#070: Real Talk with Jon Waldrop - Managing Partner at Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP in Silicon Valley

“The victory’s already yours, you just have to show up.” - Jon Waldrop This Real Talk is packed with wisdom on perseverance, leaning on your Higher Power and community, and how gratitude paves the way for life-changing opportunities. I had the privilege of chatting with my close friend and incredible trailblazer, Jon Waldrop. Jon is a Managing Partner at Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP in Silicon Valley. He is a highly respected and recognized patent and trademark litigation lawyer, representing industry-leading companies such as Google, Uber, and Cox Communications. Here are key highlights from this episode: Early aspirations and change of course: Jon initially sought to become an engineer. However, influenced by the people he admired and the profound role his family's preaching heritage played in shaping his communication skills, he was drawn to law.  Journey to law and belief in a bigger purpose: Jon shares his belief in God and the importance of trusting one's intuition. He reflects on his journey to becoming a lawyer, stressing the importance of recognizing signals from your Higher Power and trusting in the plan laid out for you. Power of faith, meditation, and positive influence: Jon credits his success to the vital lessons his parents taught him, unwavering support from other key figures in his life, and his deep faith. He discusses the power of prayer, meditation, and the influence of positive people around him.  Overcoming challenges and embracing authenticity: from being a child of divorce and experiencing the effects of racism growing up in Alabama, to dealing with imposter syndrome at Harvard, Jon opens up about his struggles. He explains how overcoming these adversities shaped his beliefs about perseverance, authenticity, and self-belief. Reframing failures and embracing full commitment: after a series of attempts to control his life direction, Jon decided to fully commit to his role as a lawyer. He discusses how this complete dedication led to professional success and personal fulfillment. Understanding energy and its influence: Jon believes that one's energy is one of the most important aspects to protect and cultivate. He advises on the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences and steering clear of “energy vampires.” Staying focused and resilient: Jon shares his practices for maintaining focus and energy. He emphasizes the role of affirmations, meditation, exercise, sleep, and a supportive network. He also discusses the benefits of leveraging perceived losses and failures as catalysts for pivotal wins. Changing definition of success: Jon reflects on how his definition of success has evolved over time. While he initially sought money, power, and independence, he now views success in terms of contributing positively to the world and expanding opportunities for others. Throughout the episode, Jon Waldrop shares nuggets of wisdom and insights, stressing the importance of faith, positive relationships, authenticity, and gratitude in achieving personal and professional success. Share this episode with someone in your network who needs a boost of encouragement – Jon’s story is a compelling reminder to keep going! With so much love & gratitude, Grace 💋 Connect with Jon LinkedIn Did you enjoy this episode? Leave us a review. We'd love to know your thoughts!