Team size: 14

What has been the number one challenge that has impacted you over the past year?

An initiative for the development of local suppliers of the area of influence of one of our mines, a project that I proposed and led. The goal of the project was to match the total demand of goods and services required by the mine and the current offer provided by local suppliers and identify the potential to increase the offer and demand, through training to improve the capabilities of local suppliers and identify opportunities for them, and through a cultural change within the company.

The project represented a big challenge for many reasons. First, due to my position as general counsel of the company, a position that usually is not involved in that kind of initiatives. I got involved because of my experience in negotiations with local groups, where a common denominator was the perception of lack of opportunities, which made negotiations more complicated. Second, since I had to convince many people within the company to execute a project whose benefits would only be perceived in the long term. Third, because it is very difficult to change the way of thinking of people. Finally, because only was executed the first phase of the project due to several reasons outside my control, so I am patiently waiting the right moment to resume the project, hopefully in the near future.

Looking forward, what technological advancements do you feel will impact the role of in-house legal teams in the future the most?

Artificial intelligence (AI). It will impact not only the role of the in-house legal team but in all service businesses. Within the last months we have witnessed the exponential development of AI applicable to all kind of business, for instance chat bots like ChatGPT or Bard.

Some people are worried that AI will replace large parts of our current tasks as lawyers, which could mean that lawyers would be replaced, but that is partly correct. I have read some articles about it and my understanding is that AI will complement human labour rather than replace it all. Hence, what we need to do is take advantage of the new technology to make our work more productive, which will allow us to dedicate more time to focus on strategy and risks analysis. Sooner rather than later I.A. should and will be part of the service we offer as in-house counsels; therefore, we must learn how it works and how can we use it to be more efficient.

What is a cause, business related or otherwise, that you care about, and why?

My cause is the personal and professional development of each of the people on my team. I enjoy seeing them thrive and getting their goals, so I encourage them to take their own decisions based on their experience, knowledge and, mainly, judgement. Also, I considered very important to give them the time and space to have a live outside the company. I am convinced that given them that is the best way for them to achieve their goals (personal and professional) and help the company we work for to fulfil its purpose.