Member Case Study

Today in our member case study, we speak with Riana Steyn. Riana is the CEO of Bartier Perry, a leading Sydney-based commercial law firm with a legacy of over 80 years. As a seasoned legal executive, Riana brings a consultative, people-focused leadership style to an industry navigating complex challenges around governance, wellbeing, and equity.

Can you briefly describe your business and your role within the company? 

Bartier Perry is a leading commercial law firm based in Sydney with a proud 80+ year history of providing exceptional legal services to businesses, high net worth clients, the Insurance industry and Government departments and agencies. I am proud to be the CEO of Bartier Perry. 

How long have you been a member of The CEO Institute, and what initially led you to join? 

I joined the CEO Institute 5 years ago. It is true what they say – this role can be a lonely one at times. Although I have very good people around me at the firm, I think every CEO would say there are times when an external perspective or being able to tap into a confidential sounding board of peers is critical. An external body like the CEO Institute provides a shared frame of reference, a safe and supporting environment to discuss issues, bounce ideas off and establish a discreet and trusted network with experienced colleagues in a diverse range of industries.

What industry is your business in, and what are some of the key challenges unique to your sector? 

Law firms’ organisational structure means that as CEO you need to be highly consultative with partners, shareholders and others internally – more so perhaps than many corporate organisations.
The challenge is to find the right balance between internal consultation, and at the same time maintaining a sharp external focus on our core business of providing exceptional legal services to our clients. Other challenges in the legal industry include gender equity at the most senior levels, as well as the wellbeing and mental health of all lawyers. It is a fact that members of the legal profession experience higher than average rates of mental health issues than the general public.

How has your experience with The CEO Institute contributed to overcoming these challenges? 

Having access to this group has been and continues to be invaluable. There is a shared experience – whatever industry or sector you operate in. There is a common understanding of the challenges this role brings. There is also confidentiality and comradery which provide honesty and directness in the counsel provided.

Can you share a particular moment or insight from your membership that made a significant difference in your business?

A recent example has been the ability to come together and discuss a member organisation that was subject to a cyber-attack. As we all know, this is the number one risk in business today, and I found it invaluable to come together and compare notes on what we all do from a governance point of view to mitigate this risk. We are fortunate to have some CEOs of technology companies in the group, who provided valuable insight from a more technical point of view as well. The counsel of my CEO Institute peers has been invaluable in assisting Bartier Perry in learning from other organisations’ actions and improving our own risk mitigation policies and tactics around the possibility of a cyber-attack. 

How has the peer-to-peer support from other business leaders helped shape your decisions and strategies?

The openness of my peers to share their thoughts and experiences (successes and failures) and their genuine interest in helping to strategise and solve problems, has led to improved approaches and decisions, that have not only assisted me in my role, but have benefited Bartier Perry. 

Why would you recommend The CEO Institute to other business leaders seeking growth and peer support? 

The CEO Institute gives leaders access to a wealth of diverse insights and experiences. It gives access to a trusted group of peers and advisors, highly intelligent and respected leaders who come without an agenda, and who in essence become an inner circle that supports you when navigating challenges and who also celebrates the wins with you. Being a member of the CEO Institute has been a fantastic experience, and I would recommend this to anyone who is looking to grow and develop professionally and personally.