Lawbalization

In this episode, Jonathan sits down with Natalie Gochnour, director of the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute and associate dean at the University of Utah, to explore what drives long-term economic prosperity at the intersection of law, policy, and business. Drawing on her experience advising governors, leading economic research, and shaping public dialogue, Natalie breaks down Utah’s "economic success story," from workforce strength and upward mobility to the often-overlooked power of social capital and trust. The conversation also tackles harder questions around growth, including housing, education, and the future of the Great Salt Lake, while offering a thoughtful framework for navigating political division through "mutual accommodation." From Olympic legacy impacts to the role of higher education and personal leadership, this episode is a grounded, data-informed look at how policy decisions shape not just economies, but the way we live.

In this episode of Lawbalization, Jonathan Bench sits down with Hana Al Khatib, Partner at Global Advocacy and Legal Counsel in Abu Dhabi, to explore how law, culture, and business intersect in one of the world’s most dynamic markets. Hana shares insights from her cross-border career spanning Jordan, Europe, and the UAE, unpacking how companies navigate structuring, disputes, and rapid growth in a multi-jurisdictional system. The conversation dives into arbitration vs. litigation, the evolving business culture from handshake deals to sophisticated legal frameworks, and how language and cultural nuance shape negotiations and outcomes. Hana also offers a fresh perspective on legal project management and how lawyers can better align with client goals, budgets, and real-world business pressures.

Jonathan Bench speaks with Seth Olson, an FDA regulatory attorney at Kirton McConkie, about navigating the complex and often misunderstood world of FDA regulation across the life sciences industry. Seth shares how his experience inside the FDA and in private practice shapes his approach to advising companies on compliance, enforcement, and product strategy throughout the full product lifecycle. They discuss common misconceptions about the FDA’s role, how companies should think about regulatory “gray areas,” and what separates organizations that successfully respond to inspections and warning letters from those that struggle. The conversation also explores emerging challenges in areas like laboratory-developed tests and biologics, the role of risk tolerance in regulatory decision-making, and how FDA considerations can impact transactions, innovation, and long-term business success.

Jonathan Bench sits down with Rod Andreason, seasoned commercial litigator and author of Unite or Fall, to explore what years in high-stakes disputes can teach us about conflict, communication, and the growing divide in society. Together, they discuss how the skills used to resolve complex business litigation—focusing on core issues, cutting through noise, and seeking resolution—offer a blueprint for addressing today’s increasingly polarized social and political climate. Rod shares insights from his book on the erosion of personal and institutional ties, the role of social media in amplifying division, and the historical lessons of the Constitutional Convention as a model for compromise. The conversation also examines practical ways individuals can rebuild trust, engage more thoughtfully, and move toward unity in both professional and everyday life.

In this episode, Jonathan speaks with David Liddicoat, founder of Ascend Global Consultants, about building and scaling global teams through strategic offshoring. Drawing on his experience across the U.S., Philippines, India, and Europe, David explains how companies can access international talent while navigating legal, cultural, and operational complexities. He shares why the Philippines has emerged as a leading destination for global workforce expansion, highlights common pitfalls companies face when entering new markets, and discusses how offshoring has evolved from a cost-saving tactic into a strategic driver of growth, innovation, and around-the-clock operations.

In this episode, Jonathan speaks with Arnaud Daurat, founder of Exxovantage and Astelia Robotics, about how AI, exoskeletons, and humanoid robots are transforming the future of work. Arnaud shares how his journey from construction to advanced robotics was driven by a desire to reduce human strain and create meaningful global social change. They explore how these technologies are augmenting—not replacing—the workforce, and what this shift means for productivity, safety, and human-machine collaboration across industries like manufacturing, defense, and healthcare. The conversation also dives into the role of law and policy in shaping responsible AI, the importance of ethical frameworks in technology development, and why continuous reskilling will be critical for the future workforce. Throughout, Arnaud offers a forward-looking perspective on innovation, leadership, and humanity’s path toward becoming a multi-stellar species.

In this episode of Lawbalization, Jonathan Bench speaks with Matthew (Matt) Pruitt, a corporate attorney at Kirton McConkie with a unique background in the entertainment industry, including work with multi-platinum bands like The Killers and Imagine Dragons. Matt shares his path from booking shows and scouting talent to practicing law, and how that experience informs his approach to contracts, negotiations, and client strategy. They discuss the business realities behind entertainment law—from touring logistics and revenue structures to intellectual property and band agreements—while also exploring how those lessons translate into broader corporate practice. Matt also provides insight into litigation and judgment collection, including strategies for enforcing contracts and locating assets, and reflects on global business challenges, cross-border transactions, and emerging risks like AI-driven fraud, highlighting the value of a multidisciplinary legal practice.

Jonathan Bench speaks with Akinsola Jegede, founder and CEO of VitalSwap, about building cross-border payment infrastructure for emerging markets and the legal, regulatory, and liquidity challenges that shape global commerce from Africa outward. Akinsola shares how personal experience with currency scarcity and payment failures led him to create a fintech platform designed to bridge local currencies and U.S. dollar settlement, and explains why liquidity constraints, FX fragmentation, and compliance friction can quietly suppress economic growth across the continent. They discuss the practical realities of AML and KYC scrutiny, the importance of contextual risk assessment in cross-border transactions, and how licensing and strategic partnerships with banks and fintechs enabled VitalSwap to scale across multiple jurisdictions. The conversation also explores the role of stablecoins behind the scenes, trust-building in financial services, and what founders must understand about regulation when operating at the intersection of law, technology, and global payments.

In this episode, Jonathan speaks with Friederike Henke, a corporate M&A partner at Buren in Amsterdam, about the realities of managing cross-border transactions between Germany, the Netherlands, and beyond. Friederike explains how cultural differences—particularly around regulation, negotiation strategy, and documentation—shape the way deals are structured and executed. They discuss the often-overlooked role of project management in transactions and how varying approaches across jurisdictions can either streamline or complicate a process. The conversation also covers the launch of Buren’s India desk and the strategic considerations behind building an international practice. Throughout, Friederike offers practical insight into how legal systems and business cultures intersect in real-world dealmaking.

Jonathan Bench sits down with Michael “Mike” Criddle, CPA and leader in Eide Bailly’s International Tax Services Group, to unpack what it really takes for companies to operate across borders—and why international tax remains a rare specialty outside the coasts. Together, Jonathan and Mike explore the constant churn of U.S. tax law—sunset provisions, delayed-effective-date surprises like Section 174, and the growing complexity that forces companies of all sizes to rely on outside expertise. They also discuss the shifting world trade landscape, the role of tariffs and treaties, and where Mike is seeing deal flow heat up right now—from Ireland and the “former British empire” corridors to nearshoring across Mexico and Latin America, and renewed interest in U.S.-based manufacturing. The conversation closes with how AI is changing both client expectations and CPA career development.

In this episode, Jonathan Bench speaks with Medlir Mema, Director of the AI Ethics and Governance Institute and professor of international relations, about the rapidly evolving global landscape of artificial intelligence policy and regulation. Drawing on his journey from Albania to the United States and his work at the intersection of technology, democracy, and public trust, Medlir unpacks how AI is reshaping labor markets, institutions, and geopolitical competition. The conversation explores the contrasting regulatory approaches of the United States, Europe, and China, the uncertain future of the EU AI Act, and the growing tension between innovation, competitiveness, and oversight. Together, they examine whether AI is delivering on its economic promises, the tradeoffs between efficiency and privacy, and the risks of regulatory ambiguity for businesses large and small. The episode concludes with a forward-looking discussion on child safety, data rights, voluntary industry standards, and what thoughtful AI governance could look like in the years ahead.

Jonathan Bench speaks with Hemang Parekh, a Mumbai-based partner at DSK Legal, about India’s accelerating emergence as a global economic force and what it means for investors, founders, and advisors operating at the intersection of law and business. Hemang shares practical insights into India’s sustained IPO momentum, evolving regulatory landscape, and growing private equity and M&A activity, explaining how demographic strength, domestic consumption, and capital market reforms are shaping cross-border investment. They explore how India positions itself amid global supply chain realignment, what foreign investors should understand about deal structuring in a jurisdiction balancing self-reliance with global integration, and how landmark foreign listings signal increasing market maturity. The conversation also examines the expanding role of corporate lawyers as both legal and commercial advisors, the impact of AI and digital transformation on clients and law firms, and why mentorship and practical training are critical to developing the next generation of dealmakers.

In this episode of Lawbalization, Jonathan sits down with entrepreneur and technologist Brad Bacigalupi, founder of Red Wolf Technology, for a global conversation on China, Hong Kong, and the forces reshaping modern manufacturing and trade. Drawing on decades of experience building and scaling on-demand manufacturing systems across more than 160 countries, Brad shares firsthand insights into China’s rapid innovation cycle, the rise and limits of peak globalization, and how internet-driven supply chains have flattened—and then restructured—the global playing field. Together, they explore how on-demand production, 3D printing, and AI-driven automation are transforming retail, why traditional distribution models are fading, and what these shifts mean for Western brands navigating an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. The discussion also looks ahead to the future of innovation, robotics, and AI, and what business and legal leaders need to understand as global trade, technology, and manufacturing continue to converge.

Jonathan Bench speaks with Charly Greaux, founder of Glabtech and SBIX, about building “sovereign” infrastructure from the tiny island of St. Barthélemy and applying that mindset to compliance in regulated finance. Charly shares his journey from early coding and teaching to launching a solar business and later securing independent internet infrastructure (including an autonomous system and IP blocks). The conversation then pivots to SBIX Certify and why internal logs and traditional timestamps often fall short in audits and cross-border disputes. Charly explains how SBIX uses cryptographic hashing, eIDAS-qualified timestamping, and blockchain anchoring to create tamper-evident proofs without exposing underlying data—plus an “evidence pack” that can be verified independently. They also discuss MiCA and DORA as design inputs, why regulatory clarity can be a competitive advantage, and how infrastructure ownership connects to true sovereignty.

In this episode, Jonathan sits down with technologists Cameo Doran and Krystee Miller for a wide-ranging conversation to set the stage for Utah Tech Week. Together, they unpack how AI and “vibe coding” are changing the way products get built, from rapid prototyping and AI-accelerated development to the very human challenges of trust, planning, and execution. Drawing on their experience in high-stakes software, Web3, and UX-driven product design, Cameo and Krystee explore where AI genuinely creates value, where it introduces new risks, and what founders, lawyers, and business leaders need to understand as technology outpaces traditional workflows. The discussion also touches on the evolving role of legal teams, the importance of early guardrails, and why understanding the build process matters, even if you never plan to write code.

Jonathan Bench speaks with Rogelio Vargas Méndez, senior partner leading the labor division at Rivadeneyra, Treviño & de Campo, about how Mexico’s employment law is evolving amid nearshoring, globalization, and shifting workplace expectations. They explore what makes Mexico’s system distinctive—one federal labor law nationwide, rooted in constitutional “social” rights—and how the landmark 2019 reform (shaped in part by USMCA dynamics) transformed collective bargaining, union democracy, and dispute resolution. Rogelio explains the move away from the old labor board structure toward more professional labor courts, and the growing role of mandatory conciliation, which is resolving a large share of disputes before litigation. The conversation also tackles the impending reduction of the workweek from 48 to 40 hours, the economic and cultural implications of that shift, and the ongoing challenge of employment informality and its ripple effects on taxes and social security. Jonathan and Rogelio close with a look at Puebla’s role in Mexico’s automotive ecosystem, common misconceptions foreign investors bring, and a personal note on Rogelio’s path from American football to labor law—and the sports career he’d pursue if law weren’t the calling.

In this episode of Lawbalization, Jonathan Bench sits down with Ryan Boswell, founder and CEO of Relay, a modern venture studio focused on helping founders turn ideas into operating businesses. Ryan shares his journey from early content creation and sports marketing to startups, venture building, and investing, and explains how storytelling, relationships, and execution have shaped his career. He and Jonathan discuss what makes content resonate, how founders can prioritize ideas and manage risk, and the realities of building companies within Utah’s startup ecosystem. Ryan also reflects on lessons learned from failed ventures, the importance of actually doing business rather than “playing” business, and why long-term relationships often matter more than short-term wins.

In this episode of Lawbalization, Jonathan Bench speaks with David Ackert, CEO of Pipeline Plus and author of The Short List, about modern law firm business development and the power of authentic client relationships. David shares his unconventional path from television actor to legal industry advisor and explains why traditional marketing models often fail lawyers who are highly analytical and risk-averse. Together, they explore how law firms can shift away from transactional networking toward deeper, trust-based relationships, why focusing on a curated “shortlist” of key contacts drives sustainable growth, and how lawyers can move out of the “friend zone” with clients and referral sources. The conversation also covers training and technology—from coaching and e-learning to relationship-tracking tools and AI-enabled outreach—and how firm leaders can embed business development into their culture through education, empowerment, and accountability.

Jonathan Bench speaks with Vidaur Mora, a Mexico-based managing partner at Rivadeneyra Treviño, about Mexico’s rapidly evolving investment and manufacturing landscape. Vidaur provides on-the-ground insights into nearshoring, USMCA renegotiations, and how global supply chain realignment is reshaping foreign direct investment—from automotive and aerospace to data centers and advanced electronics. He explains why reinvestment is outpacing greenfield projects, how infrastructure gaps in water and energy affect site selection, and what foreign companies must understand about Mexico’s multilayered regulations, labor reforms, and customs environment. They also explore the growing influence of Chinese companies, regional competitiveness across Latin America and Asia, and why Mexico’s integration with North America continues to define its long-term economic outlook.

Jonathan Bench speaks with Dr. Zach Boyd, Director of the Office of Artificial Intelligence for the State of Utah, about the state’s pioneering approach to AI governance and innovation. They discuss the rapid evolution of AI capabilities, how Utah balances pro-business regulatory clarity with consumer protection, and what effective public-private partnerships look like in an era of fast-moving technology. Zach shares insights from his academic career in applied mathematics, his work at Los Alamos National Laboratory, and his team’s efforts to build future-proof policy frameworks such as regulatory sandboxes and safe harbors. They also explore national and global regulatory contrasts, the sociological challenges of AI adoption, and what Utah’s AI landscape could look like in the next decade—plus a few personal stories, including how AI is reshaping everyday workflows.

In this episode of Lawbalization, Jonathan Bench speaks with Julia Pazos, partner at Cescon Barrieu Advogados and a leading voice on technology, AI, and intellectual property in Brazil. Julia shares her journey into IP law, what fuels her passion for the fast-moving innovation economy, and why Brazil is at a pivotal moment as it shapes its AI and tech governance landscape. She and Jonathan discuss Brazil’s emerging risk-based AI framework, the evolving debates around training data, authorship, and copyright, and how courts are increasingly embracing blockchain as evidence of creative ownership. Julia also offers an inside look at how Brazilian companies—and her own firm—are adopting AI, the challenges of training young lawyers in responsible use, and the growing role of self-regulation as technology outpaces legislation. Together, they explore the creator economy, Web3, and Brazil’s expanding data-center ecosystem, offering a candid and energetic view of innovation in one of Latin America’s most dynamic markets.

Jonathan Bench speaks with Dr. W. Scott Stornetta, widely recognized as the co-inventor of blockchain technology and CEO of SureMark Digital, about the evolution of trust in the digital age. They trace the origins of blockchain from its early research roots at Bell Labs to its modern implications for data integrity, digital identity, and the fight against deepfakes. Dr. Stornetta explains how decentralization principles can help verify authorship and authenticity without relying on central authorities—extending blockchain’s legacy into AI-era identity verification. He also shares insights on mentorship, innovation, and the mindset entrepreneurs need to build lasting value.

In this episode of Lawbalization, host Jonathan Bench speaks with Isaac Stone Fish, founder and CEO of Strategy Risks and author of America Second. A leading expert on China risk and geopolitics, Isaac shares insights on how companies can identify and manage their exposure to China, the complexities of decoupling, and what global executives often overlook about political and ethical risks. He and Jonathan explore Beijing’s influence abroad, the realities of doing business under Communist Party oversight, and the fine line between engagement and dependency. Isaac also reflects on his years as a journalist in China, how his perspective has evolved, and what corporate leaders should prepare for in an increasingly unpredictable U.S.–China relationship.

Jonathan Bench speaks with Timothy B. Anderson, senior attorney in Kirton McConkie’s International Section based in St. George, Utah, about his remarkable 47-year career in international commercial law and rural economic development. They explore how Anderson built a global legal practice from southern Utah—handling deals across Europe, Asia, and beyond—while remaining deeply involved in local community growth, higher education, and public service. Anderson shares stories from his early work with Soviet clients during the fall of the Iron Curtain, his unexpected link to Rocky IV through the landmark Anderson v. Stallone copyright case, and his philosophy of professional reinvention every six years. He reflects on balancing law, writing, and leadership, offering timeless advice for lawyers: stay curious, serve your community, and never stop adapting.

Jonathan Bench speaks with Evelyne Mbula Nzuki, Nairobi-based founder of MN Legal and co-founder of Tenakata Enterprises, about Kenya’s rise as East Africa’s innovation hub at the intersection of fintech, sustainability, and law. They discuss how a young, tech-driven population, shifting compliance priorities, and AI-fueled disruption are reshaping business and legal practice across the region. Mbula shares her journey from lawyer to multi-industry entrepreneur and offers advice for global investors: enter Africa with cultural humility, trusted local partners, and an openness to rapid change.

Jonathan Bench speaks with Julia de Luca, São Paulo–based Business Development lead at Banco Itaú and former tech investment banker, about Latin America’s tech ecosystem—where a maturity gap with the U.S. coexists with abundant real-world problems to solve. They unpack why fintech still dominates, how Brazil’s pro-competition Central Bank and the instant-payments system Pix—along with “payment institution” rules—accelerated financial inclusion, and where AI wrappers and stablecoins are gaining traction. Julia offers an investor playbook (visit the region, build trusted on-the-ground networks, and avoid treating LATAM as a monolith), contrasts Mexico’s recent venture surge and U.S. proximity with Brazil’s scale and stronger institutions, and reflects on founder challenges, women’s underrepresentation, and her Sunday newsletter (~14k subscribers) syndicated by Nasdaq.

Jonathan Bench speaks with Kato Aerts, a Belgium-based partner at Lydian and international employment lawyer, about the evolving realities of EU employment law amid remote work and cross-border teams. Kato breaks down choice-of-law and mandatory protections, contrasts termination regimes in Belgium, the Netherlands, and France, and unpacks practical guidance on expatriate assignments vs. temporary secondments. They also explore workations and digital nomads, gig-economy and influencer/child-labor questions, migration-driven diversity and rising discrimination claims, Brexit-era permit timelines, and the legal and ethical implications of AI in hiring and training.

Jonathan Bench speaks with Roick Feng, co-managing partner of Zhong Yin Law Firm in Taiwan, about life and business amid rising cross-strait tensions. They explore generational attitudes, supply-chain strategies from “China-plus-one” to commit-or-exit, Taiwan’s rule-of-law advantages over mainland China, and the island’s evolving blockchain/VASP regulatory landscape—plus why Taiwan is an ideal launchpad for Asia and how lawyers act as strategic partners.

Jonathan Bench speaks with John Brittell, an East Africa–based managing partner at Six Figure Ventures, about the region’s evolving tech and investment landscape. John shares on-the-ground insights into intra-regional trade, regulatory fragmentation across 54 countries, common investor misconceptions, and where infrastructure and AI are creating near-term opportunities—from ISP/Wi-Fi and EV charging to insurtech and fintech. They also explore how startups, multinationals, and policymakers navigate informal markets, election-year dynamics, and protectionist rules, and why his fund blends VC and PE with short hold periods to accelerate exits.

Jonathan Bench speaks with Azmul Haque, founder of Collyer Law LLC and a tri-qualified lawyer in England, India, and Singapore. Azmul shares insights on Singapore’s rise as a financial and legal hub, the opportunities and risks for investors in Southeast Asia, and how cultural nuances shape business across the region. They also explore Singapore’s unique approach to innovation, regulation, and its growing role as the “Delaware of Asia.” 

Jonathan Bench speaks with Katarzyna "Kasia" Szczudlik, a Warsaw-based lawyer and partner at Schoenherr, about the evolving legal and business landscape in Poland and Central Europe. Kasia shares insights on MiCA delays and their impact on crypto, renewed U.S. tech interest in the region, and the growing role of defense investments. They also explore how financial institutions, startups, and regulators are navigating AI, data privacy, and overregulation in a rapidly changing European market.

Jonathan Bench speaks with Matias Otero Johansson, founder of Sihai Business Consultancy, about navigating China's evolving business landscape post-COVID. They explore cultural perspectives, branding challenges, social media trends, and the role of technology and AI in shaping opportunities for companies on the ground. Connect with Matias on LinkedIn here.