“There is so much value in sharing knowledge and experiences with a wide network.”

An interview with Gloria Matovu Kawooya, Associate General Counsel at Trade and Development Bank Group – TDB Group in Kenya.

How would you describe the state of the GC Community in your region? How has it changed since you first moved in-house?

In my region, the GC community has become increasingly connected. GC’s are seeking out ways to connect more with each other and share knowledge and experiences. I first moved in-house in 2013 so the changes for me are enormous with three fundamental ones. First is the availability of resources tailored to in-house legal teams. Second is the perception of the value in-house legal teams bring as not just legal advisors but business partners. Third is how technology has evolved and become a part of any efficient and forward looking in-house legal team’s daily lives.

Why is expanding your network important to you?

There is so much value in sharing knowledge and experiences with a wide network. Very often, any issues you may have, have been dealt with previously and there is someone that can share valuable insights.

What kinds of connections or discussions would be most valuable to you?

I would appreciate connections both at peer level but also above and below my experience level. It is important to me to learn from those with broader experience and exposure, but I would also be glad to share my knowledge with those that are at the start of their in-house journeys. Having worked in a law firm previously, I know how the transition can be challenging for some.

What do you want to achieve by collaborating with other GCs and senior in-house lawyers? Are there specific topics, challenges, or experiences you’d like to share or learn more about?

Three key areas that I would like to learn and share about are;
i) The value of in-house teams and how different GC’s bring value, show value and document value of their teams.
ii) Specialised technical areas such as climate, sustainability and AI.
iii) The less talked about but equality important area of balance. How GC’s are managing for themselves and their teams to support balance between work and living whole lives with families, health, sports, everything.