As General Counsel for Nestlé Peru and Bolivia, I recognise that building and maintaining strong relationships with key internal stakeholders is essential, particularly in high-pressure or fast-moving scenarios. A crucial aspect of this involves ensuring that the legal team speaks the same language as the business and actively engages with stakeholders at their operational sites.

To foster effective collaboration, I prioritise understanding the core business objectives and the specific challenges faced by different teams. This means immersing both myself and the legal team in day-to-day operations, including visits to production facilities, distribution centres and sales sites. By being present in these environments, we gain firsthand insights into the realities of the business, enabling us to provide legal guidance that is not only relevant but also practical and actionable.

I also ensure that the legal team takes part in cross-functional meetings and workshops, where we can listen to a variety of stakeholder perspectives. This approach allows us to align legal strategies with business objectives, while communicating legal concepts in a way that is accessible and meaningful to the teams involved. By framing legal considerations in the context of their goals, we help show that compliance can be a driver of innovation rather than a constraint.

In high-pressure situations, such as product launches or urgent regulatory matters, I emphasise timely and clear communication from the legal team. We make ourselves readily available, providing rapid legal insights that support informed decision-making on the ground. This responsiveness builds trust and reinforces the perception of the legal team as a genuine partner in business success.

Furthermore, I promote a culture of collaboration by encouraging stakeholders to share their challenges and ideas openly with us. This not only strengthens relationships but also creates an environment in which legal and business teams can work together to identify opportunities and mitigate risks effectively.

And of course, it never hurts to be a cool and friendly lawyer as well!