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.