1. Tell us a bit about yourself.
I have over 4 years of legal experience. I started my career as a candidate attorney at Eversheds Sutherland SA, where I practiced litigation, TMT, and intellectual property. I then worked at a digital asset-focused fintech startup where I spent a year as Legal Counsel and now I work as a Legal Counsel in the Global Field Team at Bolt.
I have a degree in Law from Stellenbosch University, and I completed my degree at the World Trade Institute at the University of Bern. I enjoy running, reading psychological thrillers, and making people laugh.
2. What work do you do?
I provide everyday legal support for Bolt’s operations, including its global entities, business stakeholders, and other supporting functions for all product verticals from a local perspective. In particular, I cover South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, and Thailand. I also assist with Bolt’s expansions to new markets globally.
3. How long have you been in the industry?
I am fairly new to the tech industry, leaving private practice in 2021. I have always been inclined to it because it is fast-paced, innovative, creative, and focuses on execution and efficiency.
4. Has your work always been your passion? Tell us why.
I maintain that because we spend most of our lives working, it is important to derive passion from your work or aspects of it. The aspects of my work that I am passionate about are problem-solving, research, and scaling. I have always been a bit of an adrenaline junky and like dealing with crises (in the legal domain, this can happen quite frequently).
5. Being a woman in the industry – what does it take?
I think many women in tech and corporate struggle with imposter syndrome and an inherent need to prove themselves. I believe it takes a confident and assertive woman who believes they deserve their position and is unwavering.
6. What has been the most difficult challenge of your career?
I have faced various challenges in my career. However, one that comes to mind is working through COVID. During COVID, I was practising as a litigation attorney. Owing to the pandemic, the courts were closed, and companies all cut down on their litigation spend. It was challenging to justify your necessity at a company, and my department underwent pay cuts. I focused on generating income through other means, such as business development and pivoting focus areas. I used the time to upskill and offer my services to other departments.
7. What advice do you have for other women in your industry?
The tech industry evolves rapidly, so stay curious and continuously update your skills.
8. Plans for the future?
I want to upskill in ESG (Environment, Sustainability, and Governance) as I am confident that this is where a lawyer can be a big value-add in a business in the future.
Short bio
Georgia Barnard is a Legal Counsel at Bolt Services ZA, with expertise in sustainability, platform services, fintech, and financial services. She has managed legal functions across multiple regions, implemented corporate governance improvements, and contributed to global business objectives. Previously, she served as Legal Counsel at HAYVN and as an Associate at Eversheds Sutherland, specializing in trademark management and complex dispute resolution. Georgia holds a postgraduate law degree from the University of Stellenbosch and values working in a collaborative and motivated environment.
Social media link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgia-barnard-3321aa117
