RopesTalk

On this episode of Women @ RopesTalk hosted by health care partner Christine Moundas, IP transactions and licensing partner Megan Baca is joined by Donna Xia, founder and COO of a Silicon Valley startup revolutionizing insomnia care. Donna shares her unique career journey—from Harvard biomedicine PhD to McKinsey consultant, Sanofi dealmaker, and startup leader—and discusses the challenges and opportunities of bridging big pharma and fast-moving startups. The conversation explores Donna’s mission to expand access to cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, the innovative use of AI to scale clinical operations and improve patient care, and practical insights for adopting AI in healthcare and beyond. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on entrepreneurship, digital health, and the future of sleep care.

On this episode of Culture & Compliance Chronicles, Amanda Raad and Nitish Upadhyaya from Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab, and Richard Bistrong of Front-Line Anti-Bribery, are joined by Beatriz Podcameni, a LATAM regional compliance officer for Holcim. Beatriz shares the story behind Holcim’s innovative Compliance Influencer Program, an initiative that shifts compliance from a traditional, top-down approach to a peer-driven, culture-focused model. She explains how the program empowers employees at all levels—especially those on the ground in remote plants—to become “compliance influencers,” making ethics and integrity accessible, engaging, and relevant to daily work. Beatriz discusses the importance of listening, starting small, and building trust, as well as the value of visibility and recognition for those who champion compliance. The episode highlights how a positive, inclusive approach can transform compliance into an organic part of company culture—making it not just effective, but genuinely enjoyable for everyone involved.

Join Ropes & Gray antitrust partners Mark Popofsky and Samer Musallam on “Competition Corner,” a podcast series exploring key antitrust developments. In this episode, they tackle the reach of U.S. antitrust principles in global commerce—when can U.S. antitrust law ensnare foreign conduct? The discussion covers the “effects” principle, the Foreign Trade Antitrust Improvements Act (FTAIA), important new developments, and real-world cases illustrating how U.S. competition law applies to conduct abroad. Listeners will gain practical insights into the complexities of cross-border antitrust enforcement, the hurdles for private plaintiffs, and the evolving international landscape.

On this Ropes & Gray podcast, benefits consulting principal David Kirchner is joined by Sharon Remmer, an ERISA and benefits partner, and Elliot Saavedra, a senior benefits consultant, for a comprehensive discussion of recent developments and emerging issues that retirement plan sponsors and fiduciary committees should have on their radar heading into Q4 2026 meetings. The episode covers the continued growth of collective investment trusts (CITs), alternative investments in retirement plans, ESG regulatory developments, the current ERISA litigation landscape, and Trump Accounts. This podcast is the first in a series of episodes that will take deeper dives into several of these topics.

On this episode of Culture & Compliance Chronicles, Amanda Raad and Nitish Upadhyaya from Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab, and Richard Bistrong of Front-Line Anti-Bribery, are joined by James Mitchell and Jamie Browne of the Leonid Group, an international talent advisory firm specializing in ethics and compliance recruitment. They discuss the evolution of compliance from a reactive function to a strategic business partner, emphasizing the importance of soft skills, adaptability, and clear organizational design. The conversations highlight practical advice for hiring and retaining top compliance talent, the need for benchmarking and market data, and strategies for making the business case for compliance resources. Listeners will gain actionable perspectives on building effective teams and navigating the rapidly changing compliance landscape.

On this episode of Alumni @ RopesTalk, host and Ropes & Gray partner Marko Zatylny speaks with Brian Elworthy, general counsel of Toast, a global technology platform built to help restaurants operate, grow and thrive. Brian traces his path from Ropes & Gray associate to leading the legal team at one of the hospitality industry’s most innovative and successful technology companies. He reflects on building sophisticated legal and compliance capabilities in a rapidly scaling business, partnering effectively with business leaders, and balancing legal risk with strategic objectives. Brian also explores the growing influence of AI on the legal profession and shares thoughtful advice for associates considering a move in-house, emphasizing the value of developing deep expertise, sound judgment and professional credibility before making the transition.

On this Ropes & Gray podcast, Craig Marcus, co-head of the firm’s capital markets practice, and Marc Migliazzo, counsel in the asset management group, discuss the SEC’s new exemptive order impacting GP-led secondary transactions. The episode explores the shift from a 20-business day election period to a potential 10-business day standard, the requirements for qualifying tender offers, and the practical challenges for sponsors and LPs. Marc and Craig examine how the new order may affect transaction timelines, investor decision-making, and market practices, providing valuable insights for asset managers, private fund sponsors, and institutional investors navigating these complex deals.

On this episode of Culture & Compliance Chronicles, Amanda Raad and Nitish Upadhyaya from Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab, and Richard Bistrong of Front-Line Anti-Bribery, are joined by Nadège Rochel, a passionate advocate for people-first leadership and integrity-driven culture. Nadège shares her innovative (but intuitive!) approach to compliance—making it engaging, memorable, and effective by focusing on human connection, creativity, and co-creation with business stakeholders. The conversation explores how compliance can be a catalyst for trust, resilience, and growth, rather than simply being seen as a constraint. The discussion offers practical tips for building relationships, influencing behavior, and measuring real impact. Listeners will gain insights on transforming compliance from a perceived “no” function into a valued business partner, and learn how empathy, curiosity, and a marketer’s mindset can drive meaningful change.

On this Ropes & Gray podcast, antitrust partners Mark Popofsky and Samer Musallam discuss recent cases, including Paramount, where state attorneys general and private plaintiffs have challenged deals even after federal review, highlighting the growing role of states and private parties in U.S. antitrust enforcement. They examine the risks companies face from these additional enforcement branches and offer practical takeaways for managing antitrust exposure throughout the transaction process. Tune in to learn how to navigate the evolving landscape of merger enforcement beyond federal agencies.

On this episode of Culture & Compliance Chronicles, Amanda Raad and Nitish Upadhyaya from Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab, and Richard Bistrong of Front-Line Anti-Bribery, are joined by Michael Miller, co-founder of the London Meditation Centre and New York Meditation Center, for an in-depth discussion on the transformative power of Vedic meditation. Discover how meditation can enhance well-being, boost professional performance, and foster healthier workplace cultures. Hear personal stories, myth-busting insights, and practical advice for busy professionals looking to integrate meditation into their daily routines. Whether you’re curious about mindfulness, seeking ways to manage stress, or interested in building a resilient organizational culture, this episode offers fresh perspectives and actionable takeaways.

On this episode of Culture & Compliance Chronicles, Nitish Upadhyaya from Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab and Richard Bistrong of Front-Line Anti-Bribery, are joined by Fraser Simpson, enterprise strategy lead at the Wellcome Trust, to explore how organizations can make governance and compliance more human. The conversation delves into the importance of shaping ethical cultures that go beyond policies and procedures, focusing on real human behavior, creativity, and engagement. Fraser shares insights from Wellcome’s innovative “speak-up” program and the creation of Connie, a puppet character designed to spark ethical conversations and strengthen judgment across the organization. The episode also discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by technology and AI in compliance, emphasizing the need to support—not replace—human judgment.

On this episode of Culture & Compliance Chronicles, Amanda Raad and Nitish Upadhyaya from Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab, and Richard Bistrong of Front-Line Anti-Bribery, are joined by Camilla Kring, founder of Super Navigators. Camilla shares her journey and explores how biological rhythms shape productivity, well-being, and workplace culture. The conversation delves into the science of sleep, challenges myths about early rising, and highlights the risks of living out of sync with our internal clocks. Listeners will hear practical insights on fostering chrono-inclusive organizations, supporting diverse work rhythms, and creating healthier, more effective workplaces. Tune in for an inspiring discussion that offers actionable steps for leaders and teams to empower individuals and drive lasting impact.

On this episode of Culture & Compliance Chronicles, Amanda Raad and Nitish Upadhyaya from Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab, and Richard Bistrong of Front-Line Anti-Bribery, are joined by Rebecca Mayfield, group compliance director and senior legal counsel at Merlin Entertainments. Rebecca shares her unconventional career journey, her passion for creative and engaging compliance training, and her commitment to mentoring and giving back to underserved communities. The conversation explores how injecting curiosity, playfulness, and storytelling into ethics and compliance can drive real engagement and lasting impact. Listeners will hear practical insights on measuring success, building meaningful relationships, and empowering individuals to speak up. Tune in for an inspiring discussion that challenges traditional approaches and highlights the importance of fun, empathy, and imagination in compliance.

In this second episode of AI at Work, Sophie Duffy, an employment associate, is joined by Jen Cormier and Greg Demers, partners in the employment practice, and Alyssa Clough Horton, a partner in the asset management practice, to discuss whether and how organizations should implement a dedicated workplace AI use policy.

They explore the essentials of effective AI policies, including defining covered technologies, distinguishing between AI tools, and establishing governance. Key safeguards, regulatory developments, vendor diligence, and bias auditing are discussed, along with practical topics like AI transcription, employee disclosure, and role-specific training. Listeners gain actionable guidance for creating adaptable, compliant AI policies. The discussion highlights real-world challenges organizations face and offers strategies to integrate AI policies with existing compliance frameworks. Whether new to AI or refining current policies, this episode provides timely insights for navigating a rapidly evolving landscape.

On this episode of Culture & Compliance Chronicles, Amanda Raad and Nitish Upadhyaya from Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab, and Richard Bistrong of Front-Line Anti-Bribery, are joined by neuropsychologist Sarah Zheng to explore the human factor in cybersecurity. The conversation delves into the psychology behind hacking, the role of emotions and context in falling for scams, and the evolving risks posed by emerging technologies like AI and brain-computer interfaces. Sarah shares insights from her research at the Dawes Centre for Future Crime and her book, The Psychology of Cybersecurity, highlighting the importance of operational resilience and creative approaches to cyber awareness. Listeners will learn practical strategies for building a culture of psychological safety and reporting, as well as actionable steps to enhance organizational cyber resilience.

On this Ropes & Gray podcast, employment associate Kendall Dacey is joined by benefits consulting principals David Kirchner and Harvey Cotton to discuss a new twist on the relentless ERISA class action lawsuits targeting major employers—this time targeting both employers and their brokers—over voluntary benefit programs such as accident insurance, critical illness coverage, and hospital indemnity plans. The conversation explores how these lawsuits challenge long-held assumptions that voluntary benefits fall safely outside ERISA’s reach. If courts agree these plans are ERISA-covered, employers could face potential fiduciary liability for failing to prudently select insurance carriers and monitor broker commissions for reasonableness and brokers themselves are squarely in the crosshairs for allegedly prioritizing their own compensation over participants’ interests. The episode concludes with practical steps companies can take now to reduce their exposure before the next complaint lands.

On this final episode of Ropes & Gray’s Non‑Financial Misconduct Miniseries, Amanda Raad, co-leader of the firm’s crisis management and global risk practices, and Katie Daniels, director of ethics, compliance, and insights at R&G Insights Lab sit down with Jamie Browne, managing director at Leonid Group, a leading talent advisory firm specializing in corporate governance hiring. The trio share a candid conversation about how toxic workplace culture is now one of the biggest forces shaping hiring and retention, posing a very real attrition and reputational risk—as well as a financial risk due in part to the significant costs of re-hiring. Together, they unpack why culture has become a make‑or‑break factor for candidates, what companies are getting wrong, and the practical steps leaders should be taking to ensure hiring best practice, ongoing diligence and stronger post-hire monitoring.

On this Ropes & Gray podcast—the second in a two-part series venturing “inside the house” to draw on experiences and ideas—partner Amanda McGrady Morrison, global co-chair of the firm’s private capital transactions practice, and Katie Daniels, director of ethics, compliance, and insights at Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab, former head of compliance for a global asset manager, rejoin Nitish Upadhyaya from the R&G Insights Lab for another in-depth discussion on the evolving role of legal and compliance leaders. The conversation explores how governance professionals can ask the right questions about AI deployment, data use, and risk management, emphasizing the importance of cross-functional collaboration and practical solutions. Amanda and Katie share insights from their in-house experiences, highlighting the need to translate rules into actionable strategies, foster strong relationships, and coach teams for effective risk mitigation. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on building trust, supporting business growth, and creating a healthy organizational culture in a rapidly changing environment.

On this episode of Culture & Compliance Chronicles, Amanda Raad from Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab and Richard Bistrong of Front-Line Anti-Bribery are joined by Klaus Moosmayer, a distinguished leader in ethics, risk, and compliance, and a current member of the supervisory board of Deutsche Bank. The conversation delves into the importance of integrated assurance—breaking down organizational silos to foster collaboration across risk, compliance, strategy, HR, and legal functions. Klaus shares practical examples from his career, including how crisis moments can drive meaningful change and the value of crowdsourcing a code of ethics to truly engage employees. Behavioral science and its role in shaping ethical decision-making are highlighted, along with actionable insights for boards and compliance professionals. Tune in for fresh perspectives, real-world strategies, and inspiration to connect, innovate, and elevate compliance culture in your organization.

On this Ropes & Gray podcast—the first in a two-part series venturing “inside the house” to draw on experiences and ideas—partner Amanda McGrady Morrison, global co-chair of the firm’s private capital transactions practice, and Katie Daniels, director of ethics, compliance, and insights at Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab, former head of compliance for a global asset manager, join Nitish Upadhyaya from the R&G Insights Lab for an in-depth conversation on the evolving role of legal and compliance leaders. Drawing on their extensive experience, Amanda and Katie offer practical strategies for partnering with business teams to drive growth, manage risk, and build trust within global organizations, as valued commercial advisors. The discussion highlights how legal and compliance professionals can become valued advisors by building authentic relationships, deeply understanding business goals, and delivering consistently practical guidance. The episode also explores the importance of budgeting time to learn the business and staying connected to industry peers. Tune in for candid reflections, career tips, and a preview of next episode’s discussion on AI, governance, and client service.