| | JULY 20244PIONEERING LEGAL EXCELLENCE IN THE EVOLVING LANDSCAPE OF TECHNOLOGYChief Legal Officers (CLOs) in the Philippines are instrumental in ensuring legal integrity and strategic decision-making within organizations. As leaders at the intersection of law and business, they navigate complex regulatory landscapes and contribute to the overall governance and success of their companies. Iniego Carl Varon epitomizes the essence of an adept CLO. With a keen understanding of corporate operations and a background in diverse legal sectors, Iniego brings a unique blend of experience and innovation to the role.Currently, as the Head of Legal and Compliance at Gogoro Philippines, Iniego continues to redefine the role, spearheading legal affairs and contributing to the innovative landscape of electric vehicle technology. Iniego's dynamic leadership has positioned him as a trailblazer among Chief Legal Officers, fostering a culture of legal innovation and strategic foresight within his organization.In an in-depth conversation with CEO Insights Asia Magazine, Iniego shares with us his professional milestones, leadership guidelines and much more. Let's hear it from him.How would you define Gogoro Philippines as an organization and its current position in the market?As the Head of Legal at Gogoro Philippines, I see our organization as a groundbreaking force in the local market, strategically formed through a joint venture of Globe Telecom's 917Ventures, Ayala Corporation, and Gogoro Taiwan. Leveraging the innovative technology pioneered by its Founder, Horace Luke in 2011, Gogoro introduced two-wheeled electric vehicles in 2015, and our recent entry into the Philippine market signifies a pivotal move to revolutionize urban transportation.In collaboration with Globe, Ayala, and Gogoro Taiwan, we aim to redefine the Filipino commuting experience by providing smarter, safer, and cleaner transportation. Our focus on two-wheeled electric vehicles with battery swapping technology addresses the unique challenges of the Philippine infrastructure, particularly in high-rise living areas like Metro Manila. We've pioneered large-scale implementation of battery swapping, managing smart batteries through GoStations, akin to vending machines, making it a hassle-free six-second process for users. Despite being a young company, commencing commercial operations in December 2023, we envision widespread adoption of our Gogoro Smartscooters across the entire Philippines, marking our position as industry trailblazers.Tell us about your leadership approach. What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?In shaping my leadership approach, I prioritize three fundamental principles that guide my interactions, decisions, and overall style. Firstly, valuing people and relationships stands as my foundational principle. I emphasize treating everyone with dignity, sincerity, and honesty. This approach has proven instrumental not only in fostering positive relationships within my team but has also been a key factor in successful negotiations and agreements, particularly in my previous role as a litigation lawyer.Secondly, I adhere to a process-oriented mindset over a results-oriented one. Emphasizing diligence and doing things the right way, without cutting corners, has been a consistent theme throughout my career. This principle extends from personal study habits to professional practices, such as regulatory compliance and accreditation processes. By focusing on meticulous execution, I believe the best results naturally follow, fostering a sense of satisfaction and confidence, even in the face of challenges. Lastly, integrity serves as the cornerstone of my leadership style. Upholding honesty, moral standards,
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