Sarie van der Merwe is Addendum’s in-house legal advisor. In her role, she performs a balancing act by building a robust legal framework for the business, while also supporting the company’s growth.

In the world of supply chain finance, legal frameworks are indispensable. Managing contracts, ensuring regulatory compliance, mitigating risks, and protecting intellectual property all require specialised legal acumen that underpins the efficiency and reliability of a company like Addendum’s solutions.

Sarie’s knack for establishing clear legal guidelines and nurturing enduring relationships with all parties is instrumental to our company’s ongoing success.

Beyond her sharp legal acumen, she is treasured for the genuine care and support she offers to colleagues.

In celebration of Women’s Month, she has graciously agreed to share some valuable insights and experiences from her career and life.

“While the visionaries are out there dreaming big and breaking new ground, we in the legal department are the ones creating the necessary boundaries. But when it comes to building a business, especially a new one, the legal team must be adaptable and ready to improvise when new developments arise. This balance between rigidity and flexibility helps the business thrive while keeping everything legally sound.”

1. Experiences: You were with Addendum from very early on. Can you share a few interesting stories or experiences from those formative days?

In my first two weeks at the office (back in October 2016), our directors signed agreements with a funding bank and our third customer. The agreements were 67 pages long back then! At least they have gotten much shorter (and hopefully better!) over the years.

2. Building a Business: When you think back, as a legal professional, which personal traits and skills turned out to be particularly valuable in establishing and growing a new business?

As a legal professional, appreciating structure and clear frameworks is practically in my DNA. While the visionaries are out there dreaming big and breaking new ground, we in the legal department are the ones creating the necessary boundaries. But when it comes to building a business, especially a new one, the legal team must be adaptable and ready to improvise when new developments arise. Its almost like being a legal chameleon — blending in where needed, yet standing firm on critical points. This balance between rigidity and flexibility helps the business thrive while keeping everything legally sound.

3. Challenges of Transition: Transitioning from a corporate background to a small start-up of just four people must have been challenging. What were some of the biggest personal and professional hurdles you faced, and how did you overcome them?

I am not comparing Addendum to a circus, but adjusting to the lack of established processes and support systems was a bit like going from being a ringmaster with a full crew to a solo performer juggling everything on my own! In a corporate setting, you have dedicated teams for everything from IT to teambuilding. In a start-up, however, you quickly learn to wear many hats — and sometimes even make the hats yourself. The upside was getting to play architect and designer along with Addendum’s founders, helping to create the structure for our supply chain finance business and our company.

“In a start-up, however, you quickly learn to wear many hats — and sometimes even make the hats yourself.”

4. Evolving Role: How has your role at Addendum evolved as the company has grown and expanded?

I’m fortunate to collaborate with colleagues across the business spectrum. From managing our company secretarial work with our financial manager to advising directors on good corporate governance, my responsibilities have expanded far beyond the “legal” sandbox. I also get to help enhance and streamline operational processes, and even dabble in human resources, helping to shape our company culture.

5. Building Relationships: In the Supply Chain Finance industry, building trusted relationships is crucial. What strategies and professional practices have you found to be valuable in growing and maintaining strong trusted relationships?

For a successful supply chain finance programme, Addendum needs strong relationships with three key parties: the customer, its suppliers, and the funder(s) involved with the programme. We collaborate with all the major banks in South Africa (and a number in the rest of Africa) and I’ve had the privilege of working with top-notch in-house legal teams at these institutions. I prioritise effective communication, solid project management and mutual respect in all interactions.

When the team implements a programme for a new customer, I focus on negotiating and finalising the necessary agreement as quickly as possible so that the legal process does not delay the programme’s launch. Being flexible and willing to find compromises (while also safeguarding Addendum’s interests) is a juggling act, but after 40 successfully concluded customer agreements in South Africa alone, it certainly becomes more manageable over time. Think high-stakes diplomacy with a touch of Cirque du Soleil!

6. Balancing Career and Personal Life: As a wife, mother of twins, and a with a senior role in the company, how do you manage to balance your professional responsibilities with your personal life?

Being a mother of twin boys has certainly given me a unique perspective on managing a fast-paced business environment! Multitasking, patience and resilience is needed for both parenting and setting clear boundaries at work.

For instance, while the team might push for immediate approvals and quick decisions, my role in legal often requires a more measured approach. Balancing these differing priorities demands the patience and resilience mentioned earlier. (And speaking of multitasking… being able to run a Teams meeting from a car full of children is a must!).

“Cut yourself some slack. Balancing work and family is not easy. Sometimes it will be chaotic and you might feel like you’re performing on a tightrope with no safety net. Relax, remember that you’ve got the skills to keep your balance, and you’ll be just fine.”

7. Thriving Mindset: What mindsets do you believe are valuable for working mothers who are striving to balance their careers and family life?

It takes a village — or at least a well-coordinated team. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s leaning on colleagues or friends, get some help to lighten the load.

Plan ahead as far as you can, so you can at least minimise the chaos created by an unexpected last-minute work deadline or a surprise school project. Being adaptable also helps with the inevitable surprises.

Cut yourself some slack. Balancing work and family is not easy. Sometimes it will be chaotic and you might feel like you’re performing on a tightrope with no safety net. Relax, remember that you’ve got the skills to keep your balance, and you’ll be just fine.

8. Motherhood: How has becoming a mother influenced your perspective and approach in your professional role?

Parents must quickly master skills like problem-solving, juggling multiple priorities, and managing sibling rivalry – it’s sink or swim! Luckily, these skills translate directly to balancing complex work projects and navigating office dynamics, which is a win!

9. Future Goals: What are your aspirations and goals for the future personally and in your role at Addendum?

I’m excited about Addendum’s expansion into the rest of Africa. This will be a new learning curve and an opportunity to broaden my horizons and learn more about diverse markets and cultures.

On a personal note, my goal is to successfully navigate the rollercoaster of getting twin boys through five years of high school without losing my cool – or my sanity.

10. Wisdom: Can you share a timeless quote that you turn to for inspiration?

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” – Theodore Roosevelt