Virtual Water Cooler Chat

Hosted by Virtual Patent Gateway

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100

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

Welcome to VPG’s Virtual Water Cooler Chat Podcast, a platform that features professionals across a variety of industries and promotes growth mindset principles, with a central pillar of championing the achievements of women. Our conversations explore a wide spectrum of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, creating a vibrant mosaic that enriches our collective understanding and strengthens our commitment to growth and empowerment. For inquiries, please reach out to hello@vpgateway.com

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60 recent

October 12, 2026Episode 12033 min

Rise, Lead, Prevail with Megan Raymond | Virtual Water Cooler Chat Podcast — Empowering Voices (Episode 120)

This episode of Virtual Water Cooler Chat features Megan Raymond, Partner at Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone, LLP, who is back with us for a second time. Megan was named LMG Life Science’s Post-Grant Proceedings Attorney of the Year in 2024, and is also ranked in Chambers USA for Intellectual Property: Patent. Chambers describes her having particular expertise in PTAB proceedings and describes her as “a very smart and capable lawyer, who represents clients in a very effective way.” In addition, Megan has been recognized as a Legal 500 Next Generation Partner, by IAM Patent 1000, and was shortlisted by LMG as 2024 D.C. General Practitioner of the Year. She was named to Managing IP’s 2024 IP Stars list, the 2025 Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America list, and was included in World IP Review’s 2024 Most Influential Women in IP list, which features the top 50 most influential women working in intellectual property law. Included in each of the PTAB Bar Association’s “Top 50 Women in PTAB Trials” Lists, Megan also authored the latest edition of PLI’s treatise, Post-Grant Proceedings Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. Currently serving as President of the PTAB Bar Association, Megan also chairs the Federal Circuit Bar Association’s Patent Litigation Committee. She previously served as a chair of the Federal Circuit Bar Association’s PTAB and Mock Argument Committees, as well as the vice-chair of the PTAB Bar Association’s Programming Committee and Women’s Committee. On the Women’s Committee she worked on preparing the PTAB Bar Association Women at the PTAB report on gender diversity in the PTAB. She received the Federal Circuit Bar Association’s George Hutchinson Committee Award recognizing committee leadership in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2023, and is a frequent speaker on developments in patent law, including topics primarily related to the PTAB. Before law school, Megan was a research fellow at the National Institutes of Health in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Laboratory of Immunoregulation (Center for Biologics, Evaluation, and Research), where she coauthored papers on vaccine design and development. Megan received her A.B. in Biochemical Sciences from Harvard University, and her J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law, where she was the Managing Editor of Virginia Law and Technology. She was a clerk to the Hon. Haldane Robert Mayer of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Connect with Megan on LinkedIn. Virtual Patent Gateway (VPG) reduces overhead costs by providing PTAB attorneys with on-demand and affordable paralegal support services. Virtual Patent Gateway Founder Ashley Cheung has a passion for supporting the next generation in the workplace and is committed to developing a growth mindset within VPG. Learn more about VPG here . Legal Disclaimer: This podcast is posted for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.

September 28, 2026Episode 11931 min

An International Perspective of Strategic Patent Protection with Ronelle Geldenhuys | Virtual Water Cooler Chat Podcast — Empowering Voices (Episode 119)

This episode of Virtual Water Cooler Chat features Ronelle Geldenhuys, Principal & ICT Patent Attorney at Jones Maxwell Smith & Davis. Ronelle’s IP practice covers both patents and designs; she specializes in electronics, computer networks, computer-implemented (software) inventions, control systems, mine automation, telecommunication and communication systems, domestic appliances and electro-optics. In addition to drafting and prosecuting local and foreign applications, Ronelle advises on infringement, validity and commercially applicable IP strategies. With experience as both an in-house patent counsel and private practice patent attorney, she is unique in bridging the communication gap that sometimes yawns between inventors and patent attorneys, facilitating the patent process. Ronelle is passionate about supporting the IP professional community, and in addition to tutoring the new generation of patent attorneys in Patent Systems at UTS, she is also a Fellow of IPTA, the secretary of FICPI Australia, and a founding member of the ChIPs Australia & New Zealand chapter. Ronelle commenced her patent attorney career with Freehills (now FPA) in 2008. She worked in-house at Breville before joining FB Rice in 2015, and then Foundry IP in 2021. Connect with Ronelle on LinkedIn. Virtual Patent Gateway (VPG) reduces overhead costs by providing PTAB attorneys with on-demand and affordable paralegal support services. Virtual Patent Gateway Founder Ashley Cheung has a passion for supporting the next generation in the workplace and is committed to developing a growth mindset within VPG. Learn more about VPG here . Legal Disclaimer: This podcast is posted for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.

September 14, 2026Episode 11830 min

Positioning in Saturated Markets with Karina Karn | Virtual Water Cooler Chat Podcast — Empowering Voices (Episode 118)

This episode of Virtual Water Cooler Chat features Karina Karn, a UK-based Fractional CMO working with startup founders in SaaS internationally to turn demand into measurable revenue. Karina's work focuses on identifying where growth breaks down across the customer journey, from first interaction through onboarding, activation and retention, and fixing the gaps between go-to-market, product experience and conversion. Rather than adding more tactics, Karina help founders make better decisions by aligning what they’re building with how customers think, evaluate and buy. The author of two books on consumer psychology, which focus on how people make decisions and what drives them to choose a brand, she works directly with founders and teams to turn strategy into actions that impact pipeline and product adoption. Learn more about Karina on LinkedIn. Visit Karina’s website. Virtual Patent Gateway (VPG) reduces overhead costs by providing PTAB attorneys with on-demand and affordable paralegal support services. Virtual Patent Gateway Founder Ashley Cheung has a passion for supporting the next generation in the workplace and is committed to developing a growth mindset within VPG. Learn more about VPG here . Legal Disclaimer: This podcast is posted for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.

August 31, 2026Episode 11726 min

A Chat with Philip Eklem | Virtual Water Cooler Chat Podcast — Empowering Voices (Episode 117)

This episode of Virtual Water Cooler Chat features Philip (Phil) Eklem, Partner at Reichman Jorgensen Lehman & Feldberg. Phil is a patent trial lawyer with a rare combination of engineering expertise and courtroom precision. Before law, he worked as a project engineer at Mercedes-Benz and later served as a patent examiner at the USPTO — giving him an inside perspective few litigators can match. He spent over six years at Finnegan before building a practice that now spans U.S. district courts, the International Trade Commission, and the PTAB. Phil handles every phase of patent litigation, from pre-suit investigations through trial and appeal, and advises clients on licensing strategy and patent prosecution across a wide range of technologies — including cloud storage, medical devices, blockchain, aeronautics, and automotive systems. Most recently, he secured a landmark $673 million verdict against Amazon Web Services, an accomplishment that was ranked as a top patent verdict of 2024. Phil represents both plaintiffs and defendants, crafting strategies as innovative as the inventions he protects. Learn more about Phil on LinkedIn. Virtual Patent Gateway (VPG) reduces overhead costs by providing PTAB attorneys with on-demand and affordable paralegal support services. Virtual Patent Gateway Founder Ashley Cheung has a passion for supporting the next generation in the workplace and is committed to developing a growth mindset within VPG. Learn more about VPG here . Legal Disclaimer: This podcast is posted for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.

August 17, 2026Episode 11658 min

Lead with Heart with Alexian Wines | Virtual Water Cooler Chat Podcast — Empowering Voices (Episode 116)

This episode of Virtual Water Cooler Chat features Alexian “Ali” Wines, often referred to as ‘the leader with heart.’ Ali serves as the Chief Operating Officer at BowerGroupAsia (BGA), a strategic advisory firm that specializes in the Indo-Pacific, and is also the creator and co-author of Letters to Lilly: Lessons in Leadership & Loving Yourself, a self-reflection of leadership lessons. With over 200 experts located in more than 30 markets across Asia, Africa and Washington, D.C., BGA provides unique insights into how governments, economies, companies and individuals interrelate and make decisions that impact business, countries and people. As BGA’s COO, Ali oversees the company’s operational aspects, including HR & Talent, strategy, foreign office establishment, legal and compliance, and IT security, while also navigating the organization through the complexities of international business. Prior to joining BGA, she worked for five years as Chief of Staff at BrooksBowerAsia. Ali brings to her work a unique and distinguished background, having also served for eight years at the White House, holding a range of prestigious positions under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. Ali is passionate about working with students and leadership teams. As a motivational speaker, she coaches and inspires individuals to achieve their personal and professional goals. She regularly mentors fellow colleagues at BGA both in the U.S. and internationally. Previously an Executive-in-Residence at Oxford University in the UK and a speaker for Oxford's Women Transforming Leadership Program, Ali is a founding member of Chief D.C. , a private network focused on connecting and supporting women executive leaders. Ali has served on multiple boards, including the Trade Impact Foundation, Women Transforming Leadership, and Patriots Four. She earned an Executive Master of Business Administration from Georgia State University and studied American Government at the University of Virginia. Learn more about Alexian on LinkedIn. Virtual Patent Gateway (VPG) reduces overhead costs by providing PTAB attorneys with on-demand and affordable paralegal support services. Virtual Patent Gateway Founder Ashley Cheung has a passion for supporting the next generation in the workplace and is committed to developing a growth mindset within VPG. Learn more about VPG here . Legal Disclaimer: This podcast is posted for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.

August 3, 2026Episode 11549 min

Speak-Up Culture with Stephen Shedletzky | Virtual Water Cooler Chat Podcast — Empowering Voices (Episode 115)

This episode of Virtual Water Cooler Chat features Stephen “Shed” Shedletzky, a keynote speaker and renowned expert in leadership and organizational culture, known for his compelling insights on fostering speak-up cultures where every voice is heard. With over a decade of experience alongside Simon Sinek, Shed has empowered countless organizations to transform their workplace dynamics through humility, communication, and psychological safety. As a motivational speaker, he sheds light on the importance of creating environments that inspire trust, innovation, and collaboration (no pun intended). A sought-after speaker, coach, and advisor, Shed has led hundreds of keynote presentations, workshops, and leadership development programs around the world, and as a thought-leader on psychological safety in the workplace, he supports leaders and organizations in all industries where human beings work. His book, Speak-Up Culture: When Leaders Truly Listen, People Step Up , explores what a speak-up culture is, what the role of leadership is in fostering and maintaining one, and how you can advance your leadership journey through your actions. Learn more about Shed on his website. Virtual Patent Gateway (VPG) reduces overhead costs by providing PTAB attorneys with on-demand and affordable paralegal support services. Virtual Patent Gateway Founder Ashley Cheung has a passion for supporting the next generation in the workplace and is committed to developing a growth mindset within VPG. Learn more about VPG here . Legal Disclaimer: This podcast is posted for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.

July 20, 2026Episode 11437 min

Protecting the Brand in AI Era with Aparna Watal | Virtual Water Cooler Chat Podcast — Empowering Voices (Episode 114)

This episode of Virtual Water Cooler Chat features Aparna Watal, Partner, Halfords IP - Patent and Trademark Attorneys. Aparna is a highly skilled trademark attorney practicing in Australia and New Zealand. She has extensive experience in advising clients on all aspects of trademark matters, from brand selection, expansion and commercial exploitation to brand enforcement. Aparna also advises on domain name disputes in Australia and New Zealand and is highly regarded for the commerciality of her advice and extracting the best outcomes for her clients in tricky and legally complex contentious and non-contentious matters. Aparna’s expertise extends to navigating the intricate landscape of Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP), where she collaborates with fashion houses and indigenous communities alike, offering tailored solutions to address their unique needs and challenges. For more details, check out Aparna’s full bio here . Connect with Aparna on LinkedIn. Our guest interviewer for some of today’s episode is Sarah Foley, Founding Partner of IP Law. A registered U.S. patent attorney with over 18 years of experience counseling clients in all areas of intellectual property law, Sarah has deep expertise within the technology sector, including software, hardware, networking, telecommunications and computer systems. At the start of her career, Sarah worked for a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and her Representative’s work on the IP Subcommittee of the Judiciary inspired her to pursue a career in IP law; During law school, she worked as a Law Clerk at the Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, and as a Legal Intern with the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Ms. Foley began her legal career at a boutique IP firm that provided her with invaluable training and relationships that she maintains to this day. She gained additional and diverse IP experience at a large national firm before co-founding Barta, Jones & Foley, PLLC in 2016, where she served as a Managing Partner and Chief Diversity Officer. She founded Foley IP Law in 2023. Ms. Foley has been recognized by Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers® as a Texas Rising Star in 2010, 2020 and 2021, and as a Top Woman Attorney in 2020. Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn. Virtual Patent Gateway (VPG) reduces overhead costs by providing PTAB attorneys with on-demand and affordable paralegal support services. Virtual Patent Gateway Founder Ashley Cheung has a passion for supporting the next generation in the workplace and is committed to developing a growth mindset within VPG. Learn more about VPG here . Legal Disclaimer: This podcast is posted for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.

July 6, 2026Episode 11334 min

Next Generation Asian Stories with Alex Lin | Virtual Water Cooler Chat Podcast — Empowering Voices (Episode 113)

This episode of Virtual Water Cooler Chat feature Alex Lin, a Julliard-trained playwright and former B2B Tech Content Strategist. A self-proclaimed Jersey Girl, Juilliard graduate Alex Lin is a rising playwright. Lin writes to explore complex women and power, while also working to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and pop culture. A winner of the Stavis Award and two Kennedy Center awards, she was also a finalist for the 2024 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize. Lin has received seven commissions and had two plays premiere at major New York theaters in the same season: "LAOWANG" at Primary Stages and "Chinese Republicans" at the internationally acclaimed Roundabout Theatre. Roundabout Theatre and Primary Stages will submit Lin for Pulitzer Prize consideration in 2026 and 2027, respectively. Besides being a playwright, Alex is also a talented content strategist and worked in tech prior to sharing her artistic craft. Learn more about Alex on her website. Virtual Patent Gateway (VPG) reduces overhead costs by providing PTAB attorneys with on-demand and affordable paralegal support services. Virtual Patent Gateway Founder Ashley Cheung has a passion for supporting the next generation in the workplace and is committed to developing a growth mindset within VPG. Learn more about VPG here . Legal Disclaimer: This podcast is posted for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.

June 29, 2026Episode 11244 min

IP Leadership Edge with Molly Kocialski | Virtual Water Cooler Chat Podcast — Empowering Voices (Episode 112)

This episode of Virtual Water Cooler Chat features Molly Kocialski, Of Counsel at Holland & Hart LLP. Molly's experience spans IP boutique firms, in-house counsel roles at major technology, telecommunications, and financial services corporations, and senior executive leadership at the USPTO. This combination of technical expertise and business acumen enables her to deliver informed perspectives on how IP decisions drive business success. As Director of the USPTO's Rocky Mountain Regional Outreach Office for nearly 10 years, Molly led strategic initiatives across nine states, overseeing 200+ employees. This role gives clients deep insight into USPTO structure, decision-making, IP policy, and administrative issues — and her relationships throughout the agency help clients navigate patent prosecution more efficiently. Her in-house experience at Oracle, Qwest Communications, and First Data Corporation shaped her understanding of managing mission-critical IP assets. She managed global patent portfolios, conducted IP due diligence on billions in M&A transactions — including the $26 billion KKR buyout of First Data — and developed litigation strategy across federal court, PTAB, and the ITC. Connect with Molly on LinkedIn . Virtual Patent Gateway (VPG) reduces overhead costs by providing PTAB attorneys with on-demand and affordable paralegal support services. Virtual Patent Gateway Founder Ashley Cheung has a passion for supporting the next generation in the workplace and is committed to developing a growth mindset within VPG. Learn more about VPG here . Legal Disclaimer: This video is posted for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.

June 22, 2026Episode 11131 min

Advocacy for the Patent Practitioner with Dan Smith | Virtual Water Cooler Chat Podcast — Empowering Voices (Episode 111)

This episode of Virtual Water Cooler Chat features Dan Smith, a seasoned founder and global patent law strategist with a distinguished career at the intersection of law, innovation, and entrepreneurship. With deep expertise in business-focused patent strategy, legal research, ideation, and patent advocacy, Dan has built a reputation as a trusted voice in intellectual property circles worldwide. His non-profit work further reflects a commitment to advancing access and awareness within the innovative ecosystem. What sets Dan apart is not just his professional range, it's the way his personal pursuits mirror his professional ones. An avid rock climber, pilot, sailor, scuba diver, woodturner, inventor, and patent holder, Dan approaches every challenge, whether in the courtroom, the workshop, or the open water with the same curiosity and determination that defines great innovators. Dan doesn't just advise on intellectual property — he lives the spirit of it. Connect with Dan on LinkedIn. Virtual Patent Gateway (VPG) reduces overhead costs by providing PTAB attorneys with on-demand and affordable paralegal support services. Virtual Patent Gateway Founder Ashley Cheung has a passion for supporting the next generation in the workplace and is committed to developing a growth mindset within VPG. Learn more about VPG here . Legal Disclaimer: This podcast is posted for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.