What are the most significant cases, projects or transactions that you
and your legal team have recently been involved in? 

I have had the pleasure of serving as the lead counsel for Autoliv’s expansion into Vietnam, a strategic project aimed at meeting the growing need for airbag production in the Asia market. This initiative involves establishing a new manufacturing plant that will begin operations in late 2025. The project has presented a range of complex legal and regulatory matters, particularly as it involves a foreign investor entering a market for the first time.

My role has been multifaceted, including advising on a wide range of topics such as real estate transactions, compliance with local laws, and the incorporation of an entity—all with the support of local counsel in Vietnam. I have also been actively engaging with local stakeholders, such as government officials, vendors, and suppliers, to facilitate smooth project execution and the upcoming start of operations. The new plant is expected to contribute to the local economy by creating approximately 2,000 jobs in the region. It will also play a crucial role in supporting Autoliv’s customers, including the leading Japanese car manufacturers.
This project reflects the diverse and impactful nature of the work I have been engaged in at Autoliv in collaboration with a cross-functional team.

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or
crisis to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

During periods of instability or crisis, my priority is to remain level-headed and objective
about the current situation and the desired outcome, while being empathetic to people’s fears and concerns. This balanced approach involves gathering comprehensive facts and data to understand the situation, consulting with experts to gain specialized insights, and maintaining transparent communication with key stakeholders.
By staying calm and focused, I can accurately assess the situation and develop effective strategies to address the challenges. Open communication ensures that everyone is informed and aligned, which helps to mitigate uncertainty and build trust. Being empathetic allows me to acknowledge and address the concerns of those affected, which fosters a supportive environment. This approach has served me well when the company has faced a variety of challenges, such as an impending plant shutdown due to a supplier’s force majeure event, or substantial damage to manufacturing facilities caused by typhoons in Southeast Asia.

This even works well in one-on-one conversations with colleagues seeking information about global economic and political events, like the impact of U.S. tariffs on the automotive industry. Each crisis provides an opportunity to learn, improve, and reflect so that we continuously improve the organization’s resilience and ability to navigate challenges.

Have you had any experiences during your career as a lawyer that stand out as particularly unique or interesting?

I love that in my APAC-focused role covering eight countries (including Japan, Korea, India, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia), I have the opportunity to learn about so many different cultures. Some of my most unique experiences have involved working on significant projects that incorporate local cultural traditions. For instance, I observed a groundbreaking ceremony in the Shinto tradition before the construction of a new plant in Aichi, Japan.
Another memorable experience was attending a Buddhist ceremony to celebrate a special milestone for the new manufacturing plant in Vietnam. The ceremony involved traditional rituals and blessings from a monk to ensure prosperity and good fortune for Autoliv’s business in Vietnam. These experiences have given me insights into important traditions and rituals practiced by many of my colleagues, which deepens my understanding and connection with them.
Being part of these cultural ceremonies not only enriches my professional life, but also enhances my personal growth. They serve as a reminder of the importance of cultural sensitivity and the value of embracing different traditions in our global operations.

What is a cause, business or otherwise, that you are passionate about? Why is
this?

One cause I am particularly passionate about is supporting the advancement of women in the legal profession. I have had the opportunity to contribute to thought leadership and raise awareness on issues relevant to women lawyers. This includes speaking and writing about a range of topics, such as personal development, the navigating the corporate world as a working mother, and the importance of increasing diversity and representation in corporate organizations.

I have also actively mentored several up-and-coming law students and lawyers, providing guidance on topics like entering the Japan market, managing the return from maternity leave, and evaluating job opportunities. My efforts are driven by a belief in creating a supportive and inclusive environment for women in the legal profession. By sharing my experiences and insights, I aim to help other women navigate their careers and achieve their professional goals. This cause is deeply meaningful to me because it aligns with my commitment to empowering the next generation of legal professionals.

Additionally, it is my way of “paying it forward” for the support of several sponsors, mentors, and allies who have been instrumental in my career.