Sarah is an incoming finalist reading Law at SOAS, University of London. She is dedicated to
helping others and supporting the development of fellow students, having served as
President of the SOAS Law Society during her second year. This role enhanced her
leadership skills and ultimately led to her involvement with the Patchwork Foundation.
With a background in English, Arabic, and French, Sarah has a strong interest in connecting
with people across cultures. Her multilingual upbringing has strengthened her passion for
diversity and inclusion, and inspired her interest in international law, particularly its role in
diplomacy and global policy. She hopes to build on her studies and experiences to make a
meaningful contribution to society.
Attending this masterclass with Khalid Garousha was a powerful reminder of what genuine
leadership looks like in practice. The session opened with the speaker sharing reflections on
his career, decision-making, and the future of law. It was a privilege to gain insight into life
at the heart of a leading law firm, shared through the lens of Khalid’s own experience and
journey. Throughout the discussion and Q&A, his thoughtful responses and attentiveness
reflected a deep respect for open exchange and an appreciation for diverse perspectives.
Leadership as a Journey
One of the most striking insights from the masterclass was Khalid’s reflection on his own
career path. He explained that leadership was not something he actively pursued, but rather
a role he unexpectedly stepped into. Initially unsure about the position, he decided to give it
a chance, and ultimately discovered that he thrived in it. What stood out was the way he
described leadership not in terms of titles or status, but in the quality of the interactions he
had with people. For him, the highlights of the role were the relationships and shared
experiences he built along the way.
This people-centred perspective resonated deeply with me. It served as a reminder that the
legal profession, despite its technical demands, is fundamentally about people. His
openness about imposter syndrome, something many of us in the cohort related to, made
his journey feel even more authentic. I was also struck by how he spoke about family,
traditions, and values as anchors that keep him grounded, serving as a reminder of the
importance of balance, humility, and staying connected to what truly matters.
Decision-Making with Perspective
Another key takeaway from the masterclass was Khalid’s approach to decision-making at
the executive committee level. He stressed the importance of standing by your choices,
even when the outcome is uncertain. Not every decision will be the right one, but each
offers an opportunity to learn and grow. What matters is the ability to keep things in
perspective, recognising that most decisions in professional life are not matters of life or
death, and that dwelling on mistakes can be more damaging than the mistake itself.
This lesson particularly resonated with me because of my own experience serving as
President of my university Law Society. In that role, I often had to make decisions that
affected others, sometimes without having complete information or certainty about the
outcome. Learning to take responsibility, adapt when things did not go as planned, and
move forward constructively was one of the most valuable aspects of the position. Hearing
Khalid reinforce this mindset affirmed the importance of resilience, perspective, and
integrity in leadership.
Beyond the Masterclass
Attending this masterclass was not only an inspiring experience, but also a meaningful
opportunity to reflect on my own journey and aspirations. The lessons Khalid shared on
leadership, decision-making, and the importance of people in the legal profession reinforced
values I aim to uphold as I continue my studies and beyond.
What stood out most was Khalid’s authenticity, a quality that underpinned every story and
piece of advice, and one that I hope to carry into my own future career. His blend of humour
and humility created an inclusive and sincere atmosphere, showing that true leadership is
not defined by titles or authority, but by the ability to build trust and meaningful
connections.
Ultimately, the masterclass was a powerful reminder that the most effective leaders inspire
others by staying true to themselves, leaving impressions that last far beyond the moment
itself.
