We’re still early into 2025 AGM season, but the bar has already been set high.
At Prudential plc’s 14 May AGM, one retail shareholder submitted a staggering 28 questions. That alone would be headline-worthy. But the real story? How every single one was handled—with poise, pace, and precision—thanks to the seamless coordination between Company Secretary Tom Clarkson and Chair, Baroness Shriti Vadera.
We’d already honoured Prudential in a previous TEA Cup edition for their inclusive AGM format and year-round engagement, including their award-winning financial literacy programme, Cha-Ching, which Baroness Vadera confirmed at this year’s AGM that they would be expanded to adults. But this performance deserved a fresh shout-out. The TEA Cups community—and let’s be honest, all of LinkedIn—agreed.
🧠 Chair–Co Sec Dynamics at Their Finest
This was a real-time case study in how a high-EQ Co Sec and a well-briefed Chair can navigate intense scrutiny with grace and clarity. Tom didn’t just read the questions. He triaged, grouped, and presented them logically—keeping the flow crisp, the tone respectful, and the meeting on track.
Baroness Vadera, for her part, answered with clarity and control, often referencing the annual report directly. There was no defensiveness, no obfuscation—just solid, confident governance.
And yes—the meeting still wrapped in about an hour. From the floor, phone, and online—every question was heard.
💡 Tech That Serves, Not Silences
One of the unsung heroes here was Lumi Global’s online question submission system. It gave the Co Sec the room to organise without interrupting the rhythm of the meeting. It also ensured that shareholders who couldn’t be physically present still had a voice—and that those voices weren’t drowned out or overly edited. At Prudential, questions seemed to be presented almost verbatim, with only light trimming for clarity. That’s how it should be.
🙋 A Note to Fellow Shareholders
Yes, 28 questions is a lot. But they were on-topic, largely concise, and genuinely added value. That’s why they were read out in full. It’s a gentle reminder that how we ask matters just as much as what we ask. If we want Chairs and Co Secs to take us seriously, we need to meet them with focus and respect.
🏆 Final Take
This AGM wasn’t just a win for Prudential—it was a blueprint for modern, inclusive governance. [In all my excitement, I realise only writing this now that they did not answer one of my questions - about hosting another retail event in London, but I shall follow up separtaetly]
Tech enabled it. Governance professionals delivered it. And a highly engaged retail shareholder reminded us all why we show up.
Bravo, Tom. Bravo, Baroness.
More of this, please.
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