Author: The Fortune Leaders

Meet David Leys, a global attorney who is a member of the Brussels Bar, specializing in international trade, data privacy (GDPR), intellectual property, antitrust and competition as well as corporate and commercial contracts. David pursued his legal education at the Université catholique de Louvain, the College of Europe, and Columbia Law School, where he enhanced his knowledge of international regulations and cross-border legal frameworks.

The Professional Journey

David received training at prestigious international firms Sidley Austin and McGuireWoods, where he provided counsel to Fortune Global five hundred companies, governmental bodies, and associations on issues that included trade remedies, customs disputes, and compliance with EU regulations.

Subsequently, David broadened his expertise to encompass data privacy and cybersecurity, serving as an external Data Protection Officer (DPO) and offering strategic advice on intricate GDPR implementation, cross-border data transfers, and the governance of digital risks.

David emphasized that his background in litigation is equally robust, having represented clients in court more than 300 times across various trial and appellate courts in Belgium, specifically in commercial, intellectual property, and contractual issues. This practical courtroom experience shapes his legal strategy and provides clients with a competitive advantage in negotiation, enforcement, or risk management.

At present, David integrates his legal practice with academic research and instruction. As a doctoral researcher at the Université catholique de Louvain, David concentrates on the regulation of digital commerce and emerging technologies such as 3D printing. He frequently contributes to international journals and guides the upcoming generation of legal professionals.

“Having visited 123 countries across all seven continents, I bring a deeply global mindset to my work,” added David.

“My extensive exposure to diverse legal cultures and business environments has sharpened my ability to negotiate across jurisdictions, manage cultural nuances, and deliver strategic legal advice with both precision and diplomacy.”

Area of Specialization

David focuses on five primary domains: international trade, data privacy and cybersecurity (GDPR), antitrust and competition, intellectual property, and corporate and commercial contracts, as these domains constitute the foundation of cross-border commerce and innovation.

Across all these fields, what motivates David is the ability to translate legal complexity into practical solutions and to give clients not only peace of mind, but a strategic edge.

Professional Achievements

One of David’s most notable professional accomplishments has been providing counsel and representation to high-profile clients, which include Fortune Global 500 companies, public institutions, and innovative entrepreneurs across various jurisdictions, all while establishing a practice that merges legal accuracy with strategic insight.

A significant achievement was his participation in a complicated EU merger control case for a Fortune 500 energy corporation, where he managed legal due diligence and competition submissions across multiple nations. This project necessitated the alignment of legal, regulatory, and commercial priorities under considerable time constraints, showcasing his capability to maneuver through EU competition law, internal governance, and geopolitical sensitivities at the highest echelon.

Going with the Trend

David emphasizes that remaining at the forefront of changing legal frameworks is crucial to his work, particularly when providing counsel to clients throughout the EU, the U.S., and international organizations. David addresses this challenge by employing a blend of strategic monitoring, ongoing education, and direct involvement with regulatory advancements.

Addressing the Legal Industry Challenges

David stated that the legal sector in Europe is experiencing significant changes, influenced by rapid regulatory developments, digital innovations, and geopolitical instability. Three specific challenges are particularly noteworthy:

Due to the overlapping layers of EU law, national legislation, and sector-specific frameworks, legal professionals encounter growing challenges in providing clear and harmonized guidance, particularly in cross-border situations. David tackles this issue by cultivating extensive vertical expertise in areas such as trade, data protection, and intellectual property, while also converting intricate legal structures into practical advice customized for each client’s sector and jurisdiction.

Europe is at the forefront of establishing global regulatory standards in data privacy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and platform governance. However, clients frequently find it challenging to balance innovation with compliance. David’s practice is dedicated to closing this gap by creating contracts that comply with GDPR, providing guidance on cross-border data transfers, and analyzing evolving regulations such as the EU Digital Markets Act, the AI Act, and the Data Act with a future-oriented perspective.

Businesses are encountering heightened litigation risks, ranging from intellectual property enforcement to consumer protection and public procurement conflicts. The courts are inundated, and clients are seeking quicker, more strategic methods for dispute resolution. David addresses this by integrating extensive litigation expertise, which includes court appearances in Belgium, with pre-litigation risk evaluation and alternative dispute resolution strategies, enabling clients to resolve issues effectively and in a commercially viable manner.

Incorporating Technology

Innovation and technology are not peripheral to David’s legal practice they are integral to how David deliver value, anticipate risk, and stay ahead of the curve.

Initially, he incorporates legal technology tools into everyday operations to improve efficiency and accuracy. Ranging from contract lifecycle management systems to AI-powered compliance checkers and legal analytics platforms, David employs technology to facilitate document drafting, track regulatory updates in real time, and detect potential issues early in intricate contracts or tenders.

Secondly, he offers legal advice regarding technology. David guides clients on GDPR adherence concerning AI, algorithmic processing, cloud services, and international digital commerce. Additionally, David plays a role in shaping legal perspectives on new technologies, including the effects of 3D printing on trade law and the governance of data transfers within the EU–U.S. framework, through scholarly research and legal analysis.

Thirdly, he adopts a digitally proficient, client-oriented approach. Whether he is advising a startup on licensing strategies, reviewing a SaaS contract, or negotiating intellectual property clauses in a technology merger and acquisition deal, David communicates in the language of innovation. His clients are engaged in rapidly evolving industries ranging from entertainment to energy to digital platforms, and they expect legal counsel that comprehends their business models and anticipates changes in regulations.  

Supporting Future Legal Professionals

Mentorship and leadership are fundamental to David’s approach to practicing law, team building, and contributing to the legal profession. He regards these elements not as optional, but as vital responsibilities, particularly in a legal environment that requires not only technical expertise but also sound judgment, adaptability, and integrity.

As a practitioner, he exemplified leadership: demonstrating strategic thinking, maintaining clarity in high-pressure situations, and committing to excellence in every file he manages, whether for a startup, a government entity, or a Fortune 500 client. However, effective leadership also entails being approachable. David dedicates time to elucidate not only what tasks must be accomplished but also the rationale behind them, while cultivating a learning atmosphere that enables younger professionals to develop with confidence and intellectual rigor.

The Future of Legal Services

The future of legal services in Europe will be shaped by integration, innovation, and purpose. The world is entering an era where legal advice must transcend traditional boundaries geographical, disciplinary, and institutional and evolve into a truly strategic service that enables clients to navigate complexity, harness change, and build trust.

David believes legal services will become increasingly tech-augmented, policy-aware, and impact-driven. European law is no longer limited to the courtroom or the boardroom, it is becoming central to questions of digital sovereignty, sustainable transition, and cross-border governance. Lawyers will need to combine regulatory expertise with geopolitical fluency, technological literacy, and ethical awareness.

Through interdisciplinary practice, scholarly research, and legal thought leadership, David seeks to articulate the characteristics of a next-generation European lawyer: multilingual, adept in cross-border matters, digitally proficient, and knowledgeable in policy. David aspires to create connections between law and technology, the private and public sectors, as well as between legal certainty and commercial innovation.

• 📌 Visit David Leys👉  – LinkedIn Profile
• 🌐 Explore David Leys👉 – Company Website

Myles Bates is the visionary founder of Bates Product Design, bringing a strong foundation in mechanical engineering and medical device design, along with a Master’s in Engineering. With a passion for transforming ideas into market-ready products, Myles specializes in accelerated product development that combines efficiency, creativity, and cost-effectiveness. His expertise spans design, CAD, concept development, and in-house prototyping—empowering startups and businesses to bring their innovations to life. Under his leadership, Bates Product Design has become known for its agile, collaborative, and sustainable approach. Recognized by The Fortune Magazine as one of The Most Innovative Leaders in Engineering and Design Services in 2025, Myles continues to set new standards in the industry.

Inside the Interview

Can you briefly share your professional journey and what inspired you to enter the engineering and design services field?

Bates Product Design Ltd was born from a passion for turning ideas into tangible, meaningful products that improve lives. Our founder, Myles Bates, began as a mechanical engineer with a deep curiosity about how everyday objects are made. After gaining experience across industries—from medical devices to consumer electronics—he noticed a recurring problem: many brilliant product ideas from startups and small businesses never reached the market. The prohibitive cost of design services, coupled with inflexible, cookie-cutter agency models, made it difficult for SMEs to move forward. Myles saw an opportunity to do things differently. By offering a flexible, collaborative model—supported by a network of trusted experts without the overheads of a large agency—Bates Product Design was created to make high-quality design accessible and tailored to each unique project.

What do you believe sets your organization apart in terms of innovation and client impact?

At Bates Product Design, we don’t just design products—we design partnerships. Our client-centred approach sets us apart. We work hand-in-hand with inventors, entrepreneurs, and businesses to truly understand their vision and constraints. This collaborative spirit allows us to offer an agile, transparent, and emotionally intelligent development process. We invest heavily in prototyping and micro-manufacturing capabilities in-house, giving our clients rapid, cost-effective iterations that accelerate development and reduce risk. Our innovation isn’t limited to flashy tech—it’s about solving problems creatively, efficiently, and with lasting impact for our clients.

How do you stay ahead of technological trends and integrate them into your services or solutions?

Staying ahead of the curve is part of our DNA. We actively invest in emerging technologies, including high-speed 3D printing, micro-injection moulding, and digital simulation tools. Our team regularly participates in industry events, webinars, and technology showcases to ensure we’re not only aware of trends but ready to implement them effectively. By integrating these technologies into our workflow—such as using AI-assisted CAD tools or automating parts of our prototyping process—we improve speed, accuracy, and cost-efficiency for our clients.

What has been one of your most challenging projects, and how did you overcome it?

One of our most rewarding and challenging projects to date has been the development of Tidelight, a sustainably designed, UK-made ambient light. The vision was ambitious: design and manufacture the entire product within the UK using local suppliers and eco-friendly materials. We collaborated closely with trusted partners—including PCB manufacturers, traditional wood turners, and 3D printing experts—to develop the product. Every detail was thoughtfully sourced and tested locally, ensuring the design stayed true to its sustainable ethos. Thanks to this collaborative, community-driven approach, Tidelight successfully raised over £22,000 in pre-sales and is now available for pre-order at tidelight.co.uk. It’s a testament to what’s possible when sustainability and local innovation are at the heart of product development.

Sustainability and efficiency are key concerns today. How do your engineering/design solutions address these issues?

We embed sustainability into every phase of our development process. From material selection to manufacturing methods, we prioritise solutions that reduce waste, energy consumption, and environmental impact. We often guide our clients towards using recycled or recyclable materials and design for disassembly where possible, allowing for easier repair or recycling. Efficiency is also key—optimising part counts, simplifying geometries, and choosing local manufacturing options help us cut down lead times and reduce the carbon footprint of our designs. We also collaborate with several environmentally focused manufacturers who help thrive at brining our environmentally friendly products to life.

How do you foster a culture of innovation and creativity within your team or organization?

Our team thrives on openness, experimentation, and continuous learning. We encourage all team members, regardless of role, to contribute ideas and explore new approaches. Regular design sprints, collaborative sketching sessions, and technology demos keep our creative energy flowing. We’ve built a psychologically safe environment where ‘failing fast’ is seen as a valuable step in the innovation process. This culture allows us to maintain a high level of engagement and creativity across everything we do.

In what ways have client demands evolved over the past few years, and how have you adapted to meet them?

Clients today are more design-aware and environmentally conscious. There’s growing demand for end-to-end support, from idea validation to full-scale production. Many are asking for sustainable materials, rapid development, and cost-effective manufacturing solutions. Crucially, we’ve seen an increase in clients wanting UK-based design and manufacturing. In response, we’ve built strong partnerships with local manufacturers to streamline development. This allows us to test products live on-site, shorten production lead times, and ensure a seamless transition from prototype to market—all while supporting local industry and reducing environmental impact.

What emerging trends or technologies do you believe will significantly impact engineering and design services in the next five years?

We anticipate that AI-assisted design tools, generative design, and digital twins will become standard in the industry. These technologies allow for faster iteration, performance forecasting, and data-driven decision-making. Additionally, the growth of decentralised, small-batch, and on-demand manufacturing will revolutionise product development for startups and SMEs. The integration of emotional and behavioural insights into design will also continue to gain traction, helping brands deliver more human-centred, emotionally resonant products.

What advice would you give to future engineers and design leaders who aspire to lead with innovation and integrity?

Stay curious, stay humble, and always listen—especially to the people who will use your products. Innovation isn’t just about technology—it’s about empathy, practicality, and impact. Integrity means being honest about what’s feasible, guiding clients with care, and making decisions that benefit both people and the planet. Surround yourself with diverse voices, embrace iterative learning, and don’t be afraid to challenge convention. Real leadership in design means being bold enough to do things differently—and kind enough to bring others along with you.

• 📌 Visit Myles Bates 👉  – LinkedIn Profile
• 🌐 Explore Bates Product Design👉 – Company Website