Lessons I Learned in Law

Transforming a Legal Team: Sandrine Auffret on Leading at Europe's most valuable Company, ASML

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Episode notes

This week on Lessons I Learned in Law, Scott Brown sat down with Sandrine Auffret, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Counsel, and Company Secretary at ASML. Sandrine invited Scott to ASML’s podcast studio on their impressive Eindhoven campus—a city with a rich legacy in tech and innovation.

Sandrine’s journey from healthcare law to tech is packed with insights. She’s been leading ASML’s legal team as it grew from 37 to over 100, all while adapting to one of the most rapidly evolving industries in the world. They dive into what it takes to lead legal in such a high-stakes environment, her approach to balancing growth and well-being, and why staying curious has been her superpower.

Key Takeaways:

1. Adapting to New Challenges: Sandrine moved from healthcare to high-tech and learned the value of adapting and growing with each role.
2. Building a Strong, Strategic Legal Team: From 37 to 100+—Sandrine shares what it took to transform ASML’s legal function into a proactive partner in the business.
3. Authenticity in Leadership: Leading with integrity is non-negotiable for Sandrine, and she talks about the importance of keeping her team motivated and supported.
4. Navigating Cultural Shifts: Moving to a new country and industry brought challenges, but it’s shaped her unique approach to leadership.
5. Preparation and Resilience: Sandrine is big on preparation and resilience, encouraging her team to think ahead and tackle challenges together.