Leadership and Growth

In this episode of COVER’s leadership series, Tony interviews Yvonne Perumal, Head of Group Legal in the Standard Bank Group, incorporating Liberty, about her remarkable career journey and her mission to elevate the role of legal strategy across African financial markets.

Yvonne’s path has been shaped by what she calls a commitment to curiosity, growth and visibility. Moving from legal into business development for Liberty Africa, she helped drive expansion across the continent, working in new and often uncertain environments. This shift taught her that success requires courage, adaptability and the belief that capability grows when we stretch beyond our comfort zones.

The conversation explores pivotal elements that supported her rise into executive leadership, including the power of mentorship and sponsorship, taking ownership of high-impact projects, and building a strong personal brand that reflects credibility, values, and voice.

Yvonne also addresses the ongoing challenge of women’s representation in top financial and legal leadership roles, outlining practical measures to accelerate progress: sponsorship, leadership pipelines, flexible work models, and networks that go beyond diversity metrics toward true gender equity embedded in organisational culture.

The episode further reveals how legal functions are transforming. No longer a back-office compliance unit, legal is now a strategic enabler guiding innovation and shaping policy in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, data governance and digital ethics. Yvonne shares insights from Liberty’s development of the Liberty Legacy Protection Plan, a recent example of legal capability driving customer-centric innovation.

Honest, empowering and rich with practical advice, this conversation is essential listening for leaders, legal professionals, insurance specialists and anyone committed to building impactful, purpose-driven careers in financial services.