We are thrilled to share that Paris Gabriel, General Manager and Board Member at the Leptos Group, was recently highlighted in a feature by Gold Magazine. In this feature, Paris Gabriel explains how he has combined his legal education and business skills to foster a culture of excellence, integrity and empathy.
“I studied law because I considered it very valuable for my personal development as it offered me a wide range of career opportunities,” Paris Gabriel says. However, during his LLM studies in Commercial Law at the University of Bristol, Gabriel found himself increasingly drawn to the business world, leading him to pursue a Master’s degree in Shipping, Trade and Finance at Bayes Business School in London, marking his transition from law to business. In 1987, he joined the Leptos real estate development and property management Group, climbing the corporate ladder to General Manager, a success he largely attributes to the indelible marks left by his legal background.
In the dynamic world of business, where executives and managers face ever-changing conditions, Gabriel believes that a legal background provides a significant advantage. “Law studies”, he says, “hone one’s ability to think fast, see through facts clearly, analyse risks and methodically work through complex problems by breaking them down into manageable parts.” These skills are complemented by an ability to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively, both verbally and in writing – after all, lawyers are known to possess a silver tongue. On top of that, his legal background emphasises the importance of adhering to ethical standards. “These are the sine que non characteristics of a leadership mindset,” he explains.
His legal education has been particularly beneficial in structuring, negotiating and conducting investment deals. “Working for the Leptos Group, a diversified and outward-looking organisation, often gives me the opportunity to get involved in such deals,” he notes.
Besides, the skills he developed – from strategic and critical thinking to ethical adherence and risk management – are key factors in achieving successful agreements, reflecting Gabriel’s ability to apply his legal training in a business context to drive positive outcomes.
Reflecting on his personal development, Paris Gabriel considers that his legal training has helped him have a forward-thinking mindset and fostered empathy and understanding, enhancing his ability to connect with people and build inclusive relationships. Meanwhile, adhering to ethical standards and fostering a culture of honesty have been pivotal in his career, contributing to his overall satisfaction and success. “I believe that my legal education has been one of the most important pillars in the development of both my personal and professional life,” he explains.