The Influencers: Digital Transformation

Hosted by Hogan Lovells Cadwalader

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Welcome to The Influencers , where we bring you insightful conversations with leaders from business, academia and regulating authorities about all aspects of digital transformation and law. How will AI, big data, crypto and other deep digital technologies interact with the emerging laws and regulations? How to support innovation and progress without compromising ethical standards and the need for social responsibility? What are the stories behind new business ventures or legislative initiatives? And most of all: how to harness technological advancements to create wealth and wellbeing for all?

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60 recent

October 28, 2026Episode 6819 min

The judgment gap

What happens when AI starts doing the work that once trained junior lawyers? Joining host Leo von Gerlach, partner Melissa Bianchi explores how AI is changing not only the delivery of legal advice, but the development of expertise itself. The conversation explores how legal advice is becoming faster, more practical and more closely integrated into business decision-making. As clients increasingly arrive with AI-generated answers already in hand, lawyers are spending less time finding information and more time helping clients understand what it means and whether it can be trusted. Melissa also reflects on what this means for the next generation of lawyers. While AI can accelerate learning and remove routine work, judgment still has to be earned. In a world of increasingly capable tools, knowing when to question an answer may become the profession's most valuable skill. About Melissa Bianchi: Melissa Bianchi leads Hogan Lovells' digital health initiative, bringing together a cross-disciplinary approach to digital health products, AI and health technology. A recognized advisor on HIPAA, health privacy and healthcare regulation, she helps pharmaceutical, biotech, technology and healthcare organizations navigate complex issues involving health data, clinical research, data governance and emerging technologies. Her practice spans hospitals, health plans and academic medical centers, giving her a front-row view of how innovation is reshaping healthcare and the law. About Hogan Lovells Cadwalader: Our Digital Transformation offering helps clients navigate the full breadth and depth of the seismic forces impacting their organizations – and today’s society. Drawing on the experience of more than 3,000 lawyers across 36+ offices worldwide, we provide integrated advice on the regulatory, governance, risk, and enforcement issues arising from emerging technologies and the broader digital economy. If you enjoyed today's episode, we'd love for you to rate and review us. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing insightful conversations on digital transformation and law. Thank you for your support!

October 14, 2026Episode 6719 min

Why legal training needs a rethink

On today’s episode, Ben Shillito, founder of digital transformation consultancy Olus, joins Leo von Gerlach for a conversation about what happens when AI starts taking on the mechanics of legal work and how that could change the role of lawyers for good. Drawing on his experience across private practice, in-house legal teams and digital transformation, Ben argues that AI adoption is about far more than efficiency. The conversation explores whether lawyers could learn judgment the way pilots train in simulators, how teams should divide work between humans and technology, and what will distinguish the most successful firms when everyone has access to similar AI tools. Ultimately, Ben argues that as AI takes on more of the mechanics of legal work, lawyers will be free to focus on what has always been at the heart of the profession: helping people cooperate, navigate competing interests, and find common ground. About Olus: Olus is a consultancy focused on digital transformation for the legal sector, helping law firms, legal teams and professional services organizations adapt to emerging technologies and new ways of working. Combining legal expertise with transformation experience, Olus supports clients in navigating AI adoption, workforce change, and the evolving future of legal services.

September 30, 2026Episode 6620 min

Don't just teach AI, use it

What happens when lawyers spend a day building AI instead of learning about it? Joining Charmian Aw and Leo von Gerlach, Arne Thiermann and Daniel Mattig discuss the Hamburg AI Negotiation Challenge, an office-wide initiative that brought lawyers together to create AI-powered solutions for one of the most fundamental aspects of legal practice: negotiation. The conversation explores why negotiation proved to be the perfect testing ground for AI adoption, how teams combined legal expertise with emerging technology skills, and why the most effective solutions went beyond efficiency to rethink how lawyers prepare, train, and make decisions. Just as importantly, Daniel and Arne discuss a principle that guided the challenge from the outset: AI can enhance judgment, but it should never replace it. Along the way, they share lessons for any organization looking to turn curiosity into capability. From experimentation and collaboration to practical problem-solving, the challenge demonstrated that AI fluency is not built through presentations or theory alone. It develops when people are given the opportunity to work with the technology on real-world challenges together. About the Hamburg AI Negotiation Challenge: The Hamburg AI Negotiation Challenge brought together lawyers from across the office to develop practical AI solutions for negotiation and client work. Combining principles from the Harvard Negotiation Program with hands-on experimentation, participants designed and tested AI-powered tools to support preparation, training, strategy, and decision-making. The project demonstrates how immersive, collaborative learning can accelerate AI adoption while keeping human judgment firmly at the center of legal practice. About Hogan Lovells Cadwalader: Our Digital Transformation offering helps clients navigate the full breadth and depth of the seismic forces impacting their organizations – and today’s society. Drawing on the experience of more than 3,000 lawyers across 36+ offices worldwide, we provide integrated advice on the regulatory, governance, risk, and enforcement issues arising from emerging technologies and the broader digital economy. If you enjoyed today's episode, we'd love for you to rate and review us. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing insightful conversations on digital transformation and law. Thank you for your support.

September 16, 2026Episode 6524 min

Why every lawyer needs to get their hands dirty with AI

We're back with Season Five of The Influencers. This season, we turn the spotlight on one of the most pressing questions facing the legal profession today: how can lawyers continue to learn, adapt, and create value in an age of AI? In the opening episode, host Leo von Gerlach welcomes new co-host Charmian Aw and gives listeners an opportunity to get to know the voice that will join him throughout the season. Together, they discuss the habits and approaches that will help lawyers succeed amid rapid technological change, from looking beyond traditional legal sources and embracing lifelong learning to experimenting with AI tools firsthand. Their conversation explores why curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to "get your hands dirty" with technology will be essential for lawyers navigating the future of the profession. About Charmian Aw: Based in Singapore, Charmian advises clients across the firm's AI, Data and Digital practice in Asia Pacific. As co-host of Season Five, she brings deep experience in emerging technologies, digital transformation, and the opportunities and challenges created by AI. About Hogan Lovells Cadwalader: Our Digital Transformation offering helps clients navigate the full breadth and depth of the seismic forces impacting their organizations – and today’s society. Drawing on the experience of more than 3,000 lawyers across 36+ offices worldwide, we provide integrated advice on the regulatory, governance, risk, and enforcement issues arising from emerging technologies and the broader digital economy. If you enjoyed today's episode, we'd love for you to rate and review us. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing insightful conversations on digital transformation and law. Thank you for your support!

July 8, 2026Episode 6419 min

AI, Regulation, and Europe's Innovation Challenge with Sophie Sohm, Meta

In this episode of The Influencers, Sophie Sohm, Privacy and Data Policy Manager at Meta, joins host Leo von Gerlach to explore the future of AI regulation in Europe. As governments race to establish guardrails for emerging technologies, Sophie argues that the biggest challenge is not the technology itself, but creating clear, practical rules that allow innovation to thrive. From AI adoption to regulatory reform, she explains what Europe must get right to remain competitive. About Sophie Sohm: At Meta, Sophie helps navigate the intersection of AI, privacy, and digital regulation in Europe. Previously with the European Parliament, she brings a policy-focused perspective to some of the most important technology debates shaping innovation today. Sophie also founded the German-speaking chapter of the Women in Security and Privacy (WISP) Network. About Hogan Lovells Cadwalader: Our Digital Transformation offering helps clients navigate the full breadth and depth of the seismic forces impacting their organizations – and today’s society. Leveraging team members across our 3200 lawyers on six continents, we provide integrated advice on the multifaceted regulatory, governance and enforcement issues and risks that arise across the many technologies and trends that comprise the new digital future. If you enjoyed today's episode, we'd love for you to rate and review us. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing insightful conversations on digital transformation and law. Thank you for your support!

June 29, 2026Episode 6320 min

AI adoption is outpacing organizational capability

In this episode of The Influencers, digital marketing and transformation advisor Steven Golus joins host Leo von Gerlach to examine what is really holding organizations back from getting value out of AI. Across global media and technology businesses, teams are experimenting, but very few are integrating AI in a way that changes how they operate or compete. From low leadership fluency to unclear ownership, Steven shows how the barriers are practical, not technical. Those moving ahead are embedding AI into how work gets done, focusing on high-impact use cases, and building real capability across teams. If you want to understand how to move from interest to execution, this conversation shows what it takes. About Steven Golus: Steven Golus brings over 25 years’ experience across leading digital advertising platforms including Google, DoubleClick, DataXu, and x+1. Today, he advises and trains global media and marketing teams on how to operationalize digital and AI in practice, from programmatic and data to measurement and streaming. Learn more at stevengolus.com. About Hogan Lovells: Our Digital Transformation offering helps clients navigate the full breadth and depth of the seismic forces impacting their organizations – and today’s society. Leveraging team members across our 2800 lawyers on six continents, we provide integrated advice on the multifaceted regulatory, governance and enforcement issues and risks that arise across the many technologies and trends that comprise the new digital future. If you enjoyed today's episode, we'd love for you to rate and review us. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing insightful conversations on digital transformation and law. Thank you for your support!

June 17, 2026Episode 6229 min

AI disputes are here. Are you ready?

AI disputes are moving from theory to reality. In this episode of The Influencers, partners Morten Petersenn and PJ Kaur take host Leo von Gerlach inside a fast-evolving litigation landscape where copyright, data, and AI collide across Europe and APAC. As generative AI scales, disputes now cut across multiple risk areas, from deepfakes and platform liability to data protection and personality rights, all shaped by fragmented and fast-changing rules across jurisdictions. With that complexity comes a clear shift in approach. Leading organizations are not trying to eliminate AI risk, they are managing it. That means understanding the AI supply chain, building defensible governance around data and models, and preparing for disputes before they arise. If you want a clear view of where AI litigation is heading and what practical steps matter now, this is a conversation worth listening to.

June 3, 2026Episode 6120 min

Why data centers are the next big risk battleground with Andi Brocks, Amazon Web Services

Data centers are fast becoming the defining infrastructure story of the AI economy. In this episode of The Influencers, Andi Brocks of Amazon Web Services takes co-hosts Karishma Paroha from Hogan Lovells and Tom Hughes from the IUA inside a global build‑out reshaping how businesses operate and scale. As demand for AI and cloud accelerates, data centers are no longer just technical assets, they are critical infrastructure powering everything from financial services to healthcare. But with that scale comes a new class of risk. From power constraints and supply chain pressure to systemic outages, fire exposure and evolving ESG demands, the conversation unpacks where organizations and insurers need to focus now. It also highlights a generational opportunity, as new data, new assets and new collaboration models redefine how risk is understood and priced. If you want a clear view of how digital infrastructure is transforming both resilience and value, this is a conversation worth listening to. About Amazon Web Services: Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a leading cloud computing provider, offering a broad range of infrastructure, data storage, analytics and artificial intelligence capabilities that power businesses worldwide. Operating a global network of data centers, AWS enables organizations to scale quickly, improve resilience and accelerate innovation through secure, high‑performance digital infrastructure. About Hogan Lovells: Our Digital Transformation offering helps clients navigate the full breadth and depth of the seismic forces impacting their organizations – and today’s society. Leveraging team members across our 2800 lawyers on six continents, we provide integrated advice on the multifaceted regulatory, governance and enforcement issues and risks that arise across the many technologies and trends that comprise the new digital future. About the International Underwriting Association of London: The International Underwriting Association of London (IUA) is the representative body for companies in London providing international and wholesale insurance and reinsurance coverage. Its mission statement is to secure an optimal trading environment for London insurance companies.

May 20, 2026Episode 6027 min

Every business is becoming a technology business: what legal teams need to get right now

Digital transformation is no longer a specialist issue. It is reshaping every business, including sectors that have traditionally moved more slowly. For legal teams, that shift brings a new set of expectations and a new level of scrutiny around risk, decisions, and execution. In this episode, Hogan Lovells partners and co-leads of our Future of Digitalization initiative Louise Crawford and Vassi Iliadis discuss with host Leo von Gerlach how those expectations are playing out in practice. From fast-moving AI developments to evolving litigation risk, they explore how legal issues are emerging, overlapping, and being tested in real time. The conversation focuses on what actually matters for decision-makers navigating digital change, including which choices need to be made now and where the real risks sit if you get it wrong. They also discuss how organizations can respond, building the confidence to engage with digital issues and connect expertise across the business. As every business becomes a technology business, getting those decisions right matters more than ever. About Hogan Lovells: Our Digital Transformation offering helps clients navigate the full breadth and depth of the seismic forces impacting their organizations – and today’s society. Leveraging team members across our 2800 lawyers on six continents, we provide integrated advice on the multifaceted regulatory, governance and enforcement issues and risks that arise across the many technologies and trends that comprise the new digital future. If you enjoyed today's episode, we'd love for you to rate and review us. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing insightful conversations on digital transformation and law. Thank you for your support!

May 6, 2026Episode 5923 min

Building legal AI that lawyers can trust with Alexander Kardos Nyheim, Thomson Reuters

Law and legal services are among the toughest tests for artificial intelligence. In this episode of The Influencers, Alexander Kardos Nyheim joins Leo von Gerlach to discuss why legal work demands AI models that are pre-trained differently on top of their general‑purpose abilities. Drawing on his experience founding Safe Sign Technologies and now leading machine learning research at Thomson Reuters, Alexander explains why general purpose AI’s emphasis on fluency is no proper match for the finesse of legal drafting. He explores the importance of domain‑specific training, authoritative legal data, and models grounded in legal reasoning rather than surface‑level coherence. From the role of foundational models to the future of legal‑specific AI, this conversation offers practical insight for anyone navigating the adoption of AI in legal practice. About Thomson Reuters: Thomson Reuters is an AI and technology company empowering professionals with trusted content and workflow automation to know now and navigate what’s next About Hogan Lovells: Our Digital Transformation offering helps clients navigate the full breadth and depth of the seismic forces impacting their organizations – and today’s society. Leveraging team members across our 2,800 lawyers on six continents, we provide integrated advice on the multifaceted regulatory, governance, and enforcement issues and risks that arise across the many technologies and trends that comprise the new digital future. If you enjoyed today's episode, we'd love for you to rate and review us. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing insightful conversations on digital transformation and law. Thank you for your support!