Behind the boardroom: Marika White’s journey to Company Secretary leader

In the ever-evolving world of corporate governance, few roles are as multifaceted and pivotal as that of a Company Secretary. We sat down with Marika White, Managing Principal at Automic Group, Australia’s largest outsourced CoSec team, to delve into what led her to this point, what the role is really like, and what it takes to make headway in this competitive market. 

Q: Marika, your career path could be considered unconventional for a Company Secretary. Can you share your journey of how you got to where you are today? 

I often refer to myself as an "accidental company secretary." My professional journey began in public relations and marketing, focusing on large-scale events. I worked on projects like the 2000 Olympic Games and managed publicity for the Asian Games in Doha, Qatar. These roles were fast-paced and exposed me to high-pressure environments and diverse industries. 

After several years abroad, including a stint with Saudi Aramco working closely with their board and executive team, I returned to Australia seeking a new challenge. It was serendipitous that I stumbled into the Australian Company Secretarial field. A chance meeting led me to join an outsourced CoSec firm, and I discovered that the role perfectly combined my organisational skills with my passion for solving complex problems. 

Q: What was it about company secretarial work that made you stay in this field? 

What captivated me was the sheer diversity of the role—no two days are the same.

It engaged parts of my mind and skills that weren't fully utilised in PR, offering me insights into how businesses operate from the inside. I came to appreciate governance as the backbone of any successful company. 

Being a Company Secretary allowed me to witness firsthand how leadership teams make critical decisions, navigate challenges, and drive lasting success. While any company can present a polished exterior, I found it fascinating to look behind the façade and understand that even the most prominent business figures are regular people. 

Another reason I chose to continue this line of work is the people. As a CoSec, you gain access to business leaders who are at the top of their game. You're sitting at the table with the individuals you read about in the newspapers, observing how they think, how they work, and how they operate. Early in my career, exposure to that level of leadership was invaluable.  

Q: What motivated you to join Automic Group? 

I was drawn to Automic because of its genuine commitment to professional services as a core part of the business, not just an adjunct to registry services - like a set of steak knives thrown in to sweeten a deal. It wasn't an afterthought; they recognised the value of experienced CoSec professionals and were dedicated to supporting us. 

Having worked with various major players in the industry, I appreciated that Automic invested in building a cohesive, high-performing team. Plus, the synergy between its registry and professional services teams enhances our ability to serve clients effectively. 

Q: In what ways does Automic's CoSec team stand out in the industry? 

Our team's strength lies in its diversity of experience. The senior staff come from various backgrounds—law, finance, PR—and possess a wide range of sector expertise, which allows us to approach problems with a unique, commercial perspective. We're not confined to a single way of thinking; instead, we solve problems laterally, ensuring the best possible solution is tailored to each client's needs. 

Ultimately, this is a relationship business. We're personable and prioritise building strong connections. Over many years, we've built trust by being the trusted advisors to senior business leaders—remaining calm, collected, and providing them with clear direction. In an age where technology has started to replace human interaction, we emphasise the importance of picking up the phone, engaging directly with clients, and fostering trust. We're advisors to the board, and that requires confidence, clarity, and the ability to have tough conversations when necessary. 

Q: What is it like to work as an outsourced Company Secretary compared to in-house? 

Working in an outsourced capacity is incredibly challenging but rewarding. You're exposed to a wide range of industries and company sizes, from start-ups aiming to list on the ASX to established public companies. This diversity accelerates your learning and professional growth exponentially.  

People who come through this path can gain more experience in two years than they could in a decade in-house. 

In-house roles often involve routine, business-as-usual tasks, whereas outsourced roles require adaptability and quick thinking. You might start your day planning for a board meeting and suddenly need to address an unexpected regulatory issue. It's a role that demands organisation, flexibility, and strong interpersonal skills. 

Q: From your perspective, what qualities define an exceptional Company Secretary? 

An exceptional Company Secretary wears many hats: mediator, psychologist, coach, facilitator, and manager. You need to be adaptable, maintain a sense of calm under pressure, and have a good sense of humour. The role involves not just understanding governance and compliance but also navigating interpersonal dynamics within the board and executive teams. 

Building strong relationships is crucial. You must be able to provide clear, actionable advice and have the confidence to guide the board through complex decisions. It's about being the backbone that supports the company's governance while also being approachable and trustworthy. 

Q: How does Automic help team members develop these qualities? 

At Automic, we place a strong emphasis on both technical training and soft skills development. We offer educational programmes focusing on the regulatory aspects but also share practical experiences to illustrate real-world applications. Mentorship is a big part of our culture. We encourage team members to step out of their comfort zones, take on new challenges, and learn from each experience. 

I believe we’ve created an environment where it's okay to ask for help because that's how you grow. Collaboration is ingrained in our team dynamics; even when schedules are tight, team members are willing to lend a hand and share insights. 

Q: What advice would you give to someone midway through their CoSec career, wondering how to get ahead? 

Consider joining an outsourced CoSec firm. Even a couple of years in this environment can add significant depth to your CV. The exposure to different industries, board dynamics, and regulatory challenges is unparalleled.

It's an opportunity to accelerate your learning, build a robust professional network, and gain personal satisfaction from contributing to a variety of successful ventures. 

Interested in taking your CoSec career to the next level? 

Working as a Company Secretary, especially in an outsourced capacity at Automic, is both challenging and rewarding. It's a role that keeps you on your toes, constantly learning, and engaged with some of the most critical aspects of the business world. If you're looking for a career that offers variety, accelerated growth, and the chance to work with a supportive and collaborative team, Automic might just be the place for you.