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? 

In my opinion the key aspect to keep always in mind on difficult moments is communication across all the company areas and functions, that will give a wider sense or perception of the situation and the potential causes of instability or crisis. It is also key to understand the momentum, the environment and socio political context of the place where business is conducted, this will help you to form your own considerations not only based on the business situation focused on a particular driver, but will increase your ability to “surf” the variations that a crisis might present for the business, for the company as an entity and market player, that interacts with other actors such as employees, suppliers and clients. 

What emerging technologies do you see as having the most significant impact on the legal profession in the near future, and how do you stay updated on these developments? 

Data analysis is fundamental specially when it comes to take informed decisions, but also automation can help speed up daily tasks, that can be become mechanical and allow counsels to focus on key transactions or problems, that require a deeper analysis and attention. According to an IBM study in Latin America, 67% of technology professionals say their organisations accelerated the use of AI in the last 24 months. AI is a reality and is not exclusive to one area but will increasingly be transversal to companies. For me, who is in a company that has evolved AI for more than 70 years, the most important thing to stay up to date with developments is to never stop learning. Understand that technology must be the right hand of humans and make us all more effective. 

How do you prioritise diversity and inclusion within your legal department, and what initiatives have you implemented to foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment? 

Inclusion and diversity have been part of IBM’s DNA since its founding. According to our most recent IBM global ESG report, in 2022, we saw a year-over-year increase in representation of women around the world and the Black, Hispanic, Native American and Pan-Asian communities. Personally, I support corporate projects such as Business Resource Groups (BRG), of which we have +200 in the world, and are an opportunity to meet based on common interests. They are a source of support and development, both personal and professional. There are women’s groups, disabled populations, LGBTQ, among many others. 

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

Compliance and data protection are two matters leading discussions and trends when doing business, especially in the IT sector. But, without a doubt, the use of AI is currently on everyone’s top of mind. Legal areas will have a key role, not only in the use of AI but also in discussions around the world related to the regulation of AI. I believe that it will be a turning point and an opportunity to establish clear rules in the use of this technology, without stopping the innovation that it brings.