Technology the catalyst for a successful, satisfying career

Delphina Turner, the executive director of legal operations for Panasonic Automotive Systems America, LLC, has retirement in her sights after a distinguished career which includes nearly 30 years working for Panasonic. InView asked her about some of her major milestones in a life she describes as an adventure full of twists and turns.

InView: You were a renowned athlete, an Olympic trialist. How did your success as an athlete impact your life and career choices?

Delphina Turner: My life as an athlete played a monumental role in shaping my career choices and personal development. As an Olympic trialist, the discipline and drive required to excel in sports were instrumental in my success. The same determination that pushed me to be the best on the track also pushed me towards achieving my life goals. Balancing athletics and academics during college taught me the importance of multitasking and instilled in me a level of discipline that has been invaluable in my career.

Although you majored in computer science, you move to legal operations midway through your career. How did the pivot to legal ops occur?

My journey began in Silicon Valley, where I spent several years coding and developing software tools for various business departments. Over time, I found myself gravitating towards the legal sector, and I eventually studied to become a contract manager. It felt like a natural progression to transition into legal operations, especially after successfully implementing our first contract management tool. Technology has always been a catalyst for success in my career, driving growth and innovation.

The legal profession has changed markedly over the past decade due to the increasing use of technology. How has technology impacted Panasonic’s legal team?

The legal profession has undergone tremendous changes over the past decade, largely due to the adoption of technology. At Panasonic Automotive, I have championed the implementation of various tools that have streamlined our processes and driven success. Managing business processes manually can be cumbersome, but once streamlined, the benefits are clear. The return on investment from these improvements is significant, even in areas typically resistant to change due to the nature of our business. One of the most notable changes I’ve observed in legal operations is the integration of AI technology. AI has been a game-changer, allowing us to review and redline agreements automatically. This has saved countless hours and enabled our team to focus on more collaborative tasks.

What’s the relationship like between legal ops and legal counsel at Panasonic?

The relationship between legal operations and legal counsel at Panasonic Automotive has always been strong, thanks to the unwavering support of our General Counsel. His support has been crucial in enabling us to implement changes that enhance our efficiency and effectiveness.

Coming into legal ops from a non-legal background, what was the toughest thing about fitting into a legal environment? On the flip side, did your background in computer science serve as an advantage?

Transitioning into a legal environment presented its challenges, but I embraced the opportunity to learn and grow. I took additional classes and continuously expanded my knowledge to fit in and excel in my new role. My background in computer science proved to be an advantage, allowing me to implement tools without relying on third-party teams, with only the occasional need for IT support to ensure seamless integration with other applications.

You’ve been with Panasonic for almost three decades – a significant achievement. With job-hopping now far more common, what, in your opinion, are the benefits to both employees and companies of long-serving staff?

Having been with Panasonic for nearly 30 years, I can attest to the benefits of long-term employment for both employees and the company. Panasonic Automotive values its employees and promotes work-life balance, which was a significant factor in my decision to stay. The opportunity to grow within the organization while raising my three children made Panasonic Automotive the perfect fit for me.

What advice would you give anyone looking to make a career in legal ops?

My advice is to learn as much as you can about the field. Don’t limit yourself to one area; expand your knowledge to be more promotable and versatile in your career.

You are planning to retire in the near future. What are you most looking forward to in this new chapter of your life?

As I look forward to retirement, I am excited about the prospect of traveling, exploring the world, and spending time with my grandchild. The joy he brings will undoubtedly be the highlight of this new chapter in my life.