Building a legal team for a vaccine development company during the COVID-19 pandemic? That’s no easy feat! In this podcast, Josh Kreamer gives us an inside look at how AstraZeneca pulled it off, sharing tips, tricks, and a few lessons learned along the way. Let’s dive into the juicy details!
Growing Pains and Remote Gains
When the pandemic hit, AstraZeneca found themselves in a whirlwind of growth. Demand for vaccines skyrocketed, and the company needed to scale up fast. But here’s the kicker: instead of expanding their legal team like everyone might expect, they took a different route. They leaned into the chaos and decided to centralize their processes and build a remote, tight-knit team that could handle the pressure.
A Remote Team That Rocks
Let’s face it—going remote practically overnight isn’t easy. But AstraZeneca made it look like a breeze. They quickly realized that to keep up with the fast-paced demands of vaccine development, they needed to create a legal team that wasn’t just spread out geographically but was also united in its approach. So, they built a remote team that could seamlessly collaborate no matter where in the world they were logging in from.
Instead of panicking and doubling their headcount, AstraZeneca focused on efficiency. They established a shared services operation—think of it as the backbone that supported all the legal work. This setup allowed the existing legal team to manage an increased workload without feeling like they were drowning.
Centralization For the Win
Centralizing processes was the real game-changer here. By pulling all their resources and operations into one cohesive unit, AstraZeneca could streamline their legal workflows and cut out the noise. This meant that everyone was on the same page, working towards the same goals, without the usual hiccups that come with rapid growth.
Imagine trying to juggle a dozen balls while someone keeps tossing more your way. Centralization was like catching those balls, putting them in a basket, and handling them one by one instead of letting them scatter everywhere. It kept the team focused, aligned, and most importantly, efficient.
Adapting on the Fly
One of the coolest things about AstraZeneca’s approach was how they adapted on the fly. When the world shifted to remote work, they didn’t hesitate—they embraced it. They equipped their team with the tools and tech needed to make remote work not just a temporary fix but a long-term strategy. This adaptability was key to their success.
The remote setup also meant that AstraZeneca could tap into a global talent pool. They weren’t limited to hiring people in one location, which opened up a world of possibilities. By bringing in diverse perspectives from around the globe, they were able to tackle challenges in innovative ways that might not have been possible with a traditional, office-bound team.
In a nutshell, AstraZeneca turned the growing pains of the pandemic into remote gains. By centralizing their processes, building a resilient remote team, and staying adaptable, they not only kept pace with the demands of the pandemic but thrived in an incredibly challenging environment. Their experience is a testament to the power of agility, innovation, and a willingness to embrace change—even when the stakes are sky-high.
Slow Down to Speed Up: Legal Ops Edition
In a world where everything seems to be moving at lightning speed, especially during a global pandemic, it’s easy to think that the faster you go, the better off you’ll be. But AstraZeneca’s approach during the COVID-19 crisis proved that sometimes, the real power lies in taking a step back, slowing down, and getting things right before hitting the gas. This was the core philosophy behind their legal operations strategy—one that led to extraordinary results.
The Power of Patience
When the pandemic struck, the pressure was on for AstraZeneca to deliver. The legal team, like the rest of the company, was dealing with an overwhelming amount of work. But instead of rushing through tasks just to keep up with the pace, AstraZeneca chose a different path. They slowed down and focused on building a rock-solid foundation for their legal operations.
Why? Because they understood that hasty decisions could lead to mistakes—mistakes that could cost them both time and resources in the long run. By taking the time to refine their processes, ensure accuracy, and align their strategies, AstraZeneca set themselves up for long-term success. This approach of “slow down to speed up” allowed them to build something sustainable rather than just reactive.
Getting the Tech Stack Right
One of the key areas where AstraZeneca applied this philosophy was in their technology stack. In the rush to adapt to new demands, it’s tempting to grab the first tech solution that seems to fit. But AstraZeneca knew better. They took the time to carefully evaluate their options, experimenting with different tools and systems until they found the right fit.
This wasn’t about having the fanciest or most cutting-edge technology; it was about finding what genuinely worked for their needs. By slowing down to assess their tech stack, they avoided the common pitfall of investing in tools that end up causing more problems than they solve. Instead, they chose solutions that were scalable, adaptable, and aligned with their long-term goals.
Execution Over Ideas: The Steve Jobs Mantra
It’s easy to get caught up in brainstorming brilliant ideas, but as AstraZeneca discovered, the real magic happens in the execution. During the podcast, Josh Kreamer references Steve Jobs’ famous quote, “Execution is everything.” It’s a mantra that AstraZeneca’s legal team took to heart.
Instead of getting bogged down in the endless cycle of ideation, they focused on executing the ideas that truly mattered. By prioritizing execution over the quality of ideas, they were able to turn concepts into reality, driving tangible results. This meant slowing down to plan, refine, and perfect their execution strategies before diving into action.
AI: The Future of Legal Magic?
What’s a modern legal ops chat without some AI talk? The conversation shifts to how AI is shaping the legal world, and Pepe shares some golden advice from their time in a big company. The key takeaway? AI is awesome, but make sure the tech is worth it even without the AI hype. Think like a customer, and focus on the real value it brings to the table.
Josh also dives into how AI could’ve helped AstraZeneca’s legal team do more high-level work, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. And just because the AI hype cycle might be cooling off doesn’t mean the tech isn’t still game-changing. It’s all about staying ahead of the curve and being ready for whatever comes next.
Wrapping Up
Josh wraps things up by talking about elevating legal and e-discovery pros, with a shout out to the legal data intelligence project. This initiative is all about using tech to supercharge legal teams, freeing them up to tackle the big, strategic stuff.
So, there you have it! Building a legal team during a pandemic is no walk in the park, but with the right strategies—centralization, smart tech choices, and a dash of AI magic—AstraZeneca made it happen.
