In this episode of Life Between Titles, host Savan Kong sits down with Phil Reiman, former Department of Defense attorney and lifelong builder of systems, teams, and ideas.

Phil shares his journey from architecture to law, revealing how a deep curiosity about how things work led him to one of the most complex institutions in the world—the DoD. Together they unpack what it means to balance innovation with ethics, the role of lawyers in shaping national policy, and why empathy and communication are as critical to leadership as technical skill.

💬 In this conversation:

• How lawyers drive innovation and safeguard ethics inside the DoD

• Why empathy is the cornerstone of effective lawyering and leadership

• The connection between architecture, systems thinking, and legal frameworks

• Lessons from military service on teamwork and resilience

• How cultural exposure builds trust and broadens perspective

• Why integrity is non-negotiable in leadership

🕰️ Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Phil’s Journey

03:38 The Role of Lawyers in the DoD

06:03 Identity and Life Changes

08:42 Innovation and Connections

11:16 Career Choices and Fear of Poverty

14:03 From Architecture to Law

19:24 Military Experience and Policy Work

26:05 Navigating Legal Complexities in Defense

31:21 Empathy and Understanding Clients

35:46 Cultural Exposure and Global Lessons

42:30 Team Dynamics and Collaboration

45:23 Innovation Culture in the DoD

50:24 Maintaining Integrity and the Moral High Ground

51:56 Looking Ahead — Horizons and Values

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