Thinkset Podcast

In the first episode of the Insights from the Top podcast, BRG Executive Chairman David Teece speaks with Bill Baldiga, a partner at and the former chief executive officer of the law firm Brown Rudnick. They discuss topics including competitive markets, disruptive solutions, and how creativity can impact culture.

Karl Schliep and Steven Gawthorpe discuss developments in the eDiscovery space and how BRG's Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning group uses technology to solve complex business problems.

Michael Jelen and return guest Michael Canale discuss their collaboration on BRG's Digital Workforce product, which leverages machine learning and artificial intelligence to automate a variety of return-to-office functions of business.

Nick Haylund, director of analytics at phData, joins Michael Jelen on the podcast. They discuss how software acts as a force multiplier to extend the impact across professional organizations and the tools that democratize machine learning.

Amy Worley, a managing director in BRG's data privacy practice, joins Michael Jelen to discuss the creation of BRG's DREAM software and how the evolution of privacy has led to the need for a data privacy resource.

Luke Sparrow and Michael Jelen from BRG's Global Applied Technology (GAT) team discuss how technology and software act as a force multiplier to extend the impact of people across any kind of professional organization.

Michael Slattery, a senior managing consultant and the lead of technical operations for BRG's Global Applied Technologies (GAT) products, joins Michael Jelen to discuss how to use technology to increase the accuracy of results and decrease the time to provide results to customers.

BRG's Michael Jelen is joined by Michael Schein, the head hype man of MicroFame Media and author of The Hype Handbook: 12 Indispensable Success Secrets from the World's Greatest Propagandists, Self-Promoters, Cult Leaders, Mischief Makers, and Boundary Breakers. They discuss how important hype is in reaching your target market and getting out the word to your audience.

Kevin Hamilton and Michal Jelen from BRG's Global Applied Technology (GAT) team take a deeper look at Symphony, a newly established centralized BI analytics tool, and its offerings to users.

Michael “Hattie” Hatfield and Michal Jelen from BRG's Global Applied Technology (GAT) team discuss how to approach data-driven culture and the many analytical tools that can help empower organizations to make effective, data-driven business decisions.

Michael Jelen is joined by Karl Schliep, a lead data scientist in BRG's artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) team, to discuss similarities and differences between AI and ML and how they are used.

Michael Canale, a managing director in BRG's Financial Institution Advisory practice, joins Michael Jelen to discuss the crossroads that financial regulation has reached and how technology and financial services work together to solve efficiency issues.

Michael Jelen and return guest Chris Duncalf take a deeper look into the product process. They discuss how to achieve product-market fit and stay focused on well-defined problems, despite our experience pulling us toward each and every client need that comes our way.

Octavia Threlfall, a senior associate in BRG's London office, and Michael Jelen from BRG's Global Applied Technology practice walk through the newly established product process of BRG DRIVE, the firm's analytics platform, and the benefits it can bring to users.

Joe Sergienko joins Michael Whalen to talk about the enormous impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on normal economic activity, as well as contributing factors. Mr. Sergienko provides insights on what credit risk professionals are seeing and are likely to see as the pandemic plays out. Learn more in Credit Risk Management — Impact of an Ongoing Pandemic, a paper that Mr. Sergienko coauthored with Charles Trunz.

Peggy Daley joins Michael Whalen to discuss the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), penalties for violating the act, and shifts that technologies have caused in TCPA cases. They look into recent cases brought before the Supreme Court to further understand the changes to the wrong-number landscape.

Matteo Felici and Michael Jelen from BRG's Global Applied Technologies Team (GAT) discuss personal experiences with technology interfaces and user experiences in the industry. They also provide a preview the latest release of BRG's analytics service platform, DRIVE. Learn more about BRG's GAT services.

In this episode, Michael Whalen is joined by BRG Director Roberto Cunha to discuss the fundamentals of the Hotelling rule and how this long-standing rule has prevailed in today's economy. Learn more about the Hotelling rule in a paper coauthored by Mr. Cunha, “The Hotelling Rule in Non-Renewable Resource Economics.”

BRG Managing Director Elizabeth Arnold joins Michael Whalen to talk about how COVID-19 has changed the workplace environment and how well employees are complying with the employment law for remote workers. Ms. Arnold discusses an empirical study conducted recently by BRG Labor and Employment experts to examine hourly employees’ compliance with applicable wage and hour laws in a remote work environment.

David Lewin joins Michael Whalen to discuss the effects that the California AB5 ruling has had on the gig economy in Silicon Valley and the tech sector. Dr. Lewin provides personal insights on these complex issues and his work with independent contractors to modify this ruling prior to the election.

Phil Rowley connects with Kalev Peekna, managing director and chief strategist at One North Interactive, about One North and BRG’s collaboration to revamp the BRG website. They discuss the process, understanding the impact of COVID-19 on digital marketing, and best practices to help reach a target audience.

David J. Teece, BRG’s chairman and principal executive officer, joins Michael Whalen for a conversation near the first anniversary of 2019’s New Enlightenment conference held at Adam Smith’s Panmure House in Edinburgh, Scotland. Dr. Teece discusses the history of Adam Smith, also known as the father of capitalism and economics, and how Smith’s paradigms of international economics are directly challenged with the surge to prominence of a very different model pursued by China.

Jennifer Mannino, a managing director in BRG's Transaction Advisory practice, joins the podcast to discuss her background in investigations and how the advancement in technology has affected the way she conducts business. Jennifer describes previously written articles she authored on due diligence to compare the capabilities in investigations then, now, and years to come.

BRG's Mukesh Gangwal and Paul Osborne moderated a panel discussion with Dr. K. Ranga Krishnan (CEO, Rush University System for Health), Daniel DeBarba, Jr. (CFO, Catholic Health Services of Long Island), and Tri MacDonald (president, BRG). In this extract for their COVID-19 Challenges and Rapid Recovery podcast, they discuss COVID-19 governmental funding sources and how health systems will restart operations under a new-normal environment.

BRG's Mukesh Gangwal and Paul Osborne moderated a discussion with Dr. K. Ranga Krishnan (CEO, Rush Medical University System for Health) and Daniel DeBarba, Jr. (CFO, Catholic Health Services of Long Island). The panel discussed how organizations are responding to the clinical challenges brought on by the pandemic and the biggest financial and operations issues their organizations are facing.

In the conclusion of a three-part series, BRG Managing Directors Christopher Goncalves and Robert Stoddard join the podcast to discuss how COVID-19 has played an important role in the recent record-low oil prices and the pandemic's effect on oil and natural gas. They also provide an idea on how this could lead to a new emphasis on green energy.

In the second of a special three-part series, BRG Managing Directors Brad Cornell and Peter Keller discuss how COVID-19 has affected the financial markets and clean energy efforts. They also talk about how investors steering away from the establishment of capital could affect the environmental sector.

In the first episode of a three-part series, BRG Managing Directors Roger Kaiser, Greg Russo, and Charles Cicchetti join the podcast to discuss potential ways to forecast the COVID-19 pandemic's effect on the economy and the energy sector. They weight in on factors companies and policymakers should consider in taking a first step towards normalcy.

In this episode, BRG managing directors John Kelliher, Paul Osborne, and Haywood Miller discuss how the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the clinical and business models for healthcare providers and what tactics they are using to stabilize finances. They outline strategies hospitals should focus on once the United States enters the recovery stage of this crisis.

BRG Director Katie Norris speaks with Matt Turetzky of Norton Law Firm. Matt breaks down his experience in FCA matters within the healthcare industry and the challenges defendants may face in false claims. Katie and Matt also discuss whistle-blower claims and provide insights on how companies can litigate cases successfully.

BRG Managing Director Orlando Alvarez joins the podcast to speak about his work in healthcare strategy. In the ever-evolving healthcare industry, Strategic Agenda Management (SAM) can create a framework to measure the success of specific strategies. Orlando explains the benefits and functions of SAM along with his insights from two decades of healthcare experience.

BRG Principal Steven Parker, leader of the firm’s Financial Investigations and Regulatory Compliance practice in the APAC region, joins us on this episode, which was recorded in anticipation of the Phase One trade deal with China. Steven discussed the evolving regulatory environment on mainland China and what it could mean for future joint ventures in the country. He also spoke about the increased focus on risk management for companies looking to invest in the region.

Dr. Shireen Meer, a director in BRG’s Disputes & Investigations group, joins host Eddie Newland for a conversation on antitrust leniency. She discusses an article she recently coauthored on the topic, as well as other trends she has noticed in antitrust enforcement. Dr. Meer is an economist specializing in the application of economic analysis to litigation and consulting matters.

Phil speaks with Jill Kouri, chief marketing officer of real estate giant JLL, about her hands-on leadership style, improving gender parity in corporate America and … dirt bikes? They’ll also discuss the changing role of the CMO and JLL’s vision of itself for the coming years—specifically related to the company’s new purpose statement.

BRG Managing Director Colm Gibson, who is part of the firm’s European Economic Regulation practice, joins host Eddie Newland to discuss the victory of Boris Johnson’s Conservative Party in the UK’s general election on December 12. Colm talks about what is ahead for the UK and what the vote means for business leaders, and provides his take on potential immediate and long-term ramifications.

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Brad Cornell, a managing director in BRG’s Disputes & Investigations group and leader of the Climate Change, Energy, and Finance practice. Our conversation focuses on the financial realities of global warming. Dr. Cornell talks about a realistic timeline for moving past carbon-based fuels, upgrading energy infrastructure, and how to make the cost of carbon clear to consumers.

In the second episode of his podcast, Dr. Andrew Agwunobi outlines potential ways to address problems facing healthcare organizations. He dives into how hospitals and other organizations can approach doctor satisfaction, systems management and cost improvements. To wrap up, Andy gives his outlook on the future of the industry.

Dr. Andrew Agwunobi, a BRG special advisor and former co-chair of the firm’s Healthcare Performance Improvement practice, joins host Eddie Newland. Andy is a board-certified pediatrician who now serves as chief executive officer and executive vice president for Health Affairs at UConn Health. In the first of a two-part episode, he discusses issues facing today’s hospitals, the tools available to health system leaders to address financial challenges and his views doctor satisfaction.

In this episode, Phil Rowley connects with Don Bunnin, who is vice president, Medical Aesthetics & Litigation for Allergan. Don joined Allergan in 2010 as litigation counsel and over the past decade has become a senior member of the company's corporate legal department. He reflects on the cultures he's experienced throughout his career and provides insights into the evolving regulatory landscape of healthcare. Don also describes how the legal department is moving past its reputation as the "department of no."

In this episode, we speak with BRG Director JoAnna Younts. JoAnna, working out of Washington, DC, is a member of BRG’s Health Analytics practice. We cover the regulatory landscape surrounding telemedicine and talk about state and federal statutes that have guided both commercial insurers and federal programs. She also shares her prediction and hopes for what the future of telemedicine will look like in the US.

On this episode of the Thinkset podcast, we welcome Andrea Kramer. Andie is a partner in an international law firm, where she has served on the Management and Compensation committees and was the first chair of the Gender Diversity committee. She has also been named one of the 50 Most Influential Women Lawyers in America by the National Law Journal. On today's podcast, we preview Andie’s workshop at the upcoming BRG Women’s Leadership Conference, “Your Dream Team: Building a Personal Board of Advisors.” We also discuss her work helping women navigate their careers and the publication of her new book, It's Not You, It's the Workplace: Women's Conflict at Work and the Bias That Built It.  

On this episode of the podcast, we welcome Sheila Heen. Sheila is the CEO of Triad Consulting and has been a lecturer at Harvard Law School since 1995. She has spent the last twenty years with the Harvard Negotiation Project, researching and developing negotiation theory. Her book Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback provides the basis for our discussion today. We also preview what to expect at her workshop for the BRG Women’s Leadership Conference later this year.

Aon’s Chief Administrative Officer for Commercial Risk Solutions Steve Keogh talks with Phil about how technological disruption is changing the world of risk management. One example: there are hundreds of billions between what is recorded as a cyber loss and what is recorded in cyber premiums—and Aon wants to narrow that gap. Steve also details how cyber risk has evolved beyond retail and healthcare to essentially all sectors—and how there’s a glaring lack of uniformity when it comes to who within companies should be on point when it comes to cyber risk management.

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.