunities to interact with Chairs and executives, fosters adaptability and broadens your perspective. By embracing new projects and experiences, CoSec professionals can introduce fresh ideas and drive meaningful transformation within their teams.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

One topic that deeply resonated with the audience was imposter syndrome. Megan shared her own personal experience with it, particularly during her first role as Head of CoSec, where her age only heightened these feelings.

To navigate this challenge, Megan emphasised the importance of thorough preparation. Being well-prepared for Board meetings and coming armed with insightful questions gave her the confidence to overcome self-doubt.

Ultimately, she was able to set imposter syndrome aside by recognising she was chosen for that role for a reason, acknowledging her valuable expertise and experience gained in previous roles that could be confidently attributed. This mindset allowed her to step into the position with purpose, positioning herself for success from day one.

Leaning into AI

The CoSec role is in a constant state of evolution, and the rapid rise of AI is only accelerating that change. New technology is already being leveraged to streamline processes, offering the potential for CoSecs to increase efficiency and effectiveness within their roles.

While AI is still in its infancy, it’s essential for CoSec professionals to stay ahead of technological trends and embrace new tools that can elevate their roles. The ability to adapt to these innovations will be critical in navigating challenges, improving workflows and preparing for what’s on the horizon.

However, the adoption of AI and technology will depend on organisational resources and priorities. Looking forward, the appetite to invest in technology could significantly enhance the CoSec function, enabling faster adaptation to change, and ultimately, delivering greater business value.