How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience? 

During periods of instability or crisis, my approach to managing legal aspects, is based on three fundamental pillars: preparation, communication, and adaptation. I ensure my team is always prepared with well-defined contingency plans and crisis protocols tailored to our unique operational structure and industry demands. Given our significant US market and Colombian manufacturing base, we conduct regular drills addressing potential disruptions such as supply chain issues, regulatory changes, political instability, and economic fluctuations. We update our plans based on lessons learned and new threats, ensuring all team members understand their roles during a crisis and are ready to respond effectively. Assertive communication is crucial in times of crisis. Maintaining open and clear lines of communication within the legal team and with other key departments, both in Colombia and the US. Frequent cross-functional meetings to assess the situation, assign tasks, and ensure alignment with our response strategy are vital. Keeping executives and the board of directors informed about developments and critical decisions is essential, as is coordinating with our US-based sales and distribution teams. This ensures that all stakeholders are aware of the situation and can act accordingly. The ability to quickly adapt to new circumstances is essential. I encourage my team to remain flexible and responsive to changes, proactively identifying potential legal issues and swiftly developing solutions to mitigate risks. This includes adapting to regulatory changes in both Colombia and the US, addressing any operational challenges that arise, and leveraging our high CAPEX investments to strengthen our manufacturing capabilities and resilience.

Aligning the legal strategy with the broader business strategy is also fundamental to ensuring organizational resilience, particularly given our multijurisdictional presence, CAPEX investments, R&D and continuous growth during uncertain times. I work closely with other departments, especially finance, operations, and human resources, to understand their challenges and objectives. By doing so, I can tailor the legal strategy to support the overall goals of the organization and address any cross-functional issues promptly, ensuring smooth operations and compliance in both Colombia and the US. This collaboration also allows us to maximize the benefits of our high CAPEX investments and drive continuous growth. Integrating comprehensive risk management into the legal strategy, identifying potential legal risks early and developing strategies to mitigate them have been fundamental. For example, we regularly review compliance with US import regulations, Colombian labor laws, and industry-specific regulations. This proactive approach helps us avoid disruptions, maintain stability, and capitalize on our high CAPEX investments. I provide strategic legal counsel to the executive team, ensuring that all major business decisions are made with a clear understanding of their legal implications. This proactive approach helps to align our legal actions with the company’s long-term objectives, enhancing decision-making during uncertain times. By considering legal risks and opportunities in our strategic planning, we can better navigate challenges and drive growth. Finally, I advocate for a culture of continuous improvement within the legal department. We regularly review our processes and strategies to identify areas for enhancement, ensuring we remain agile and effective in responding to new challenges. This includes staying updated on changes in international trade laws, industry regulations, and political developments, and adapting our strategies accordingly to support our continuous growth and CAPEX investments.

In your opinion, what are the main trends that are salient in your country currently (these can be legal, political, economy or business-based)? 

 In Colombia, several significant trends are shaping the landscape across legal, political, economic, and business domains. On the legal front, there is a heightened emphasis on regulatory compliance, particularly concerning environmental laws, requiring companies to adopt sustainable practices and reduce their environmental impact. Labor law reforms are also notable, focusing on improving workers’ rights and conditions, necessitating businesses to stay updated and compliant. Politically, the country enjoys relative stability, promoting foreign investment and economic growth through various incentives. However, ongoing peace processes and security considerations remain pivotal, requiring businesses to be vigilant and adaptable to changes in the political climate.

Economically, Colombia has demonstrated resilience and growth, attracting substantial foreign investment, particularly in manufacturing, agriculture, and technology sectors. Currency fluctuations, influenced by global and domestic factors, present challenges that necessitate effective risk management strategies. On the business front, digital transformation is accelerating, with companies investing in technology to enhance efficiency and customer experiences. There is also a growing focus on sustainability and corporate social responsibility, pushing businesses to adopt ethical and sustainable practices. Additionally, Colombia’s vibrant start-up ecosystem is fostering innovation and entrepreneurial activities, supported by government and private sector initiatives, which present new opportunities for collaboration and growth.