The "Yes, If" Mentality

Since joining ST Engineering in North America as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary in late 2023, Anthony Fadel has been on a mission to redefine the relationship between law and business. Rejecting the old cliché of the legal department as the "Department of No," Anthony brings an entrepreneurial, service-oriented approach to the U.S. headquarters. From touring the high-tech Innosuite of Singapore to scaling innovation across the American market, Anthony shares his leadership philosophy, the importance of cross-functional collaboration, and why a business-minded lawyer is a company’s best asset for growth. 

Q: How did you come to join ST Engineering North America? What drew you to the organisation? 

I joined the company in November 2023 after being recruited by a colleague. I was energized by the opportunity to join an innovative multinational company which delivers key technologies and solutions to a wide variety of customers and industries in the U.S. and other countries.  

Q: H Can you share your career journey and a little bit about yourself? 

I chose to be at the intersection of business and law because I felt there was a leadership gap there. Many business leaders are critical of their lawyers and feel they are a necessary evil. I am doing my part to change that narrative. I think a business-minded lawyer can add immense value and a much-needed perspective to their leadership team, striking the balance between business partner and guardian of the business. With this vision in mind, I went straight in-house after law school where I was fortunate to spend time with wonderful business executives and General Counsels. I spent time at global companies of varying sizes in healthcare, EdTech, aerospace and defense, and telecom retail, which prepared me for my current role at ST Engineering, where we compete across so many industries. ’s success. 

Q: Can you share your career journey and a little bit about yourself?  

I chose to be at the intersection of business and law because I felt there was a leadership gap there. Many business leaders are critical of their lawyers and feel they are a necessary evil. I am doing my part to change that narrative. I think a business-minded lawyer can add immense value and a much-needed perspective to their leadership team, striking the balance between business partner and guardian of the business. With this vision in mind, I went straight in-house after law school where I was fortunate to spend time with wonderful business executives and General Counsels. I spent time at global companies of varying sizes in healthcare, EdTech, aerospace and defense, and telecom retail, which prepared me for my current role at ST Engineering, where we compete across so many industries.   

Q: How have your thoughts changed about ST Engineering?  

Our R&D, innovation, and manufacturing capabilities are even bigger than I initially realized. Touring the Innosuite at our international HQ in Singapore was a memorable showcase of the diverse technologies we deliver to commercial, enterprise, and government customers around the world.  

Q: What do you see as the biggest accomplishments since you assumed your position? 

Culture, communication, and leadership – adding value in those areas across the U.S. operations. We have established ourselves as a go-to service organization that is here to facilitate growth and innovation while navigating material risks. Our mentality is “Yes, if…” rather than being the department of “No”. 

 Q: What is your guiding principle or your leadership philosophy? 

Leaders greatly impact the lives of others, which extends well beyond the workplace. I don’t take this for granted. Poor leaders make life miserable for others and cap what is possible in an organization. On the other hand, great leaders help individuals and organizations maximize their potential. I think empathy, communication, vision, adaptability, and decisiveness are keys to great leadership.  

 Q: Can you share a personal story that shaped your outlook personally and professionally? 

When I was in middle school, my dad was a district manager for CVS. During the summer, he would take me with him on store visits and as we drove to each store, we would listen to John Maxwell’s leadership CDs and discuss the topics using live examples from his meetings. I continued to listen to those CDs for years which likely shaped my early leadership philosophy  

 Q: What do you like to do outside of work?  

WI enjoy spending time with my wife and three kids. I also try to golf, ski, and play basketball when I can. Golf continues to be a major work in progress.