Team size: Eleven

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure organisational resilience?

During periods of instability, my priority is to ensure that legal and compliance teams provide clear, practical guidance that enables the business to act decisively while remaining within its regulatory and risk framework. By working closely with management and key functions, we identify critical risks early, focus on what matters most, and support informed decision-making.

I believe legal strategy should be closely aligned with business strategy. The role of the Chief Legal Officer is not only to protect the organisation, but also to help it navigate uncertainty, maintain stakeholder trust, and emerge stronger.

How do you balance being a legal risk manager with being a strategic business enabler, and where do you see the biggest tensions?

The best in-house lawyers balance risk management with enabling the business to achieve its objectives. My role is not only to identify risks, but also to provide practical solutions that allow the organisation to move forward with confidence.

The greatest tensions arise where commercial ambition, innovation and speed intersect with increasing regulatory expectations. In those situations, my focus is on helping the business make informed decisions, managing material risks without creating unnecessary barriers.

Ultimately, I believe legal creates the most value when it is seen not as the function that says ‘no’, but as a trusted partner that helps the business navigate complexity and build long-term resilience.

What is the most overlooked skill or mindset that today’s in-house lawyers need to succeed at the highest level?

The most overlooked skill is the ability to combine strong legal judgement with commercial and strategic thinking. Today’s most effective in-house lawyers are not only trusted legal advisers but also business partners who understand the organisation’s objectives, risk appetite, and operational realities. Equally important is a mindset of curiosity and adaptability. In an environment shaped by rapid regulatory change, technological developments, and evolving stakeholder expectations, lawyers who continuously learn, embrace change, and communicate complex issues in a practical and accessible way are best positioned to create value and influence decision-making at the highest level.