In-House Counsel Chronicles

In this episode of In-House Counsel Chronicles, host Shawna Rosner sits down with Celaena Powder, General Counsel at Seismic, a global leader in revenue enablement software.

Celaena shares her journey from private practice to the in-house world, reflecting on the challenges and rewards of building a legal team from scratch and the leadership philosophy that guides her work. She discusses identifying opportunities for improvement within the legal department, navigating early-career responsibilities, and the importance of fostering a positive team culture.

The conversation also explores her experiences with M&A, the value of learning through trial and error, and how in-house roles demand a broader strategic mindset than traditional outside counsel work.

Beyond the office, Celaena gives us a glimpse into her personal passions—from woodworking in her own wood shop to her deep love of comic books, proving there’s a genre for everyone.

Whether you're an aspiring in-house attorney or a seasoned legal professional, this episode offers practical insights and thoughtful guidance.

In this episode, I sit down with Diane Gabl Kratz, JD, Director of IP Strategy & Operations at Dolby. Diane’s journey from studying physics at Cornell to leading an 18-person team at an IP powerhouse. Diane’s insights into leadership, technical expertise, and in-house strategy make this episode a standout.

In this episode of In-House Counsel Chronicles, host Shawna Rosner interviews Andrean Horton, an experienced legal professional who shares her journey from aspiring lawyer to Chief Legal Officer at Masterbrand. Andrean discusses her early interest in law, the importance of mentorship, and her transition from private practice to in-house roles. She reflects on the differences between public and private companies, her daily responsibilities, and the evolving expectations of in-house legal teams. Andrean also emphasizes the significance of technology in the legal field.

In this episode, Michele Abraham, VP of Global Corporate Compliance and Ethics at Lineage, shares her journey from private practice to impactful in-house leadership. She discusses the importance of taking a proactive, business-aligned approach to compliance, the value of authentic professional relationships, and how to successfully navigate the transition to in-house roles. Michele also explores the evolving role of AI in compliance and emphasizes the power of mentorship, curiosity, and continuous learning. Her story offers practical takeaways and fresh inspiration for anyone looking to grow and adapt in their legal career. 

In this episode, Shawna Rosner sits down with Alisha Cieslak, Chief Legal and Risk Officer at Gordon Food Service, to talk about her journey from law school to the C-suite.

Alisha shares powerful insights on leadership, the evolving role of General Counsel, and how AI is transforming the legal landscape. She opens up about the pressures of being a young leader, the importance of mentorship, and why defining success on your own terms is key.

 Listen in and get inspired by Alisha’s journey and her forward-thinking approach to legal leadership. 

In this episode, Shawna sits down with Sarah Thomas, Chief Legal Officer and co-founder of Bridge, a healthcare startup transforming telemedicine access. From her early days in private practice to navigating the regulatory maze of telehealth, Sarah shares the unique challenges and opportunities presented by telehealth, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation delves into compliance issues, the future of telemedicine regulation, and the importance of collaboration with outside counsel. Sarah also offers valuable advice about how continuous learning and finding purpose in your work are key to long-term growth.

In this episode of In-House Counsel Chronicles, host Shawna Rosner speaks with Christi Braun, Deputy General Counsel of Scion Health. Christi shares her journey into law, her specialization in healthcare law, and her transition from government to in-house counsel. She discusses the operations of Scion Health, the role of a Deputy General Counsel, and the challenges faced in healthcare law. Christi highlights future trends in healthcare, including the impact of AI and the importance of value-based care. She also shares motivational advice for young attorneys, including “don’t be afraid to take chances”.

In this episode, Shawna Rosner sits down with Todd Pearson, General Counsel and Chief of Public Policy at Vibrant Emotional Health. Todd shares his unique journey from nursing in the Navy to practicing law, highlighting the significant changes in the healthcare industry over the past two decades. He discusses the differences between direct patient care and corporate healthcare, how the healthcare industry has seen a significant shift towards digital and virtual care since he started his legal career, why being a business partner is essential for in-house counsel success, and how he has found fulfillment from supporting vulnerable populations. Todd also offers valuable advice for new attorneys: "Embrace opportunities outside of your comfort zone."

In this episode of In-House Counsel Chronicles, host Shawna Rosner sits down with Deborah Weisman, Deputy General Counsel at HireVue. Deborah shares her journey from private practice to becoming in-house counsel, offering insights into the transition and the broader role in-house attorneys play. She discusses the importance of adaptability, the shift from specialization to generalization, and what it means to serve as a strategic business advisor. Deborah also shares her perspective on the differences between working on M&A from the inside vs. as outside counsel, how remote work is impacting the legal profession, and the fast-evolving regulatory landscape around AI. For those aspiring to move in-house, she provides practical advice on navigating the path and thriving within a corporate legal team. 

In this episode of In-House Counsel Chronicles, Nancy Berardinelli-Krantz, shares her inspiring journey from a small town in Ohio to serving in the military to becoming the Chief Legal Officer at Grainger highlighting how her early life and time in the military helped shape her impressive path in the legal profession. Our discussion explores key themes such as leadership, workplace culture, and the growing impact of AI in the legal industry. Nancy underscores the importance of networking and a genuine passion for business as essential ingredients for a thriving in-house legal career. She also opens up about one regret she has, as she looks back. Tune in to hear Nancy's story and gain some actionable advice for your own career.