Women in leadership roles as Heads of Legal in Thailand are making significant strides, contributing to the evolving legal landscape. These accomplished professionals bring a unique perspective to corporate governance, fostering innovation, and navigating complexities in a dynamic business environment.

One notable exemplar is Supapohn Jendryssek, a seasoned legal strategist with nearly two decades of diverse industry experience, currently serving as the Head of Legal at 12Go. Her expertise extends beyond legal nuances, encompassing technology integration, corporate law, and licensing. Supapohn’s impactful leadership exemplifies the growing influence of women in shaping legal strategies and driving success in the Thai business arena.

Engaging in an idiosyncratic interaction with The Global Women Leader magazine, Supapohn shares the imperious details of her journey as one of the influencing leaders in Thailand. Let’s delve into it.

Could you provide an overview of 12Go & out­line the various responsibilities you manage as the Head of Legal for the company?

Stepping into the role of Head of Legal at 12Go, a transition from Travelier (formerly known as Bookaway Group), has been a whirlwind adventure in the last three months. Prior to the acquisition, 12Go operated without a structured legal framework, necessitating a comprehensive overhaul. My primary focus revolves around obtaining essential licenses, addressing compliance issues, and navigating the intricacies of data protection laws across diverse jurisdictions. Managing personal data on a global scale, with customers worldwide, involves a careful balance between Thai regulations, European GDPR and Singaporean data protection laws.

An additional challenge lies in safeguarding our Intellectual Property (IP), crucial in the technology-driven and competitive travel sector. As the company adapts to new structures and regulations, my role involves spearheading projects to secure our intellectual assets worldwide.

As a leader at 12Go, what significant challenges do you face in your current role, and how do you navigate and overcome these obstacles?

Every day at 12Go brings a new challenge, particularly as technology and diverse business landscapes merge, making it my most formidable yet exciting experience. The constant learning curve in the tech realm adds complexity, but the most significant challenge is navigating the diversity of jurisdictions. Operating in numerous countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, and Indonesia demands a keen focus on varying regulations. A unique hurdle arises with our Israeli headquarters, posing challenges in Muslim-majority countries like Indonesia and Malaysia.

Overcoming this involves collaborating closely with local lawyers, understanding the legal intricacies, and devising case-by-case strategies. Managing a remote team scattered globally, including members from Kazakhstan and Belarus, adds an extra layer of complexity. The key is seeking local expertise and establishing a flexible approach, ensuring that each jurisdiction's nuances are navigated successfully.

Reflecting on your professional journey, what standout accomplishments or 'wins' do you consider the most significant?

In my professional journey, a defining achievement was being recognized as a top General Counsel Powerlist in Southeast Asia in 2019 by Legal 500. This acknowledgment stemmed from my work in the wind energy sector, particularly my handling of complex litigation cases. Acting as the intermediary between lawyers and clients, translating legal intricacies into layman's terms, played a pivotal role in earning this recognition.

The consistency of this recognition continued in 2022 and reached its zenith in 2023 when I received the General Counsel award in Thailand. This last accolade was during my work with the Aditya Birla Group, particularly in navigating intricate litigation cases. It's immensely gratifying to see my efforts in gathering crucial information for the court being acknowledged, reinforcing the impact of my work in the legal landscape.

What principles or strategies have contributed to your success over the years?

Success in the legal field, in my experience, hinges on a commitment to continuous learning, strategic thinking, unwavering ethical integrity, and effective collaboration. Transitioning from a legal to a strategic mindset is essential in an in-house role, ensuring legal advice aligns seamlessly with the company's broader objectives.

"Legal Excellence Thrives On The Pillars Of Continuous Learning, Strategic Foresight, & Unwavering Integrity"

Collaboration with non-legal colleagues requires effective communication and leadership skills, fostering a harmonious and cooperative work environment. As a leader, it's not just about legal expertise but also about setting an example, providing guidance, and cultivating a team that looks up to you.

Looking ahead, how do you anticipate the evolution of legal advisory services in the near future? Specifically, which industry trends do you believe will have the most substantial impact on Thailand's legal advisory landscape?

I believe that the landscape is undergoing a significant shift driven by digital transformation and technology integration because the new era demands in-house lawyers to comprehend and navigate the complexities associated with them. Data protection and cybersecurity are emerging as a crucial concern as well, not only in Thailand but globally, given the borderless nature of our interconnected world.

To stay relevant, in-house lawyers in Thailand must engage with these evolving trends, embracing digi­tal literacy and prioritizing data protection measures to meet the demands of the dynamic legal landscape ahead.

A business leader you admire: I greatly admire Mel Robbins, a former lawyer turned motivational speaker and author of the transformative book ‘The 5 Second Rule.’

Message for aspiring women leaders and entrepreneurs: Embrace the challenges of leadership with courage and conviction in your journey.

Supapohn Jendryssek, Head Of Legal, 12GO

Supapohn Jendryssek, a legal professional, initiated her journey with a Bachelor of Laws from Thammasat University. With nearly two decades of experience, she has demonstrated her prowess in diverse industries, navigating complexities in technology integration, corporate law, and licensing. Currently serving as the Head of Legal at 12Go and previously as Legal Counsel at Travelier, Supapohn's leadership extends to renowned companies such as Wind Energy Holding and Aditya Birla Group.