Trista Engel, CEO of Paragon Legal, and Jessica Markowitz, President & COO of Paragon Legal, share their journey from the 2008 Wall Street Financial Crisis to raising money to buying Paragon Legal and now successfully growing the business. Listen to this inspiring journey. What were and how did they overcome the Gender Stereotypes and challenges they faced raising money and in pitching VCs? Why did they select Paragon Legal and how has the flex talent changed and encouraged diverse legal talent to not only stay in the profession but use Paragon Legal and springboard to launch their career?

In this episode, we are joined by Tonya Mitchem Grindon, a trailblazing Partner at Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC, as she shares her remarkable journey to equity in the corporate world. From her humble beginnings in rural Alabama to assuming the helm of the business department, Tonya's narrative epitomizes ambition, resilience, and triumph over biases. Reflecting on her experiences, she explores the significance of seizing opportunities, cultivating networks, and embracing pride in achievements. Tonya also delves into the pivotal role of sponsors in advocating for diverse professionals, offering insights into initiatives at Baker Donaldson aimed at fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. Tune in to this engaging conversation for invaluable lessons on overcoming self-doubt, attaining work-life balance, and navigating the path to corporate success.

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on Nancy Del Pizzo, Partner at Rivkin Radler LLP, as she shares her remarkable journey from the publishing industry to the legal profession, with a focus on intellectual property law. Nancy offers candid insights into her career transition, discussing the challenges she encountered in publishing, the appeal of intellectual property law, and the pivotal moments that shaped her path. Emphasizing the importance of organizational culture, Nancy advises listeners to prioritize environments where authenticity and personal growth are valued. Drawing from her own experiences, she reflects on the transformative power of embracing one's identity and its profound impact on professional fulfillment and success. From grappling with issues of inclusion to championing authenticity, Nancy’s narrative provides valuable lessons and inspiration for listeners embarking on their own professional journeys.