Good governance isn’t optional - it transforms your strategy, shapes stakeholder trust and drives profit.

Poor governance can destroy reputations, trigger lawsuits, and put directors personally at risk. Today’s stakeholders demand accountability - and they won’t settle for less.

ESG: Master Board Governance and
Reduce Risk

Working with Rashmi is a pleasure because she's exceptionally professional, very astute and you know that she's working with your best interests at heart.

Mr S Bridson

Candid portrait of Rashmi Dubé - multi-award-winning entrepreneur, consultant, speaker and writer.

How Can Rashmi Help Your Business?

Helped directors and board members transform their organisations.

Fostered "future thinking" in all the businesses she works with.

Served on several boards where she's helped develop strategy and mentor board members.

In a career spanning 25 years, Rashmi has:

Is your business ready to evolve?

I cannot recommend Rashmi strongly enough. She handled every aspect of our negotiations with utmost confidence & integrity, and was instrumental in bringing them to a successful conclusion.

Miss A Ryu

Candid photo of Rashmi Dubé - multi-award-winning entrepreneur, consultant, speaker and writer.

Book Rashmi for Your Event

Engage Rashmi to inspire your audience at your next event

Rashmi is often invited by businesses and press to speak on topics including:

Beyond ESG Reports: Embedding Purpose into Leadership

Combines Rashmi's ESG expertise with boardroom experience.
Highlights action over box-ticking - something boards and executives need.
Timely for conferences, panels, and business schools.

Adaptability in Leadership: From Courtroom to Boardroom to Startup

Captures Rashmi's journey as a lawyer, founder, columnist and speaker.
Speaks to resilience, reinvention and embracing change.
Perfect for corporate, legal, and entrepreneurial audiences.

The Power of Impromptu: Speaking with Confidence When It Counts

Leverages Rashmi's workshops on impromptu speaking.
Tackles a real fear professionals face - speaking without a script.
Great for leadership, team development, and communication training.

Just some of the companies Rashmi has worked with

I have no hesitation in recommending Rashmi as a very competent, hard-working, personable lawyer with excellent manners and a tenacious approach to
getting the job done!

Mr T Bowkett

Relaxed photo of Rashmi Dubé - multi-award-winning entrepreneur, consultant, speaker and writer.

Read Rashmi's column

Buy Rashmi's book

Rashmi writes speeches, blogs, books and a weekly business column in the Yorkshire Post.

Author, columnist, storyteller.

We find Rashmi is always dedicated in her approach and provides excellent results. She has always kept us fully informed with regular updates and she's a delight to work with.

Mr L Curtis

Rashmi on Insta

@rashmi.dube

A beak

Taking breaks at work isn’t just a luxury—it’s a productivity booster! 🚀

Research shows employees who regularly take breaks are:

🔵 13% more productive
🔵 62% better work-life balance
🔵 43% greater ability to manage stress and overall satisfaction.

Top 2 tips to make the most of your breaks:

1. Step away from your desk — even a short walk or eating in a different space resets your brain and reduces stress.
2. Schedule your breaks — use timers or calendar tools to create regular downtime and avoid burnout.

You are the assest ! Project the asset.

#lawyer #legalwins #businesswins

#lawyer #disputes #legalwins #businesswins #winning

New to me?

Disputes WSG lawyer @gunnercooke
Chartered Director = gold standard for Neds /directors

I see so many different definitions which means the conversation can lead to further confusion.

Understanding Sustainability in a Business Context

The term “sustainability” has become increasingly broad in business – but what does it actually mean in practice?

At its core, sustainability in business typically involves:

✅ Environmental responsibility – Reducing carbon emissions, managing waste, and using renewable resources
✅ Economic viability – Building profitable models that are resilient over the long term
✅ Social impact – Upholding fair labour practices and contributing positively to communities

Many organisations now adopt the Triple Bottom Line: People, Planet, Profit – aiming to balance social, environmental, and economic priorities.

In practice, this often includes:

🔹 Setting carbon reduction targets
🔹 Embracing circular economy principles (reuse, recycle, redesign)
🔹 Ensuring supply chain responsibility
🔹 Improving resource efficiency (using less water, energy, and materials)

However, the absence of standardised definitions does present challenges. Some businesses use sustainability as a buzzword – leading to accusations of greenwashing.

That’s why stakeholders increasingly expect measurable outcomes and transparent reporting.

How is your organisation embedding sustainability into its strategy – and how do you ensure it’s more than just a label?

#legal #legalwins #businesswins #winning #esg #sustainability

ESG litigation is accelerating-and companies that treat ESG as a box-ticking exercise are finding themselves exposed.

❗️The most common pitfalls?

❌ Greenwashing: Misleading ESG claims or incomplete disclosures can lead to lawsuits and regulatory action

❌Supply chain lapses: Failing to monitor suppliers for environmental or human rights risks is a growing source of legal claims

❌Poor documentation: Without clear records of ESG due diligence, companies struggle to defend themselves if challenged

✨How to protect your business:✨

✅ Treat ESG as a core compliance and risk issue, not just PR

✅ Regularly review and update your ESG policies and risk register.

✅ Ensure your board and senior leaders understand their legal responsibilities and the company’s exposure

✅Invest in independent audits and robust documentation for all ESG claims and disclosures

👩🏽‍⚖️ESG is now a legal obligation, not a “nice-to-have.” Companies that embed ESG into their compliance culture are best placed to avoid costly litigation and reputational damage

[alt photo of peacock just nice to have ]

#esg #sustainability #lawyer #disputes #greenwashing

Let’s Play have you ever used the phrase “without prejudice”

apparently it’s like a magic phrase for secrecy or politeness, rather than its real legal use in settlement negotiations.

Examples:

⭐️Without prejudice, I’d like my neighbour’s hedge trimmed by Friday or I’ll call the council.”

(As if “without prejudice” magically turns a petty complaint into a secret legal threat, even though there’s no dispute or negotiation involved).

⭐️“Without prejudice, can you pop round and feed my cat next week?”

(Believing “without prejudice” is a polite way to ask for favours, when in reality it has nothing to do with everyday requests).

⭐️“Without prejudice, I admit I did scratch your car, but let’s keep this between us.”

(Trying to use “without prejudice” as a cloak for confessions, thinking it’ll keep their admission hidden forever, even though it doesn’t work that way).

✅ Rule

“without prejudice” basis, to be used in a genuine attempt to settle the dispute.

Any other fun 🤩 phrases ?

#legal #legalwins #businesswins #disputes #ceo

Lesson for business can be found everywhere .

Over the weekend I did my novice competition for the bench press . There was so much I have learnt from Sophia Ellis and her coaching style . She makes truely a great leader. My key takeaways

✅ she prioritises others whilst coaching and their emotions. It’s about them .

✅ she remains pleasant at all times and calm . So if I am getting frustrated 😩 her explanations and calm approach grounds me .

✅ on competition day - she made sure I was informed at every step what was to happen. I never felt alone and always supported

✅ she lent me part of her kit .

Of course there are other points such as discipline , commitment and consistency in both the doing and the leadership.

Have you come across a leader who has shown exceptional skill and if so what was that skill ?

#legalwins #buainesswins #powerlifting #leadership

Thank you to @sophiastrength for the training , support and amazing coaching to get me to my novice competition!

#powerlifting #competition

Some days are built to connect with others . Allowing us to explore new ideas, relax the mind and become creative.

#weekendvibes #lawyer #legalwins #businesswins #winning

Why a personal challenge changes my bottom line .

Ok. Personal challenges that I set have become a powerful ritual for growth. The benefits have surprised me in their depth and reach.

On a personal level, these challenges build resilience. They force me outside comfort zones. They create stories worth telling. They generate new skills almost by accident. They connect me with unexpected communities.

In business, the impact is equally profound.

⭐️Problem-solving muscles strengthen with each challenge..

⭐️Confidence in tackling uncertainty grows steadily.

⭐️Networks expand in directions I couldn’t have planned.

The key is set the goal and make it a non negotiable.

In the past I have done things like stand up comedy, write a book, sing in public . This year - my first bench press competition ! My trainer Sophia Ellis Team GB 🇬🇧 powerlifting coach !

Take aways so far

🟢 life happens , obstacles arise , you have to make the time and find a way to train to get the results .

- looking for that next big challenge after this so any recommendations would be appreciated

#LegalWins #BusinessWins #lawyer #ceo #ned #founder #powerlifting

Rock up as your future self !

Coffee last week with a person who was “seeking advice” . Always happy to help but it could have turned into an interview . The person however came unprepared ….

An opportunity is made sometimes. Turn up and be prepared to pitch !

#lawyer #legalwin #businesswin #dispute #esg #sustainability #defamation #founder @ki.networking lawyer @gunnercookellp #showingup #impromptu #elevatorpitch

When is it ok to say No ?

My values did not align with one of the people I met last week for coffee. I made decision by the end of the day I will not be doing business with them .

Was I wrong ?

#Values #businessdeals

I am a business advisor #advisor #lawyer

Watch out for time wasters !

Have a plan
Have an objective
Set a time limit

Get outside help

#lawyer #lawyer #dispute #timewasting

The power you have is in having a coffee - but how do you turn up ?

A follow up by having a coffee is a valuable thing . It is

✅ your time and their time
✅. It is an opportunity to collaborate
✅ it is an opportunity to learn or peovise information and help others

It can be all the above and move .

Are you intentional when you meet someone for a coffee ?

Just and learn from every meeting you go to or at least part with some knowledge to help others.

What was the one thing you learnt from a coffee meeting?

(Ps i try not to cross examine like the litigator I am ! )

#coffee #time #lawyer #dispute #esg

Because the fruit only arrives after the harvest .

Seeds of goodness delivered some wonderful humans in my life - so grateful x

@lhfontana @meganleo_dj @brittadmakeupandhair

#friends #weekendvibes #graitude

Diversity only works if there is inclusion and equity .

Celebrating 🎉 and including women and girls at all levels is a decision made from the top - the board of directors through the practice of good governance.

Please don’t forget equity with diversity as not all women have the same starting position.

What will you do as
an organisation,
as an employer
A director
An employee /manager

For the next 365 to help bring greater diversity , equity and inclusion ?

#dei #iwd #esg #governance #director

Stop 🛑 the Bulls**t

⭐️communicate with intention

⭐️communicate with authority

⭐️ communicate with all stakeholders )not just the ones you deem important)

It’s your reputation ! How do you want others to receive you ❓

The Power of Communication in Litigation—Before, During, and After the Case

Litigation doesn’t end when the court delivers its judgment. In fact, some of the most critical moments happen post-litigation, when businesses must navigate the aftermath—whether that’s managing stakeholders, reassessing strategy, or protecting their reputation.

Communication is key at every stage:

✅ During the dispute – Clarity in presenting your case and managing expectations.
✅ Post-litigation – Addressing stakeholders, ensuring business continuity, and adapting strategy where needed.

A legal win doesn’t always mean a business win if the messaging isn’t right. How you communicate outcomes—internally and externally—can impact trust, future contracts, and market position.

#Communication #legal #lawyer #litigation #dispute #court

Nerves when speaking - what you don’t see is the books I placed on the chair to give me more height !!! 😂🤫

#internationalspeaker #speaker #esg #lawyer #disputes @gunnercookellp

When you asked to join the Attorney General of India 🇮🇳 with over 1000 people in attendance to do a talk on ESG - !

The nerves start circulating and then servicing and to add to the nerves you discover that you’re too short even when you’re sitting on the chair for the camera and have to sit on books comfort!!! Not 😂

#internationalspeaker #speaker #lawyer #esg #disputes

Why Wearing Multiple Hats Makes You a Better Supplier

In business, we often look for specialists—people who are experts in a single field. But what if the best suppliers are those who bring a broader perspective?

As a lawyer, a Chartered Director, and a member of the SME Advisory Panel for Procurement at the UK Cabinet Office, I’ve seen firsthand how having multiple roles sharpens decision-making, risk assessment, and problem-solving. Each role gives me a different lens:

🔹 Legal expertise helps me anticipate risks before they become roadblocks.
🔹 Board experience ensures I think strategically, balancing short-term goals with long-term sustainability.
🔹 Procurement insights mean I understand both sides of the table—what businesses need and how suppliers can genuinely add value.

Suppliers who wear multiple hats bring depth, adaptability, and a broader understanding of their clients’ needs. They don’t just offer a service—they offer insight, strategy, and foresight.

Would you rather work with a supplier who knows just their industry, or one who understands yours too? Let’s discuss. 👇 #business-growth #strategy #lawyer #director #ned #author

Absolutely amazing members night @thenedlondon with @paulcbrunson around his new book Keep Love ❤️. Hosted by the gracious and endearing @africabrooke (thanks for sharing so much ) . I walked away counting the seconds to start reading the book. Paul had a way of using amazing communication to convey his message in a very calm and authentic manner . Thank you to the @thenedlondon for hosting us .

#nedlondon #writer #books #keeplove

Relaxation: The Hidden Business Strategy 🏝️

Too often, we celebrate the constant grind. Yet the most successful business leaders understand a crucial truth: strategic downtime fuels peak performance.

When we step away and recharge, our minds create space for innovation. Those moments of pause aren’t just pleasant—they’re profitable. They spark the creativity that drives breakthrough solutions and fresh perspectives.

Remember: Running at 100% constantly means you’re never truly operating at your best. Make relaxation a non-negotiable part of your business strategy.

Your future self (and your bottom line) will thank you.

#BusinessStrategy #Leadership #Wellbeing #ned #director #lawyer #ceo

💷🤑 Why does litigation cost so much? Why can’t lawyers just fix the fee?

⁉️These are questions I’m asked almost daily after 20+ years in global litigation and mediation. Let me share a unique perspective...

Have you ever played Snakes and Ladders? Well, I play it every day in court.
In litigation, just like the game, you roll the dice and move across the board. Sometimes you:

🪜 Hit a ladder and climb up rapidly
Uncover compelling evidence
Have breakthrough negotiations
Execute a successful cross-examination

🐍 Land on a snake and slide backwards
Face missing documentation
Lose negotiation leverage
Navigate challenging witness testimony
Or just being slapped with the unexpected and far fetched

The journey to resolution isn’t linear. One day you’re racing ahead, the next you’re regrouping and reassessing. This unpredictability makes fixed fees challenging - each case has its own unique path.

🥳Success often comes down to three key elements:

🌟 Persistence in pursuing the right outcome
🌟 Patience through the inevitable setbacks
🌟 Evidence to support your position

Remember: Just like in Snakes and Ladders, sometimes the quickest route isn’t available, and you need to take the longer path to reach your goal. That’s why litigation costs can mount - but it’s also why experienced lawyers and combined mediator and chartered director like myself are invaluable and unique in navigating this complex journey.

#LegalInsights #Litigation #LawCosts #Mediation #LegalStrategy #DisputeResolution #lawyer

Want more time for enjoyment

Want to more financial freedom

Want a better way than being tired to billable hours

Find out how gunnercooke can help you .

Dm me for a confidentional call 📞.

Food for thought - forn15 mins of your time you can change your life . Let me addres your fears - you take control of the next chapter .

#somethingfortheweekend.
#lawyers
#0wnboss

LOST COSTS:

Networking - if you don’t do it why you should and if you are do you actually realise the full value of attending events and meeting people face to face.

For instance The face-to-face factor is crucial.

🟠 In B2B sales, over 40% of in-person meetings result in new customers.

🟠 85% of jobs are filled through networking

Who’s experienced the impact of losing touch with a valuable professional connection?

Share your stories below. 👇 or comment to “connect” if you want to be part of our early access to tools to help networking with Ki Connect

#networking @ki.networking #connection #collaboration

🫨 PINCH ME MOMENT ALERT!

Imagine being on a Zoom call from the legendary Joe Foster - yes, THE Joe Foster who founded Reebok from his family’s kitchen table and turned it into a global powerhouse!

Well, it happened! And here’s what has blown me away.. I’m actually co-authoring Volume Three of “Survive and Thrive” with him! 🤯

Last week’s call with Joe and Maxwell Preece (which started all from a LinkedIn post that Steven Foster picked up) was surreal - we dove deep into stories of grit, triumph, and the raw reality of business and personal life. This isn’t your typical business book - it’s a collection of extraordinary tales from people who’ve been through the fire and emerged stronger or different.

From me starting out in 2009 in my back bedroom... who’d have thought I’d be writing alongside the man who revolutionised the trainer game? 👟✨

(Currently hunting for someone to pinch me because this feels like a dream I don’t want to wake up from! 😅)

➡️ Want to be first to know when the book drops and get exclusive invite? Drop “I’m in!” in the comments below and I’ll keep you in the loop! 📚✨

#surviveandthrieve #writer #author

—————

2024 - what can I say ?

Open arms and heart@for 2025.

@brittadmakeupandhair @chitownscottie @sophiastrength @gunnercookellp

Thanks for the support .
#justme #2024

So when all is said and done

What remains are memories
What remains are the words
Spoken /unspoken
The songs sung

Gold matters not
But do you have the sliver to pay?

#word #rip

Thanks to @fbeinghumble for@posting and inviting followers to networking like a pro held @apple covent Garden.
Here are my initial thoughts.
#networking #startup #founder #app #ki #connections #events #speaker

Learning - founders journey #Rise #strive & #grow

I found his journey is usually never straightforward, but the one thing I will say is Network as much as possible I know in this instance the app at @ki.networking is all about connecting people but in any founders journey it is always about the connections that you make the advice that you get and where that might lead you and who that might introduce you to as you grow and walk further down the path of this journey.

This week has been full of events in meeting up with people both friends and networking and inevitably there’s always a crossover because over the many years of being in Business I have created relationships that transcend an ROI and a business return to something more meaningful and inevitably has an impact on both my business and my personal life .

i’m grateful to have met some nice people this week who have advised me on the next steps . and I would add that they didn’t charge for the device they gave it willingly to see and help others succeed paying it forward.
#networking #startup #ki #founder #app #connections #payingitfoward

Do you loose opportunities after making a connection?

Communication, collaboration and community all make for better relationships and greater conversion of opportunities professionally and personally.

How can yin do this ?

🗣️ talk to people you meet and know about your desired goals and wants

🗣️ when speaking with others find out their goals and desired wants as you maybe able to assist them-
No matter where you think you are on the journey or ladder

🧱 Build a relationship- follow up with purpose

✍🏽be effective in how you communicate

What’s your ROI?

#founder #startup #tech #app @ki.networking #risestrivebuild #foundersjourney #story #events #networking

Thank you to @thenedlondon for the event with @kayabarron and @hattie_brett talking clothes and accessories. It brought new light to how I see my clothes and earrings ! Loved references to #clothesshow @jeffbanks_uk and @mtv .

Loved 🥰 Hattie’s interview style .

Late last night video - around collaboration and women lifting other women in their journey .

AS a start up it’s about asking everyone for advice and picking a choosing that which serves you .

Thank@you to @thenedlondon for hosting a great event last night allowing me to make meaningful connections

Download Ki at www.ki-app.connect.me

The app that remembers who you connected when at which event , helps you make notes and with #ai helps you follow up !

#Ki #kiapp @ki.networking #collaboration #connection #networking #events

This was the weekend view of the office . @gunnercookellp . When you have beautiful clients you don’t mind the extra mile .

#lawyer #disputes #gunnercooke #london #esg

Network ? Attend events ?!

Loose connection lost in a sea of contacts?
Don’t remember much about them or have your notes somewhere else
Forget to follow up

You connect
@ki.networking remembers who, event and date
Allows you to make notes
Helps you follow up with ai

#networking #app #connection #collaboration #ki #kiapp #startup

Launch 🚀

Www.ki-app-connect.me is launched

If you are a start up / side hustle you can’t stop now. It’s a breathing pit stop

Let’s get going ! It’s hard work but now is the time to get people on board and speak to them to see where we go next .

Beta testing the app

Helping people connect in a better way to make collaborations

#networking #collaboration #connection #app #kiapp #ki #startup #founderstory

Hey you - Tired of forgetting who you met or where you met someone at an event? Not followed up ?

Introducing Ki, the App - your solution to never forgetting who you met and at which event you met them. 🌟 It’s live now! 🚀

Ki also uses AI to help you follow up and incorporates any notes you have made on your new connection. Never get delayed again on those follow ups.

With Ki, networking has never been easier. Let Ki remember the who and when, and use AI to help you follow up seamlessly. Connect smarter with Ki! #networking #events #founder #followup #ki

——
Wanting to make communication and collaboration easier for all walks of life.

Lawyers !!!!! Do you really want them? Do you hate paying them?

As a lawyer and a founder in tech it’s the first time that I have really had to utilise legal advisors from the outset. This is for variety of reasons and changes that have occurred over the years in the law.

My tips for those looking for lawyers who are a start up

👩🏽‍⚖️find a firm that fits your requirements

👩🏽‍⚖️ some firms specialise in start-ups

👩🏽‍⚖️ I would always recommend having a conversation with them to ensure that you have a full understanding of what you want and what is actually being delivered

👩🏽‍⚖️ have one person that is your go to Lawyer within the firm

What I have learnt about myself as a lawyer 👩🏽‍🏫

✅ I spend time with potential clients at not charge to understand their requirements not just what they want

✅ I apply commerical business sense. For instance if you want a contract amending to make it stronger for the client- I would first ensure the other side are likely to agree terms - why what time drafting for a few hours when a half an hour call will let you know if the answer is no !

✅ I agree game play (strategy) before we begin and adapt it with the client as things move - easy to write ✍🏽 but communication is service industry is hard .

Have to say - felt good about how I approach things having been reminded about from the other side .

My conclusion - you only don’t like paying lawyers when you think you haven’t recieved a benefit . Perception v perception

#lawyer #disputes #startup #founder #kiapp

————

Disputes lawyer @gunnercookellp I am the general in your business ans have an army to deploy as required .

Tech founder - @ki.networking Ki helping connect you at events, remember who you met at what event help you follow up !

Are you scared to be judge on social media ?

I am but it’s still a platform we need to invest in so many we test it out for a bit and see what happens

#startup #networking #connections #Ki @ki.networking (Sam is @samteale_ )

#startup #founder #tech #app

Find out what it’s like doing a start up !

If you network and want to connect and remember your connections and follow up Ki is your app -
Your assistant !

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We recently needed some urgent advice on a legal matter and with Rashmi we resolved the issue on the phone within minutes, without needing to go any further. I don’t think anyone could have done better.

Ms M S Sarai

ESG: Master Board Governance and
Reduce Risk

Helped directors and board members transform their organisations.

Fostered "future thinking" in all the businesses she works with.

Served on several boards where she's helped develop strategy and mentor board members.

Is your business ready to evolve?

Engage Rashmi to inspire your audience at your next event

Just some of the companies Rashmi has worked with

Rashmi writes speeches, blogs, books and a weekly business column in the Yorkshire Post.

Author, columnist, storyteller.

Rashmi on Insta

Send Rashmi a Message

RASHMI DUBÉ

Bringing diversity, strategy and governance to your organisation.

ESG: Master Board Governance and Reduce Risk

Helped directors and board members transform their organisations.

Fostered "future thinking" in all the businesses she works with.

Served on several boards where she's helped develop strategy and mentor board members.

Is your business ready to evolve?

Engage Rashmi to inspire your audience at your next event

Just some of the companies Rashmi has worked with

Rashmi writes speeches, blogs, books and a weekly business column in the Yorkshire Post.

Author, columnist, storyteller.

Rashmi on Insta

​

Send Rashmi a Message

RASHMI DUBÉ

Bringing diversity, strategy and governance to your organisation.

ESG: Master Board Governance and
Reduce Risk