Tom Langefeld, Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, discusses the importance of empathy as a commercial lawyer leading a diverse transactions team within a multinational organization. Tom also shares some pivotal moments early in his career when he recognized empathy as the primary catalyst for building relationships based on trust and for creating spaces where coworkers feel empowered and valued ..read more

A conversation with Sepideh Smith, CDW’s VP Assistant General Counsel for Employment & Ethics.  Sepideh shares her story as we discuss the concept of Intersectionality, the idea that people are not linear, and how intersectionality shows up in her practice as an employment lawyer.  ..read more

In this episode, Dr. Nancy Lai, a business strategist and innovator and a recovering particle physicist by training with over 20 years of business experience, shares her reflections on DEI and the growth mindset as an Asian-American woman in business.  She offers her thoughts on the importance of getting diverse perspectives, how to measure success and achievement, and the need to address structural and systemic injustices.  She reminds us to be confident in ourselves and to learn from each other's experiences ..read more

In this episode, we’re talking about leadership with Shannon Toolis, CDW’s VP and Deputy General Counsel.  During the conversation, Shannon shares her approach to building and leading diverse teams. We’ll discuss the power of proactively seeking out and developing talent with diversity being top of mind.  As well as the importance of empowering team members to safely show up as their authentic selves and to confidently offer their unique ideas and perspectives for better outcomes ..read more

In this episode, we speak with Diversity Lab, a leading organization dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the legal profession. We discuss their work to increase the number of minority lawyers in the workforce, promote diversity in law firms, and create a more inclusive legal environment. CDW believes that Diversity Lab is doing important work, and we are excited to share their insights with our listeners ..read more

In this episode, Lorraine van Barthold shares her thoughts on and whether women actually need to work harder to achieve equality and to gain advancement within the legal profession and we also discuss the responsibility that women have to lift-up other women along the way. She also shares her perspectives on imposter syndrome - is it real or merely an imaginary label designed to hold us back ..read more

In this episode, Genner Herman discusses how volunteering together helps foster inclusivity within the Legal Team. Genner views volunteering as a great way to give back to the community as well as an opportunity for team members to learn about each others differences, cultures and perspectives, build relationships, and develop a sense of shared purpose. This can lead to a more inclusive and productive work environment.  We hope this discussion inspires our listeners to consider being of service to others as part of their team's approach to DEI ..read more

Leslie Davis shares NAMWOLF's work to promote the growth and development of minority and women-owned law firms.  Leslie shares the benefits of hiring women and minority-owned law firms, the challenges they face, and how NAMWOLF is working to advance diversity in the legal profession ..read more

This episode explores the justice gap and the work of Paladin, an organization dedicated to providing legal assistance to those who face the greatest barriers to justice. Gil Cubia talks with Paladin’s CEO and cofounder, Kristen Sonday.  Kristen is considered a thought leader on Legal tech and the complex realities of the justice gap.  She’s also an entrepreneur committed to improving access to justice. We learn more about Kristen during the discussion as she shares the impact of Paladin’s work, the challenges that still exist in the justice system, and how we can all get involved in ..read more

In this episode, we travel across the pond to speak with Joshua Williams, Senior Corporate Counsel based in CDW’s UK office and a member of CDW's Legal Inclusion Team. Joshua shares his candid perspectives about DEI and as a practicing lawyer in the UK and talks about the opportunities and challenges facing the legal profession in its efforts to advance diversity. The conversation reinforces the idea that although we are in different parts of the world, we are similar in our desire for diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces ..read more