An interview with Meltem Ozker Gunduz, General Counsel at GE Healthcare in UAE.
What are the biggest external forces or trends currently shaping your role as General Counsel and how are you responding to them?
The legal landscape is evolving at lightning speed, with advancements in technology, innovative business models, and heightened expectations from external stakeholders. These forces are constantly reshaping my role as regional general counsel. To stay ahead, I embrace continuous learning and adaptability, ensuring that our legal strategies are as dynamic as the world around us.
How are you balancing the increasing demands of legal risk management with the expectation to drive business value and strategic insight?
Striking this balance is no small feat. It requires a deep understanding of legal requirements while also being familiar with the business and strategic goals of our team. By doing so, we can navigate higher legal risks and still support the business in achieving its objectives. It’s all about finding creative solutions that align with both legal and business priorities.
What’s one lesson or insight from your in-house journey that you wish you’d known earlier and would share with a fellow GC today?
One invaluable lesson is to learn something new from each colleague every day. Not just in the legal field, but from everyone around us. Think of a company as a complex machine where every part is essential. Understanding someone’s personal experiences and priorities can enrich our perspective and foster collaboration.
Also, networking is key – not for personal gain, but to build meaningful connections. And remember, don’t sweat the small stuff. My younger self would put a good fight for almost everything. There is beauty in letting some things go and focus on what truly matters.
