Tell us about your career choice and journey. What inspired you to become a lawyer?
From a young age, I was encouraged by my parents and teachers to think about a legal career, and over time, it really clicked with me. Pursuing law at Marmara University felt like the right choice since I’ve always been drawn to problem-solving and analytical thinking.
I began my career as a legal specialist at a leading bus manufacturer, gaining firsthand experience in corporate legal matters. Wanting to broaden my expertise, I moved to California to pursue a postgraduate degree in Business Administration and Management at UC Berkeley. While in the U.S., I also worked for an export company in Alameda, gaining valuable exposure to international business operations.
Driven by my career ambitions, I returned to Istanbul and joined a prominent law firm, where I advised major holding companies and contributed to IPO processes. This experience paved the way for my transition to in-house roles, where I’ve had the privilege of leading legal and compliance functions across diverse industries—including pharmaceuticals, dairy, AI-driven smart city solutions, and sustainable heating and cooling technologies. Being part of leadership teams in these sectors has allowed me to align legal strategies with business objectives, ensuring compliance while supporting growth and innovation. Currently, I serve as the Legal Director for Saint-Gobain, a global leader in sustainable construction solutions, with a motto I truly admire: “Making the world a better home.”
As a Legal Director, I see my role as more than just mitigating risk—it’s about being a trusted advisor and strategic partner. Law isn’t just about regulations; it’s about helping businesses navigate complexities, seize opportunities, and grow responsibly while maintaining compliance with legal frameworks and internal policies. I find it incredibly rewarding to collaborate with stakeholders, develop pragmatic solutions, and contribute to my company’s long-term success.
Mentoring young legal professionals is also something I’m passionate about. Success isn’t just about personal accomplishments, but also about helping others along the way. I believe that it’s important to share knowledge, build confidence, and open doors for the next generation of lawyers, regardless of gender. The legal industry is evolving, and as senior professionals, we have the opportunity to help shape that future by supporting talent and fostering diversity.
You have been working for over 20 years at several leading companies. Are there any pivotal moments that shaped your career as a lawyer?
One of the most pivotal moments in my life and career was moving to California—living in a completely different country—furthering my education and gain international work experience. Adapting to a new environment challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds, and develop a truly global mindset.
This experience deepened my belief in the power of diversity and inclusion—not just as values, but as essential drivers of innovation and success. Working with individuals from different perspectives and cultures taught me the importance of inclusive decision-making and how diverse teams create stronger, more well-rounded solutions. It also gave me a better understanding of business dynamics, which has been incredibly valuable in my legal career.
Living and working there strengthened my ability to bridge the gap between legal frameworks and business objectives, a key skill for in-house counsel. It also tested my resilience and adaptability, as navigating an unfamiliar environment and eventually returning to Turkey to build my career required strategic thinking and an open mind.
Looking back, that chapter was truly transformative. It shaped the way I approach challenges, advocate for inclusive and ethical business practices, and contribute meaningfully as both a legal and business advisor today.
What are your reflections on the diversity and inclusion culture in the legal profession in Türkiye?
Diversity and inclusion in the legal profession in Türkiye have definitely come a long way, but I think there’s still a lot of progress to be made. Traditionally, the legal field here has been quite structured and hierarchical, with certain demographics dominating leadership roles. That said, I’ve started to see positive changes, especially with more women and people from diverse backgrounds stepping into senior positions.
But for me, true inclusion isn’t just about having representation—it’s about creating an environment where different perspectives are really valued and where everyone has the same opportunity to contribute and move forward. In Türkiye, there’s more awareness around this, but there are still challenges, particularly in making sure that diversity and inclusion efforts go beyond just symbolic actions and actually turn into real cultural and policy shifts within organizations.
One area that could use improvement is creating more inclusive pathways to leadership. In my own career, I’ve always advocated for diverse teams because I’ve seen firsthand how different viewpoints lead to stronger, more creative solutions. I truly believe that legal professionals, whether in private practice or in-house roles, have a responsibility to drive change by promoting inclusive policies, mentoring underrepresented talent, and making sure the profession reflects the diverse society we serve.
At the same time, achieving true gender equality in leadership isn’t just about women—it’s about collaboration. Men need to be active allies in breaking down the barriers, challenging biases, and promoting inclusivity. Diversity and inclusion aren’t just a women’s issue—it’s a team effort that benefits everyone. By working together, we can create a legal profession where success is defined by talent and merit, not gender or background.
While Türkiye is moving in the right direction, building a truly inclusive legal culture requires ongoing commitment from law firms, corporate legal departments, and legal educators. But I’m optimistic that with continuous effort and collaboration, we’ll see even greater strides toward a more diverse and inclusive legal profession.
You are currently the country legal director for Saint-Gobain Türkiye. How is Saint-Gobain progressing with its diversity agenda?
From my perspective, Saint-Gobain’s global commitment to diversity and inclusion strongly informs our approach in Türkiye, and it continues to build on this foundation. Our top management and HR colleagues play a crucial role in driving this agenda, ensuring that D&I is not just a statement but a fundamental part of our evolving corporate culture and policies.
Efforts are focused on fostering an inclusive culture where equal opportunities and diverse perspectives are actively valued. The leadership team champions initiatives that promote inclusive leadership, while HR implements policies that support diversity across all stages—from recruitment and development to career progression.
A key priority within the D&I agenda is advancing gender balance in leadership and technical roles, alongside broader diversity initiatives. Beyond gender diversity, there is also a commitment to fostering an environment where a wide range of perspectives contribute to decision-making and innovation.
Fostering a culture of belonging is another important focus. This includes initiatives that promote work-life balance, inclusive leadership training, and structured programs supporting diverse talent development.
From my perspective, diversity and inclusion are deeply embedded in the TEC (Trust, Empowerment, Collaboration) culture, which defines Saint-Gobain’s ways of working. By fostering trust, the company creates a safe and inclusive environment where diverse voices are heard. Through empowerment, employees are provided opportunities to contribute and grow. And by embracing collaboration, collective strengths drive innovation and progress.
The goal is to build a workplace where every individual feels valued, empowered, and heard. While I recognize that there is always room for growth, I am proud to be part of an organization where top management and HR continuously invest in making inclusion a reality.
In your opinion, are women lawyers treated differently by clients and colleagues compared to their male counterparts?
Personally, I’ve been fortunate enough not to face bias or discrimination in my career. I’ve always worked in environments where my skills and contributions were valued for what they are, based on merit. This hasn’t been by accident—I’ve made a conscious choice to work for companies where diversity and inclusion are part of the culture. However, I know that not all women in the legal profession have had the same experience.
Gender dynamics in the legal field have certainly evolved, but challenges remain both in Türkiye and globally. The "glass ceiling" is still very much present — women are underrepresented in senior roles, and sometimes they have to work even harder to establish authority. For instance, assertiveness can be viewed differently depending on gender, and societal expectations around work-life balance often add extra obstacles.
On a positive note, I’ve seen some encouraging changes. More and more organizations, clients, and colleagues are actively supporting gender diversity and realizing the value of diverse perspectives in legal and business decision-making. Companies are increasingly putting policies in place to promote equal opportunities, which is a step forward.
Breaking the glass ceiling, though, requires ongoing effort. It’s not just about women advocating for themselves—men need to be allies in this process, too. Collaboration is essential for challenging stereotypes, supporting female leadership, and making sure talent is recognized fairly. Through mentorship, allyship, and fair workplace practices, we can continue pushing for meaningful change and work toward a truly inclusive legal profession.
How do you see the new generation of women lawyers?
The new generation of women lawyers is ambitious, confident, and ready to challenge the status quo. They’re entering the profession with strong technical skills, a global outlook, and a real commitment to diversity and inclusion. Unlike previous generations, many young women lawyers today are more vocal about their expectations for equal opportunities, work-life balance, and professional growth.
What stands out the most is their willingness to advocate for themselves and others. They’re not afraid to take up space, question outdated norms, and push for more inclusive workplaces. Many are also embracing technology and innovation to enhance legal practice, which makes them highly adaptable to the evolving demands of the profession.
One positive shift I’ve noticed is the increasing number of mentorship and sponsorship programs available now. These initiatives offer guidance, networking, and career support, helping young women navigate the profession and break down barriers. Programs like these were much less common in the past, and their rise shows that the legal industry is moving toward greater inclusivity.
That said, challenges remain. Even though we’ve made progress, structural barriers like the glass ceiling and unconscious bias are still present. The key is to make sure these talented women continue to get the opportunities and support they need to thrive.
I’m optimistic about the future. With the right mentorship, sponsorship, and an environment that values merit over gender, I believe this new generation will drive real change, making the legal profession more inclusive, dynamic, and forward-thinking.
What advice would you give the younger generation of women lawyers who aspire to have a successful career like yours?
My advice to young women pursuing a legal career is to be proactive, resilient, and not afraid to create your own path. Confidence is just as important as competence—believe in yourself, speak up, and take on challenges, even if they push you outside your comfort zone. The legal field is always changing, so staying adaptable and continuously learning—whether it’s new areas of law, business trends, or technology—will really set you apart.
Building a strong network is also crucial. Surround yourself with mentors, sponsors, and supportive peers who can guide you and help open doors. But don’t wait around for opportunities to come to you—go out and grab them. Whether it's negotiating your salary, stepping into leadership roles, or speaking up about your career goals, being clear about what you want is key.
Remember, integrity and professionalism will always be your biggest assets, because your reputation follows you throughout your career. And yes, challenges will come—whether it's a tough case, workplace biases, or balancing work with personal life—but every obstacle is a chance to learn and grow.
Finally, success isn’t just about what you achieve personally—it’s about lifting others up, too. Supporting and mentoring the next generation of women in law helps make the profession stronger for everyone.
If you never became a lawyer, what would you had done instead as a career?
I never really thought about it before, but some friends have said psychology would be a great fit for me. If I hadn’t become a lawyer, though, I probably would have pursued a career in astronautics, astrobiology, or even interstellar diplomacy. When I was a kid, I used to dream—and sometimes even pray—about living with aliens beyond our world. The idea of exploring space, studying the potential for extraterrestrial life, and maybe even communicating with alien civilizations is just fascinating. Whether it’s engineering space missions, researching life beyond Earth, or preparing for interstellar relations, each of these fields would offer an incredible adventure beyond our world! 🚀👽✨
What motivates you?
What motivates me is the opportunity to learn and grow every day. I enjoy tackling new challenges, picking up new skills, and seeing progress along the way. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that what I’m doing has purpose and can truly make a difference. Also, collaborating with smart, creative people is always energizing. It’s those small wins and the impact I can have that keep me driven.
How do you manage your current work / life balance?
I’d love to say I have it all figured out, but honestly, some days feel like a perfect balance, while others are more like a juggling act. I make it a point to set boundaries and take time for things that recharge me, reminding myself that it’s okay not to have everything perfectly planned.
When you look back at your career and the knowledge you’ve gained, what advice would you give to female students who are about to enter the legal industry?
Believe in yourself, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to take up space. The legal world can be tough, but with confidence and perseverance, you'll go far. Find mentors, attend seminars and events, build a solid network, and never stop learning. And most importantly—don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t do.