Career Biography

The last 365 days at work required strong multitasking skills. While there was a constant need to prioritise business requests, I also had to ensure that no signs of demotivation within the team were overlooked, continue preparing and delivering training to internal and external stakeholders, and step in where necessary to protect the company by properly managing litigation, while proactively supporting short-, medium- and long-term strategies. All of this had to be achieved without compromising the long-standing principle of work–life balance, which enabled the team to maintain optimal efficiency, enthusiasm, professionalism and energy. Listing these tasks in one paragraph seems daunting, let alone carrying out the work behind each of them. Yet among all these responsibilities, the measure I always use to assess achievement and prioritise focus is the extent to which any given task adds value to the legal team’s mission.

Operating in the Middle East, where geopolitical shifts can quickly create ripple effects, managing legal risks during periods of instability remains a top priority. The legal support expected from a best-in-class team cannot exist without effective risk anticipation and mitigation whenever required.

The value brought by the legal and compliance team lies in the development and delivery of regular, up-to-date and innovative training for internal and external stakeholders to raise awareness of risks, compliance and ethics. This empowers business partners to better anticipate red flags and take prompt, appropriate mitigation measures when necessary. In doing so, everyone becomes a compliance ambassador for the company.

Business strategy cannot be separated from legal strategy. Legal and non-legal functions must communicate transparently and continuously to equip the organisation’s representatives with the knowledge and awareness needed to anticipate risks. Priorities and objectives should be aligned across all functions, and no individual interest should override the company’s ultimate goal – to grow the business in a compliant and sustainable way.

As artificial intelligence and automated legal operating systems become increasingly common – and in some cases, necessary – to reduce costs and accelerate delivery, the most crucial attributes a modern in-house counsel must preserve are trust and kindness.

Kindness can coexist with assertiveness; it does not mean going the extra mile where it adds no value. Trust, meanwhile, stems from active listening, giving time to internal and external clients, and clearly explaining what works and what does not. These are essential traits of an authentic business partner.

People’s reactions are often a reflection of our own attitude. By consistently modelling these positive values through everyday interactions, communication and collaboration become easier and more constructive. Even the most challenging discussions can then be approached respectfully and openly, preventing long-term dysfunction.