What are the projects that you are most proud of working on over the past 12 months?

Over the past 12 months, what I am most proud of are the collective achievements of the legal team in relentlessly supporting our business during an especially challenging year. With the organisation undergoing significant change, effectively shifting the matrix structure, the team has navigated these transitions with resilience and adaptability.

Throughout this period of transformation, in addition to rendering effective legal support to our businesses, lawyers in the team have not stopped looking for ways how to further simplify our processes, policies and contract templates for the benefit of our clients. More importantly, no one works in isolation and everyone in the legal team is encouraged to share their best practices with the broader team. When knowledge is shared, including sharing failures, perspectives are broadened which leads to higher engagement, empowerment and a more efficient delivery of legal services.

In a year of change, our ability to stay connected, collaborate effectively, and adapt to new structures while maintaining high-quality support for the business makes me proud!

Based on your experiences in the past year, are there any trends in the legal or business world that you are keeping an eye on, of which you think other in-house lawyers should be mindful?

One of the most significant trends in legal practice today is the unmissable impact of (generative) AI and legal tech, allowing in-house legal teams to work more efficiently and strategically.

While AI for legal research still presents challenges, particularly in ensuring accuracy and reliability, its use in business-focused applications has proven highly valuable. In Signify, we encourage lawyers to develop custom AI solutions tailored to their work, rather than relying on pre-built tools. By building GenAI assistants themselves, they gain hands-on experience, exploring both the possibilities and limitations of AI through trial and error. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of the technology while actively integrating it into legal practice on a daily basis. It also brings energy and enthusiasm to the team, stimulating a culture of curiosity and innovation.

AI use cases that we have built include: checking third-party non-disclosure agreements, summarising legislation and reviewing proposed marketing claims against legal guidance, including suggesting alternative phrasings in case a proposed claim does not meet the minimum requirements.

What is a cause, business or otherwise, that you are passionate about?

I take great pride in the impactful innovations at Signify that drive a more sustainable future. We offer a range of sustainable solutions for our customers.

One example is solar lighting, which brings reliable illumination to off-grid communities, enhancing safety, education, and economic opportunities while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Another is horticulture lighting, where our technology minimises pesticide use and optimises land, water, and energy efficiency – all while ensuring high crop yields. This also enables city farming, reducing the distance from farm to fork and lowering the environmental impact of food transportation.

Additionally, 3D printing in lighting is a good proof point for sustainability in manufacturing. By using recycled materials and components, waste can be reduced, and the carbon footprint of production and logistics can be substantially lower.

Seeing these innovations create real-life impact makes me proud to be part of a company committed to sustainability and meaningful change.