In an era witnessing a surge of remarkable women leaders across various domains, there's a palpable shift in the paradigm of leadership. These visionaries not only excel but redefine success, demonstrating unparalleled resilience, foresight, and empathy. Among these luminaries is Aarti Prasad, Senior Director-Legal at Microland. Her journey embodies the essence of modern leadership, characterized by adaptability, integrity, and unwavering commitment. Aarti's professional narrative is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit, having founded her own law firm before assuming her current role. Her trajectory is a source of inspiration, showcasing the transformative power of determination, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Let’s hear more from her.

Could you describe the key areas of expertise you have cultivated throughout your career as a corporate lawyer?

Over the years, I have honed a negotiation strategy with clients that enables me to adeptly handle complex legal scenarios, ensuring favorable outcomes while maintaining strong, trust-based relationships. This strategy has been refined through extensive experience and a deep understanding of client needs and expectations. Additionally, I have established  robust processes to anticipate and identify potential future risks, allowing me to provide proactive legal solutions that effectively mitigate these risks. This proactive approach is one of my core strengths and has proven invaluable in safeguarding clients' interests.

Furthermore, my ability to adapt and remain agile within the dynamic legal industry has been a central focus of my practice. Staying ahead in the everevolving legal landscape requires continuous learning and flexibility, qualities that I prioritize. A key lesson I have learned is the importance of evolving the legal function into a trusted and integral business partner, fostering close collaboration and mutual trust with clients and stakeholders alike.

Please introduce us to Microland. What are your key responsibilities as the Senior DirectorLegal for the company?

As the Senior Director-Legal at Microland, I shoulder a diverse and multifaceted set of responsibilities, essential for the seamless operation and legal compliance of the company. I lead a global team of legal experts, ensuring we maintain a standard of excellence across all our international operations. A significant part of my role involves supporting the structuring, negotiation, and closure of complex deals, which are critical to our business growth and stability.

Beyond handling transactions, I am deeply involved in drafting, modifying, and implementing company policies. This requires close collaboration with various departments to ensure these standards are consistently enforced. Additionally, I provide guidance on employment matters, advising multiple functions within the company on a range of legal issues. My work spans the entire legal spectrum of the organization, from support in regulatory compliance and contractual risk management to strategic planning and policy development, ensuring Microland operates within legal parameters while achieving its business objectives.

What are the most critical challenges you face in your current role at Microland, and how do you overcome these obstacles?

Finding the right balance between professional commitments and a personal touch is both gratifying and challenging. Each team member has distinct needs and expectations; some benefit from more guidance, while others thrive independently. My regular one-onone discussions with them have been instrumental in understanding their goals, concerns, and personal challenges. This personalized approach enables me  to provide the appropriate support tailored to each individual, enhancing their professional growth and well-being.

Balancing work and personal life is a challenge faced by many, and our organization addresses this by promoting work-life balance through flexible schedules and a hybrid work environment. This flexibility has been crucial in helping team members manage their responsibilities effectively. Additionally, balancing compassion with performance expectations can sometimes be complex. In such instances, I employ active listening, mediation, and encourage open communication. These techniques have proven effective in resolving conflicts constructively, ensuring that team cohesion is maintained while upholding high performance standards.

How do you anticipate the Indian corporate law landscape evolving in the near future? Which industry trends do you believe will have the most significant impact?

The next few years promise to be both exciting and disruptive across various industries, largely driven by advancements in technology. At the intersection of law and technology, artificial intelligence (AI) is set to revolutionize the legal sector. From corporate law firms to in-house legal departments, AI is transforming how legal professionals operate, process information, and deliver value to clients. This technological shift will significantly alter legal careers. While there are concerns about job displacement, many recognize the importance of upskilling to remain relevant. Lawyers must learn to work alongside AI, leveraging its capabilities instead of viewing it as competition.

The Indian corporate law landscape will mirror this transformation, with roles being redefined without compromising ethical standards. I firmly believe that the future will belong to those who embrace technology while preserving the core values of justice and accountability. Adapting to these changes will be crucial, and those who integrate AI into their practice will likely thrive in this evolving environment.

Aarti Prasad,  Senior Director-Legal,  Microland

Aarti Prasad is the Senior Director-Legal at Microland, leading a global team of experts. She has completed her education in BSL LLB from Symbiosis International University, Pune, and attended the International Political Economy Summer School at The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). With a keen focus on negotiation, compliance, and strategic policy development, she adeptly balances professional and personal commitments. Aarti advocates for technology integration in the legal sector, emphasizing AI's role in reshaping legal practices while upholding ethical standards.