Thinkset Podcast

In our last episode, we covered LIBOR's history and reasons why it's being phased out. Now, we dive into what's next and LIBOR's replacement: SOFR.

Michael Whalen, a managing director in BRG's Washington, DC, office, explains different approaches to replacing LIBOR and what the next generation of benchmarks will be expected to handle.

In this episode, we speak with Michael Whalen, a managing director in BRG's Washington, DC, office. He has more than twenty-five years of experience in advising, structuring, and raising more than $20 billion in finance for capital-intensive infrastructure projects across the energy value chain and other infrastructure sectors.

In the first of two episodes with Michael, we focus on the future of LIBOR, one of the key benchmark rates in the world economy, which is set to go away in 2021. He provides a brief history of LIBOR and discusses why it's being phased out.

In the inaugural episode of his podcast, BRG's Phil Rowley speaks with Jaime Diaz of the Golf Channel, and formerly of Golf World. Phil and Jaime cover what inspires and motivates leaders, transitioning from print to broadcast, the preparation that goes into The 19th Hole on the Golf Channel and how the individual sport of golf is increasingly embracing the concept of teams. Phil and Jaime also discuss the self-sufficiency of golfers like Zach Johnson and Jack Nicklaus, Ben Crenshaw's status as a student of the game—and how Tiger Woods is proud of being stubborn.

In this episode, we speak with BRG Director Katie Norris and Heidi A. Sorensen from Foley & Lardner LLP. Katie has more than seventeen years of experience in corporate governance and compliance in the pharmaceutical, medical device, and cosmetics industries. Heidi is a healthcare attorney who focuses on healthcare fraud and abuse and compliance issues.

Katie and Heidi discuss compliance considerations companies should factor into their strategy and planning when they are entering the US market from abroad, or when they are preparing to commercialize an FDA-regulated product. They walk us through the various regulatory agencies involved in this process and provide keen insight on how to structure and implement a sustainable compliance program.

Nicole Abboud, host of The Gen Y Lawyer podcast, joins host Eddie Newland. After five years of practicing law, Nicole launched her own business, Abboud Media. Her podcast has been recognized by the ABA Journal as one of the top legal podcasts for its ability to deliver quality content relevant to young lawyers. She discusses her path from lawyer to consultant, her insights on changes to marketing within the legal profession, and advice for new lawyers looking to establish their brand.

Picking up where we left off in our previous episode, host Eddie Newland continues his conversation with BRG Director Ben Fouracre, and Archana Kotecha, Head of Legal at Liberty Shared. They discuss where where human trafficking occurs, the global supply chain and where businesses should take caution, and ethical sourcing for everyday consumers.

In this episode, host Eddie Newland speaks with BRG Director Ben Fouracre and Archana Kotecha, Asia Region Director and Head of Legal at Liberty Shared. They discuss the state of human trafficking around the world and how it may affect businesses and supply chain economics. They also review analysis regarding where human trafficking occurs, the global supply chain and where businesses should take caution, and ethical sourcing for consumers.

BRG Principal Abhijit Yadav joins the podcast to talk about the Indian economy and BRG's work in the region. Discussion includes his background as a signal intelligence officer for the Indian Navy, the evolving nature of India's economy, changes in regulation leading to economic growth, and the potential future for the Indian economy as a whole.

BRG Director David Kalat talks about his path to becoming a forensic expert. Discussion includes his background as a digital historian, the ways in which he conducts digital forensic investigations, and a preview for his upcoming article in ThinkSet magazine on how laws protecting IP have struggled to keep pace with technology.

BRG Managing Director Stuart Witchell talks about his work in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Discussion includes how investments in Asia have changed over the years, the markets where foreign investment is having the largest impact, and the potential ways corruption may affect how companies do business in the region.