In this new series, we will be featuring successful leaders who will share stories of their personal journeys to leadership, as well as their passions, their experiences, and their inspirations. In each episode, these inspiring individuals will discuss their advice on navigating challenges and will discuss how they were able to reach the highest levels of leadership in their organizations.

Part 1: Inspiring leaders: Colette Honorable

Colette Honorable, former FERC commissioner, a partner in Reed Smith’s Washington, D.C. office, and a member of Reed Smith’s executive committee – just to name a few of her leadership positions – joins co-hosts Iveliz Crespo and John Iino to talk about what it was like getting “the call” from President Obama to join the FERC. She also will share how she has navigated various challenges, such as being the only woman in the room, and she will give advice to younger women of color on reaching the highest levels of leadership.

Part 2: Inspiring leaders: Gautam Bhattacharyya

In the second episode of our “Inspiring Leaders” series, we feature Gautam Bhattacharyya, a member of Reed Smith’s executive committee, chair of the firm’s India business team, and former managing partner of the Singapore office. Gautam joins co-hosts Iveliz Crespo and John Iino to discuss his experiences and his personal journey to leadership, especially as a person of color in the UK and as someone who works across cultures. He will also share some of his own mistakes along the way and alert future leaders to the pitfalls they should avoid as they climb the ladder of success.

Part 3: Inspiring leaders: Jason Hazlewood

This episode features Pittsburgh Office Managing Partner Jason Hazlewood. Jason shares his journey to leadership at the firm, from associate to office managing partner and membership on the Executive Committee. He describes his four core themes for leadership, including an emphasis on equity of opportunity for all lawyers and personnel; elevation of the firm’s position in the local community; promotion of positive corporate citizenship and unity in the region; and the enhancement of the office’s culture and communications. He also shares how he stays grounded and maintains a positive outlook on life.

Part 4: Inspiring leaders: Julia López

Continuing our Inspiring Leaders series, in this episode we kick off Hispanic Heritage Month by featuring Julia López, the partner chair of UNIDOS, Reed Smith’s Hispanic/LatinX business inclusion group. Julia is the national finance director for the Hispanic National Bar Association and past president of the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey.  She shares her sources of inspiration that drive her success and ability to overcome challenges.  Julia provides valuable advice to our listeners on inclusive leadership and the importance of fairness and justice.