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By Ugochukwu Ibezim
Co-founding partner of the law firm, GAB Sterling, New York, Femi Gbede, has said that emerging global leaders should leverage global systems anchored in local realities.
Gbede, an investment funds lawyer, made this statement while commenting on the Emerging Global Leader Award he received at the Global Entrepreneurship Awards held recently in Accra, Ghana.
He stressed that an emerging global leader must understand that local or 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,” he said.
Gbede further said that influence matters more than titles, and people follow leaders whose actions show consistency, fairness, and long-term thinking. He added that in corporate environments, leadership demands strong governance, ethical discipline, and respect for trust placed by stakeholders.
Speaking on the leadership role lawyers should play in a global society, he noted that lawyers occupy a distinct position because legal work shapes the systems others rely on.
“Across borders, lawyers act as connectors between legal regimes, cultures, and expectations. Strong legal leadership supports stable markets and public confidence in institutions,” he said.
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He stated that the Emerging Global Leader Award he was honoured with reflected his years of deliberate work across law, business, and cross-border advisory, much of which happened away from public attention.
“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,” Gbede said.
He further said that the honour brings responsibility alongside gratitude, noting that his commitment moving forward would focus on service, mentorship, leadership rooted in integrity and long-term impact across communities locally and globally.
Gbede revealed that his future work will centre on building institutions and platforms rather than handling matters one by one. He added that 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,” he said.
The Global Entrepreneurs Award honours exceptional entrepreneurs and leaders for their outstanding contributions to entrepreneurship, leadership, economic development, and global impact.
According to the organisers, the award opens doors to global endorsement, collaboration, and strategic opportunities, making it an essential highlight of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival.
