League of Woman Law Experts
Lawpracticenowadaysischallengingineveryway.Dueto theincreasingbillablehourandrevenuegenerating requirements,intensecompetition,andclients'demandsfor 24/7availability,thepracticeoflawistoughforbothmen andwomen.However,forwomen,thesechallengesare madeworsebydisparitiesinpayandadvancement opportunities,sexistandracistbehavior,andisolation, whichmakesmanywomenwonderifthefightisreally worthit.
Long-termobservershavealsoobservedthatasignificant numberoffemaleattorneysquittheprofessionjustwhen theircareersarereachingtheirpinnaclesandtheyhavethe organizationalinfluencetobetterthelivesofthewomen whowillcomeafterthem.Iftheprofessiondoesnotbreak thistrend,theconsequenceswillbesevere:acontinualloss ofhighlyqualifiedandbrightwomenlawyers;agreatly reduceddiversityoftalentaccessibletothepeople, businesses,andgovernmentswhohireattorneysandseek outthemostbrilliantandskillfullegalcounseltheycan afford.
Younglawyershavehadgreatsuccessintheprofession,but wenowneedtoconcentrateoureffortsonmakingour workplacesplaceswhereseasonedwomenattorneys flourishandaretreatedequitablysothattheycankeep helpingtheirorganizations.Inthisspecialissue,“World's MostInfluentialWomeninLaw,2022”World'sLeaders highlightsthetalesofafewsignificantbusinesswomenin lawwhoareinfluencing,inspiring,andinvigoratingothers withtheirzealtostriveforsuccess.
ThecoverfeaturesHeidiLindner,SeniorPartneratArochi &Lindner,believesthatprofessionalethicsand accountabilityareessentialtoachievingtheintended
outcomes,inadditiontothiscommitmenttoproviding services.
Arochi&Lindnerisawell-knownandrespectednamein LatinAmericanintellectualpropertyprotection.Itwas establishedin1994andhasbecomeaprominentfirmin largepartbecauseofitsinnovativeandcustomer-focused mindset.ItopenedanofficeinSpainin2011,andasa directresultofitssuccess,theyarestillexpandingboth domesticallyandinternationallytoday.Offeringhighprofilelegalcounselinthefieldsofintellectualproperty, lifesciences,marketingandadvertising,civiland commerciallitigation,corporateandregulatory,and personaldatasecurity,thecompanyhasmorethan27years ofexperience.
Whilewecometotheend,pleasedonotforgettoreadthe CXOstandpointswrittenbyindustryexpertsandthe informativearticlespenneddownbyourin-houseeditorial team.
Have a lovely read!
Heidi Lindner
Entities in the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Sectors
Supporting“The possibility of designing solid and innovative legal strategies to face the challenges of my clients has always been a source of professional inspiration.”
The success of the client is very important in the work profile. The most crucial aspect of any leader's daily activities is to deliver a skilled service devoted to their clients' needs, ensuring that they always receive a solid and considered response that gives them the greatest possible perspective on the anticipated results. Building strong personal links and reliable, enduring relationships with clients is essential. Heidi Lindner, Senior Partner at Arochi & Lindner, believes that professional ethics and accountability are essential to achieving the intended outcomes, in addition to this commitment to providing services.
O V E R S T O R Y
TheHeidiStaircase
Asayoungchild,HeidiLindner enjoyedarguing,debating,expressing heropinions,andtakingthelead.Her decisiontoseekacareerinlawmay havebeeninfluencedbyherfeelingof powerlessnessinthefaceofinjustices asmuchasherrage.Sinceherfirst yearofhighschool,shehasknownthat shewantstofollowthisareaofstudy Sheearnedamaster'sdegreefrom PanamericanUniversity,a specializationinconstitutional litigation(Amparo)fromtheSupreme CourtofJusticeofMexico'sInstitute ofJudicialSpecialization,anda master'sdegreefromGeorge WashingtonUniversity
Ashercareerprogressed,Heidi eventuallyconcentratedonthetopicof LifeScienceswithinIntellectual PropertyLaw,payingparticular attentiontothemostrecent developmentsinscienceand technology.SheworkedforBaker& McKenzie'sIntellectualProperty Departmentforabouteightyears. Duringthattime,shealsorosetothe positionoflocalpartner.Shejoinedthe currentcompany,whichwasformerly knownasArochi,Marroquin& Lindner,in1994.SheisaSenior PartnerandtheheadofthePatent LitigationsectionofArochi&Lindner, andshehasmorethan35yearsof experienceinintellectualpropertyand lifescienceslitigationandadvising, achievingfavorablerulingsinseveral landmarkcasesforclientsinthe pharmaceutical,biotechnology,and medicaldeviceindustries.
Arochi&Lindner
Arochi&Lindnerisawell-knownand respectednameinLatinAmerican intellectualpropertyprotection.Itwas establishedin1994andhasbecomea prominentfirminlargepartbecauseof
itsinnovativeandcustomer-focused mindset.ItopenedanofficeinSpainin 2011,andasadirectresultofits success,theyarestillexpandingboth domesticallyandinternationallytoday Offeringhigh-profilelegalcounselin thefieldsofintellectualproperty,life sciences,marketingandadvertising, civilandcommerciallitigation, corporateandregulatory,andpersonal datasecurity,thecompanyhasmore than27yearsofexperience.
Ithelpsclientsovercomethelegal challengestheyfacebyprovidingclear andaccurateadvicethatrecognizes andminimizesrisks,foreseesand resolvesissues,andsecuresthehighest potentialprofitfortheclientswithin eachbusinessopportunity,market,or industry
Duetoitsunwaveringcommitmentto eachproject,itisfamousforitsclientfocusedservicedeliverymethodthat generatesresultsquicklyand effectively.Thisismadepossibleby thefirm'scommitmenttoeachproject; itsthoroughapproachbasedonyears ofexperienceacrossarangeofpractice areas;theassertivenessand competenceofitsassociates;andits excellentunderstandingofclients' businessobjectives.
Incomparable Services
Arochi & Lindner is a high-profile legal consultancy firm in Intellectual Property, Life Sciences, Advertising and Marketing, Civil and Commercial Litigation, and Corporate, Regulatory, and Personal Data Protection.
main fields of work include:
and processing for trademark protection and related matters.
prior art research, analysis, drafting and filing of patents and related matters.
and processing for the protection of copyrights and related matters.
matters related to intellectual property, including lawsuits before the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property, the Federal Court of Administrative Justice, the Federal Attorney General's Office, District Courts, etc.
Counseling on marketing approvals, authorizations, and procedures before the Federal Commission for the Protection Against Sanitary Risks (Comisión Federal de Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios).
AcknowledgedforCompetence
Inthecourseofhercareer,Heidihas hadtheprivilegeofbeingnamedas oneofMexico'stopattorneysinthe practiceofintellectualpropertyand lifesciencesbyanumberof specializedrankingpublications, includingChambers,WTR,IAM Patents,andIPStars.Shewasalso namedthreetimestoIPStars'listof the"Top250WomeninIP2022," whichhonorsthetopfemale professionalsworldwide.
Sheprovidesbusinessadviceon licensingandregulatoryissues pertainingtotheMexicanlifesciences industry,inadditiontolitigation.In addition,sheservesasalegislative counselortotheNationalAssociation ofDrugManufacturers,variousSenate committees,and,mostrecently,the newFederalLawontheProtectionof IndustrialProperty.
Heidiwasamemberofthepanel representingtheprivatesector, specificallytheMexican pharmaceuticalindustry,andshe advisedtheMexicangovernmenton theIPchapterduringthenegotiations oftheComprehensiveandProgressive AgreementforTrans-Pacific Partnership(CPTPP)andtheUnited States-Mexico-CanadaAgreement (USMCA/TMEC).
HoldingaPosition
Thefoundingpartneranddevoted leaderofthebusiness,HeidiLindner, hasalwaysbeencommittedtooffering reliablelegalservicesbecauseshe caresaboutbuildingsolidrelationships viathiscommitment.Shealsofocuses onfosteringaclimatethatwillhelpthe company'sadministrativeand professionalstaffexcelintheir respectivedomains.Giventhe importanceofdiversityandinclusion,
shehasalwaysadvocatedforsocial equalityforallemployeesinsidethe companyinasettingthatallowsthem tofullydeveloptheirstrengths. Moreover,throughIPlitigation,she hasbeenabletoinfluencethe developmentofthefieldthrough significantrulingsbyfederaljudges.
Asapioneerinthisarea,Heidiis equallyinterestedinempoweringmore womentomakesteadyprogressinthe workplace,allowingthemtoestablish themselvesinleadershiproleswhile alsodevelopingtheirabilities.
StatusasaWoman:AChallenge!
Ontheonehand,HeidiLindner's youth,whichfrequentlylimitedher optionsforaction,isoneofthetwo biggestobstaclesshehasencountered. Butovertime,thisbarrierhassteadily disappeared.Theotherobstaclehas beenhergender,which,whileitwasn't abarriertostartingArochi&Lindner, hasalwaysbeendifficultwhendealing withcustomers,officers,andjudges.
Mencontinuetoholdthemajorityof legalpositionsinMexico.Growing professionallyinthissettingentails showcasingaptitude"despitebeinga woman."Nothingisassumedwithout question.
Heididescribesaninstanceinwhich sheconqueredagenderbarrier
"I remember, about twenty years ago, when the owner of a major company in Mexico contacted me for an interview to determine if I was suitable to work on their intellectual property matters. Before reaching me, he had already met with two important law offices in Mexico. After a meeting lasting more than an hour, comparable to a professional exam, the entrepreneur finally handed over his business card. That day, we started a great professional relationship that still lasts
and has borne fruit with many other companies in the field.”
Work-LifeBalance
Heidiclaimsthattheoutstandingteam shehasgraduallyassembledismade upofenergetic,dedicated,andwellqualifiedyoungindividuals.She thereforefindsthatherteammeetings areherfavoritepartoftheday They workinasettingoftrustandtalent synergy,whichnotonlymakesthem allimproveandproducebetterresults fortheclients,butisalsoenjoyable. Shefindsthatoneofthebestfeelings comesattheendoftheday,knowing thattheclients'expectationshavebeen fulfilled.
GivenHeidi'scommitmentstothefirm andtoherclients,balancingworkand personallifeisalwaysachallenge.It necessitatesthesomewhattaxing processoftimemanagement.Itisvital tobeinventiveinordertofindquality time.Creatingboundariesbetween workandpersonallifeisalso important.Shecertainlydoesn'talways striketheperfectbalance,butsheis attemptingtobecomemoreconscious ofherwelfareandisurgingherstaffto dothesame.
"TriedandTruePhysician”
"Though I believe that the most essential attribute is being empathic with the client, providing a personalized and receptive service that generates a bond of solid trust equivalent to that of a patient with their "tried and true physician," Heidi asserts.
AccordingtoHeidi,havingsolidand currentlegalknowledge,agraspof clients'needs,strongrelationshipswith thefirm'steams,andconcernforthe interestsofthenationareessential qualitiesofasuccessfullegal
professional.Thecreationofastronger legalsystemthroughjudicialdecisions thatmaybepertinenttotheissueis anothercrucialfactor Themostcrucial thing,however,istoremaintrueto whoyouareandwhatyoustandfor, understandingthatsuccesscannotbe attainedonone'sownandemphasizing theimportanceofhavingastrong team.
AdviceforNewFemaleLeaders
Heidiwouldadvisethenextgeneration offemaleleaderstostrivehardto advancetheirprofessionalcareers whilealsobalancingtheirpersonal lives.Whenaclientappearstoprefer workingwithmalepartnersor associates,trynottoassumetheworst. Sheadvisesfacingchallengeshead-on sincedoingsoalwaysyieldsrewarding results,nomatterhowdifficultthey mayseem.
HeidientailsIfyouhavegoals,gofor it,acceptthem,bebrave,andmost importantly,don'tallowanyonetotell youhowvaluableyouare!--Evenifit won'talwaysbesimple,theeffortwill beworthwhile.Shefirmlybelievesthat itisimportanttoplacewisebetsonthe potentialoffemalelawyerssincethey willbetheonestocarrytheburdenof theproblemsandopportunities constantlyontherise.
"Be sure that the professional relationships generated with clients in these circumstances are always close and lasting."-Heidiurges
FutureVision
InHeidi'sopinion,theabilitytoinform theclientsthattheobjectiveshave beenmetisthemostsatisfyingwayfor successtobedemonstrated.Sheis committedtoconsideringglobaland technologicalissuesthatwillaffect clientsandthedeliveryofprofessional
services.Thecompanymakesevery efforttoleadthewayinorderto guaranteethattheservicesadjusttothe constantly-changingnewsituations.In ordertocreateinternalrulesthatare advantageoustotheteamandthe clients,shewillincreasethecompany's commitmenttodiversityandthe environment.
ANA TEREZA BASILIO
Leadingalawbusinessasitcontinuestoexperiencemultipleunexpected politicalandeconomictimesisexceedinglydifficult,especiallyfor liberalprofessionals.Thatiswhyitiscriticaltoprioritiseexcellencein customerservice,particularlythroughofferingpromptserviceand respondingquicklytotheirdemands,asoneofthemainprinciplesthat governpersonallifeandprofessionalperformance.Onemusthavefaith inhisteam'sabilitytoperformwell,aswellasdevelopaclearandagile communicationchannelandworkfocusedonmeetingtheclients' demandsinthebestwaypossible.Inthebroadestsense,successisa "result,"whichAnaTerezaBasilio,FoundingPartnerofBasilio Advogados,saysistheconsequenceofgoodwork.Hardwork, perseverance,andfocusbeyondeverydayeffortsarewhatshevaluesand recognizesasusefulforachievinggoodresults.
LBasilioAdvogados
BasilioAdvogadosLawFirmwasestablishedbyAnaBasilio.Overthe past12years,thefirmhasexperiencedexponentialgrowthandis currentlyamongthetopnationalcivillitigation,arbitration,and consultingfirms.Ithasamultidisciplinarystaffthatoperatesinseveral businesssectorswhileplacingapremiumonethicsinitsinteractionsand thenever-endingpursuitofexcellence.Today,itemploysmorethan100 lawyerswhowerecarefullychoseninthecompetitivelegalmarket.They areprofessionalswithatrackrecordofaccomplishmentwhocombinea consistentethical-professionalvocation,asenseofteamwork,and performancesuccessbeforethefederation'smostdiversifiedcourts. Additionally,theteamismadeupoftheesteemedProfessorCarlos RobertoBarbosaMoreiraandMr.FredericoJoséLeiteGueiros,both formerpresidentsoftheFederalRegionalCourtoftheSecondRegion. Numerousmembershavecompletedpost-graduateandspecialised courseworkatsomeoftheworld'stopcolleges.Theteam'straining culturediffersfromotherteamsinthatitisstimulatedbyacademic practice.
Comprehensivelegalservices
BasilioAdvogados,foundedbywell-knownattorneysfromthenation's toplawfirms,hasastrongtrackrecordofservingmajorbusinessesina widerangeofindustries,includingpublicserviceconcessionaires, miningenterprises,banks,constructionfirms,shoppingcenters,and privateindividuals.Thefirmofferslegalaidincomplicatedlitigious judicial,arbitral,andextrajudicialsituationsthankstoitsprofessionals, whoaregroupedinthemostreliableandtraditionaltechnical-humanistic formation.Additionally,itofferslegalconsultingservices,includingthe developmentoflegalopinionsandassistingwithcontracts,duediligence, realestatetransactions,andestateandsuccessionplanning.Onemight highlightthefollowingassomeoftheprimarypracticeareasitdevotes
itsattentionto:arbitration,mediation,businessrecovery, realestatelaw,administrativeandregulatorylaw, businessrecovery,constitutionallaw,environmentallaw, andsuccessionlaw.Themostvaluableservicewasthe courtrecoveryprocessforGrupoOi,Brazil'slargest telecombusiness.GrupoOi'sjudicialrehabilitation processwasregardedasthelargestinLatinAmerica.
OnePersoninMultipleRoles
AnaBaslio,afoundingpartner,seekstoreconcilethe rolesofwife,mother,partner,andvice-presidentofthe OAB-RJasbestshecan.Managing,coordinating, encouraging,andsupervisingtheupkeepofsociety's identityandmoralnorms.Sheconsidersthesenseof effectivejusticeexperiencedwhentriumphsarepublicly celebratedtobethemostenjoyableaspectofher demandingdailyschedule.
Sheadds,"I believe, however, that personal and professional maturity are great allies for its maintenance.”
RecognitionforExcellentLegalWork
InDecember1989,AnaBasiliocompletedher undergraduatestudiesinlawattheUniversidade
CândidoMendesdoRiodeJaneiro-UCAM,andshelater earnedherlawdegreefromtheUniversityofWisconsin. ShehadtheprivilegeofservingasapartneratSergio BermudesLawFirmfrom1990to1998andasan internationalpartneratBaker&McKenziefromJuly 2002to2005,whereshewasinchargeofBrazil'scivil andcommerciallitigationandarbitrationpractices.She alsomentionsthatshehadthehonourofservingasa judgeoftheRegionalElectoralCourtoftheStateofRio deJaneirofromDecember2010toJuly2015,aswellas beingamemberoftheInternationalChamberof Commerce(ICC),basedinParis,intheArbitrationand DisputeResolution(ADR)commission,andasDirector oftheInternationalChamberofCommerce(ICC), DirectorofMediationandArbitrationoftheInstituteof BrazilianLawyers,electedin2018forthebiennium 2018-2019.
AnaBasiliorecognisesgainingtheMedalofJudicial MeritfromtheRiodeJaneiroCourtofJusticein2014 andtheMedalofMeritfromtheRiodeJaneiroFederal RegionalCourtin2015.ShewaschosenastheInstitute's PresidentoftheMediationandArbitrationcommissions inNovember2018andVice-PresidentoftheBrazilian BarAssociation'sStateofRiodeJaneiroSectionforthe 2019–2021term.ShewasappointedtothePermanent ForumoftheArbitrationCommissionoftheEscolade MagistraturaoftheStateofRiodeJaneiro(EMERJ)in 2019,andinAugust2021,sheestablishedtheInstituto BrasileirodeEstudosemProteçodeDadosIBRADADOS,assumingitsPresidencyuntilApril2022. Anawasre-electedvice-presidentoftheBrazilianBar Association,SectionoftheStateofRiodeJaneiro,in November2021forthethree-yearperiod2022–2024. ShereceivedanominationinMay2022tojointhe PermanentForumofTransparencyandAdministrative ProbityattheEMERJSchoolofMagistratesinRiode Janeiro.InSeptember2019,ALERJ(theLegislative AssemblyoftheStateofRiodeJaneiro)finally bestowedtheTiradentesMedal.
Cindy Watson, the founder and managing partner of Watson Labour Law and a graduate of the renowned Osgoode Hall, is an experienced and recognized a orney who has specialized in social jus ce for the past 30 years.
Cindy is a sought-a er corporate trainer and speaker who works to bridge the gap between men and women in order to improve produc vity, communica on, and gender prejudice.
Cindy is commi ed to breaking down barriers, achieving wage fairness, and pu ng an end to discrimina on. She has a demonstrated track record of empowering, figh ng for, and pushing individuals to be the greatest versions of themselves.
She is a well-known interna onal speaker, author, and consultant who is recognized for her enthusiasm, devo on, and ability to inspire.
CBeloware highlightsof theinterview conducted between World'sLeaders andCindy Watson:
Describewhoyouareasaperson, insideandoutsideoftheworkplace. I'vealwaysbeenpassionateanddriven aboutissuesIcareabout.Growingup inablue-collarfamily(inalow-rent apartmentcomplexwithafatherwho workedshiftworkinapapermill factory),Ifeltcalledtoprotectthe rightsofworkers.Itwasalways instilledinmefromayoungagethat everyonedeservestobetreatedwith dignityandrespectintheworkplace andbeyond.Thatisalife-long philosophyIhaveembracedand broughttomylawpractice,zealously representingtradeunionsandtherights oftheirmembers.
Describeyourbackgroundandwhat didyoudobeforeyoustarted/joined thecompany?
Comingfromablue-collar background,myparentsdidn'thavethe resourcestoaffordapost-secondary educationforme.So,Iworkedalmost
full-timehourswaitressingthroughout theschoolyearformyhighschool, university,andlawschoolexperiences toearnthemoneytofundmy education.Inthesummers,Isoughtout relevantworkexperience,doingan internshipintheStudentsTrainingin IndustrialRelationsprogram,working atemploymentagencies(bothprivate andpublic),andworkingwithatrade union.
Tellusabouttheinceptionofthe company.Howdiditallstart?
IwenttolawschoolknowingIwanted topracticetradeunionlaborlaw.I articledattheLabourRelationsBoard, andaftermycalltothebar,Itooka positionataboutiquelabourlawfirm.
Iwasofferedapartnershipafteronly3 years,butwhileIlovedthepractice,I knewIdidn'twanttodoitthere.
EveryonethoughtIwashavingan earlymidlifecrisiswhenIturnedit downandoptedtoputoutmyown shingle.Iwantedafirmthatwas mission-drivenandideologically committedtoprotectingandenhancing rightsforworkersandunions.
Withthenaivetéthatcomesfrom youth,Ihadnodoubtthatitwould succeed.Inhindsight,Ihadnoequity,
noassuranceofclients,nobusiness plan,oranyofthetypicalminimum requirementsforabusinessstart-up, butmyunshakableconfidenceinthe powerofmymissionallowedmeto forgeapathtokickstartmyown boutiquelaborlawfirm,whichquickly grew(bothinsizeandreputation).We becameknownforourpassionate advocacyonbehalfofourclients,and I'mproudtosaythatreputation continues.
Whathasmadeyousuccessful?
Whatdoyouvalue?
I'vealwayspridedmyselfandourfirm onourcorevaluesofintegrity,passion, drive,commitment,andexcellence. Thatwinningcombinationdelivers consistent,superiorresults.Webelieve inwhatwedoandtheimportantvalue itbrings,notonlytoourclientsbutthe broadercommunityasweadvocatefor enhancedrightsforworkersona globallevel.
Becausewearemission-driven,we aren'tmotivatedbythemoney.We prideourselvesonourabilitytoeffect superiorsettlements,knowingwhen andhowtoavoidlitigationtosecure creativebestoutcomesandwhento litigate.
Whicharethemajorservicesofthe companyandhowdotheythe companytogetaheadinthe competition?Whatvalue-added servicesdoesthecompanyprovide? Weofferthefullrangeofservicesto ourtradeunionclients,including(but notlimitedto):
Representationbeforealllabour tribunalsandatalllevelsofcourt Ÿ Grievance&arbitrationadvocacy Ÿ LabourBoardadvocacy Ÿ Workerscompensationmatters Ÿ Disabilitybenefits Ÿ Equitywork Ÿ HumanRightsadvocacy Ÿ Legislativeandpoliticallobbying Ÿ Training&Educationprogramming Westandoutfromthecompetition givenourpassionatecommitmentto thecausewhichisreflectedinour advocacyandinourabilitytosecure betteroutcomeswithoutlitigation whereappropriate.Wetirelesslyseek thebestpossibleresultsforourclients. WedosoutilizingwhatwecalltheArt ofFeminineNegotiation,wherewe bringrapport-building,empathy, flexibility,intuitionandtrust-building tothetablesoourclientsgetmore creativeoutcomeswithbetter relationships,greaterbuy-inand longer-lastingagreements.
Wethinkoutsidethebox,lookingfor unexaminedoptionsforenhanced solutions.Thiscooperativeversus competitiveapproachconsistently yieldsbetterexperiencesandoutcomes forourclients.Havingsaidthat,where necessaryweareknownforour exceptionaladvocacy,whereweleave nostoneunturned.
Wecareaboutourclientsandtheir issues.Wedon'ttreatthemlike numbers.
Unlikemostlawfirms,wealsothink proactively,seekingtoanticipateissues andredressingthembeforethey becomeconflictsorproblems.Our proactive(vsreactive)approachis uniqueinthepracticeoflawandsaves ourclientsmuchtime,money,angst andrelationships.
Giveusyouropinionon;do organizationsrelyheavilyon individualheroicsorteam processes?
Teamiskeyinlifegenerally,in businessorganizations,andparticularly fortradeunionsandserviceproviders forunions.Unionsarebasedona philosophyofsolidarity—stronger together.Individualheroicsdonot servethegreatergood.Buildingan engaged,dedicated,passionateteamis keytosuccess.Studiesshowthat diversityinthinkingallowsformore creativeoutcomesandbetterresults (nottomentionimprovedproductivity andefficiency).
Teamworkandthebrainstormingit affordswillincreasetheoutputofany organization(bothintermsof quantitativeproductivity,butperhaps moreimportantly,intermsofmore refined,creative,distinctive,move-thedialendresults).
Thisholdstruegenerally,andweseeit asparticularlyimportantforourlaw firm.Unionssecuretheirstrengthin numbers.Unionsthatrelyon individualheroicsdon'tsurvive.The lawfirmsthatservetradeunionsneed tosimilarlyembraceandfosterteam environmentstodeliverthebest possibleservice,advice,andresults.
Whatareyourresponsibilitiesasthe Founder/CEOofthecompany? Whatisthehappiestpartofyour dailyroutine?
I'mproudtohavebuiltourthriving practiceoverthelast30years.We've builtareputationforourpassion, integrity,andresults.I'mstillintegrally involvedinthebuildingofourteam andensuringthatourculturecontinues toreflectourcorevalues.Hiringour bestteamisakeypartofthatprocess, asisfosteringrelationshipswithour long-timeclientsandbuildingonclient developmentforthefuture.
I'mluckytostillbepassionateabout representingtradeunions.Ilovethe advocacy,andIparticularlylovethe exceptionaltrainingandeducationwe
offer.Engagingdirectlywithmembers, stewardsandfront-lineunionreps feedsme–theenergyflowsbothways asweinspireeachotherincarrying forwardtheimportantworkthatneeds tobedone.
Whatadvicewouldyougive someonegoingintoaleadership positionforthefirsttime?
Listen.Reallylisten.Bringempathyto thetable,trulyseekingtounderstand andmeettheneedsofothers(both withinandoutsideyourorganization). Thebenefitsofthisapproachcannotbe overstated.Neverseektoexert power over others,butrather,alwaysstriveto achieve power with thoseyouengage with.
Present Challenge for Attorneys YoungWomen
Inthelegalsector,therearen'tmany womenintoppositions.Thisisvalid forallfacetsofthemarket,including lawfirms,internaldepartments, academicinstitutions,agencies,and legaltechnologybusinesses.The statisticsonwomenassuming leadershippositionsshiftglacially slowly,despitethefactthatmore womenthanmalesenrollinlaw schoolsandgraduateatrecordrates. Thisistruedespitethefactthat numerouspublicationsandresearch havedemonstratedtheadvantagesof diverseteamsforbusinessesaswell asthepublic,boardsofdirectors,inhousecounsel,andothergroupsthat supportmorewomeninleadership. Nobodyissurprisedbythis,anditis notabrand-newphenomena.
Tohelpfemalelawyersadvancein theircareers,executivesinthelegal sectorcantakethesimplebutoftenignoredstepofgivingthemfrequent, frankcriticism.Younglawyers frequentlylackawarenessoftheir personaltalentsandflaws.Certain CMOInitially,LydiaFlocchinidid notconsiderituniqueorastrength
forhertosuccessfullyleadteams throughlast-minuteproductlaunch adjustments,acquisitions,andother situations.
"Colleaguesfrequentlyremarkedon howtoughIwas.numeroustimes. Aftersometime,IunderstoodthatI possessedastrengththatothersdon't necessarilypossess.—Lydia Flocchini,CMOatSurePoint.
Flocchinibeganmentioningher resiliencewhenexplainingthe abilitiesandattributesshebroughtto thetableinordertouseitasa differentiator.Itisequallycrucialto beopentodevelopingareasoutside ofyourexpertise,anditiscrucial thatmanagersfindconstructiveways todiscusshowfemaleattorneys mightadvance.
Lawschoolsdonotteach managementskillstopartnersor seniorattorneys,andiffirmsdooffer peoplemanagementorcoaching training,itisnotmadepublic.Too many8thand9thyearassociates suddenlydiscoverthey'renotonthe partnershiptrackafteryearsof receiving"fine"performance assessments.Toguaranteethat peoplemanagersknowhowtogive andexplainperformanceevaluation andtocoachlawyersonhowtodo so,leadersinlegalorganizations shouldworkwiththem.Toguarantee thatpeoplemanagersknowhowto giveandexplainperformance evaluationandtocoachlawyerson howtodoso,leadersinlegal organizationsshouldworkwith them.
Anotherchallengeisthatnew lawyersfrequentlyarenotawareof thequalitiesthatarevaluedin leaders.Toomanyyounglawyers believethatiftheyworkhardand keeptheirheadsdown,theywillbe noticedandpromoted.Therole modelforleaderstoday,however, haschangedsignificantlyduringthe lastfewyears.
Companiesandlegalfirmsare increasinglysearchingforleaders whoexhibitqualitieslikeagility, efficiency,empathy,self-reflection, emotionalintelligence,humility, inclusivity,andnewideas,rather thanmerelythelawyerwiththe biggestclient,mostpower,orbiggest rainmaker.Unfortunately,law schoolsaren'tknownforinstructing aspiringlawyersonhowtodevelop theirleadershipabilities.Neither legaldepartmentsnorfirmsregularly evaluateemployeesforthesetraitsin performanceassessments.However, manyyounglawyers—particularly womenandmothers—possessthese qualities.Infact,it'scommonto conceiveoflawyerparentsas multitaskerswhosuccessfully managemultipledutiesatonceand usecreativeproblem-solvingto convinceachildtoeatameal,goto bed,ortrysomethingnew.
Moreandmore,followersandclients expectleaderstoberealand vulnerable,butnolawschoolcourse promotesorteachesthesequalities.
Womencontinuetofindthelawtobe anappealingprofessionalpath.Around theturnofthetwentiethcentury, peopleallovertheworldbeganto battleforentrancetolawschoolsand theabilitytopracticelaw.Theyare frequentlythe'reservearmy'inlaw firms,theirfatereliantontheeconomic situation.Certainfemaleattorneys haveleftremarkableimprintsonthe fieldoflaw Tomarkthis,we'retaking alookatafoundingpartnerofHuglo LepageAvocats,CorinneLepage,and herimpactonthelegalprofession.
Corinneearnedherlegaldegreefrom SciencesPo.ShehasaDESinpolitical scienceandinpubliclaw Afterthat,shespentfiveyearsasa traineeinalawyer'sofficeatthe Conseild'Etat.Shefoundedthefirst lawfirmdevotedsolelytopublicand environmentallawwithChristian Huglo.
Corinne'sexperienceaddedvalueto thefirm.Shehasservedasaminister, MEP,andlocalelectedofficialatthe headofapoliticalmovement.Shehas chairedoradministeredanumberof organizationsinavarietyoffields, includinghealth,anti-corruption, biotechnologies,andhumanrights,all ofwhichbenefitthefirm.
Sheistheonewho'sinchargeof everything.Nonetheless,thelawyers withwhomsheworksareliberalswho havealotofleewayinmanagingthe filesgiventothem,evenifthepapers remainunderhersupervision.Her primaryroleistopreservethefirm's
continuityandtocommunicatea forward-lookingperspectivewithher colleagues.
Corinnesays,“Obviously,nothing wouldbepossiblewithoutthequality oftheteamsIworkwith,theirskills, andtheirrigor.”
HugloLepageAvocats
Overthelastforty-fiveyears,Huglo LepageAvocatshasgonethrough manystages.Currently,the organizationconsistsofroughlytwenty highlycompetentindividualsthatshare thesamephilosophy.Itisthefirstlaw practicetoestablishitselfasamissiondrivenorganization.Thisnecessitates anunderstandingofthegeneral,social, andenvironmentalinterests.Whether it'sthecases,thebooksthatthey publish,orthemanywebinarsthey host,theyhaveaverycollaborative managementstyleatthecompany Genderequalityissomethingtheypay closeattentionto.Theyalsohavea diverserangeofagegroups represented.
Thefirmhashighexpectationsforthe levelofcontinuingeducationgiven. Theyhaveanactivetrainingprogram thatincludeswebinarsandthecreation ofdoctrine.Inaddition,thefirm providesaweeklynewsletteranda dailylegalwatchthatarelargelyopen tothepublic.
Value-addedLegalServices
HugloLepageAvocatsisafull-service firmthatprimarilyworksinthefields ofenvironmentallaw(energy,waste, pollutedsoils,products,classified installations,naturalandtechnological risks,circulareconomy,biodiversity, environmentalhealth,transportation, andsoon)andpubliclaw(public procurement,urbanplanning,regional development,planning,construction). However,theyalsohavea criminal/civillawsectionthatdeals withavarietyofmatters,manyof whichareenvironmentalinnatureand havebothcivilandcriminalaspects.
Corinnebelievesthevalue-added servicesofthecompanylieonseveral levels:ontheonehand,thecompany's longhistoryofworkingtogetherand size,whichallowsthemtotakean interdisciplinaryapproachtocases, whichisofteninnovativeandeffective; ontheotherhand,thegrowthofthe TREEESnetwork,whichallowsthem todrawontheexpertiseof28 members.Inadditiontothetwo specialistsinpubliclawand environmentallawandthethree doctorsoflawinthefirm,thefirmhas twospecialistsincriminallawandone inenvironmentallaw.
Finally,thebiggeststrengthislikely theabilitytoinnovate,whichcombines withalotofexpertise.
Theyhavehandledmostofthe significantenvironmentalissuesforthe past50years.Theyjustestablished newgroundwiththefirstcaseagainst theFrenchgovernmentforclimate default.
EmpoweredbyExperienceand Expertise
AccordingtoCorinne,HugloLepage Avocats'teamhashadthechanceto manageseveralextremelygood environmentallitigationissuesatthe FrenchandEuropeanlevels,aswellas beyond(cf.oilcontaminationin Mauritius).Shesays,“Wecan mention,amongothers,theemblematic Erikacase,theGrandeSyntheruling whichisfundamentalforclimate litigation,andthevariouspesticide pollutioncases.”
Simultaneously,theteamisheavily involvedinadvisingonthe developmentofrenewableenergy projects,includingthemostcuttingedgeoneslikeagrivoltaicsandthe couplingofgreenenergywith hydrogengeneration.HugloLepage Avocatsalsoaidsglobalcorporations withtheadoptionofthecircular economy,aswellasenergystorage facilitiesandbatteries.
Komal Solomon
A Law Specialist with Diverse Work Experience
Komal Solomon is a partner of Solomon & Co. with over 20 years of experience. Komal attended Jai Hind College before studying law at the Government Law College in Mumbai. She focuses on business and regulatory compliance, regulatory communications, immigration law, entertainment and media law, India entry strategy, and intellectual property law.
She has helped various global corporations establish subsidiaries, branch offices, and liaison offices in India.
Belowarehighlightsoftheinterview conductedbetweenWorld'sLeaders andKomalSolomon:
Describewhoyouareasaperson, insideandoutsideofthe workplace.
Iamaself-motivatedandhardworkingindividual.Iamfriendlyand Ilovereadingbooks,listeningto music,andplayingboardgameswith mychildrenonceIambackhome fromwork.
Describeyourbackgroundand whatdidyoudobeforeyou started/joinedtheFirm? Igraduatedinscienceandthereafter readlawattheGovernmentLaw CollegeinMumbai.
Aftermygraduationinlaw,Ijoined myuncle,Mr.NavinParekh,a renownedlawyeroftheBombay HighCourt,asajuniorassociate, whereIpracticedlitigation.Iwas inclinedtofacechallengesandhence Imovedoutofthecomfortofa familyfirmandjoinedThakker& Thakker,aleadinglawfirminIndia, whereIlearntandpracticed corporatelaw,intellectualproperty law,Indiaentryandimmigrationlaw.
Tellusabouttheinceptionofthe Firm.Howdiditallstart?
Solomon&Co.wasfoundedin1909 andisamongstIndia'soldestlaw firms.Thefirmwasoriginallyareal estateandlitigationlawfirmand laterevolvedintoafull-servicelaw firmofferingservicesinabroad rangeofpracticeareas,including corporate,mergersandacquisitions, businessandtrade,bankingand finance,capitalmarkets,Indiaentry, privateequity,disputeresolution, realestateandconstruction, insurance,mediaandentertainment, andintellectualproperty.
Solomon&Co.nowcelebratesthe completionof113years.Theblend oftraditionalknowledgeand expertisemeldedwithmodernized technologyandcost-competitive billingstructureshasbeenavital factorofthefirm'slong-standing success.
Whathasmadeyousuccessful? Whatdoyouvalue? Vision,focus,confidence,andthe abilitytogetalongwithpeopleare thekeyelementsofmysuccess.
Ivaluefriendship,honesty,and loyalty
Whicharethemajorservicesof thefirmandhowdotheyenable thefirmtogetaheadinthe competition?Whatvalue-added servicesdoesthefirmprovide? Solomon&Co.offersabroadrange ofpracticeareas,including Corporate,MergersandAcquisitions, BusinessandTrade,Bankingand Finance,CapitalMarkets,India Entry,PrivateEquity,Dispute
Resolution,RealEstateand Construction,Insuranceand IntellectualProperty.Ourpresence acrossMumbaiandinPuneat strategiclocationsaswellasour networkandpartnershipwith lawyersinover40citieswithinthe countryandacrosstheglobeenables theteamtoprovidesolution-oriented advicewithinashorttimeframe,thus makingusdifferentandgettingus aheadinthecompetition.Manyof ourclientsvalueourcustomized billingstructures.
Whatarethemostimportant aspectsofyourfirm'sculture? Whatprinciplesdoyoubelievein andhowdoyoubuildthisculture? Keepingintactthevaluesand traditionscoupledwithmodernbelief isanimportantaspectofourfirm's culture.Regulartrainingandteambuildingoffsitescontributetothe firm'sculturebeingnurtured, promoted,maintained,andbuilt.
Whatisthesignificanceof innovativeideasinthefirm? Combiningtechnologywith traditionalmethodologypracticedfor over100yearshasbeenoneofthe significantinnovationsofthefirm.
Giveusyouropinionon;do organizationsrelyheavilyon individualheroicsorteam processes?
Inmyopinion,lawfirmsor organizationsshouldfocusonteam processes.Teamworkfosters cooperation,responsibility,and accountabilityandincreases productivity
Whatareyourresponsibilitiesas SeniorPartneroftheFirm?What isthehappiestpartofyourdaily routine?
AsaSeniorPartner,Iamresponsible foroverseeingcoreoperationsofthe firmandbusinessdevelopment.The happiestpartofmydailyroutineis whenIinteract,discussmatters, regulatorychangesandexchange ideaswithfellowlawyers.
Whatadvicewouldyougive someonegoingintoaleadership positionforthefirsttime?
Stayhonestandbeloyaltowards yourselfandintheworkyoudo. Appreciate,motivateyourteam members,beresponsibleandtake ownershipofyourdecisions.
Women’s Dominance inTheLegalIndustry
Despiterecentgrowthinthenumberof womenworkinginlawenforcement,agender gapstillexists;only12%ofswornlegal professionalsnationwidearefemale.Itisstill urgenttoachievegenderequalityinlegal positions,especiallyattheleadershiplevels. AccordingtotheU.S.BureauofLabor Statisticsdata,employmentoflawyerswill increaseby5%between2019and2029.To satisfytherisingdemand,morewomenshould berecruitedandhiredforlegalpositions.
Since1990,womenhavemadeupover60% ofnewrecruitstothefield,andtodaythereare morewomenpracticingassolicitorsthanmen. Althoughthesefiguresandrolemodelsare motivating,itisobviousthatmorecanyetbe done.Creatinganunderstandingformenand womentodebatehowtohelpwomenin leadershippositionsintheprofessionisoneof ourmaingoals.
OvercomingObstaclesandDefeatingthe Odds
Comparedtotheirmalecounterparts,women intheearlystagesoftheirlegalprofessions confrontdifferentdifficulties.Despite advancements,manylawfirmscontinueto harborunconsciousbias.Theunequal distributionofopportunitiesbetweenmenand women,particularlyintheearlyyearsof practice,maybecausedbytheseprejudices thatunconsciouslyinfluenceattitudes, conduct,anddecision-making.Itmightalsobe afactorinthefactthattherearealotfewer womenintoppositionsinlegalfirms.In reality,accordingtoa2016reportbythe NationalAssociationforLawPlacement,Inc. (NALP),womenarerepresentedinprivate practiceatarateof22%atthepartnership level,comparedto49%atthesummer associatelevel.
ParticipationbyLegalWomen
Itisnotbecausewomenarenotputtinginthe timeandeffortorbecausetheyare preoccupiedwithotherissuesintheirlives thattheyarenotmovingupintheprofession.
Whenitcomestotheadvancementand retentionoffemaleattorneysinthelegal profession,therearenumeroussystemic problemsthatneedtobeaddressedhead-on.It isdisgustingtoblamefemaleattorneys.
Thisissueisnota"woman"issue.Thisissue affectsthelegalprofessionandiscausedby obsoleteorganizationalstructures.The associationasawholeworkstoensureequal participationbygeneratingtimelyreports, studies,andrecommendationstoassistlaw firmsandotherlegalemployersinaddressing enduringgenderimbalancesintheprofession, enlistingmenasallies,andcombatingsexual harassment.Since1959,alothaschanged. Ginsburgwasoneofjustninewomeninher Harvardlawschoolclassatthetime,andshe wasquestionedaboutwhyshewastakinga positionawayfromaman.Currently,54%of lawstudentsarewomen.Womennowaccount for37%oftheprofession,upfromjust3%in 1970.
Butdiscriminationagainstwomenstillexists intheindustry.Althoughtherearemore womenworkinginlegalfirmsthanmen,only 21%ofthemareequitypartners,andjust2% ofthemarewomenofcolour Thelikelihood thatawomanwillbeoneofthefewfemalesin theroomincreasesassheadvancesthrougha legalfirm.
“FairtoLegalWomen”
Wewon'tjustwatchwhilethemajorityofthe legalcommunityleaves,takingwiththem theirknowledgeandexpertiseatacrucial time.That'sbadforbusiness,badforthe industry,andbadforcustomers.Andit's incorrect.
Womenattorneysdeservetoworkinajustand equalenvironmentwherethecultureandrules supportthemanddonotdiscouragethemfrom succeeding.Forindividualfemaleattorneys, thelegalprofession,andtheclients,wecando alot,lotbetter
Women Leadership in Law Firm
Settingthetoneandcultureyouwantto seeisoneofthemostimportantthingsyou candoasaleader.No,it'spossiblethat youwon'tbeabletoalterthecultureofthe entirelegalsector Youmightnotevenbe themostseniorleaderinyourcompany withtheauthoritytosendoutamemo orderingbehavior.Foryourownteam, however,youmaysetthetone.
WomencanbeurgedNOTtochecktheir emailagainafterleavingearlyforachild's schoolevent.Youcanscheduleanhourfor peopletodedicatetotheirowncareer developmenteverymonthoreverytwo weeks.Duringthistime,theycanconnect withtheirpersonalboardofdirectors, updatetheperformancemetricstheytrack, orconsiderotheropportunitiesor activitiestheymightwanttopursueon theirpathtoleadership.Inordertomake surethatwomenareexposedtodifferent stakeholders,youmightencourageregular networkingandinteractingacrossvarious practicegroupsordepartments.
Tofreeupyourmoreseniorattorneysto concentrateonmorestrategicandcritical activitiesforthebusiness-andfortheir owncareerdevelopment-empoweryour legalstaff,businesspersonnel,and youngerattorneyswithtechnologytodo asmanyroutineworkasyoucan. Establishprocedurestoguaranteethat onlythemostpressingmattersare escalatedtoyourtopattorneys.Encourage yourlawyerstodelegatesotheymaybe usedforavarietyoftasks.
Iftheyworkin-house,theymight suddenlyhavetimetoschedulemore frequentmeetingswithimportant stakeholdersorpursuenewcertifications sotheycanperformtasksyoupreviously delegatedtooutsidecounsel.Perhaps morecustomerfeedbacksessions,more businessdevelopmentactivities,ora stretchprojectarenowavailableto lawyersincompanies. Leadersmayandoughttoactasexamples forthelawyersbelowthem.Floor Blindenbach,thecreatorof Organizing4Innovationandaco-hostof ourweeklySheBreakstheLawU.S. conversations,remarkedthatshehasheard manyfemaleleadersbemoanthefactthat theyfeelinadequateasrolemodelsfor youngerfemalelawyers,particularlyif theyareputtinginlonghours.
Asaleader,youcanthinkaboutbeing transparentandhonestaboutthethings yougaveupandwhatyougainedinreturn forallyoureffort.Describethebenefitsof holdingaleadershiprole.
Thefactthatwomenareunderrepresented inleadershippositionsinthelegal professionisaproblemthatthebusiness asawholemustaddress,notjustfemale lawyers.Theworkoffemalelawyerson theirteamsneedstobehighlightedby leaders,whomustalsoencouragethemto puttheirownprofessionalgoalsfirst.
YOSRHAMZA
An Award-Winning Business Advisor and Ethics & Compliance Counsellor of Middle East
Yosr Hamza is a bilingual, accomplished, andhighlyregardedtechlegaldirectorwith exper se in both private prac se and inhouse se ngs The Gartner Legal DEI Council is run by her; it was co-founded. Shepresentlyholdsposi onsontheboards of the Women at Gartner ERGs and Mosaic at Gartner. She par cipates in the Associa on of Corporate Counsel's Small Law Department Network, New to InHouse Network, Interna onal Legal Affairs Network, and Women in the House Network leadership and sits on the advisory board of the In-House Community
Yosr has worked as a lawyer for more than ten years. Her professional community and peers hold her in high regard. Her experience in execu ve nego a ons, legal risk management, corporate governance and compliance, crisis management, and serving as a trusted business advisor to the C-Suite and top management during her career was greatly influenced by the different jobs she held throughout her career She moved to Gartner, where she was instrumental in crea ng and leading the Middle Eastern legal, data protec on, ethical,compliance,andombudsteams.
Belowarehighlightsoftheinterviewconductedbetween World'sLeadersandYosrHamza:
Describewhoyouareasaperson,insideandoutsideof theworkplace.
IenjoywhatIdoasanin-housecounsel.Wewearmany differenthats,andthereisnosuchthingasa"typicalday". Insomecases,wearedecision-makers,andinothercases, wearebusinessadvisors.Andthatiswhybeing approachableisacrucialtraitIpridemyselfonhaving.I remindmyselfeverydaythatmyinternalclientscannotbe afraidtoraiselegalissuesandtheymustfeelcomfortable askingquestionsandcommunicatingbadnews.Mostofus
grewupassociatingourmistakeswithbeingpunished—in ourresults-focusedsociety,there'softennoroomfor error—soit'snowonderthatmostofusdon'tfeelexactly proudofthemorsharethiswiththelawyerintheroom. Andit'snosurprisethatthecommoncopingmechanisms areshroudedindenialandavoidance,inpretendingthatwe haven'tmadeamistake,hidingthemandnotowningupto ouractions.Butthethingaboutpretendingthatour mistakesdon'texististhatweendupdoingthosearound us—andourselves—aseriousdisservice,whichultimately putsthecompanyinjeopardy.Weendupcreatingaworld ofdamagewhenwedon'tallowourselvestobeaccountable forourmistakes.
Describeyourbackgroundandwhatdidyoudobefore youstarted/joinedthecompany?
Iamafirst-generationlawyer.PriortojoiningGartner,I workedinbiglaw.Igraduatedandrankedasoneofthetop tenstudentsonmyclass.Upongraduation,Iwas headhuntedtoworkinoneofthetoplawfirmsinEgypt. Butunlikemypeers,Irecognizedatanearlystageofmy careerthatIwantedtomovein-houseandworkforGartner as(Director,Legal&Compliance–MiddleEast).While BigLawwasanexcellentplacetolaunchmycareerasa lawgraduate,bothprivatepracticeandin-housestillhave theirbenefitsanddrawbacks.Thetrickistodetermine whereyou,yourskills,andyourlifestylerequirementswill fitmostcomfortably
Whathasmadeyousuccessful?Whatdoyouvalue? Everyjourneyisdifferent.Idon'tfeelcompelledtodo everythingorthingsIdon'treallylikedoingjustbecauseI seeeveryoneelse—whoareondifferentjourneysand paths—doingthem.Idon'tworryaboutwhatthey'redoing, Iworrymoreaboutme.Andhence,Iamfocusedonthe thingsIwanttodothatwillmakemesuccessful,less stressed,andauthenticallyhappy
The success mantra:
Authenticityisyourgreatestasset
Themindsetiseverything
Buildbridgesinsteadofburningthem
Sharingiscaring
Pacemyself
Whicharethemajorservicesofthecompanyandhow dotheythecompanytogetaheadinthecompetition? Whatvalue-addedservicesdoesthecompanyprovide? Gartner,Inc.(NYSE:IT)providesexecutivesandtheir teamswithactionable,objectiveinsight.Ourexpert guidanceandtoolsenablefaster,smarterdecisionsand strongerperformanceonanorganization'smostcritical
priorities.Wearea$4.1billioncompanyandamemberof theS&P500.Weareatrustedadvisorandanobjective resourceformorethan14,000enterprisesinmorethan100 countries—acrossallmajorfunctions,ineveryindustryand enterprisesize.Wehavebeendeliveringactionable, objectiveinsighttoexecutivesandtheirteamsforover40 years.
Whatarethemostimportantaspectsofacompany's culture?Whatprinciplesdoyoubelieveinandhowdo youbuildthisculture?
Workculturehasneverbeenapriorityasitistoday.The company'ssuccessisallaboutitspeople.Adiverseand positiveworkcultureleadstoamplifiedefficiency.Gartner's inclusivecultureencouragedmetobringmyauthenticself towork,andGartner's10culturalelementsdescribethe veryessenceofwhatmakesusspecialasanorganization. "WinasaTeam.""EmbraceDiversity.BeInclusive."I don'tthinkit'sthebestwaytotacklecomplexlegalissuesif youhavetenpeoplesittingaroundthetablewhothinkthe same.That'swhyinourteam,wevalueeachother'sunique experiences,backgrounds,values,views,andcontributions. Weeachplayacriticalroleinourcollectivesuccess.When weworktogetherinteams,weaccomplishmorethanwhat ispossibleindividually.
Whatisthesignificanceofinnovativeideasinthe company?
Itisverysignificant.Oursuccessisfueledbytheunique traitsofourpeople.We'reoptimistic,flexible,always improving,andwecombinecuriositywithteamworktoget results.
OneofGartner's10culturalelementsisto"embodyanolimits-mindset."Werecognizeandcontioullyadaptto change.Ano-limitsmindsetenablesustoseeopportunities whereothersdon't.
Giveusyouropinionon;doorganizationsrelyheavily onindividualheroicsorteamprocesses?
Teamprocesses:Weeachplayacriticalroleinour collectivesuccess.Whenweworktogetherinteams,we accomplishmorethanwhatispossibleindividually.
Whatadvicewouldyougivesomeonegoingintoa leadershippositionforthefirsttime?
Beconfidentandauthentic.Youdon'tneedtobeanyoneor anythingotherthanwhoyouarerightnowtosucceedin thisprofession.Keepanopenmindwhilestayingtrueto yourself,yourvalues,andwhatyoubelieveinandwantto doregardlessofwhatyourpeersthinkistherightpath.