An interview with Oksana Starodymova, General Counsel & Company Secretary Europe in Latvia.
How would you describe the state of the GC Community in your region? How has it changed since you first moved in-house?
I would say that our region lacks such a community. This has been the case for decades, and unfortunately, I haven’t observed any significant changes over the years.
Why is expanding your network important to you? What kinds of connections or discussions would be most valuable to you?
I would greatly value the opportunity to connect with more General Counsel. At times, it can feel isolated, like being in a professional vacuum, with no one to turn to for discussing critical issues. It would be wonderful to have a supportive and secure space free from competition, ego, envy, and other negativity – a place truly focused on collaboration and mutual growth.
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?
I would be keen to explore a variety of topics, including the implementation of IT tools and AI, strategies for team motivation, and approaches to mentoring and coaching team members. Additionally, I’m very interested in learning how my peers establish effective communication and foster collaboration with diverse stakeholders within their organisations.