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

This past year, I’ve been really excited about supporting Comcast Business’s international expansion. While I can’t get into specifics, it’s been a tremendous professional opportunity for me to help drive the company’s growth outside the US. Though challenging, it’s one of those projects that reminds me why I love what I do; working closely with my business partners to venture into uncharted territory.

What do you think sets you apart from other in-house counsel?

Here’s what I believe truly sets me apart from other in-house counsel: I’m not just a lawyer – I’m a business partner. My approach has always been about understanding the business needs first and then finding legal solutions that actually move the needle.

Most lawyers will tell you what you can’t do. I focus on how we can make things happen. It’s about being pragmatic, looking beyond the legal text to the real-world implications. When a business team comes to me with an idea, I don’t just see potential legal risks – I see opportunities. My goal is always to find a way to support the business objectives while flagging and managing/mitigating risks where possible.

This means sitting in strategy meetings and truly listening. I ask questions that go beyond legal compliance. What are the business goals? What’s the bigger picture?

Have you had any experiences during your career as a lawyer that stand out as particularly unique or interesting?

Being a Dutchman in an American company with a global footprint is never boring. Every day I have to deal with different legal systems (civil law vs common law) and jurisdictions, time zones, (corporate) cultures, languages and communication styles.

American, English and Dutch professional communication are quite different. I’ve had to become something of an expert at reading between the lines, understanding not just what’s being said, but also how it’s being said. Also, cultural differences pop up in unexpected ways. Dutch professionals are known for being direct – and I think I fit that stereotype. But in English and American corporate settings, that directness needs some serious finessing. I’ve learned to soften my approach, to navigate conversations a bit more diplomatically, while still staying true to my straightforward Dutch-ness.

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 that you think other in-house lawyers should be mindful of?

I think the most obvious trend is AI. AI is changing everything. It’s a bit scary how quickly this technology is transforming how we work, but mostly I find it very exciting. I see a lot of possibilities of how I could leverage AI in my day-to-day work. At Comcast, we’re now exploring and experimenting with different AI-models, that will make us more efficient and productive – AI can do some of the simple ‘heavy lifting’, while I can focus on more complex matters. I would encourage other in-house lawyers to embrace this technological revolution, rather than see it as a threat. Make AI work for you, not against you.