Diego Carvajal ’10 - Sr. Manager of Learning & Development at Mayer Brown

What happens when a practicing lawyer follows an unexpected passion and finds it leads to a more fulfilling career?In this episode of SPARKS, we sit down with Diego Carvajal, Senior Manager of Learning and Development at Mayer Brown, to explore his journey from practicing law to shaping talent and culture on the HR and professional development side of a global law firm.Diego shares how his longtime passion for acting and improv became a powerful professional asset, helping him thrive as a presenter, facilitator, and workshop host. We dig into how improv skills can elevate a legal career and why Diego believes that “not being prepared forces you to always be prepared.”The conversation also takes a candid turn as Diego reflects on being laid off, rebuilding confidence, and reinventing yourself when the path forward isn’t clear. His story is a reminder that career setbacks are not the end—they’re often the spark for something new.Whether you’re a lawyer, aspiring professional, or someone navigating change, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and a fresh perspective on what it means to build a meaningful career. Cardozo School of Law