Best Pioneers And Pathfinders Podcasts (2024)

1
Best of Pioneers and Pathfinders: Cindy Cohn 37:15

23h ago37:15

37:15

In honor of Independence Day, we're revisiting our discussion with Cindy Cohn, executive director at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF). For many years, Cindy has been a champion for civil liberties in the digital space. In our conversation, she spoke about the EFF's history and mission, as well as the human rights issues she focuses on today…

1
How the Operators and Founder of KIND Snacks Are Redefining Consumer Growth-Stage Investing 23:20

3d ago23:20

23:20

In a dynamic landscape where consumer brands navigate ever-evolving markets, Camino Partners has emerged as a beacon of innovation and collaboration. I sat down with Elle Lanning, President of Camino Partners and veteran of KIND Snacks, to discuss the firm’s pioneering approach to investing and incubating emerging brands. From leveraging operationa…

1
Steve Harmon, Pt. II 28:08

8d ago28:08

28:08

Today’s episode is part two of our conversation with Steve Harmon, chief operating officer and general counsel at Elevate. Last week, Steve spoke with us about why he decided to become a lawyer, his insights on the business of law, working in Cisco’s legal department, and how he co-founded CLOC.In the second half of our discussion, we talk to Steve…

1
Nori’s Journey from DTC Startup to Clothing Care Industry Disruptor 17:57

22d ago17:57

17:57

In a landscape dominated by established brands, Nori emerged as a disruptor in the ironing industry. Where others saw a commodity, Nori pioneered innovation where few dared to venture. I sat down with Nori CEO and Co-Founder, Courtney Toll, to delve into her journey from launching Nori despite investor skepticism to navigating the complexities of h…

1
Steve Harmon, Pt. I 32:29

22d ago32:29

32:29

In this week’s episode, we speak with Steve Harmon, chief operating officer and general counsel at Elevate, a company that provides software and services for the intersection of business and law. Like many of our guests, Steve has had an unconventional—but truly fascinating—career path. While attending undergrad at BYU, he and some of his classmate…

1
Carolyn Elefant 32:24

1M ago32:24

32:24

Today we're joined by Carolyn Elefant, a change-maker in energy and environmental justice law specifically, as well as the legal profession generally. Carolyn is an attorney and an author, blogger, and legal innovation influencer at MyShingle.com. She started as a lawyer at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). After working in a law fir…

1
How Sunday’s Customer-Centric Approach Revolutionized Direct-to-Consumer Lawn Care 18:57

1M ago18:57

18:57

In the competitive landscape of direct-to-consumer brands, Sunday's innovative approach to lawn care is setting it apart. By focusing on a seamless end-to-end customer experience, Sunday has redefined how consumers interact with and care for their outdoor spaces. This strategy not only ensures high customer retention but also positions Sunday as a …

1
Stephen Allen 29:59

1M ago29:59

29:59

Our guest today is Stephen Allen, a leading market expert and innovator in the legal world. Among his many roles, Stephen is EMEA Lead at Lotis Blue Consulting, which utilizes data and behavioral science to help companies with their growth and transformation. Stephen is also Chief Scout at Trampelpfad, which delivers innovative, established paths t…

1
Connie Brenton 27:25

1M ago27:25

27:25

Today we welcome a true pioneer and one of the first legal operations professionals in the industry, Connie Brenton. Connie is CEO and founder of LegalOps.com—a community bringing together the legal ecosystem to drive competitive advantage. She has over 20 years of expertise and innovation experience in the industry, building community, and driving…

1
How Coconut Cult Blends Innovation and Community in the Yogurt Aisle 27:20

1M ago27:20

27:20

From humble beginnings in a kitchen, Coconut Cult has become a pioneering brand in the world of functional foods. I sat down with the Coconut Cult leadership team including founder Noah Simon-Waddell and CEO Ari Raz to learn more about their journey. We discussed the challenges and opportunities of self-manufacturing, how they have fostered communi…

1
David Cowen 30:47

2M ago30:47

30:47

Our guest today is a prolific connector and skilled executive coach in the legal industry. David Cowen is the founder and president of The Cowen Group and founder of the Summit on Legal Innovation and Disruption (SOLID). David started in staffing and recruiting, where he learned more about the art of making connections. Years later, as the demand f…

1
Kris Niedringhaus 30:31

2M ago30:31

30:31

Today we're joined by Kris Niedringhaus of Georgia State University College of Law. Kris has a few roles at the law school: associate dean for Library, Information Services, Legal Tech & Innovation; faculty director of the Legal Analytics & Innovation Initiative; and clinical professor of law. For over two decades, she has been a law librarian and …

1
How BODYARMOR Embraces the Mamba Mentality To Fuel Innovation and Growth 22:01

2M ago22:01

22:01

BODYARMOR has been disrupting the world of sports hydration since 2011. Founded by Mike Repole, the brand has witnessed a meteoric rise in the sports nutrition industry through game-changing innovation. Federico Muyshondt, CEO of BODYARMOR, took over leadership of the brand shortly after its acquisition by Coca-Cola. I sat down with Muyshondt to di…

1
Leah Molatseli 28:43

2M ago28:43

28:43

This week, we welcome Leah Molatseli, founder of Contract Alchemists, a company with the goal of modernizing legal teams through legal operations, agile methodologies, and technology. Leah has over 10 years of experience in the legal field, and has a certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from the University of Notre Dame. After practicing …

1
How Catalina Crunch Took The Fight To Sugary Breakfast Cereals and Snacks 13:37

2M ago13:37

13:37

Catalina Crunch has carved out a niche with its innovative approach to low-carb, high-fiber foods. Founded by Krishna Kaliannan, whose personal journey with type one diabetes sparked the creation of Catalina Crunch, the company has rapidly evolved from a passion project to a thriving business. I sat down with Kaliannan to learn more about the brand…

1
Sophia Matveeva 33:14

2M ago33:14

33:14

Today’s guest is helping people understand technology concepts and jargon so that they can succeed in the digital age. Sophia Matveeva is the founder and CEO of Tech for Non-Techies, an education and executive coaching company that was inspired by her previous experience starting a tech company and struggling to communicate with developers. Through…

1
How Cabinet Health is Pioneering Sustainable Healthcare, One Plastic-Free Pill bottle at a Time 24:48

3M ago24:48

24:48

Cabinet Health is on a mission to reduce single-use plastic from healthcare. In just a few short years, they have found like-minded partners in major companies such as Target, CVS and McKesson. I sat down with Co-Founder and President Russell Gong to discuss the origins of the company and Cabinet Health's commitment to pioneering the next generatio…

1
Sue Bunnell 28:58

3M ago28:58

28:58

Today we welcome Sue Bunnell, Assistant General Counsel & Executive Director at Wells Fargo, and a career catalyst. Sue has been with Wells Fargo for over two decades, serving many different functions. In her current role, she partners with senior business, risk, and compliance leaders. She also oversees the Catalyst Program, which helps high-poten…

1
Lisa Colpoys and Mark Chandler 34:40

3M ago34:40

34:40

Today’s guests, Lisa Colpoys and Mark Chandler, help lead the Filing Fairness Project at the Deborah L. Rhode Center on the Legal Profession at Stanford Law School. This project is an ambitious, multijurisdictional effort to modernize court filing systems, widen access to courts, and improve the administration of justice by leveraging readily avail…

1
From Homemade Burritos to Frozen Food Icon: The Journey of Red's Founder, Mike Adair 22:59

3M ago22:59

22:59

In the competitive landscape of the food industry, Red's has emerged as a beacon of innovation and quality in the frozen food sector. Founded by Mike Adair, Red's journey from homemade burritos to a beloved frozen food brand spans over 15 years of perseverance and dedication. I sat down with Adair to reflect on the company's humble beginnings, the …

1
Stephen Embry 33:50

3M ago33:50

33:50

Our guest today is Stephen Embry, a legal tech guru and longtime lawyer. Among Stephen’s many endeavors is TechLaw Crossroads, a blog devoted to the practical impact of technology and innovation on law practice. He writes frequently on the clash of cultures between tech and innovation on the one hand, and the traditional, precedent-grounded legal p…

1
Nicole Morris 32:41

3M ago32:41

32:41

This week, we're joined by Nicole Morris, professor of practice at Emory University School of Law, director of the Innovation and Legal Tech Initiative, and director of the TI:GER program. Nicole has had a fascinating, multifaceted career journey. After working as a chemical engineer for several years, she decided to go to law school. She then beca…

1
MìLà's Culinary Journey: From Restaurant Success to CPG Triumph in the Evolving Landscape of Asian Cuisine 17:38

3M ago17:38

17:38

In a culinary landscape marked by innovation and a blending of cultures, MìLà, a modern Chinese food company, stands out as a beacon of success. From its humble beginnings as a restaurant in 2018 to its triumphant foray into the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) realm, MìLà's unique approach, guided by quality, accessibility, and a third-culture perspe…

1
Cat Moon Returns 33:58

4M ago33:58

33:58

With this episode, we mark the third anniversary of Pioneers and Pathfinders. Nothing could mark this milestone better than to welcome back a thought leader in the legal profession and legal education, Cat Moon, lecturer and Director of Innovation Design at Vanderbilt University Law School. Since Cat last joined us on the podcast, she has co-founde…

1
The Pathfinder's Trailblazing Journey: Crafting a Niche in Non-Alcoholic Spirits by Redefining Socializing 19:34

4M ago19:34

19:34

In the ever-evolving landscape of spirits, The Pathfinder Hemp and Root emerges as a groundbreaking non-alcoholic alternative, not merely mimicking traditional spirits but carving its own niche with a unique blend of bitterness, sweetness, and complexity. I sat down with Co-founder Chris Abbott to learn more about their journey through the inspirat…

1
Zack DeMeola 30:38

4M ago30:38

30:38

Our guest today is Zack DeMeola, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), a not-for-profit organization with the goal of advancing law and justice by promoting access, equity, and fairness in law school admission and supporting learning journeys from prelaw through practice. A former corporate litigation …

1
Maya Markovich 29:21

4M ago29:21

29:21

This week, we're joined by Maya Markovich, Justice Tech Executive in Residence at Village Capital and co-founder and executive director at the Justice Technology Association. Maya started her career journey in change management consulting for tech, then became a practicing lawyer. Having a deep interest in the possibilities of technology in the leg…

1
Navigating The New Reality Of CPG Investing with Siddhi Capital 33:21

4M ago33:21

33:21

Unlike many of her peers in Venture Capital and Private Equity, Melissa Facchina comes from a background in Operations with a focus on food and beverages. Today, Facchina is the Co-Managing Partner of Siddhi Capital, which was born from a joint venture between her operating firm, Siddhi Ops, and the family office of her co-founding partners Steven …

1
Ilona Logvinova 31:11

4M ago31:11

31:11

Today’s guest is reimagining the way legal professionals work as we explore new frontiers in technology. We’re speaking with Ilona Logvinova of McKinsey & Company, a global management consulting firm. Ilona is managing counsel for McKinsey Digital and Head of Innovation for McKinsey Legal. After working as a corporate lawyer for several years, and …

1
Sarah Glassmeyer 34:48

4M ago34:48

34:48

Our guest today is Sarah Glassmeyer, Director of Data Curation at LegalTechnology Hub. Sarah has worked in various roles as a problem-solver in the legal community. For several years, she was a law librarian at universities around the US. Since then, she has worked as Director of Content Development at the Center for Computer Assisted Legal Instruc…

1
Victor Li 32:20

5M ago32:20

32:20

This week, we welcome Victor Li, Assistant Managing Editor at the ABA Journal. After working as the Assistant District Attorney at the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office, Victor decided to explore a new path—one in journalism. For several years, he was a reporter on various legal industry subjects at The American Lawyer and Law Technology News…

1
Ashley Carlisle 28:57

5M ago28:57

28:57

Today’s guest is Ashley Carlisle, chief marketing officer and founding team member at HyperDraft, a legal automation platform that helps legal departments and corporations digitize legacy documentation processes with AI-powered document and workflow automation solutions. Ashley was a corporate attorney at Goodwin when she met HyperDraft founder Ton…

1
Andrew Perlman 31:25

5M ago31:25

31:25

Our guest this week is a leading voice on the future of legal education and law practice. Andrew Perlman is Dean at Suffolk University Law School, and has been a professor there since 2007. Before entering academia, Dean Perlman was a litigator with a lifelong fascination with innovation and technology. He has served several important functions in …

1
Flo Nicolas 33:38

6M ago33:38

33:38

Today we are joined by Flo Nicolas, a self-described “nonboring lawyer.” Flo is co-founder and chief operating officer at DEI Directive, a technology company helping organizations shape the future of work through inclusive and innovative practices. Flo began her career as legal counsel at various law firms and companies. She then worked in the tele…

1
Anusia Gillespie 31:14

6M ago31:14

31:14

This week, we speak with Anusia Gillespie, Chief Strategy Officer at SkillBurst Interactive, a company providing on-demand learning to Am Law 200 firms, global legal organizations, and public-sector agencies, among other clients. Anusia has both an MBA and JD from Boston College, and has worked in various functions throughout the legal ecosystem—la…

1
Why DEUX’s Founder Believes Your Need To Learn The Rules Before You Break Them 21:36

6M ago21:36

21:36

DEUX has the lofty goal to offer a healthier alternative to iconic food brands like Nestle. I sat down with Sabeena Ladha, founder of DEUX, a better-for-you snack brand of edible cookie dough,donut holes and dessert spreads, to share her journey from extensive experience in big CPG, McKinsey, and venture capital to disrupting the consumer category.…

1
Mary O'Carroll 34:24

6M ago34:24

34:24

Today we are joined by Mary O'Carroll, a true pioneer and pathfinder in the legal industry. Mary is Chief Community Officer at Ironclad, a leading contract lifecycle management program for innovative companies. She started her career in business development and consulting before joining Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP in a finance role. Her work…

1
From Potato Chips to Fruity Jerky: Solely's Unconventional Entrepreneurial Path 24:13

6M ago24:13

24:13

Soley is the fastest-growing natural fruit snack brand in the US and their unique approach saves 1.6 million pounds of fruit per year. I sat down with Solely's founder, Simon Sacal, to discuss this extraordinary journey from attempting a fat-free potato chip to pioneering a unique and sustainable vertical supply chain for disruptive fruit-based pro…

1
Dr. Ron Dolin 32:15

7M ago32:15

32:15

For our last episode of the year, we welcome Dr. Ron Dolin, chief innovation officer at ODR.com. Dr. Dolin has had a fascinating and dynamic professional journey. A math and physics major, he began his career at the high-energy physics lab CERN in Geneva. He went on to earn a PhD in computer science and became one of the first 100 employees at Goog…

1
Unlocking AI's Potential in Lawyer Development 58:54

7M ago58:54

58:54

This year, our virtual roundtable series has explored the implications of generative AI and natural language processing models in the legal industry. Our first roundtable covered the risks and benefits of generative AI, while the second addressed the AI technology landscape and implementation strategies. Now, in our third installment, our esteemed …

1
How PSA Built an Industry Leader Around Grading And Authentication 22:29

7M ago22:29

22:29

Over the past five years, the collectibles world of sport and trading cards has seen a massive resurgence as a new generation of collectors have discovered the “Hobby”. This growth has led to innovative new business models like Loupe with box breaking and Goldin with auctions. But perhaps the biggest beneficiary has been Professional Sports Authent…

1
Damien Riehl 34:03

7M ago34:03

34:03

Our guest today is Damien Riehl, vice president and Solutions Champion at vLex, a platform using artificial intelligence solutions to streamline workflows and provide lawyers with greater access to knowledge and resources. Damien was a tech attorney for more than 10 years when he made the leap to Thomson Reuters as Senior Product Strategist, where …

1
How HOP WTR Is Changing The Non-Alc Category 21:31

8M ago21:31

21:31

Coming out of the global pandemic, consumers have increasingly been searching for non-alcoholic alternatives. Hop Water has been one of the fastest growing categories, with sales up nearly 200% in the past year. The market leader in this space is HOP WTR, a sparkling hop water crafted with a proprietary blend of stress-busting hops, adaptogens (ash…

1
Julie Saltman 27:58

8M ago27:58

27:58

Today’s guest is Julie Saltman, co-founder and CEO at Standd, a company using AI to eliminate tedious grunt work from the due diligence process. Prior to launching Standd, Julie spent more than 15 years as an attorney at the US Department of Justice, the US Copyright Office, and in private practice. Additionally, she has written articles on technol…

1
Cindy Cohn 36:46

8M ago36:46

36:46

As technology has progressed, we have also seen emerging concerns for freedom of speech and privacy. Our guest today has spent the past 30 years defending individual liberties in the digital space. Cindy Cohn is the executive director at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), the leading nonprofit organization ensuring that technology supports f…

1
Tara Cheever 28:56

8M ago28:56

28:56

Today we speak with Tara Cheever, co-founder and Chief Products Officer at LIT SOFTWARE, a company that equips lawyers with the tools to modernize their practices and enhance their presentation skills in court. Tara has been a trial presentation consultant for more than 15 years. She is an expert in presentation and legal technology, and has worked…

1
How Clevr Created A Functional Take On Coffee Shop Favorites 23:49

8M ago23:49

23:49

Inspired by their own morning routines, Hannah Mendoza and Roger Coppola co-founded Clevr Blends. As pioneers in the better-for-you coffee category, Hannah and Roger have reshaped classic cafe-style drinks like Matcha, Chai, and Coffee lattes, and infused them with adaptogens, functional mushrooms, and better-than-barista ingredients. Along the way…

1
Stephanie Wilkins 33:19

9M ago33:19

33:19

Our guest today is Stephanie Wilkins, editor-in-chief at Legaltech News at ALM. Stephanie had been a civil litigator at big law firms in New York for a decade when she decided to pursue a different career path. Having enjoyed the writing aspect of her legal work, she decided to become a freelance writer. Stephanie soon found opportunities writing a…

1
Can Chicken Make A Better “Potato” Chip? 18:49

9M ago18:49

18:49

Jason Wright set out to create a first-of-its kind nutrient-dense protein chip for nutrition-conscious snackers. As the founder of WILDE, he’s done just that by using chicken breast, egg whites and bone broth in a familiar chip format. I sat down with Jason to learn more about his journey with WILDE, why he chose to manufacture in his own facility …

1
Amélie Vavrovsky 31:56

9M ago31:56

31:56

Today’s guest is taking on the challenges of immigration law through innovative technology. Amélie Vavrovsky is the founder and CEO of Formally, a legal tech startup that uses accessible design to simplify and streamline immigration applications. The idea for the company was partly inspired by Amélie’s own immigration experience as an international…

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