Every entrepreneur deserves a lawyer who sees the whole picture, not just the paperwork. For Kara, that person is Kelly Galligan. As a corporate lawyer and M&A partner, Kelly helps founders and business owners navigate everything from equity to exits. But more importantly, she makes her clients feel safe, empowered, and heard.

In this episode, Kara and Kelly talk about what true legal partnership looks like, why every founder needs a trusted advisor on their team, and the most common legal missteps to avoid when building a business. They also get personal: from mental health and wellness in demanding careers to what it really means to be a powerful woman in a male-dominated field. Whether you're thinking about starting something or scaling what you’ve already built, this conversation is packed with clarity, confidence, and a whole lot of actionable advice.

Chapters:

00:00 How Kara and Kelly met in the startup world

01:15 What it actually means to be an M&A lawyer

03:20 Why startups need legal advice earlier than they think

06:10 The top mistakes founders make

08:50 How to build trust with your legal team

11:30 From rural roots to BigLaw partner

13:45 Building confidence as a woman in corporate law

16:20 Managing work, kids, and her own ambition

18:50 What founders should know before raising money

21:00 Balancing legal risk with business vision

23:15 The power of clear communication in law and life

25:00 What she’s mentoring women lawyers to do differently

27:45 What she needs now and where she’s headed next

The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.

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