

Notes to My Legal Self®
Olga V. Mack
Notes to My Legal Self® is a podcast for lawyers who want to think better, lead better, and practice with judgment, not just knowledge.
Hosted by Olga V. Mack, the show explores the real decisions lawyers face but rarely talk about openly. The gray areas. The tradeoffs. The moments where legal advice shapes business outcomes and trust.
Each episode blends candid reflection and conversations with experienced legal leaders who share what actually works in practice.
This is not about memorizing rules. It is about developing legal judgment, clarity, and confidence over time.
Hosted by Olga V. Mack, the show explores the real decisions lawyers face but rarely talk about openly. The gray areas. The tradeoffs. The moments where legal advice shapes business outcomes and trust.
Each episode blends candid reflection and conversations with experienced legal leaders who share what actually works in practice.
This is not about memorizing rules. It is about developing legal judgment, clarity, and confidence over time.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 17, 2023 • 40min
Season 6, Episode 3: The Digital Legacy Revolution (with Art Shaikh)
Welcome to Episode 3 of Season 6 of "Notes to My Legal Self: AI Insights," where we delve into the profound realm of digital legacies. In this riveting episode, we're joined by Art Shaikh, the visionary Founder and CEO of DigitalWill.com, to explore how AI is revolutionizing estate planning in the digital era.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding the importance of digital assets in estate planning.
Insights into AI's role in simplifying legal processes in will and estate planning.
Strategies for managing digital legacies and ensuring your digital assets are properly handled.
Art Shaikh, a thought leader in digital estate planning, shares his personal journey and professional insights on integrating AI into legacy planning.
Special Features:
In-depth discussion on AI's impact on legal tech.
Real-life stories illustrating the importance of digital legacy.
Teaser Questions:
How can AI transform the way we approach estate planning?
What challenges do we face in managing digital legacies, and how can AI help?
Join the conversation! Share your thoughts on today's discussion, and let's build a community of legal innovators and enthusiasts. Don't forget to nominate someone making waves in legal AI or even nominate yourself!

Dec 14, 2023 • 45min
Season 6, Episode 2: Mastering Legal Prompt Engineering: A New Frontier in Legal Tech (with Dazza Greenwood)
Welcome to an intriguing exploration of Legal Prompt Engineering in the latest episode of 'Notes to My Legal Self, AI Insights'. This session, featuring Dazza Greenwood, delves deep into the integration of AI in the legal field, highlighting how this technology reshapes legal processes and decision-making.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding Legal Prompt Engineering: A comprehensive introduction to this emerging field, blending legal analysis, systems design, and data governance.
The Interplay of AI and Law: Insights into the collaboration between legal professionals and engineers in creating AI solutions that adhere to legal norms while enhancing transparency and fairness.
Real-World Applications: An exploration of various legal scenarios where AI is effectively utilized, showcasing both potential benefits and challenges.
Future of AI in Legal Practices: Discussion on the evolving role of AI in law, its potential impact, and ethical considerations.
Dazza Greenwood, a seasoned expert in legal technology and AI, shares his extensive experience, providing valuable perspectives on the significance and future of Legal Prompt Engineering.
Special Features:
Analysis of current and future trends in legal technology.
Strategies for effectively integrating AI into legal workflows.
Examination of the ethical implications of AI in legal contexts.
Teaser Questions:
What does Legal Prompt Engineering entail, and why is it critical in today's legal landscape?
How can AI be harnessed to support legal professionals while maintaining ethical standards?
What future developments can be anticipated in the intersection of AI and legal practices?
Call to Action:
Engage in the conversation about AI in law by sharing thoughts and experiences on social media platforms.
Nominate individuals who are making significant strides in the legal AI arena for future episodes.
Subscribe to stay informed about the latest developments in legal technology.
This episode promises to be a thought-provoking journey through the dynamic realm of legal technology, offering insights into how AI is shaping the future of law. Share this episode to spread knowledge and spark discussions in the legal community.

Dec 14, 2023 • 35min
Season 6, Episode 1: Client Consent in the AI Era: Navigating Legal and Ethical Challenges (with Aileen Schultz)
Welcome to a groundbreaking episode of 'Notes to My Legal Self, AI Insights'! In our Season 6 premiere, we delve deep into the complexities of client consent in the AI-driven legal landscape. Join us as we dissect the legal, ethical, and practical considerations of integrating AI into legal consent processes, featuring expert insights from Aileen Schultz.
Key Takeaways:
Role of AI in Client Consent Processes: An exploration of how AI is being used to facilitate client consent, including its advantages, risks, and the impact on privacy and informed consent.
Legal and Regulatory Frameworks: A detailed discussion on the existing legal structures that govern the use of AI in client consent, highlighting areas of compliance and potential gaps.
Ethical Implications and Principles: A deep dive into the ethical issues raised by AI in client consent, emphasizing the importance of maintaining transparency, fairness, and accountability.
Balancing Innovation with Risk Mitigation: Strategies for leveraging AI technologies in client consent while ensuring strong safeguards for client rights and privacy.
Future Outlook and Best Practices: Insights into emerging trends, practical approaches, and future potential of AI in legal practices, especially in the realm of client consent.
Aileen Schultz, a pioneer in legal innovation and AI governance, shares her extensive expertise, shedding light on this nuanced topic.
Special Features:
Insightful analysis of real-world case studies demonstrating AI's application in legal consent processes.
A comprehensive discussion on the intersection of AI, law, and ethics.
Practical tips for legal professionals navigating AI integration.
Teaser Questions:
What are the implications of using AI in legal consent processes?
How can legal professionals balance technological advancement with ethical responsibilities?
What does the future hold for AI in legal practices, particularly in the context of client consent?
Call to Action:
Join our social media platforms to contribute to the ongoing discussion about AI in the legal field.
Nominate or self-nominate someone making significant contributions to legal AI.
Subscribe for more episodes that blend legal expertise with technological insights.
As we unravel the dynamic interplay between law, ethics, and AI, your participation is invaluable. Engage with us, share the episode, and be part of a community shaping the future of legal practices in the AI era. Stay tuned for more insightful discussions and let's journey together through this evolving landscape of legal technology.

Sep 18, 2023 • 46min
Season 5, Episode 20: Legal Wellness: Beyond Mental Health and One Size Fits All Corporate Wellness Programs (with Ashlee Best)
Welcome to this enlightening episode of "Notes to My Legal Self," where we dive into the evolving landscape of wellness beyond traditional corporate programs, exploring the intricate connection between mind, body, beliefs, connections, and environment. Our guest, Ashlee Best, a seasoned legal operations leader with a rich history in Fortune 500 companies and startups alike, shares her transformative journey towards holistic wellness and its implications for the legal profession.
Key Takeaways:
Ashlee's extensive background in legal operations, spanning over 20 years across tech giants and startups, provides a unique perspective on the intersection of law, technology, and wellness.
An exploration of the five pillars of wellness, as outlined by the Mindvalley's Holobody Coaching certification program, through Ashlee's personal and professional experiences.
Insights into Ashlee's career transition from legal operations to legal wellness, highlighting her mission to transform the legal ecosystem's approach to health and well-being.
Guest Information:
Ashlee Best, a trailblazer in legal operations, brings her innovative mindset to the forefront of legal wellness. With experience in companies such as PeopleSoft/Oracle, Zynga, Pandora, Dropbox, and Asana, Ashlee is now embarking on a new path as a wellness coach, certified by Mindvalley's Holobody program, aiming to revolutionize wellness in the legal profession.
Special Features:
Deep dive into Ashlee's holistic approach to wellness, emphasizing the importance of addressing individual needs and the interconnectedness of various wellness pillars.
Ashlee's insights into the future of work, technology, and their impact on human well-being within the legal sector.
Engaging discussions on how traditional legal operations roles can evolve to include wellness as a core component.
Questions:
How can legal professionals integrate wellness into their daily routines?
What role does technology play in promoting wellness within the legal ecosystem?
Can the principles of legal operations offer a blueprint for implementing effective wellness strategies?
Join the conversation on wellness in legal operations by following "Notes to My Legal Self" on your favorite podcast platform. Engage with us through comments, likes, and shares, and let us know your thoughts on integrating wellness into the legal profession. If you or someone you know is pioneering wellness initiatives in legal or any other field, reach out for a chance to be featured in future episodes.
Embrace this opportunity to rethink wellness in the legal profession with Ashlee Best, as we navigate the path to holistic health and well-being together. Don't forget to engage with the episode and share your insights and experiences. See you in the next episode of "Notes to My Legal Self"!

Sep 12, 2023 • 49min
Season 5, Episode 19: How Can We Get Better Connected (to Our Legal Data)? (with Bo Kinloch)
Welcome to "Notes to My Legal Self," where we dive deep into the world of legal innovation, data management, and the future of in-house legal departments. Today, we're joined by Bo Kinloch, a visionary in the legal operations field, whose eclectic career journey has seen him transition from a musician and game designer to a leading figure in legal ops at Hasbro, Inc.
Key Takeaways:
Bo's unique path from the indie music scene and game design to spearheading legal operations.
Insights into building Hasbro’s legal ops from scratch, focusing on kids' data privacy and digital product counsel.
The importance of integrating design thinking and technical skills in legal operations.
Strategies for leveraging data and technology to optimize in-house legal departments.
Bo’s perspective on the future of legal ops and his commitment to innovation and community engagement within the field.
Guest Information: Bo Kinloch, former Director of Legal Operations at Hasbro, Inc., is renowned for his strategic approach to legal operations, blending 12 years of in-house experience with his background in game design and software development. Bo's career is a testament to the power of diverse experiences, from his early days in the music industry to leading game design projects and finally, revolutionizing legal operations at Hasbro.
Special Features:
A journey through Bo's career transition and how his diverse background informs his approach to legal ops.
Discussion on the role of data privacy in digital product counsel, especially concerning children's data.
Insights into the digital transformation of legal departments and the significance of community in legal ops.
Questions:
How can a background in music and game design enhance one’s approach to legal operations?
What strategies did Bo employ to build Hasbro's legal operations from the ground up?
How does Bo envision the future of legal ops, and what role does community play in shaping it?
Engage with us! If you have questions or comments about today’s discussion or have suggestions for future episodes, reach out through our podcast platform. Don't forget to follow and subscribe to "Notes to My Legal Self" for more insightful episodes on legal innovation and the future of in-house practice.
Join us on "Notes to My Legal Self" as we explore the innovative world of legal operations with Bo Kinloch, whose career journey and strategic insights offer invaluable lessons for in-house legal professionals looking to navigate the future of law with creativity and efficiency.

Aug 28, 2023 • 42min
Season 5, Episode 18: How to Strategically Start Your New (Legal Ops) Function (with Laurie David-Henric)
In today’s episode of "Notes to My Legal Cell," we dive deep into strategic operations and management within the legal sector. Join us as we explore the captivating journey of Laurie David-Henric, a seasoned professional who has carved a niche for herself in the challenging legal operations and strategy realm. As the current Head of Operations & Strategy for a Fortune 500 company's LCAG function, Laurie brings a wealth of experience and insights from her diverse career spanning multiple continents and legal domains.
Key Takeaways:
Strategic Patience: Learn how Laurie's approach of taking a step back to fully understand her role and the needs of her organization led to significant strategic achievements.
Building Strategic Partnerships: Discover the importance of fostering relationships with key stakeholders and departments to drive operational excellence.
Digital Transformation: Laurie shares her current challenge and excitement around digitalizing the law department, emphasizing the need for simplicity and user-friendliness in system adoption.
Guest Information:Laurie David-Henric, with a distinguished career in legal operations, brings a unique perspective from her tenure at The Citco Group and now at a leading Fortune 500 company. Her educational background in International Commercial Law and her vast experience across different cultures and legal systems add depth to her expertise.
Special Features:
Insightful Questions: "How does one navigate the complexities of digital transformation in a traditional legal department?"
Career Path Highlight: Laurie’s unconventional journey from a corporate lawyer to leading business process optimization and now spearheading legal operations and strategy.
Join us next time on 'Notes to My Legal Self' as we continue to uncover the stories, strategies, and insights from legal professionals making a difference. Remember, the journey of legal practice is both challenging and rewarding – embrace it with curiosity and strategic patience. See you in the next episode!

Aug 9, 2023 • 36min
Season 5, Episode 17: What Authority to Cite When Marketing to Lawyers (with Ramtin Taheri)
Welcome to this groundbreaking episode of our podcast, where we explore the innovative intersection of legal practice and digital marketing with Ramtin Taheri, a trailblazer in the legal field. Ramtin and co-founder Brian Potts have established a pioneering marketing agency that connects brands with social media influencers specializing in legal content. This episode promises to unveil the strategies behind their success and the impact of their work on the legal community and beyond.
Key Takeaways:
Insight into the creation and mission of Ramtin's marketing agency.
The role of influencer marketing in modernizing the legal field.
Strategies for effective marketing to lawyers and law students.
Ramtin's journey from in-house counsel to innovative entrepreneur.
The future of legal tech and its integration into traditional legal practices.
Guest Information: Ramtin Taheri, in-house counsel at Nice Actimize and co-founder of a Legal Influencer Marketing Agency, joins us to share his expertise. With a background in intellectual property litigation and a passion for legal tech, Ramtin brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.
Special Features:
Insights into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship in the legal sector.
An overview of the latest trends in legal tech and their implications for legal practice.
Questions:
How is influencer marketing revolutionizing the way legal services are marketed?
What challenges did Ramtin face in bridging the gap between traditional legal practices and the digital world?
How can legal professionals leverage social media and legal tech to enhance their practices?
Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts and questions on our social media platforms. Don't miss out on the opportunity to gain insights from one of the legal field's most innovative minds. Tune in, engage, and let's explore the future of legal marketing together.
This episode promises to be an enlightening exploration of how digital trends are reshaping the legal industry, through the lens of Ramtin Taheri's pioneering work. Whether you're a legal professional, a student, or simply interested in the intersection of law and technology, there's something in this conversation for you. Don't miss it!

Aug 2, 2023 • 32min
Season 5, Episode 16: Making the leap from Litigation to In-House (with Christi Disparte)
Welcome to another enlightening episode of "Notes to My Legal Self," where we navigate the complexities and triumphs of legal careers with in-house professionals. Today, we're coming to you from San Antonio, Texas, embracing the new realities of post-pandemic travel and continuing our conversations on the go. In this episode, we dive deep with Christi Disparte, an in-house legal counsel at ENGIE Impact, exploring the often misunderstood journey from litigation to in-house counsel.
Key Takeaways:
Debunking myths about transitioning from litigation to in-house roles.
Insight into Christi's personal journey and the challenges she overcame.
The importance of timing, readiness, and leveraging litigation experience in a corporate setting.
A candid discussion on the realities of work-life balance and making a purposeful career shift.
Guest Information:Christi Disparte shares her compelling transition from being a litigation associate to embracing the role of in-house legal counsel at ENGIE Impact. With a rich background in complex civil litigation, Christi's story is a beacon for legal professionals contemplating a similar move.
Questions:
What are the common misconceptions about moving from litigation to in-house counsel?
How can litigation experience be an asset in a corporate environment?
What does it take to make a successful transition to in-house counsel?
Don't just listen; join the conversation! Share your experiences, ask questions, and let us know your thoughts on today’s topic. If you know an in-house professional with insights to share, recommend them for our next episode. Your interaction enriches our community and helps shape future content.
Join us on this journey of professional growth and discovery, as we uncover the steps, challenges, and triumphs of transitioning from the courtroom to the corporate world with Christi Disparte. Your path to in-house counsel might just start here.

Jul 24, 2023 • 35min
Season 5, Episode 15: What Does It Mean to be a Leader? (with Mary Smith)
Welcome to the season finale of "Knowles to My Legal Self," where we explore the intersections of law, leadership, and the personal journeys that shape us. In this potentially last episode of 2022, we're honored to host Mary Smith, the trailblazing President-Elect of the American Bar Association (ABA) and the first Native American woman to hold this prestigious position. Mary's distinguished career spans across high-profile roles in law, healthcare, biopharmaceuticals, insurance, and consulting, making her insights invaluable for anyone looking to make an impact in their field.
Key Takeaways:
Mary's groundbreaking election as the ABA President-Elect and what it represents for diversity and inclusion within the legal profession.
Insights into Mary's leadership style, the importance of developing leadership skills, and the challenges and triumphs of leading complex organizations.
The significance of representation and creating opportunities for Native American girls in STEM through the Caroline and Ora Smith Foundation.
Guest Information: Mary Smith brings a wealth of experience from her roles as an independent board member, former CEO of the Indian Health Service, and her legal career including positions at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, Tyco International, the White House, and the U.S. Department of Justice. Her dedication to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion has been recognized with the ABA Spirit of Excellence Award.
Special Features:
A deep dive into the challenges of effecting change within large organizations and the legal profession.
Mary's personal journey from a systems programmer to a legal and healthcare leader.
Leadership lessons learned from mistakes and successes throughout her career.
Questions:
How does Mary Smith envision her presidency impacting the ABA and the legal profession at large?
What inspired Mary to start the Caroline and Ora Smith Foundation, and how does she see it evolving?
How has Mary's unique background influenced her leadership style and her approach to diversity and inclusion?
Don't miss this enlightening conversation with Mary Smith. Tune in, be inspired, and consider what leadership in law means to you. Share your thoughts with us on social media or leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Jul 10, 2023 • 36min
Season 5, Episode 14: Into the Fire: The Journey of an Corporate Legal Generalist with (Stefanie Frank)
Welcome to a riveting episode where we delve into the world of in-house legal generalists with the indomitable Stefanie Frank, Vice President and Associate General Counsel at Thriveworks. With a career spanning across various legal terrains and a personal love for weightlifting, running, and rock music, Stefanie brings a unique perspective to tackling the multifaceted challenges within the corporate legal landscape.
Key Takeaways:
Stefanie's journey from the Association for Marriage and Family Therapy to Thriveworks, highlighting her transition and growth within the legal domain.
An in-depth discussion on the role and responsibilities of an in-house legal generalist.
Insights into managing a blend of everyday problems, large-scale projects, and leading a generalist legal team.
Stefanie's sources of inspiration and her ongoing journey into thought leadership, emphasizing how it complements her role as an in-house attorney.
Practical advice for aspiring legal generalists on navigating career paths and challenges.
Guest Information: Stefanie Frank, a seasoned legal professional with over eight years of experience as an in-house attorney generalist. She currently serves as the Vice President and Associate General Counsel at Thriveworks, a leading mental health services provider in the United States.
Special Features:
A sneak peek into Stefanie's personal life, revealing how her passions outside of work influence her professional ethos.
Questions:
How does one thrive as a legal generalist in a corporate environment teeming with specialized issues?
What are Stefanie's strategies for balancing her professional responsibilities with her personal passions?
How can aspiring legal professionals carve out a successful path as in-house generalists?
Join us on this enlightening journey with Stefanie Frank to uncover the secrets to thriving as an in-house legal generalist. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast, share this episode with your network, and leave us a review with your thoughts and questions. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and expert insights in our upcoming episodes!


