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I’ve just touched down in Abu Dhabi on my first-ever official trip to the region, which is emerging as an preeminent #AI hotspot. The government of the United Arab Emirates has made it a priority to become a world leader in AI, starting with the AI Strategy 2031, which was launched a few years ago. Since then it’s continued to develop as a hub for AI innovation. Abu Dhabi has taken some big steps recently in attracting and supporting #LegalTech startups from around the world and promoting the adoption of cutting edge technologies. I’m set up for a packed agenda, and I’ll be holding meetings with clients, customers and of course catching up with colleagues old and new. A special mention to Simon Hurst, who is now at ADNOC Group. I’m delighted to be working alongside all these amazing people face to face. If you are in the UAE, on Thursday July 18 I will be delivering a talk at the Capital Club Dubai on the future of AI and I want to extend my thanks to Suzanna Kalendzhian for the invite. It will provide an opportunity to chat, connect and share insights on AI in the industry. I’m looking forward to getting started and very excited to be part of the continued growth and innovation in the UAE.

I want to take a moment to salute Atul Arora, who is moving onto pastures new, and to express my heartfelt gratitude as we bid farewell to an incredible colleague. Atul has been fundamental in establishing and then managing our India operation, guiding us through those challenging early days of Covid in 2020. Under his leadership, what began as a small endeavor has flourished. And today it’s a team of over 50 talented individuals. Atul’s unwavering dedication, strategic vision and resilience during those uncertain times and beyond have been inspiring. Whenever the leadership team visited India, Atul was the perfect host, ensuring every detail was meticulously planned. His hospitality, combined with a knack for navigating Indian bureaucracy, made every trip productive and enjoyable. Atul's positivity and sense of fun have brightened many of my days. On a personal note, I must admit I didn’t actually meet Atul in person until March 2023. And true to his playful nature, he managed to prank me by turning up at Delhi airport in the middle of the night pretending to be my driver! Those moments of humour - and genuine camaraderie - have made working with Atul so special. I have to mention too that he is responsible for one of my greatest ever hangovers following an epically rowdy night in Pune with our team. After sampling the local imbibements, I even tried my hand at Bollywood dancing. These unforgettable experiences are testament to Atul's ability to bring people together and to create lasting memories. Atul, I want to thank you sincerely for your hard work, your leadership and your infectious positivity. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. I have no doubt that you will continue to excel and inspire wherever you go. Here’s to new beginnings and to the unforgettable memories we made together.

Compliance professionals spend too much time dealing with gifts and entertainment. Back-and-forth emails. Spreadsheets. Manual audit logs. Not only is the entire process inefficient, it poses significant risk to businesses that are unable to accurately audit all activity. So, what's the solution? 👩💻 Join our next webinar with Yolanda Van Wyk, Bartu Gundogdu, Jamie Goldrich, and our own Matthew Darvell-Wright to learn: 💡 The Global Importance of G&E Compliance: Understand why this issue is critical for every organization. 💡Expert Insights from Dell Technologies: Get an insider’s view from Yolanda on managing G&E in a global enterprise. 💡 Legal Automation in Action: Discover how automation and AI can revolutionize your G&E processes. 💡 Building a Compliance Culture: Learn how effective G&E management can foster a healthy compliance culture. 🗓️ Date: Thursday, June 6 ⏰ Time: 12 PM EST / 5 PM BST 🌍 Location: Online Secure your spot by clicking the link below 👇 #compliance #legaltech #giftsandentertainment

I’ve probably been between a 13 and 10 golf handicap for about three years. Obviously I’ve reached the point where my level of natural talent - or lack thereof - combined with my facility to play regularly, and properly practice has taken me as far as I can go. Without an adjustment to the amount I can play, the amount I can practice or my level of talent, which is unlikely to improve, things aren't going to get better. As a comparison, I have had to get used to the fact that I'm now pretty rubbish at cricket. The reality of that is, I do still play occasionally, and I just try and enjoy it.  Anyone who knows me would say that I would be probably the least casual cricketer ever. I was angry, aggressive, competitive, and always very focused on winning.  But I guess the reality is that I don’t actually play often anymore. In a business context, after a relatively normal-paced start, in the latter half of my career, I've been surprised and delighted by progression. Often when the progression in other things is not comparable, I find it difficult to cope with. I've got a natural mindset that I can do anything. I decide it's going to be good, so it is good. Part of the reason golf is different is, unfortunately, in golf, you can't delegate. Can I break through? Is it possible? It's not in my nature to make peace with it.