Angela Agbe-Davies, a distinguished Nigerian-British lawyer, is championing a new approach to leadership that emphasizes the unique strengths women bring to corporate boardrooms. As the founder of Silvax Legal and leader of Inventa Nigeria, she has carved an impressive path in the legal sector while advocating for gender diversity in leadership positions.
Building a Legal Empire with Distinct Vision
Agbe-Davies pursued her legal education at Sussex University and the Inns of Court School of Law, following in the footsteps of her lawyer father. In 2013, she took the bold step of establishing Silvax Legal, which has since formed a strategic partnership with intellectual property agency Inventa. This collaboration enables Silvax Legal to provide comprehensive intellectual property services across Nigeria and West Africa under the Inventa brand.
Her expertise hasn't gone unnoticed. The World Trademark Association recognized her as one of the top twenty intellectual property legal practitioners in Nigeria. Beyond her legal practice, Agbe-Davies serves on boards of various companies, bringing her unique perspective to corporate governance.
Redefining Boardroom Presence
When asked about asserting her voice in male-dominated boardrooms, Agbe-Davies presents a refreshing perspective. "I find that oftentimes, women feel the need to emulate a man's way of communicating – becoming loud or aggressive – so as not to be seen as pushovers in the industry," she notes. "For me, women are different for a reason, and we bring something distinct from men."
Her approach involves tapping into what she describes as a "softer, motherly side" rather than competing using traditionally masculine communication styles. This strategy, combined with her willingness to ask for help and seek guidance from more experienced colleagues, has proven effective in establishing her credibility and influence.
Expanding Intellectual Property Access
Agbe-Davies's motivation for specializing in intellectual property law stems from her belief in its universal importance. "Intellectual property really is an area that covers every single industry," she explains. "Yet, the protection of your intellectual property isn't mandatory under the law, leaving it in a vulnerable position, and for me, that's simply unfair."
Her work with Inventa Nigeria has focused on expanding intellectual property education and access throughout West Africa. She emphasizes that everyone, from large corporations to emerging artists, should have equal access to IP protection. This commitment drives her ongoing educational initiatives to enhance understanding of intellectual property's value.
Looking ahead, Agbe-Davies envisions significant growth in digital rights management and cross-border enforcement mechanisms. "The beauty of intellectual property is that it is so closely linked to technology," she observes. "Over the next five years, we can envisage that digital transformation will drive increased demand for copyright protection."
Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders
For women determined to build impact-driven legacies, Agbe-Davies offers wisdom about patience and persistence. "Life isn't a race. You don't have to feel like you must achieve everything right away, before a certain age, or at a certain point in your life," she advises. "A legacy is something that is cultivated over time, and one mustn't feel that if it hasn't happened yet, it isn't going to happen."
She encourages women to take an active interest in their industries beyond their immediate responsibilities. This includes participating in relevant organizations, building relationships with key stakeholders, and developing a well-rounded understanding of industry dynamics.
Reflecting on the future of women in Nigeria's professional landscape, Agbe-Davies expresses optimism. "The role of women in business has come leaps and bounds over the last 10 to 15 years in Nigeria, and I don't see us slowing down anytime soon," she states. "As women, we have shown that we are unstoppable, and I see our roles continuing to grow as the years go on."
