For our latest employee spotlight, we caught up with the Head of Legal for Rakuten Symphony Germany, Jenny Paschen. With around two decades of experience in telecommunications law, Jenny's invaluable skills have been crucial to the organisation's success in Germany.
Tell us about your journey to Rakuten Symphony.
I’m a native German, born in Hamburg and having lived all across the country, I’ve called Düsseldorf home for the last 15 years. After completing my studies in Germany, I pursued a Master’s degree in IT and telecommunications law at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.
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Following a brief stint at a law firm, I took on the role of in-house counsel for a fixed-line telecom company, and later joined Vodafone. Over nearly 15 years there, I led all legal matters for the organization in Germany. In 2020, I left the company, seeking new challenges in a different industry. I was then approached by Rakuten. They talked about an upcoming innovative project in Germany. They needed someone with extensive telecom experience, and the opportunity was too enticing to pass up. I joined Rakuten Symphony in the summer of 2021, and this role has proven to be far more exciting and diverse than my previous positions in the same industry.
What makes Rakuten Symphony different from other organizations you’ve worked with?
Rakuten Symphony has a captivating blend of an agile startup mindset while being part of a global giant like Rakuten. This dynamic environment continually pushes us into new territories, offering abundant opportunities to learn and grow alongside the company. Coming from a more traditional background where processes can become rigid, it’s refreshing to challenge myself here, where I have the freedom to develop my own ideas and pursue them.
What are your roles and responsibilities in your current position?
What I love about my current role is that each day is completely unique. My responsibilities span corporate governance, labor law and compliance, among other areas I tackle daily. However, the majority of my time is dedicated to the 1&1 project, focusing on contract management, dispute resolution, and ensuring we meet our obligations.
A key aspect of my role as in-house counsel is translating complex legal language into actionable insights. This information aids management in strategic decision-making and is also shared with teams in procurement, project management, and finance to address everyday challenges. I find it exhilarating to join discussions with various teams, explaining the different legal frameworks.
I would describe my role as a blend of problem-solving and complexity management. My greatest strength lies in my ability to quickly grasp the nuances of a situation, identify potential legal implications, and provide pragmatic solutions for the best course of action.
What has been the highlight of your time at Rakuten Symphony?
It's tough to pinpoint just one highlight, as there have been many memorable moments here. Each project has its highs and lows. However, December 8, 2023 stands out-the day the 1&1 network finally went live. The journey to that moment was long and filled with challenges. I was incredibly proud of the launch, having been part of the project for quite some time and working alongside exceptionally talented people to reach this industry-defining milestone.
What are some hobbies you enjoy in your downtime?
I love spending time outdoors. Given how much time I spend in front of a computer, being outside is essential for my well-being. I enjoy hiking, but if I'm short on time, I make it a point to go for a daily walk. I’ve also found an affinity for snowboarding while on vacation. Golf is another sport I’ve taken up, though I often find I lack the patience it requires!
In terms of music and arts, I’m a huge fan of science fiction literature and try to read as much as I can. I’ve recently embarked on learning Japanese and am also picking up the piano again—something I enjoyed as a child.
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Who inspires you?
It may sound clichéd, but the people I work with, especially the younger generation are a tremendous source of inspiration for me. Their motivation and creativity in tackling challenges is refreshing, and it’s inspiring to see them bring forth ideas I hadn’t considered, despite my two decades in the industry.
Additionally, my first boss was an exceptional leader with a great attitude. He was kind and taught me invaluable lessons that I carry with me to this day.
What’s next for you?
In the next 6-12 months, my primary goal is to ensure the success of the 1&1 project, making it a productive endeavour for both Rakuten and our customers. Beyond that, I’m excited about the potential business opportunities that may arise at Rakuten Symphony, and I look forward to tackling these challenges.
Outside of work, I aim to improve my Japanese by 2025 and hopefully get back to skiing or snowboarding next year. So far, I believe I’ve maintained a healthy balance between work and personal life, and that will continue to be my top priority moving forward.
