Lowenstein Sandler's Women's Initiative Podcast: Real Talk

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Sep 2026

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About the show

Through the Lowenstein Women's Initiative Network, we have had a forum for our women to build genuine friendships, facilitate trust and camaraderie, and gain new perspectives about the issues that often come to define the professional and personal lives of women operating in the corporate world. In this podcast, we're going to discuss strategies and practical tips that have been key to our successes and those of our colleagues and mentors, and just as importantly, talk through constructive ways to deal with setbacks and disappointments. Our goal will always be to keep our conversations honest and to provide our listeners with real, actionable advice and information to enrich your professional and personal lives.

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60 recent

October 29, 2026Episode 6139 min

Beyond Resilience: Krista Gundersen on Living and Working With Stage IV Breast Cancer

In this episode of "Real Talk," hosts Jennifer Fiorica Delgado and Megan Monson sit down with Krista Gundersen , Senior Director of Programs Operations & Systems Management at Practising Law Institute (PLI), to discuss living with Stage IV breast cancer while raising a young child and advancing her career. Krista shares what helped her navigate treatment, advocate for herself, find support, and manage the demands of work and family. She also reflects on the complicated meaning of resilience and offers guidance for people facing a serious diagnosis—and for those who want to support them. Speakers: Jennifer Fiorica Delgado , Partner, Commercial Litigation Megan Monson , Partner, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Krista M. Gundersen , Senior Director, Programs Operations & Systems Management at PLI

September 10, 2026Episode 6010 min

Coffee Chats with WIN: Don't Take Yourself Out of the Game

In this episode of Real Talk's "Coffee Chats with WIN," hosts Jessica I. Stewart and Lauren N. Russell speak with Lesley Adamo , Vice Chair of the Tax Group , New York Office Managing Partner, and Head of Strategic Growth and Initiatives. Lesley discusses her path into tax law and to Lowenstein, the advice that encouraged her not to take herself out of the game while pursuing partnership and family, and the importance of bringing her whole self to work. The conversation also covers what she looks for in junior attorneys, why proactive client ownership matters, and how careers are long, relationships matter, and the legal community is smaller than it may seem. Speakers: Lesley P. Adamo , Partner; Vice Chair, Tax Group Jessica I. Stewart , Associate, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Lauren N. Russell , Associate, Emerging Companies & Venture Capital

August 20, 2026Episode 5917 min

The Professional "Game Face" During Personal Change

In this episode of "Real Talk," Megan Monson and Kathryn A. Daniel discuss the challenges women may face when navigating divorce in the workplace, particularly in a demanding law firm environment. Drawing on their own experiences, they reflect on balancing privacy and transparency, leaning on personal and professional support systems, using available resources, and finding resilience while moving through a life-altering transition. Speakers: Megan Monson , Partner, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Kathryn A. Daniel , Associate, Trusts & Estates

August 13, 2026Episode 5822 min

Be Bold: Lessons in Inclusive Leadership

In this episode of "Real Talk," Megan Monson and Diane Moss are joined by Patsy Doerr , Chief People & Culture Officer at LRN, to discuss her career journey and work advancing inclusion, talent development, and leadership across global organizations. Doerr shares lessons from her experience driving inclusive leadership initiatives and building ethical workplace cultures, emphasizing the importance of leadership buy-in, authenticity, psychological safety, growth mindset, and being bold when pursuing new opportunities. Speakers: Megan Monson , Partner, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Diane Moss , Counsel, Emerging Companies & Venture Capital Patsy Sciutto Doerr , Chief People & Culture Officer at LRN

July 23, 2026Episode 5724 min

Legal Launchpad: So You Want to Be a Lawyer?

In this episode of "Real Talk," Alessandra M. Moore is joined by Brianna M. Ferrante for the latest installment of the Legal Launchpad miniseries, discussing what students should consider when deciding whether law school is the right path for them. Moore and Ferrante compare their day-to-day experiences in litigation and corporate practice, address common myths about legal careers, and offer practical advice on exploring different practice areas, building key skills, and keeping an open mind early in your career. Speakers: Alessandra M. Moore , Associate, White Collar Defense Group Brianna M. Ferrante , Associate, Mergers & Acquisitions

July 2, 2026Episode 5617 min

Finding Your Seat in the Boardroom with Maria Prince

In this episode of "Real Talk," Megan Monson and Diane Moss are joined by Maria Prince, a board director and senior executive advisor, to discuss her career journey and advice for women interested in pursuing positions on a board of directors. Prince shares how her experience in ESG, supply chain risk, and global operations shaped her path to the boardroom, emphasizing the importance of understanding your value, building experience before you need it, and not waiting until you have checked every box before seeking new opportunities. Speakers: Megan Monson , Partner, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Diane Moss , Counsel, Emerging Companies & Venture Capital Maria Prince M.B.A. NACD.DC , Independent Director & Advisor

June 25, 2026Episode 5525 min

Coffee Chats with WIN: Natalie Dallavalle

In this episode of Real Talk's "Coffee Chats with WIN," hosts Jessica I. Stewart and Lauren N. Russell chat with in-house commercial counsel at PSE&G--and former Lowenstein attorney-- Natalie Dallavalle about career pivots and changing goals. She shares her multiple pivots from private practice to in-house counsel, and from litigation to corporate law. She emphasizes that it's okay for your career goals to change and encourages young attorneys to do what is right for themselves, even if it strays from the status quo. Speakers: Jessica Stewart , Associate, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Lauren N. Russell , Associate, Emerging Companies and Venture Capital Natalie Dallavalle , Associate Counsel, Commercial, PSE&G

June 18, 2026Episode 5436 min

The Art of Reinvention with Stephanie Argentine

In this episode of Real Talk , Jennifer Fiorica Delgado and Claire Dronzek are joined by Stephanie Argentine , Chief People Officer & Head of Legal Affairs at Centivo, to discuss the art of career reinvention as Argentine shares her career journey: from pivoting within law to HR and weaving together her strengths for a role that encompasses both. Argentine advises looking at your career as a winding path instead of a linear chronology, adding that you should identify and leverage your superpower as you navigate a career pivot. Speakers: Jennifer Fiorica Delgado , Partner, Commercial Litigation Claire Dronzek , Associate, Emerging Companies & Venture Capital Stephanie Argentine , Chief People Officer & Head of Legal Affairs at Centivo

May 21, 2026Episode 5329 min

The Legal Launchpad: Making the Most of Your Summer Associate Experience

In this episode of Women's Initiative Network: Real Talk , Melissa Leidl , Lowenstein's Senior Manager of Entry Level Recruiting, joins host Alessandra M. Moore in the first edition of "The Legal Launchpad" a Real Talk subseries featuring candid conversations about careers in law, the legal profession, and what it takes to succeed. Leidl and Moore share expectations and advice for summer associates, emphasizing the importance of seizing all opportunities throughout the summer. Speakers: Alessandra M. Moore , Associate, White Collar Defense Group Melissa Leidl , Senior Manager of Entry Level Recruiting

May 7, 2026Episode 528 min

Coffee Chats with WIN: Kathryn Daniel

In this episode of Real Talk's "Coffee Chats with WIN," hosts Jessica I. Stewart and Lauren N. Russell chat with Kathryn A. Daniel about the value in positivity and approachability as a junior associate. Kathryn highlights her adventurous spirit through her career journey, studying in Norway for graduate school before pivoting to law, as well as through her personal interests and experiences, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and her love of coffee. Speakers: Jessica I. Stewart , Associate, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Lauren N. Russell , Associate, Emerging Companies and Venture Capital Kathryn Daniel , Associate, Trusts and Estates