The Hot 100 career quiz: BT’s Prash Mehta

What’s your most vivid memory from being a trainee?

Being in awe of how international trade is facilitated by law firms really understanding and the vital role firms play. Most vividly I remember working my first “all-nighter” in the office on a M&A deal, a hostile takeover of a company. There’s nothing quite like being in the “engine room” of an deal team for the first time. The adrenaline, strategy and sheer graft from the whole team to close the deal in a few days is an unforgettable experience.

What is the thing in your professional career that has terrified you or taken you out of your comfort zone the most?

I was fascinated by Brexit on so many levels. Having watched the politics unfold, it became clear that BT, like many organisations, needed to build a number of strategies to navigate through the Brexit process to ensure that all of our operations around the globe would continue as normal post Brexit. A role came up in 2020 to act as the Head of Brexit Planning and Policy role for BT.

There wasn’t a blueprint for this role and it included cutting through the whole organisation to understand our dealings with organisations, Governments and other partners across Europe. It was the first time I stepped away from being a lawyer and proved to be a fascinating journey to help BT navigate through changes in the movement of our people, goods, data and provision of our services around Europe.

What is the wisest thing anyone ever said to you (and who said it)?

My grandfather said to me when making big decisions, visualise yourself in 20 years from that decision and try and live and breathe how that decision may look and feel. Easier said than done but it helps to apply a new perspective when needed.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to get to where you are/do the job you do?

Always remain inquisitive. Businesses are changing so rapidly and helping them navigate through change can be extremely rewarding. Become that safe pair of hands and don’t be afraid to put your hand up and ask to get involved in projects that are outside of your comfort zone. As lawyers, we pick up a wide variety of skills that can be easily transferred to other parts of the business. Those skills can benefit your business and provide brilliant opportunities for your own personal development.

Finally, keep building your network. There are superstars in every business and bouncing around with them will always prove to be a beneficial experience.

What’s your best friend from law school doing now?

Head of Legal Project management at a large international firm.