Colin Callender, QC, is a top lawyer whose career has spanned five decades. Considered one of The Bahamas' leading experts in insolvency, Callender has worked side-by-side with major corporations and banks both domestically and abroad. He is the managing partner of the country's oldest law firm, Callenders & Co., and was recently elected as a director of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. Callendar is also the chairman of the board of The Nassau Guardian.
Guardian Business: What is the biggest challenge facing your business or sector? What measures need to be taken in The Bahamas to solve it?
Colin: In the past few decades professionals and other individuals in commerce in general have experienced the radical changes in the way business is now conducted globally. The challenges facing those of us in the legal profession are the expectations from the public as to the time frame within which we are expected to respond, either to e-mails or other instant means of communication, and to provide opinions on oft times lengthy and complex documents or advice in matters without permitting a reasonable time to carry out diligent and responsible research. This pressure has forced some professionals to outsource some of this work which may, in the pure interest of time, compromise its quality.
There is now an accepted rule with respect to the authenticity of documents generated electronically including signatures on documents. With very few exceptions, an original signature is required in the case of, for example, a document relating to title (i.e. a deed of conveyance).
Technology in The Bahamas has kept pace with the developments worldwide and can only function properly and effectively if those faced with it apply themselves with conscious and dedicated determination to be responsive as quickly as possible or as the system dictates. It is a mind set and a new culture that has proven to be difficult to instill in some members of our business community; adapting to this new business environment is essential if we are to remain competitive in the world arena. In my profession the ability to access online, for example, law reports in those common law jurisdictions which post their decisions online, to access the Statute Laws of The Bahamas, access to the Companies Registry as well as the Registry of Records are all major steps which have been taken to bring The Bahamas to the forefront and in line with the ever changing global technology. More needs to be done and can be done towards the introduction of e-communication in the court process such as the ability to file pleadings in court cases online.
GB: How has your business or sector changed since the financial crisis?
Colin: The financial crisis has influenced the way business is conducted today. We have all become much more conscious of the way we utilize our time while continuing to strive to provide better service for our time. With the implementation of improved communications, the ability to conduct meetings via video conferencing has eliminated the necessity in many cases for time consuming and expensive travel and accommodation for those international business meetings. Competition has increased immeasurably in almost every area and discerning clients are insisting on value for money.
GB: Can you describe an experience that has changed your approach to life?
Colin: It's been said that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. It also made me wiser. In 1993, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Until you hear the words, you cannot fathom the emotion and fear that course through your body in waves, thoughts that drown out everything else. I opted for surgery. God and time were on my side and I had a fairly optimistic prognosis.
I returned to my practice but found my priorities had changed. I continued to work hard but I made a "bucket list" of the things I really wanted to do. For years, I had dreamed of designing and building the perfect fishing boat, one that would also be comfortable for my family. My wife and I threw ourselves into the ambitious project and two years later our dream boat was reality.
Life was good. I was working hard while also making time to enjoy my golden years when in early 2002, I got very bad news. The cancer had re-appeared. Determined to beat it one more time, I commuted to Florida daily for eight weeks for radiation treatments, taking the early morning flight and getting back to the office by mid-day. Every day, I told myself I will survive! With the encouragement of my family and the success of the treatments, I did. And a decade later, I give thanks every day for good health.
Then, when my health and I seemed to be at peace with each other, totally unpredictable events happened in my law practice, the end result being that the make-up of the firm changed substantially over a few years. I believed that if I had beaten cancer twice I could survive the changes in the firm and I am extremely pleased to say that with the strength that I found - in part from the resolve I found from fighting cancer and in part from my present partners - we have rebuilt Callenders & Co, creating the strongest legal and support teams we have ever had in our 109-year history. I continue to work at our two offices in Nassau, Millars Ct. and Lyford Cay, every day, but I know that spending time with my family and friends is essential to my well-being and happiness. It was a very tough way to learn a lesson but I discovered that you never know the real power of your own inner strength until you are called on to reach down deep inside, find it, trust it and use it.
GB: What keeps you grounded? Do you have any major interests other than work?
Colin: What keeps me grounded is the discipline and the values which were instilled in me from an early age, from my parents and grandparents and more importantly the ability to spend time with my wife and family and the enjoyment of sharing experiences with them. Too often one sees friends and colleagues who are not able to "switch off" from the office and enjoy family and friends. Major interests which I have enjoyed outside of work, have been sailing, diving, traveling to exotic destinations and the promotion of organizations whose goals are the preservation of the environment.
GB: What should young businesses keep in mind in this current economic climate to survive?
Colin: Young people going into business must approach it with a well prepared business plan which takes into account the available resources to ensure that the business is not under capitalized from the outset. Key to success is the recognition that only hard work and dedication will determine the attainment of ones goals and not an expectation of immediate reward which is too often the case nowadays. Additionally, quality service is extremely critical for the success of any business in today's economic environment.
GB: What makes a great boss? What makes a bad boss?
Colin: I'd like to start with answering what makes a bad boss so we can end with a positive reply in what makes a great boss.
A bad boss is one who lacks good communication skills, lacks respect for his staff and expects more of them than is realistic. A bad boss fails to recognize individual strengths and weaknesses, thus treating every member of staff as if they were all supposed to come equipped with the same work DNA. A bad boss is quick to dish out criticism and slow to hand out praise.
A great boss is exactly the opposite. In addition to first and foremost being well-informed and knowledgeable in his field, a great boss exemplifies a work ethic expected of his employees. He is one who empathizes with his employees and makes himself available to them when problems arise whether it is on the job or sometimes on a more personal level. Leadership and communication is first and foremost and I will not ask any employee to carry out a task that I would not undertake myself. I cannot overstate the example of a solid, tireless work ethic being exhibited by the "great boss".
Secondly, I am a strong believer in personal recognition. I believe a good boss truly respects and rewards those whose ideas are worthy, work ethic is admirable and loyalty is never in doubt. We have fallen into the unfortunate habit of thinking that the word reward automatically means financial when in fact real professionals appreciate other forms of reward. Firm or company recognition, special honors, travel and appointment opportunities and advancement are strong motivators. A great boss knows that there is no such thing as too much appreciation of a staff member who makes a difference.
Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian
