Advertise on podcast: RopesTalk

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.