GC Corner: An interview with Rebecca Symondson
Rebecca Symondson is the Group General Counsel at Kantar, overseeing the global Legal and Company Secretariat functions. Prior to joining Kantar, Rebecca served as Group Legal Director for Vodafone Group Plc, where she led the corporate, commercial, procurement, roaming and IP legal teams, as well as compliance. Before her tenure at Vodafone, she was the Group General Counsel at Thomas Cook Group plc, a UK-listed tour operator and airline. Rebecca began her legal career at Slaughter and May, where she qualified into the Corporate team. She holds a BA (Hons) in History from University College London and is a qualified Solicitor in England and Wales. Additionally, she is a qualified Chartered Secretary and Associate of the Chartered Governance Institute. Rebecca has three children and lives in Oxfordshire.
What’s the biggest pressure point you face as a GC today?
Keeping on top of the ever-expanding landscape of regulation, especially in areas like ESG and AI, is one of the most significant challenges. The rise in generative AI brings complex legal and ethical considerations, often requiring lawyers to strike a careful balance. I am grappling with this daily at Kantar and the balance between enabling innovation while ensuring responsible and compliant growth.
How has your approach to leadership evolved over time?
In my view one of the few positives of the pandemic was a shift in leadership style. It called for a more empathetic, human-centred style of leadership which aligns naturally with how I lead and I saw the impact of that on my team at Vodafone. It gave me the confidence to lead authentically, rather than conform to traditional, often hierarchical models. Today, I believe the most impactful leaders are those who combine clarity and decisiveness with kindness and empathy.
The toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last year?
It’s difficult to single out one decision as the role involves tough calls daily. However, decisions in relation to sanctions have been some of the toughest and require careful judgment. We’ve had to make difficult calls about disengaging in certain jurisdictions, not pitching for certain work or doing certain types of work. These are never easy conversations with the business but in this area the margin for discretion is minimal and consequences of error are significant.
One leadership habit you swear by under pressure?
Staying calm. In a crisis, your demeanour sets the tone. The business does not want to see its GC flustered or reactive. Nor do third parties who you want to instil confidence in (lenders, regulators, M&A counterparties). I learnt this during Thomas Cook’s financial collapse. When the worst happens—and it did—it puts everything into perspective. You survive, and you grow, and staying calm makes everything easier to manage.
How do you personally recharge when things get intense?
Definitely exercise. My Peloton tread and bike (bought during my Thomas Cook days as I never had time to go to the gym!) changed my life. I rotate between those, yoga, and weight training. A good class with Cody, Andy, or Rebecca Kennedy works wonders! I also love walking or running outside especially in the sunshine. Blenheim Palace is on my doorstep and a walk around there never fails to lift my spirits. Singing brings me joy too. I’ve just restarted lessons and I love that I can think about nothing else in the lessons other than the singing. And nothing beats an early night with a great Netflix series and my kids.
What’s one wellbeing practice that’s actually stuck for you?
Warm lemon water first thing. It’s a ritual. I take lemons everywhere! I hate getting stuck in a hotel on a business trip without a lemon. That, plus a turmeric and ginger shot, and a morning walk with my puppy. I always leave my phone at home on my morning walk so I can properly focus on the environment and not losing my dog!
If you had to give your younger self one tip about avoiding burnout, what would it be?
Keep perspective. A job is just a job. Thomas Cook taught me that. Don’t stress over what you can’t control. You’ll never finish your to-do list, and that’s okay. Focus on what matters and let go of the rest.
Best book, podcast, or film you’ve discovered recently?
I read ‘You Are Here’ by David Nicholls on my summer holiday which I loved. His ability to capture human emotion with humour is brilliant. I’ve also become a fan of ‘The Rest is History’ podcast which I try and listen to on my commute. I loved the Evita episodes.
One thing your team would be surprised to know about you?
It took me six attempts to pass my driving test. I only became comfortable admitting that in my 40s! My first test was abandoned and we had to walk back to the centre. I was mortified! But passing it gave me so much freedom, and I still count it as one of my greatest achievements.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you be doing today?
Musical theatre, singing or something property-related like architecture or interior design. I’d love to renovate old homes. Something hands-on and creative, far from a desk.
Your go-to guilty pleasure after a long week?
A glass of wine at a local pub in Woodstock with family, friends, and the puppy. That Friday wind-down feeling is magical. I wish I could bottle it. And a Daylesford organic raw chocolate bar from my Friday Ocado delivery which I buy as a weekend treat… although it rarely lasts past 10:30am!
Rebecca will host the forthcoming webinar for the GC UK Chapter, Digital Hygiene & Mindfulness, on the 12th September. Register here and see the full events calendar.