On Tax
Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP
On Tax brings together professionals in the Cravath network for conversations about their life and work in the world of tax. Hosted by Cravath partner Len Teti, the show focuses on the often-forgotten human side of tax, highlighting the people, connections and stories that make the space such a fascinating and dynamic area of practice. Learn more about On Tax at cravath.com/podcast. Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP is a premier U.S. law firm that has been at the center of many of the world’s most significant transactions and disputes for more than two centuries. Learn more about the Firm at cravath.com, and explore its bicentennial at 200.cravath.com. (On Tax is intended for informational and educational purposes only, and does not establish an attorney-client relationship between any person or entity and Cravath.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 29, 2025 • 28min
Tadd Fowler of Procter & Gamble
Tadd Fowler, Senior Vice President at Procter & Gamble, shares his remarkable journey from an accounting major to a leading tax strategist. He delves into the vital skills needed for success, using a Ferrari analogy to emphasize mastering foundational tasks. Tadd also discusses the nuances of financial versus tax accounting and the impact of career transitions, offering insights into mentorship and decision-making. Additionally, he highlights the traits that distinguish exceptional tax advisors, blending personal anecdotes with professional wisdom.
Apr 8, 2025 • 33min
Gus Makris of Dow
Gus Makris, Senior Managing Counsel at Dow and former tax associate at Cravath, shares insights from his illustrious career in tax law. He discusses how a pivotal philosophy class shaped his journey into tax, and emphasizes the importance of simplifying complex tax concepts for new attorneys. Gus reflects on career transitions, highlighting how differing views on tax within organizations can impact strategy. He also shares experiences balancing family life with personal interests like golf, inviting listeners to engage with future topics.
Mar 18, 2025 • 22min
Andrew Compton of Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP
Andrew Compton is a partner in the Corporate Department at Cravath. In the Season 9 premiere of On Tax, he and fellow Cravath partner and host Len Teti talk about how his work in the energy and energy transition sectors intersects with the world of tax, and the importance of taking calculated risks throughout one’s career. Andrew also discusses the lessons he learned while working in Asia, including the benefits of finding commonality with the people on the other side of the negotiating table. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 11, 2025 • 2min
Welcome to Season 9 of On Tax
On Tax returns for Season 9 on Tuesday, March 18. This season, tune in as Cravath partner and podcast host Len Teti talks to professionals in the world of tax about the different routes they took into tax and the challenges and opportunities they faced along the way. Next week’s guest is Cravath corporate partner Andrew Compton, who discusses how his work in the energy and energy transition sectors intersects with the world of tax, and the importance of taking calculated risks throughout one’s career. Learn more about On Tax at cravath.com/podcast/index. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 17, 2024 • 30min
Tara Rhoades of The Sanity Plea LLC
Tara Rhoades, founder of The Sanity Plea, is a coach and strategist dedicated to guiding legal professionals through career transitions. She shares her journey from a philosophy background to becoming a tax lawyer in a prominent firm. Tara discusses overcoming early career fears and the vital role of mentorship in shaping her path. She reveals insights into client acquisition in legal coaching and dives into her love for horror cinema, linking it to deeper human truths, making for a captivating conversation.
Dec 3, 2024 • 23min
Susanne Schreiber of Bär & Karrer
Susanne Schreiber, Senior Partner and Co-Head of the Tax Department at Bär & Karrer in Zurich, shares her journey from M&A corporate law to tax law specialization. She discusses the contrasting tax landscapes of Germany and Switzerland, emphasizing Switzerland's proactive approach. Susanne highlights the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and simplifying complex tax issues for clarity. The conversation also touches on her transition to leadership in a law firm and the importance of balancing work with personal joy, illustrating this with humorous anecdotes about her dog.
Nov 12, 2024 • 24min
Ariel Greenblum of Tax Notes Federal
Ariel Greenblum, the Editor in Chief of Tax Notes Federal, dives deep into the world of tax journalism. She shares how her passion for economics and tax law paved her career path from law student to editor. Ariel reflects on her 12-year journey, the importance of communication in the editorial process, and the balance between precision and clarity in legal writing. Additionally, she discusses the invaluable role of personal connections in advancing one’s career while also highlighting the joys of family life and shared adventures.
Oct 22, 2024 • 47min
JoAnn Chávez of DTE Energy
JoAnn Chávez is the Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at DTE Energy. In this episode of On Tax, she and Cravath partner and host Len Teti discuss how a willingness to advocate for her own ambitions led JoAnn to pursue an unusual path to leadership through the tax world. She also reflects on the power of making the right choices for oneself and her commitment to uplifting young Latinos just beginning their careers in law. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 1, 2024 • 23min
Jim Piazza, formerly of Deloitte
Jim Piazza, recently retired as a Senior Marketplace and Tax Partner at Deloitte, shares insights from his remarkable career. He reflects on how his auditing background and relationship-building skills led to his success in tax. The power of teamwork shines through as he recounts a billion-dollar gain achieved through collaboration. Jim also highlights his philanthropic efforts supporting children in need and discusses the significance of mentorship. Now in retirement, he's focusing on golf and giving back while reminiscing about his journey.
Sep 10, 2024 • 24min
Ali Denning of Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP
Ali Denning, a partner in the Trusts and Estates Department at Cravath, shares her journey from exploring various interests to finding her calling in tax law. She discusses the nuanced differences between corporate law and estate planning, highlighting the importance of effective communication and tailored client relationships. Ali also emphasizes the value of experiential learning for young lawyers and addresses common misconceptions in estate planning. Beyond law, she talks about her passions for running, historical fiction, and crafting with her family.
