Team size: Four

Based on your experience, what is the key to collaborating successfully with business partners?

For me successful collaboration with business partners hinges on several key factors. Build a foundation of trust and respect. Establish open and transparent communication channels to ensure all parties are aligned and informed. Ensure we have regular updates and feedback loops. Recognise and value each partner’s expertise and contributions and encourage challenging point of view and dialogue. Foster a collaborative environment where partners can openly discuss challenges and work together to find solutions. Clearly define roles and responsibilities to avoid confusion and ensure accountability. Be willing to adapt and be flexible, which includes being open to new ideas and approaches. Schedule regular meetings and catch ups, especially with the remote option we try to be personally present at meetings.

Apart from legal matters, has the team worked on other company initiatives you would like to highlight?

3M India Legal team active member of the Company’s CSR initiatives. A team member is the vice Chair for the Global Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access to Justice Alliance and volunteered in Equity in Action Volunteering Activity at 3M India Locations Active volunteering India diversity and inclusion Committee and part of key initiatives. Team consistently recognised by stakeholders and 3M India Legal Team awarded In-House Diversity Champion by your organisation.

How do you motivate and manage the other members of your legal team well?

Encourage open and honest communication within the team. Create an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas and concerns. Hold regular one-on-one and team meetings to discuss progress, provide feedback, and address any issues. Recognise and celebrate wins as they happen. Talk about in in our yammer groups. Support career development by offering mentorship and opportunities for advancement within the organisation and create visible contributions by making them lead key projects independently. Empower the team to take on responsibilities and let them establish direct contact with Senior leadership. Trust the team. Encourage a healthy work-life balance by offering flexible working hours, remote work options, and promoting the importance of taking breaks and vacations.

India is an economy that is rapidly growing and expected to be one of the economic powerhouses of the 21st Century. How do you see the role of GCs there changing in this environment?

We have a seat at the table – GCs are increasingly seen as strategic business partners, contributing to the overall direction and strategy of the organisation. GCs are taking on roles that involve direct interaction with the board of directors, providing insights on governance, risk, and compliance. GCs are focusing more on proactive risk management, identifying potential legal and regulatory risks before they materialise and are playing a crucial role in enterprise risk management, integrating legal risk considerations into broader risk management frameworks.

GCs are leveraging legal technology to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance decision-making and as we speak, we are part of the 3M’s digital transformation initiatives, ensuring that legal considerations are integrated into new technologies and processes. We are champions of corporate governance, ethics, and integrity, ensuring that the organisation adheres to high standards of conduct. Key contributors to the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, advising on sustainability and social responsibility matters.

What is a cause, business-related or otherwise, that you are passionate about, and why?

Ensuring we always play inside the lines. Promote ethical business practices. Driving sustainability truly reflects a commitment to ethical business practices that reflects that 3M is dedicated to making a positive impact on society and the environment. This will establish stakeholder trust and confidence. Companies that prioritise sustainability often gain greater trust and loyalty from stakeholders, including customers, employees, investors, and communities.

Are the effects of AI on the legal world overplayed, or underplayed?

The effects of AI on the legal world are both overplayed and underplayed, depending on the context really. While some claims may exaggerate AI’s current capabilities, the potential for AI to enhance efficiency, decision-making is significant and often underappreciated. The true impact of AI will likely become more evident as the technology continues to evolve and integrate into the legal profession. As of now I am embracing the change. Why fight it when you don’t fully understand it. My advice to my team is leverage it and see how best we can use it to our advantage and make that decision on your own.