Could you share an example of a time when you came up with an innovation that improved how your legal team works and did not come at a large expense?

Together with an engineer who was also part of the company, we developed a smart matrix that assesses, from a legal perspective, the risks associated with different interactions with governmental officers (GOs). As a simplification initiative, the matrix reduced the need for a lawyer’s involvement; thus, the legal team could focus on matters where they add legal value and only advise cases of interactions with GOs where the risks were high. Beyond the time of the internal human resources, the expense to create the tool was zero.

How do you prioritise diversity and inclusion within your legal department, and what initiatives have you implemented to foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment?

I prioritise diversity and inclusion, making a visible topic of it, improving knowledge, sharing and creating greater awareness, and building a common understanding and language. I have led many D&I initiatives, beyond others: – inclusive communications, setting some rules for our department meetings, – surveys across our major external counsel to understand how they prioritise D&I, – training the regional legal department about unconscious bias and inclusive language, – hiring practices that enable the diverse talent to be retained (beyond others, job descriptions review), -actively participating in events from different networks inside the company not only as allies but supporting from a legal knowledge perspective.

What is a cause, business-related or otherwise, you are passionate about, and why?

Making a difference in people’s lives, helping them live their lives to the fullest and alleviating suffering is a powerful cause that deeply fulfils me and motivates me. We and our families clearly understand the power of health as an enabler to enjoy life, so I am thankful to have the chance to work in the healthcare industry, where all the efforts aim at this cause. In every advisory that I give to the business, I make sure that the needs of the patients/consumers are always considered and prioritised, and this is a vision that I embrace my team to keep in mind.