________________________________________________________________ Eben Krim | Solstice Advanced Materials
structures that not only support operations but allow the business to operate efficiently and capitalize on opportunities, demonstrating the legal function’ s essential value creation.
Taking the lead
At Solstice, Eben leads a legal team. The move from individual contributor to team leader changed how he measures his impact and how he makes decisions.“ I try to tailor my approach to the situation. Sometimes that means being in the weeds and grappling with the details, and sometimes it means stepping back,” Eben admits. For him, leadership is about knowing when to dive in and when to delegate and trust your team.
He values input from his team.“ I like to hear from everybody on my team and build consensus if we can. We cannot do that every time of course, but when we can, I try to,” Eben notes. He hires people who take ownership and face problems head-on.“ I want people to think like an owner of the company. If there is a problem, I want you to run toward it and be part of the solution, that is one of our values at Solstice” Eben stresses.
His leadership style matches the company’ s approach. Solstice blends the experience of an established business with the energy of a startup.“ It has a startup vibe. People are open to change and are very excited about what we are building,” Eben points out. The environment shapes the way work gets done.
Today, success is more than litigation results.“ I really enjoy when the business comes to me proactively- before things go wrong- and asks for strategic advice. That is based on establishing trust, and it matters because then you can avoid the problem in the first place,” Eben reflects.
Outside of work, Eben looks for ways to keep perspective.“ I have two teenage kids at home. They keep me busy and grounded,” Eben admits. Time outdoors helps, too.“ Getting out into nature, sometimes with my dogs, really helps me recharge.” As Solstice grows, Eben stays committed to strengthening its legal foundation for the future.“ I want my work to set Solstice on firm ground and ensure it is built the right way,” Eben concludes, highlighting his focus on leaving a lasting, positive mark. ■ modern-counsel. com 75