The Abstract

How do you turn one of the most difficult moments in your life into the motivation that guides you to make the world a better place?When Raj Mahapatra received his axial spondyloarthritis diagnosis, he was told he would spend his life in a wheelchair. Decades later, he is an accomplished long-distance runner, seasoned general counsel, tech start-up business operator, mission-driven climate advocate, and chairman of the charity that makes life better for people suffering from his condition worldwide.Listen as Raj recounts his journey to leadership, explains the importance of advocating for your personal needs, and shares why it is so important for GCs to never stop asking “why?”Read detailed summary: https://www.spotdraft.com/podcast/episode-26Topics:Introduction: 1:20Receiving a life-changing diagnosis in your twenties: 2:45Changing your perspective on work by living with a disability: 6:27Incorporating charity into your running practice: 13:17Going beyond legal roles and into operator positions: 20:41Fundraising as General Counsel and Head of Intellectual Property at Cervest Limited: 24:45Reflecting on the experience of building and losing a business as a lawyer: 32:13Resetting after a difficult work experience: 35:58Joining Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati as Senior Counsel: 42:19Building a meaningful life: 51:28Connect with us:Raj Mahapatra - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajmahapatra/Tyler Finn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerhfinnSpotDraft - https://www.linkedin.com/company/spotdraftSpotDraft is a leading CLM platform that solves your end-to-end contract management issues. Visit https://www.spotdraft.com to learn more.

In an always-changing ad tech industry, how have privacy and data protection emerged as two of the largest challenges that organizations need to face? Whether it’s streaming platforms, engineering AI models, or aligning key industry stakeholders, these topics are evolving faster than the world can keep up with.OpenAP GC & Chief Privacy Officer Andy Dale has been leading conversations about privacy and data protection for more than a decade. He shares stories and advice from his time as the only privacy counsel at Mastercard, an organizer of some of the first privacy and data-focused industry groups, overseeing privacy at standards-making body OpenAP, and co-hosting his popular and influential podcast for more than 80 episodes, Data Protection Breakfast Club.Read detailed summary: https://www.spotdraft.com/podcast/episode-25Topics:Introduction: 0:00Predicting the importance of data protection and recalibrating your career: 3:24Connecting laws and data in the privacy sphere: 6:52Leading privacy diligence during SessionM sale to Mastercard: 11:25Identifying your interests to determine your next professional move: 15:26Working across competitive lines at OpenAP: 19:35Predicting the data and privacy ecosystem ahead: 24:36Viewing AI through privacy and data protection: 27:50Evolving the Chief Privacy Officer role: 30:19Advice to junior lawyer breaking into privacy: 33:48Co-hosting a podcast about privacy and data protection with over 88 episodes published: 38:22Privacy-related book recommendations: 44:06Advice to younger lawyers: 45:16Listen to an episode of Andy’s Data Protection Breakfast Club podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trevor-hughes-ceo-at-iapp/id1559290322?i=1000514250595Connect with us:Andy Dale - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-dale-7705b83/Tyler Finn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerhfinnSpotDraft - https://www.linkedin.com/company/spotdraftSpotDraft is a leading CLM platform that solves your end-to-end contract management issues. Visit https://www.spotdraft.com to learn more.

How do you build and scale a high-performing legal team?Beyond legal prowess, GCs must master leadership, finding and retaining the right talent, allocating resources and advocating for budget, and more. Join us as we dive into intriguing stories and advice shared by top leaders in the in-house legal industry.Read detailed summary: https://www.spotdraft.com/podcast/episode-24TopicsIntroduction: 00:00David Lancelot on transforming processes to empower lawyers as strategic leaders: 01:46Gary Spiegel on hiring adaptable players and fostering a growth-oriented culture: 08:17Brian Chase on allocating resources strategically and nurturing talent: 13:41Akshay Verma on how well-being and values contribute to professional success: 20:03Adam Glick on strategic hiring for expertise and problem-solving skills: 22:17Celaena Powder on team success through coaching, brand building, and open culture: 30:38Lydia Chuek on demonstrating trust in employees and retaining great legal talent: 34:00Seth Weissman on developing trust and leadership synergy within teams: 36:56Subscribe to be the first to know when we release new episodes.Connect with us:Tyler Finn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerhfinnSpotDraft - https://www.linkedin.com/company/spotdraftFeatured guests:David Lancelot - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlancelot/Gary Spiegel - ​​https://www.linkedin.com/in/gspieg/Brian Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-r-chase/Akshay Verma - https://www.linkedin.com/in/akshay-verma-esq/Adam Glick - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adglick/Celaena Powder - https://www.linkedin.com/in/celaenapowder/Lydia Cheuk - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydiacheuk/Seth Weissman -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethweissman/

Interested in expanding beyond the traditional role of General Counsel? Join us in this episode to find out how legal leaders redefine their roles. Discover insights that transform legal professionals into strategic business leaders – from smoothly transitioning to CEO to mastering adaptive communication in enterprise strategy.Read detailed summary: https://www.spotdraft.com/podcast/episode-23Topics: Introduction: 00:00Evan Ferl on taking the legal landscape beyond its limits: 01:16René Paula on enterprise strategy and adaptive communication: 06:55Kathy Zhu on mastering the legal to CEO transition: 09:11Vanessa Gage on navigating interim leadership challenges: 12:15Genessa Stout on mastering legal insight and business success: 17:19Outro: 20:30 Subscribe now for valuable perspectives on Google Podcasts/Apple Podcasts/Spotify.Tyler Finn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerhfinnSpotDraft - https://www.linkedin.com/company/spotdraftFeatured guests:Evan Ferl: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanferl/René Paula: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rpaula/Kathy Zhu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathymzhu88/Vanessa Gage: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vgage/Genessa Stout: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genessastout/SpotDraft is a leading CLM platform that solves your end-to-end contract management issues. Visit https://www.spotdraft.com to learn more.

Joining a board as a GC presents a unique set of challenges: how do you demonstrate value when many boards are looking for members with financial and strategy experience? How do you avoid becoming the de facto legal counsel? And how can you maximize your board experience to expand and strengthen your network and legal skill set?Lisa Harrington, board director, consultant, and CLO, can coach you through this complex process. Currently the board director at A-Rod’s Slam Corp and Iron Horse Acquisitions, Lisa has complimented her career as CLO and corporate secretary with a yearslong journey through public and private board rooms.Join Lisa as she offers her fellow GCs experience-proven advice on the best ways to find your first board seat, thrive on a committee as an expert advisor, and eventually make your way to a role on a coveted public board.Read detailed summary: https://www.spotdraft.com/podcast/episode-22Topics:Introduction: 1:28Comparing and contrasting GC roles at public and private companies: 4:24Finding opportunities on to take on board directorships or take on board seats: 8:48Setting yourself up to get recruited for board membership: 15:01Describing the ongoing obligations of a board member or director: 21:39Factors to consider for GCs looking to join a board: 25:08Non-legal-related advice for drafting your board agreement: 28:17Making strong connections with operators: 31:53Going through the IPO process with Iron Horse: 37:49Participating on a board during an acquisition at Slam Corp: 41:37Leaving a board role with grace: 44:45Advice to younger self: 47:10Connect with us:Lisa Harrington - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisahattonharrington/Tyler Finn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerhfinnSpotDraft - https://www.linkedin.com/company/spotdraftSpotDraft is a leading CLM platform that solves your end-to-end contract management issues. Visit https://www.spotdraft.com to learn more.

After an unexpected detour from her initial plans to join the FBI, Alice Bisgrove built a career in tech law working for tech giants like Cisco and Procore.In this episode, she discusses how she remained a legal generalist for over a decade at Cisco, taking on new roles and building relationships across the massive organization.Alice describes her transition to Procore as it grew from an established startup to a public company. From her impactful career journey, we will learn lessons on collaboration, problem-solving perspectives, and continually adapting to new opportunities.Read detailed summary: https://www.spotdraft.com/podcast/episode-21Topics:01:07 Introduction04:36 Moving into the tech field09:57 Sensing when an applicant is hungry to work11:01 Staying curious as a corporate generalist at Cisco15:03 Driving alignment after identifying a major problem20:24 Building trust with stakeholders in your business21:42 Finding ways to maintain customer centricity25:46 Transitioning to Procore Technologies27:38 Working cross-functionally30:08 Management role and building a team32:11 Book recommendations33:54 Advice to younger selfConnect with us:Alice Bisgrove - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicebisgroveTyler Finn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerhfinnSpotDraft - https://www.linkedin.com/company/spotdraftSpotDraft is a leading CLM platform that solves your end-to-end contract management issues. Visit https://www.spotdraft.com to learn more.

When you disagree with your boss, should you let it go or take a stand? How do you lean into your integrity and vocalize your beliefs, especially when you aren’t aware of the strength of your own voice? And how do you advise your company to do the right thing, as well?Junna Ro, the head of strategic legal initiatives for UC Legal at the UC Office of the President, has spent decades inhabiting leadership positions in the insurance and tech industry, both as the former general counsel at Metromile and the chief ethics & compliance officer at CSAA. But entering the world of legal without the connections and role models of her law school peers, she also knows what it’s like to be an outsider.Join Junna as she shares her passion for diversity, inclusion, ethics, and representation, as well her journey to discovering the power of speaking out and standing up for your convictions.Read detailed summary: https://www.spotdraft.com/podcast/episode-20Topics:Introduction: 1:09Taking a break from legal work and reflecting: 2:22Book recommendations: 9:23Sharing the cultural context of your upbringing: 12:11Existing as both a legal outsider and a legal insider: 15:16Finding the courage to speak up in high-pressure moments: 17:34Defining the difference between ethics and compliance in legal: 23:16Moving into a General Counsel position at Metromile: 26:49Taking a stand against Asian hate: 33:55Advising executive teams on taking a stand on social issues: 39:23Offering advice to leaders about tackling difficult topics: 44:16Reflecting on failures: 44:56Advice for young lawyers: 46:56Connect with us:Junna Ro: https://www.linkedin.com/in/junnaro/Tyler Finn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerhfinnSpotDraft - https://www.linkedin.com/company/spotdraftSpotDraft is a leading CLM platform that solves your end-to-end contract management issues. Visit https://www.spotdraft.com to learn more.

What does it mean for a lawyer to take on an interim role? Yes, there will be more work and your time will be divided across functions. But you will also get the opportunity to reevaluate why things are the way they are, and make positive improvements for your legal team.Join Cedar General Counsel Vanessa Gage as she shares advice on how to make the most of an interim executive roles. Vanessa stepped into the role of interim CFO at Cedar following a surprise executive departure—just weeks after she the started at the company. But it wasn’t her first time taking on an interim position. Find out how she was able to tackle the challenges—and rewards—that lay ahead.This episode, recorded before Cedar filled their CFO role, offers a glimpse into Vanessa’s perspective as she temporarily extends beyond her purview as general counsel.Read detailed summary: https://www.spotdraft.com/podcast/episode-19Topics:Introduction: 00:48Moving from Deputy General Counsel to Interim GC at Opendoor: 3:03Advice for lawyers stepping into interim positions: 5:49Catapulting into a GC role at Cedar and taking on the responsibility of Interim CFO: 11:07Advice for GCs who find themselves taking on additional interim roles: 17:17Pushing the business forward without tying your successor’s hands: 21:40Preparing to step back from your interim role: 27:12What you are proud of and book recommendations: 31:25Connect with us:Vanessa Gage: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vgage/Tyler Finn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerhfinnSpotDraft - https://www.linkedin.com/company/spotdraftSpotDraft is a leading CLM platform that solves your end-to-end contract management issues. Visit https://www.spotdraft.com to learn more.

How does legal determine what is acceptable user behavior? How do lawyers weigh the needs of users and concerns from law enforcement to arrive at the best guidelines for responsibly protecting our data?Join Protégé Search Partner and Head of Consumer Mark Kahn as he shares his experiences on the front lines of privacy protection in his roles as VP of Ethical Use at Twilio and Deputy General Counsel at Whatsapp. In a time of major international crises, how do tech companies navigate the difficult questions about ethics, acceptable use, and fairness?We’ll hear about his journey from the Oakland A’s, to the legal teams of tech’s biggest players, to his newest career guiding others on their professional career paths as an executive recruiter. We’ll also get some tips about recognizing when you’re in the right role, how to make a leap to the executive suite, and when to step back from a stressful position.Read detailed summary: https://www.spotdraft.com/podcast/episode-18Topics:Introduction: 00:05Starting your career in product with your dream organization: 1:22Working your way up the corporate food chain to Whatsapp: 6:22How Whatsapp differed from his expectations: 12:39Knowing when to step back from a stressful role and leave: 18:27Taking time off and negotiating a role at Segment: 24:13Working with an executive coach: 29:13The Segment/Twilio acquisition and carving out a new role for “VP of Ethical Use:” 30:13Stepping away from law into exec recruiter role: 38:15Demystifying the job seeking experience: 40:29“Designing Your Life” and advice to his younger self: 43:23Connect with us:Mark Kahn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markkahn2/Tyler Finn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerhfinnSpotDraft - https://www.linkedin.com/company/spotdraftSpotDraft is a leading CLM platform that solves your end-to-end contract management issues. Visit https://www.spotdraft.com to learn more.

What does it take for a lawyer to expand their remit and become an operator, a business strategist, or even a founder? Beyond speaking up, what do you need to take on in order to advance from the traditional legal role of in-house counsel?René Paula, Vaxxinity’s GC and Senior Vice President of Legal and Business Affairs, knows a lawyer needs to be able to speak multiple languages. Not just spoken languages, but the languages of math, finance, and accounting. It helped fuel his marathon career, including financial transactions at HSBC, counsel at Amazon’s Audible, new ventures at Anheuser Busch, closing a sale to Accenture, and taking Vaxxinity public.Join René as he discusses the challenges and triumphs he’s faced and emphasizes the importance of maintaining an intimate connection to your financial numbers.Read detailed summary: https://www.spotdraft.com/podcast/episode-17Topics:Introduction: 00:15Recounting the experiences that shaped you as a leader: 2:14Entering the world of financial services at HSBC: 4:18Moving into tech at Amazon’s Audible: 6:13Transitioning from in-house lawyer to founder at Sonar: 11:01Spearheading Zx Ventures at Anheuser Busch: 16:39Expanding beyond legal and chasing big enterprise at Bionic: 19:49Selling your professional services business to Accenture: 22:43Returning to legal and operations at Vaxxinity: 25:29Positioning yourself as an operator from a General Counsel role: 32:24Mistakes you’ve made and seen others make: 38:10Book recommendations: 41:39Connect with us:René Paula: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rpaula/Tyler Finn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerhfinnSpotDraft - https://www.linkedin.com/company/spotdraftSpotDraft is a leading CLM platform that solves your end-to-end contract management issues. Visit https://www.spotdraft.com to learn more.