GC Corner: An interview with Matt Wilson
Matt is Chief Legal Officer at global content producer Fremantle, which produces over 12,000 hours of original programming every year across drama, entertainment, documentaries and film. Joining in 2022, he sits on the global board and is also responsible for AI & Tech, Sustainability and Risk and Compliance. Prior to Fremantle, Matt was based in Amsterdam as General Counsel for EMEA & APAC for Uber, leading a diverse, international team who helped Uber Rides to scale, launch Uber Eats and JUMP bikes (now Lime) and stabilise and grow the business across over 50 countries, culminating in a successful listing on the NYSE in 2019. Matt started his career with four years at Baker McKenzie, followed by an overall six-year stint in senior roles for global telco Telefónica with a spell at Arsenal Football Club in the middle. Matt studied Economics and Politics and is a practicing Solicitor (England and Wales).
What’s the biggest pressure point or priority you face as a GC today?
It depends on the given day! That’s the nature of the job. You need to be able to love, or at least get satisfaction from, the fact that you never know what you might need to help your organisation deal with next. That’s the fun of it. It could be M&A or litigation, could be an internal or external crisis (there are plenty of both), or how the business and our team adapt to AI. The most challenging aspect is how you can still peer round corners and move forward the things that are important but not urgent, while dealing effectively with the immediate important and urgent items. That’s where having a great team makes all the difference in the world. I have been very lucky in that respect throughout my career.
How has your approach to leadership evolved over time?
I take things less personally than I did when I was younger and always try and put myself in others' shoes. That leads to better perspectives and better decisions.
You spent several years in Europe and now find yourself, post-Brexit, out of Europe. What has changed for London based GCs in the past few years?
I loved our four years living in Amsterdam and I really hope we get back to being more integrated with Europe one day. It makes me sad that our daughters may not as easily be able to have the same opportunities to live and work in mainland Europe. With the global trends the way they are, Europeans need to stick together.
I guess the sensible answer to the GC part is that there are now just more dimensions to think about in any multi-national businesses. That just feels a touch boring though.
The toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last year?
Making difficult people changes. Even though you know it’s the right thing for the business, making decisions that negatively impact people’s lives, and the lives of their families, is never something to be taken lightly.
One leadership habit you swear by under pressure?
Staying calm, not overreacting and always keeping the long term in mind.
How do you personally recharge when things get intense?
Sleep, spending time with the family and exercise.
Sleep is so important. 6-7 hours minimum consistently. Even when life is the wrong side of lively. One offs are ok of course, but if I’m only getting 3-4 hours sleep day after day after day, I’m a generally less pleasant, less productive human.
We have three daughters and a legendary cocker spaniel. Even when times are tough, making sure I spend time with them (with no devices) gives me perspective and makes me happy; whether that’s coaching one of their football teams, going to a concert, the theatre or some other micro-adventure - or just watching a movie together.
Like our dog Holly, I also need exercise. Otherwise, I get grumpy, as does she (I’m marginally less destructive). It’s usually either hobbling round a football pitch in my mid-40s or two hour walks with Holly in the countryside on a Saturday afternoon - I find it clears my head and often helps me look at issues in a different way.
What’s one wellbeing practice that’s actually stuck for you?
I walk everywhere in central London rather than taking a car or the tube. That’s not great for an ex-Uber lawyer is it!? I’m 18 months in and it’s been revolutionary for both mental and physical health. Plus, the time difference is negligible. Waterloo to work is 24 minutes walk and it's still 20 minutes if I take the tube.
If you had to give your younger self one tip about building a flourishing legal career, what would it be?
Worry less. I worried a lot in my 20s in particular. It’ll all be ok. Also, don’t be in so much of a hurry!
Best book, podcast, or film you’ve discovered recently?
The Rose Field by Philip Pullman, the last book in the Book of Dust trilogy. My wife and I read the original His Dark Materials trilogy over 20 years ago and loved it. It’s been brilliant to revisit Lyra’s world through The Book of Dust and to also start reading the original books with our daughters. There’s so much in them about friendship, family, hardship, trust, wonder and adventure - and, of course, questioning the world around you, especially authority.
One thing your team would be surprised to know about you?
That I once appeared on Mallet’s Mallet.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you be doing today?
I’d like to think I’d be running my own business. It’s always been very tempting. Law’s been good to me so far though, I’ve worked with brilliant people, travelled the world and been able to see a variety of different industries up close. No complaints.
Your go-to guilty pleasure after a long week?
I don’t drink alcohol during the week these days (see comment on sleep), so a good glass of wine on a Friday night is always welcome.
We’d like to thank Matt, the first member of our Founding Advisory Board, for his help and guidance in creating what the network is today — GCWN.