Making a Difference:
Interview with Deanna Johnson
IN - FOCUS
Building Talent, Leaders, and Loyalty Through Social Impact: Why Skills-Based Volunteering Works
Katherine Nally WHY YOU MIGHT NOT WANT TO TAKE EVERY TAX DEDUCTION
Christina Martini
BUILDING BRANDS, BREAKING BARRIERS
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CHRISTINA MARTINI 12
JINHEE WILDE 28
BRANDON DORSKY CHRISTINA Building Brands, Breaking Barriers MARTINI BigLawPartner THERE IS NO shortcut TO EXCELLENCE. For BigLaw partner Christina Martini every client relationship is created, fostered and proliferated through generosity, authenticity, perseverance, deep listening, holistic strategizing, and a business-focused orientation that has defined her decades-long career in BigLaw as a trusted advisor to hundreds of clients.
As one of the most respected members of the US intellectual property bar, and with a global practice since the very beginning of her career, Christina leads global intellectual property development, protection and enforcement strategies for clients ranging from Fortune 50 companies to start ups. Her focus on practical, proactive legal advice with a strong business bent has made her indispensable to clients operating in a business environment that evolves at an increasingly rapid pace with new technologies, platforms, opportunities and threats at every turn. But her impact reaches far beyond her client work. She is also a trusted advisor to the C-Suite, client service whisperer, strategic law firm and business leader, best-selling author, business of law thought leader, podcaster, operations and change management professional, mentor, advocate and trailblazer.
This is the story of Christina Martini's professional journey as one of the most trusted advisors in law, and how she leaves an indelible imprint that shapes the future of the profession.
UNDERSTANDING THE NEW FRONTIERS OF LAW Thelegallandscapeisevolvingat breakneckspeed,andthe intellectualpropertyspaceisno exception.Christina'spracticeisat theforefrontofmanycutting-edge legalissues,includingartiicial intelligence,deepfakes,the metaverseanddigitalcontent creationasjustsomeofthepivotal forcesinthistransformation.
Taketheuseofsocialmediaasan example."Theuseofsocialmedia
platformsisubiquitousandhas evolveddramaticallyovertheyears. Thelegalissuespresentedbythe contentbeinggeneratedby companiesandindividualsare developingmorequicklythanthe lawisbeingwritten,”shesays. FromissuesinvolvingtheFirst Amendmenttocopyright infringementtobrand misappropriationtounfair competitiontocomparative advertisingtorightofpublicityto righttoprivacyissues,and everythinginbetween,more disputesarearisingthanever
beforeasaresultofhowcontentis beingusedandsharedacross countlessonlineanddigital providers.
Anotherareaofincreasing importanceisarti icialintelligence, andissuessuchascopyright protection–orlackthereof–forAIgeneratedcontent.
Asatrustedadvisor,particularly duringmomentsofuncertaintyand unease,Christinaregularlycounsels herclientsthroughtheseand myriadotherissues,bringingmore
structureandcertaintytothe chaos.
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND TEAMWORK Christinahasreceivednumerous professionalaccoladesduring hercareer,includingfromtrade associationsandorganizations suchastheAmericanBar Association.Shehasbeen recognizedformanyyearsby WorldTrademarkReviewand othertradepublicationsasone oftheworld'sleadingtrademark professionals.Whatmakesher standoutisnotjustherlegal prowess,buthowshedelivers herlegaladvicetoclients.
"Myapproachhasalwaysbeen leadingclientrelationshipswith authenticity,integrityand empathy,"shesays."Everyclient needsandwantssomeonewhois notonlywell-versedinthelaw butwhoalsounderstandstheir business,itspressurepointsand whatkeepsthemupatnight."
Sheemphasizesemotional intelligenceasacornerstoneof clientservice."Itisnotjustabout solvinglegalproblems.Itisabout understandingpeople,the organizationsforwhomthey work,theirbusinesssectors, goals,strengths,weaknessesand whatanoptimalsolutiontoan issuelookslikeforthem.Great
A CHAMPION FOR ALL, AND PAYING For Christina, the law is more than a career. It is a platform for making the world a better place, for both current and future generations. She has spent decades opening doors for countless people in the profession, both within and outside her firm.
"There is still not enough equality in the most senior level positions in the legal profession," she says. "It is not just about getting people started in the profession, it is also about retaining those people and helping them rise through the ranks. That means supporting people at every stage of their careers."
Her e orts are wide-ranging and include mentoring young lawyers, leading recruiting e orts for many years, and sitting on nonprofit boards committed to inclusion. In
lawyeringisbeingabletoput yourselfinsomeoneelse'sshoes whenyouaredeliveringlegal adviceandtailoringyouradvice accordingly."
Christinaalsogreatlyvaluesand understandstheimportanceof teamwork,andshebelievesthat strongcollaborationfuelsthe enginebehindtop-notchwork."I workwithaphenomenalgroup ofprofessionals.NoneofwhatI dohappensinavacuum.Having ateamthatsharesacommitment toexcellenceandworkswell togetherisahugepartofour collectivesuccess.”
IT FORWARD 2022, she received the American Bar Association's Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award for her leadership and advocacy. Most recently, she has been appointed a Commissioner for the American Bar Association Commission on Women in the Profession. In this role, she is helping to shape national initiatives that focus on securing full and equal participation of women in the ABA, the profession and the justice system. "We are creating tools and programming that help lawyers not to just survive, but to also thrive. It is about empowerment, not just representation. There is a program called Men in the Mix that focuses on how men can be active participants in making the profession more inclusive. We need everyone at the table for real change to happen.”
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THE STALWART DUO SETTING STANDARDS OF SUCCESS Hana Boruchov
Leo Gabovich
HANA BORUCHOV Takingcontrolofyour
ownpersonal developmentandgrowth iscrucialintoday'scompetitive environment,giventhechanges thatoccurinbusiness environments,markets,and industries.Personaland professionaldevelopmentgives youacompetitiveedgeina crowdedworkforce,helpingyou differentiateyourselfandstand outdifferentlyintheworld. Whetheritbeattainingbetter presentationskills,learningto communicateeffectively, improvingyourleadership approach,,orevenhelping discoverhiddenstrengthswithin yourself,personaland professionaldevelopmentis essential.
ForHanaBoruchov,Founding PartneratBoruchov,Gabovich& Associates,herpersonaland professionalgrowthhelpedher becomethepioneerthatsheis today.Althoughsheclaimstobe
neveraleadertostartwith,her willtoleadbyexampleonadaily basisand indingsolutionstothe problemsathandresultedinher leadingaprominentlaw irm.
Nestledintheheartof Manhattan,NYC,Boruchov, Gabovich&Associates,P.C.isa full-serviceboutiquedomestic andinternationaltax controversy,immigration,and commerciallaw irm.The irmis arenownednameforhandling lawcasesrelatedtotax litigation,FBARcompliance, trustfundrecoverypenalties, individualandcorporateaudits, voluntarydisclosures, installmentagreements,1031 exchanges,contractnegotiation, offersincompromise,entity formation,seizures,business immigrationservices,andmuch more.
A PROGRESSIVE START Hanagrewupinabilingual, multiculturalhouseholdand livedacrossseveralcountries. Shespentherchildhoodonthree differentcontinentsattending threeelementaryschoolsand threeotherhighschools.Hana's educationalfrontwasprimarily distinguishedasshewastheirst femaletogetabachelor'sdegree oneithersideofherfamilyand the irstpersontogetagraduate degree.
Whilesheneverenvisioned herselftobecomealeader,she alwaysdidwhatshebelieved wasnecessaryandright.
DOING RIGHT BY EVERYONE Hanahadacareerpriorto joiningthelegalspaceanddid notstartcollegeuntillaterinher life.Whatpersuadedherto becomeanattorneywasher
interestinthenotionofjustice andfairness.Shesays,"Iwanted tomakeadifferenceinthe world,andIbelievedthatalaw degreewouldbetherightwayto helpmeaccomplishmygoals."
However,yearslater,when Boruchov,Gabovich&Associates commenceditsoperations,the wholeworldwas ightingthe peakphaseoftheCOVID-19 pandemic.Itwasthetimewhen headlinesspokeofemployees gettinglaidoff,anddarkclouds loomedovermanyindustries.
Additionally,duringthistime, Hanawaspregnantwithherirst childandknewshehadtotake signi icantriskstomakeabetter lifeforherdaughterandherself. Atthesametime,shealsoknew thatpeopleoutintheworld neededherhelp.
Andnow,asthePartner,sheis proudofthe irm's'white-glove' servicethatmakessuresheand herassociates'bestabilities,
compassion,andunderstanding areavailabletotheclientswhen theyneeditthemost.Alongside theesteemedservices,Hanaalso makessuretogiveeachand everyclientindividualized service."Westronglybelievein communicationandgiveour clientsthepeaceofmindthey deserve."
OVERCOMING PERSONAL CHALLENGES Hanaovercameherprofessional challengesbyofferingesteemed servicesandlookingafterthe peoplethatneededhelp. However,therewasasigniicant hurdlethatrestrictedhergrowth personallyonthepersonalside ofthings.
Sheexplains,“Withaninfantand runningalaw irm,Ihavefound italittlechallengingtosortout mywork-lifebalance.Ibelieve bothareimportantandiguring outasolutionthatleavesyou withpersonalandprofessional
satisfactionhasbeenasteep learningcurveforme.”
Havingagoodwork-lifebalance isalsowhatsheadvises emergingleadersinthelegal industrytoworkon.This delicatebalanceremindsherof oneofthequotesbyNelson Mandela—“Italwaysseems impossibleuntilit'sdone.”
Forthefuture,thisisexactly whatHanaenvisionstoachieveaperfectwork-lifebalance.“I planto indthatwork-life balanceandtocontinuetogrow bothprofessionallyand personally.”
Hana'sprofessionaljourneyhas shownusthatgoodthings happenwhenyouputothers aheadofyourselfandsetyour owninterestsanddesiresto grow.Andhercareerprovesthis istruenotonlyforattorneysbut foranyonelookingforsuccessin any ield.
OUTSTANDING RECOGNITIONS According to Hana, a transformational leader is one that has gone through a transformation themselves and uses their understanding through their development to assist others. Through personalgrowthshewentthroughherownphaseoftransformation,onewhichultimatelyledherto becomearenownednameandwinmultipleaccolades.
HanaisanhonoreeofSuperlawyer'sRisingStarAwardfor2019&2020,OutstandingWomeninLaw Awardfor2020,TopAttorneyinAmericaAwardfor2020,DiversityinBusinessAwardfor2020,Avvo Clients' Choice Award for 2019, and was named the 40 Under 40 by Long Island Business News. Moreover,sheisalsorecognizedforbeinganexceptionalspeakerandauthor.
Hana Boruchov, Founding Partner Boruchov, Gabovich & Associates, P. C
Bydeinition,abusinessis
simplyanorganization designedtoprovide goodsandservicesto consumers.However,byitself,it can'tachieveanythingunless peopleareworkingonit.Hence, nomatterhowexcellenta serviceabusinessoffers,having greatemployeeskeepcustomers comingbackandthebusiness growing.
LeoGabovich,FoundingPartner atBoruchov,Gabovich& Associates,P.C,alsocarriesthe samesentimentandbelieves thatatransformationalleader notonlyenhanceshisown businessortheindustrybut valuesandliftstheemployees thatcomplementthesame vision.
BeingaFoundingPartneratthe irm,Leoprimarilyfocuseson thecasespertainingtoNewYork StateandFederaltax controversyandcompliance matters.Heleadstheirmwith hispriorexperienceofinnerworkingsofthestate
LEO GABOVICH departmentandtheyearshe servedbeforetheIRSin representinghisclientsfora rangeofmatters.
LEARNING THE IMPORTANCE OF TRUST Whenaskedabouthismindsetof leadingtheirm,Leohintsthat eventhoughhis irmisrelatively smallandearlyintheindustry, everythingiskepttransparent withtheemployees.Hetruly understandsthesigniicance peoplebringintowardsbuilding anempire.Thisissomething thathehadexperiencedwhenhe wasinMiddleSchool,although inasmallcapacity.
Inthe7thgrade,Leowaspartof anextracurricularwriting programthatproduceda monthlyjournalfortheschool. Hespentayearintheprogram, whichincludedpoemsand prose,andviedandsuccessfully securedenoughvotesfromthe othermemberstobecomethe ProseEditor.“Ireallyenjoyed writingstoriesandhadquitea
fewfansoftheminmyschool, butIrecalltheeffortittookto gettheothermembersofthe journaltofeelcon identenough inmetoselectmeastheirprose editor,”recallsLeo.
Itwasthemomentherealized thepowerpeopleholdwhenit comestotakingaleadertothe heightsofsuccess.
FORAY INTO THE LEGAL SPACE Leo'sfootstepsintothelegal worldcanbecalledawonder thathappenedbychance.While pursuinghis inancedegree,he wasinthehonorsprogramand wasrequiredtotakeaBusiness HonorsLawprerequisiteclass duringthosecollegeyears.It waswhenLeolovedeveryaspect ofthatclassandinstantlyfellin lovewithlaw.“Ifoundthecases interestingandengagingandthe applicationofthelaw fascinating.”However,hehad alreadyselectedandwaspartwaythroughcompletingitatthis pointinhiscollegecareer.
Leo Gabovich, Founding Partner Boruchov, Gabovich & Associates, P. C
Yearsdowntheline,Leobecame acolleagueofHanaBoruchovin oneoftheircorporatestints,and realizedthattheybothwere perfectpartnerswhenitcameto workingtogether.They itwell togetherandquicklyhelpedeach otherwhennecessary.“Wewere takingclientsfrominception throughcompletionofamatter andcouldalwaysrelyoneach otherwhentheotherneeded help,”saysLeo.Hecontinues, “Thisstrongpartnershiphelped leadustostrikeoutonourown andstartourown irm.”
Whilegoingoutontheirown seemedlikeagoodidea,itwas farfromeasy.Itwasthebiggest roadblockandscaryinitiativefor Leotostarta irmbyhimself. “Thereissomuchworkthat goesintostartingabusiness,and evenmoresoalawirmwiththe extralayerofregulationsand compliance,”hedetails. However,hewasgratefulthat Hanawasstandingrightbeside himandhowtheygottoshare thejourneytogether.
Consequently,hisearlyschool
memoryofbecomingaProse EditorandsupportfromHanato standhis irminthelateryears cementedhisunderstandingof relyingonotherstoreach collectivegrowth.Heasserts, “I'vebeenraisedandtaughtto alwaysrelyonmyself professionally,butI'vefound thatbybeingopenandwillingto receivehelpfromothers, togetheryoucanachieveso muchmore.”
Thistrustandopennessarealso whybothLeoandHanaare proudofthe irm's'White-glove' services.InLeo'sownwords, “Thewhite-glovepersonal serviceandempathyweprovide toourcustomersmakeusstand out.Whensomeonewalks throughourdoor,theyknow theycanrelyonustobe understandingoftheirsituation buttohavetheexperienceand knowledgenecessarytoget themthebestpossibleoutcome.”
The irmmakesitapriorityto achieveoptimalclient satisfactionthrough transparencyandavailability.
LEARNING FROM THE BEST
Leohasalsomadeitupfrontto setrealisticoutcomesandnot justbest-casescenarios.This combinationofsettingrealistic butreasonableexpectations alongwiththewillingnessto workwiththeclientshas positionedthecompanyto achievegreatheights..
A PROMISING LOOKOUT Leoenvisionshisfuturetobe brightforbothhisprofessional andpersonalsides.Hefeels blessedtohaveawonderfulwife whodriveshimeverydaytodo better.Theyarealsolookingto starttheirfamilyrealsoon.
Ontheprofessionalsideof things,keepingfaithandtrustin hisemployees,Leohassethis eyesonhis irmtogrowleaps andboundsinthecomingyears. Theywillbemovingintoalarger of icespaceandsoonrequire hiringmoreassociates.
IthasbeenalongjourneyforLeotohavereachedthepointwherehestandstoday.Hehasspentmany years working for the government, large corporations, and big and small irms̀alike. However, he neverfeltsatisfactioninanyofthoseworks,untilhestartedhisownirm.̀Andthisissomethinghe wantsyoungaspiringandemergingentrepreneursinthelegalspacetoremember.
Hesays,“Neverbeafraidtotakerisksandalwayslearn.Weareinnatelyinaprofessionthatrequires researchandanalysisonadailybasis.Youshouldapplythesamedriveandeffortyouusetogetyour workdoneintoyourownprofessionaldevelopment.”
JINHEE WILDE LEADING WITH EXAMPLE Settinganexampleofleadershipiseasiersaid thandone.Itinvolvesadedicatedindividualto setastandardthaturgesotherstoreplicatethe same.
JinheeWilde,FoundingPartnerofWALawGroup,is onesuchpioneeringexampleofaleaderwhomakes hermarkamonghersubordinatesbyleadingby example.Accordingtoher,“Atrueleaderisonewho wouldleadbyexampleinsteadof“dowhatIsay,notas Ido”typeofperson.”
ExeleonproudlylooksatthestoryofJinheeWildeand herjourneytowardsbecomingaleadingattorney.
EARLY YEARS JinheecametoAmericaduringherteenageyears. Beingaminoritywomanwithlittleknowledgeofthe Englishlanguage,shefacedmuchdiscrimination. Moreover,theculturalshockanddiscriminationmade itmoredif icultforJinhee.
“BeingmadefunofbecauseIspokehaltingEnglishor myeyeslookedslantedshowedmethatadvocatingfor myselfwasveryimportant,”recallsJinhee.
AsJinheegrewup,shenoticedthissystemicracism againstpeoplewhodidnotknowhowtospeakupfor themselves.Shemadeaconsciouschoicetobethe voiceforthesepeoplethroughheractions.
ENSURING CLIENT SATISFACTION PriortostartingWALawGroup,Jinheewasapartner atafewlargeaswellassmalllawirms.Basedonher experience,shementions“Isawthatlawbusiness focusedtoomuchonbillablehoursandproitsofthe law irminsteadofprovidingexceptionalcustomer servicetotheclients.”
JinheeestablishedWALawGroupwithasinglegoalin hermind–totreatclientsthewaywewouldliketobe treatedourselves.Sheunderstandsthattreating clientswithutmostrespectandbringingthem success/approvalsthroughhersolutionswouldenable referralsforadditionalclients.
Shepointsoutanage-oldjargonusedintheReal Estateindustry–ifyoubuildit,peoplewillcome.
TheimmigrationprocessoftheUSisonethatis extremelylongandarduous.Jinheeclaimsthat“Itcan alsobeverysubjectivewithalotofdiscretiongivento theadjudicator.Althoughsamecriteriaaremet,the probativevalueoftheevidencecouldbeseen differentlydependingontheindividuallookingatit.”
Herjobasalawyeristopresenteachcasewitha detailedexplanationforhowtheadjudicatorsshould seetheevidenceinthesameview/light,thereby makingitaseasyaspossibleforthem.
AtWALawGroup,Jinheeandherteamhave establishedaprocessthatenablesoptimalclient satisfactionineverystepoftheway.Theteamtakes timetoansweritsclients'questionsviaphoneand emailswithina24-hourperiod,evenifthatmightbe justtoacknowledgetotheclientaboutthe communication.
Asanimmigrantherself,Jinheeunderstandshow stressfulnotknowingorunderstandingthe immigrationstatuscanbe.“Wedon'tcountbillable hoursforeveryemailorphonecallswithourclientsso thatwecouldtaketimetoexplainandassurethemof theircaseprogress.Again,doingwhatisrightforour clientsresultedinmorebusinessforour irm.”
THE JOURNEY Jinhee'sjourneyfromshiftingtoAmerica,enteringthe ieldofLaw,andsubsequentlysettingupWALawGroup hasbeenriddledwithchallenges.Moreover,her backgroundalsomadeitdif icultforherto indamentor whowouldguideherorgroomheralongthisjourney.
Sherecalls,“Myworkhasbeendiscountedandmyideas totallyignoredbysomepartners,whilesomewhitemale counterpartswentoutgol ingwiththemandleapfrogged overme.”
Jinheementionsthatattheendoftheday,shehadtotake detoursandbacktrackonherdecisionsandactions severaltimestogettothepointwheresheistoday. Further,shehopedthatdoingtherightthingsforher clientsevenattheexpenseofshortperiodsofinancial losswouldeventuallyallcometogethertoensure consistentproits.
Thispassionateattorneyasserts,“Doingtherightthing allowsmetoholdmyheaduphighwithnoregrets–moneycomesandgoes,butmyintegrityisforever.”
Lookingbackatherjourney,Jinheementionsthatshe wouldhaveset-upWALawGroupmuchsooner,insteadof workingwithpartnerswhodidnotappreciateherwork orefforts.
Fromherownexperiences,sheadvisesemerging attorneystolookforamentorwhounderstandsand supportstheirideasandtobenotafraidofstrikingouton yourownpath.
THE FUTURE TalkingaboutthefutureofWALawGroup,sheclaims “Our irmcontinuestogrowevenwiththeimmigration practicethatiscontingentonthe ickleadministration policies,whichisatestamenttoourclients'loyaltyand referrals.”
Inthecomingyears,Jinheeandherteamwillcontinueto providetheexceptionalservicethattheyhavebeen knownfor.Furthermore,shewantstomaintainthestellar approvaltrackofher irminordertohelpmore immigrantswhosufferthroughthistiresomeprocess.
Making a Difference Interview with Deanna Johnson Deanna Johnson's journey from attorney and Chief Compliance O cer to CEO of Foundation Title & Escrow Services, LLC, embodies her dedication to making a meaningful di erence in the legal and title industry.
What according to you makes one impactful? How do you integrate the same thought into your legal practice?
Tome,beingimpactfulmeansmakinga meaningfulandlastingdifferenceinthe livesofothersorthecommunity.Connecting withothersbothprofessionallyand personallyhelpsmebeimpactfulby fosteringcollaboration,sharingknowledge, andbuildingrelationships.Through meaningfulinteractions,Icanunderstand theneedsandperspectivesofindividuals, tailoringmyresponsesandassistance accordingly.Inlegalpractice,thistranslates toadvocatingforjustice,upholdingtherule oflaw,andeffectivelyrepresentingclients' interests.
Tointegratethisthoughtintomylegal practiceandmyprofessionalcareer,I prioritizeunderstandingmyclients'and employees'needsandconcernsthoroughly, providingthemwithknowledgeableand strategicadvice.Additionally,Istriveto contributepositivelytothelegalprofession andtitlecommunitybyparticipatinginpro bonoworkandservicingavarietyofboards andcommitteeswithintheindustry.
Can you share the story of your journey with Foundation Title & Escrow Services, LLC, from your initial role as an attorney and Chief Compliance Of icer to becoming the CEO in 2022?
Certainly!MyjourneywithFoundationTitle &EscrowServices,LLCbeganwhenIjoined thecompanyasanattorneyandlateras ChiefComplianceOf icer.Inthisrole,Iwas
responsibleforensuringthatthe companycompliedwithall relevantlawsandregulations governingthetitleandescrow industryaswellascomplying withALTABestPractices.I workedcloselywiththe executiveteamandoversaw routineaudits.
AsIimmersedmyselfinthe operationsofthecompany,I becameincreasinglypassionate aboutitsmissionandthe opportunitiesforgrowthand innovationwithintheindustry.I consistentlydemonstrated leadership,strategicthinking, andastrongcommitmentto excellenceincustomerservice.
Overtime,mycontributions wererecognizedbytheexecutive team,andIwasgiventhe opportunitytotakeon additionalresponsibilitiesand leadershiproleswithinthe company.Throughhardwork, dedication,andafocuson drivingresults,Iwasableto demonstratemycapabilitiesasa leaderandcontributetothe company'ssuccess.
In2022,Iwashonoredtobe appointedastheCEOof FoundationTitle&Escrow Services,LLC.Inthisrole,Iam committedtobuildingonthe strongfoundationestablishedby mypredecessorsandleadingthe companytonewheightsof success.Iamexcitedaboutthe opportunitiesandchallenges thatlieahead,andIam conidentthatwiththesupport ofourtalentedteam,wewill continuetothriveandachieve ourgoals.
Ultimately, I believe that embracing diversity and inclusion is not only the right thing to do ethically, but it also makes good business sense. By harnessing the power of diverse perspectives and talents, we can drive innovation, foster creativity, and achieve sustainable growth and success for our organization and the communities we serve.
As a female CEO in the title industry, your journey serves as a powerful narrative. How do you perceive the role of diversity and inclusion in the corporate landscape, and what impact do you hope to make as a female leader?
AsafemaleCEOinthetitle industry,Irecognizethe importanceofdiversityand inclusioninthecorporate landscape.Diversitybrings differentperspectives, experiences,andideastothe table,whichcanleadtomore innovativesolutions,better decision-making,andultimately, improvedbusinessperformance. Inclusionensuresthatall individualsfeelvalued, respected,andempoweredto contributetheirbestwork, regardlessoftheirbackground oridentity.
Iperceivemyroleasafemale leaderasanopportunityto championdiversityand inclusionwithinmyorganization andthebroaderindustry.Istrive tocreateaculturewhere everyonefeelswelcomeand supported,wheremeritocracy thrives,andwherebarriersto advancementareremoved.Iam committedtofosteringan environmentwhereindividuals fromdiversebackgroundscan thriveandreachtheirfull potential.
Additionally,Ihopetoserveasa rolemodelandmentorforother womenaspiringtoleadership positionsinthetitleindustry andbeyond.Bysharingmyown experiences,offeringsupport
andguidance,andadvocatingfor genderequalityanddiversityin leadership,Iaimtoinspireand empowerthenextgenerationof femaleleaders.
In your role as CEO, how do you de ine success for Foundation Title & Escrow Services, and what goals or milestones are you working towards for the company's continued growth?
AsCEOofFoundationTitle& EscrowServices,Ideinesuccess asachievingexcellencein customerservice,maintaininga strongreputationintheindustry forreliabilityandintegrity,and consistentlyexceedinginancial targets.Someofthegoalsand milestonesIamworkingtowards forthecompany'scontinued growthincludeexpandingour marketpresenceintonewregions, increasingourmarketsharewithin existingmarkets,enhancing technologicalcapabilitiesto streamlineprocessesandimprove ef iciency,andinvestingin professionaldevelopmentto ensureourteamremainsatthe forefrontofindustrytrendsand bestpractices.
Finally, what is your vision going forward for Foundation Title & Escrow Services? What are you most excited about?
MyvisionforFoundationTitle& EscrowServicesgoingforwardis tocontinueandgrowourposition asatrustedleaderinthetitleand escrowindustrywhilecontinuing toinnovateandadapttomeetthe evolvingneedsofourclientsand themarket.Iamcommittedto fosteringacultureofexcellence,
I am most excited about the opportunities for growth and innovation that lie ahead. I see tremendous potential for leveraging technology to streamline processes, enhance e ciency, and improve the customer experience. integrity,andinnovationwithin ourorganization,whereourteam membersareempoweredtoexcel, ourclientsreceiveexceptional service,andourcommunities bene itfromourcontributions.
Iamalsoexcitedaboutthe prospectofexpandingourmarket presenceintonewregionsand exploringnewserviceofferingsto betterserveourclients'needs.
Furthermore,Iamenthusiastic aboutthechancetocontinue investinginourteam's professionaldevelopmentand fosteringadiverseandinclusive workplacewhereeveryonehasthe
opportunitytothriveandsucceed. Bystayingtruetoourcorevalues andembracingchangeand innovation,Iamconidentthat FoundationTitle&Escrow Serviceswillcontinuetothriveand makeapositiveimpactinthe industryandthecommunitieswe serve.
Building Talent, Leaders, and Loyalty Through Social Impact: Why Skills-Based Volunteering Works By Rachel Hutchisson, CEO of Common Impact
Areyoualeaderlooking forwaystostrengthen youremployees'skills beyondtraditionallearningand developmentprograms?Ifso,it maybetimetotakeacloser lookatskills-based volunteerism(SBV).
Today'semployeesareseeking opportunitiestogrow,sharpen theirskills,andseeaclearpath forwardintheircareers.People leadersareworkingtoanswer thesecallsbutindit challengingtodeterminehow todeliverthatdevelopmentin waysthattrulyengageand inspire.Oftenviewedonlyasa waycompaniesgivebackto theircommunities,SBVisalso apowerfulwaytobuildyour talent'sskills,leadership,and con idence,allwhiledelivering realimpacttothecommunity.
TheconceptbehindSBVis
simple:matchtheprofessional expertiseofemployeeswith nonpro itprojectsthatstretch theirabilitiesandexpandtheir perspectives.Forexample,an HRteamre ininganonproit's employeehandbooksharpens theirpolicyrecalland communicationskills.ITand procurementstaffadvisingona newCRMselectionstrengthen theirvendormanagementand decision-makingcapabilities. Marketingspecialistsauditinga nonpro it'swebsitenotonly boostengagementforthe nonpro it,butalsohonetheir analyticalskillsandcreative problem-solving.Thisapproach differsfromtraditional volunteerismbecauseofthe outsizedimpacttheresults creates.Itempowers nonpro itswithlong-term solutionsandgivesyour employeesopportunitiesto applytheirexpertiseinnew
ways,thinkcreatively,and strengthenleadershipskills.
SBV gives employees opportunities to:
Value their current skill sets. It'snotuncommonforyour peopletolosesightoftheskills theyalreadyhave,takingfor grantedwhattheydoevery day.Puttingtheminsituations wheretheyapplythoseskillsto helpnonpro itsgivesthem perspectiveandarenewed appreciationforthedepthand valueoftheirexpertise.
Develop new skills.
WorkingonSBVprojectswith nonpro itsprovidesyour peoplewiththechancetotry outnewskills.DatafromARES tellsusthatpeoplewhotake partintheseinitiativeswalk away feelingmorelikelyto haveopportunitiestogrow
professionally(70%)anddevelop newskillsatwork(72%).These projectscreateanenvironment whereemployeescanexperiment withnewapproaches,explore toolsandtechniques,andpickup practicaltipstheycanbringback totheof ice. Whendonewell,SBV projectscreatecollaborativespace forskill-buildingthatstayswith employeeslongaftertheproject ends.
Develop leadership muscle.
Forthosenotyetinmanagement roles,SBVoffersunique opportunitiestoleadgroupsof people,buildadaptability,manage nuance,andcommunicate effectively.Themoreoften employeesareencouragedto participateintheseactivities,the morecon identtheybecomeas leaders,anotoriouslyhard competencytoteach,butonethat
developsnaturallyinSBVprojects wherepeoplemustinnovateand problem-solvequickly.
Build their networks, internally and externally.
Finally,SBVhelpsyourpeople makeconnections,bothinthe companieswheretheyworkand withothersinthecommunity. Workingalongsideprofessionals fromotherdivisionsprovidesa
glimpseintootherpartsofthe businesswhilecreatingvaluable personalconnections,whichpay dividendswhentheycomeback intotheofice.SBԀVengagements canbedesignedwiththe company'sgoalsinmind.Some projectsaretailoredforearlycareeremployees,givingthemthe chancetodivein,collaboratewith peersfromotherdepartments,and gainexposuretodifferentareasof
thebusiness.Othersbringtogether senioremployeesandearly-career staff,creatingopportunitiesfor mentorshipandknowledgesharing.SBVcanalsobestructured foremployeesatleadership threshold,providingan environmenttostrengthen strategicthinking,conidence,and skillssotheyreturntotheirroles readytodemonstratetheir leadershipcapabilities.
ThebeneitsofSBԀVdon'tstopwith skilldevelopment.Accordingtoa surveyof1,200employeeswho participatedinCommonImpact SBVprojects,96%reportedfeeling morepositiveabouttheir employersandmorelikelyto recommendtheircompaniesas greatplacestowork.Thisspeaks toSBV'spowerasanengagement andretentiontool.When employeesseetheircompanies investinginmeaningfulworkthat alignswiththeirvalues,their connectiontotheorganization grows.Thatsenseofconnectionis highlymotivating,inspiring employeestoseetheirworkplace notjustasajob,butasaplaceto growandcontribute.Otherdata fromARESpointstolower employeeattritionamongthose whoserve,suggestingthatthe senseofpurpose,skillgrowth,and cross-teamconnectionsdeveloped throughSBVcontributedirectlyto strongeremployeeloyaltyand satisfaction.
Whetheryouhaveaspeci icgroup inmindorsimplywanttohelpall yourteamsthrive,SBVoffersa strategicwaytoinvestinthe peoplewhopoweryourcompany's success.Well-designedSBV programsstrengthenleadership
pipelines,boostretention,foster cross-teamcollaboration,and deepenemployeeloyaltyby connectingpeoplebothwithinthe companyandtomeaningful causes.Whenemployeesfeelmore connectedandpurposeful,they experienceaboostinoverallwellbeingandthepositiveimpactthey createinthecommunityrelects backonyourbrand,culture,and long-termsuccess.
About the Author:Rachel
HutchissonisCEOofCommon Impact,anonproitaligning purpose-drivencompanieswith nonpro itstopropelsocialgood. Withmorethan20yearsof experienceincorporatesocial responsibility,Rachelhaslong beenachampionfortherole businessesplayinservingothers.
About Common Impact:Common Impactisanationalnonproitthat fostersmeaningfulpartnerships betweenpurpose-drivenFortune 500companiesandnonproits worldwidetopropelsocialgood. Since2000,CommonImpacthas generatedover205,000hoursof skills-basedvolunteeringand$62 millioninresources.Common Impactisdedicatedtohelping nonpro itsexpandtheircapacity, improveef iciency,anddeliveron theirmissionwithcustomizedand impactfulprojectsthrough corporatepartnerships.Learn moreaboutCommonImpact's services impact,andclients. ,
Why You Might Not Want to Take Every Tax Deduction Wri en by Katherine Nally
Asaself-employedindividual, you'reprobablyalwaysonthe lookoutforextrataxdeductions youcouldtaketoloweryourannual taxbill.Mostpeopleare,andfor goodreason!AGalluppollin2023 foundthat60%ofAmericansthink theirfederalincometaxbillistoo high..
However,takingeverydeduction availabletoyouisn'talwaysthe rightcall,dependingonyour inancialsituationandgoals.When youapplyforamortgage,for example,thebankwilloften consideryourtaxreturntobethe ultimaterecordofyourincomeina certainyear.Ifyourtaxreturn showsthelowestpossiblenet incomeyoucouldlegallymanage, thatwilllikelyhurtyourchancesof gettingaloan.Tomakematters worse,forself-employed individualsbankswillwanttosee twoyearsoftaxreturns,andthey'll addupyourincomeoverthosetwo
yearsanddivideby24togetyour averagemonthlyincome,which they'lluseasabasisfor determiningwhetherornottogive youtheloan.
Unfortunately,ifyou'vebeen aggressivelytakingdeductionsfor atleastthelasttwoyears,you mightneedtoreducethenumberof deductionsyoutakeforthenext twoyearsinorderforyourtax returntoshowahigherincome numberbeforeyouqualifyforthe mortgageorotherloanyouwere hopingtotakeout.Ifthisisa concernforyouandyouhaven'tyet iledyour2023taxreturn,youstill havetimetomakechangesbefore theApril15thdeadline.
WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT? Ifyouareself-employedandplan onapplyingforamortgageinthe nexttwoyears,it'sagoodideato lookattheincomeshownonyour
taxreturnandconsiderwhether youbelieveitwillbesuf icientto qualifyforthemortgageyou're hopingtotakeout.Ifit'snot,the goodnewsisthatyouhaveoptions.
WhiletheIRSrequirestaxpayersto claimallincome“fromwhatever sourcederived”,thereisno matchingrequirementthatthey takealldeductionstheyarelegally entitledto.Iftaxpayersleaveouta fewdeductions,eitheraccidentally orpurposefully,theresultismore incometaxespaidtotheIRS.They won'tcomplainaboutthat.
WHERE SHOULD YOU CUT? Ifyoudecidethatyouwanttostart reducingtheexpensesyou're claimingonyourtaxreturn,where shouldyoustart?
VEHICLE EXPENSES Iknowbusinessownerstendto
claimtheentirecostofavehicleas abusinessexpense,evenwhenthey alsousethecarpersonally.Ifthisis you,Iwouldconsiderdecreasing thevehicleexpensesyouclaim,and insteadofdeductingthewholecost, usethemileagerateof$0.655/mile in2023or$0.67/mileintaxyear 2024.Ifyouhaven'tbeenalready, thisisagreattimetostartkeeping detailedrecordsofyourbusiness useofthevehicleandmileage.
MEALS AND ENTERTAINMENT Anothergoodplacetolookifyou wanttodecreasethenumberof expensesyouclaimonyourtaxesis yourmealsandentertainmentline item,especiallyifithasbeenhighin previousyears.Therecanbesome grayareasaroundthisIknow, especiallywhenfamilymembers arealsoemployedinthebusiness. Afamilydinnerwherebusinessis lightlydiscussedforthe irst ive minutesmightbeconsidereda deductiblebusinessexpense,butit isalsoagreatplacetoconsidernot claimingthededuction.
HOME OFFICE DEDUCTION Thehomeoficedeductionis anotherexpenseI'dconsider leavingoffofyourtaxreturn.You're allowedtodeduct$5persquare footforyourhomeof ice,butonlyif thespaceisregularlyand,most importantly,exclusivelyusedfor yourbusiness.Thismeansthatif youalsouseyourhomeoficeasa spaceforhobbiesorfamilytime, youcannotclaimitonyourtax returnasabusinessexpense.
Furthermore,inordertoclaimthis deduction,yourhomeoficeneeds tobetheprincipallocationofyour business.Thismeansthatyoucan't haveanotherlocationwhereyou performsubstantialadministrative ormanagerialtasksforyour business.
WILL IT WORK? Ifyou'reinterestedinusingthis strategytoobtainamortgageor otherloan,thehighernetincome shownforyourbusinesswilllikely
About the Author KatherineNallyisaCPAinthestateofAlabama, helpingaccountingstudentssucceedthrough graduationandbeyond.Sheprovideseducational contentonherYouTubechannel, @YourAccountingTutor,aswellasindividual tutoringandhelpfulebooksthroughherwebsite, youraccountingtutor.podia.com
Duringtheday,sheworkswithColliers
increaseyouroddsofqualifyingfor themortgageyouwant,though yourtotalbusinessincomeisn'tthe onlythingbankstakeintoaccount. Theyalsoconsideryourcredit scorealongwithotherfactors determinedbythespeciic institution.Ifyou'reconcerned aboutyourquali ications,itmight makesensetotalkwithaloan of iceratyourbanktoaskhowyou canbeabetterapplicantand increaseyourchancesofgettingthe loanyouwant.
Onceyouknowwhatexactlyyour potentiallenderislookingfor,you shouldconsultyourindividualtax prepareraboutthestrategies mentionedabove.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or inancial advice. Please consult your own attorney or tax preparer who can provide advice on your speciic situation.
International|AlabamaasaSeniorProperty Accountant,providingfull-cycleaccountingfor 20differentcommercialproperties.
Katherinehas7yearsofexperienceinthe accounting ield,workingwithvariedindustries includingtax,non-pro it,construction,and commercialrealestate.
Brandon Dorsky Navigating the Crossroads of Law and Cannabis BrandonDorsky'suniqueblendof creativity,legalexpertise,and entrepreneurialspirithaspositionedhim asanestablishedleaderinintellectual propertymanagementwithintherapidly evolvingcannabissector.
Ashenavigatesthecomplexitiesofthis industry,Dorsky'sdedicationtofostering innovationandprotectingtherightsof creativesisevidentinhiscontributions andfutureaspirations.
InthisexclusiveinterviewofBrandon Dorsky,weexplorehisearlyinluences, pivotalcareertransitions,andhisoutlook onthefutureofintellectualpropertylawin thecannabisindustry.
What according to you makes one impactful? How do you integrate the same thought into your leadership?
Animpactfulleaderiscapableof motivatingotherstounitearounda commongoal,task,orevent.Moreover,an impactfulleaderfacilitatesothers,thereby bringingtheirbesteffortandenergyto thatinitiative.
Withrespecttomyownleadershipstyle,I
investtimeinprojectsthatarepurpose drivenandcommunicateeffectivelyto utilizemyteam'scommitmenttoandbelief intheunifyingpurposeasfuelthatignites their ire.
Talk to us about your growing up years. What is your earliest memory as a leader / entrepreneur that you can remember?
IgrewupintheMidwest,andsomeofmy earliestmemoriesfromchildhoodinvolve beingastudentandcreatingandselling mixtapestomyclassmates.
Inthe90s,Iusedtomakecustomizedparty mixtapesormixCDs,illedwithhip-hop andsoulmusic,soldthemaroundcampus, andbecameknownasamusically knowledgeableindividualwithinmy community.WhenIwasafreshmenand sophomoreinhighschool,Iwasclass presidentandIleveragedsomeofthat musicalknowledgetodrivemyelection campaigns.
IrememberusingNotoriousB.I.G.lyrics fromhissong“OneMoreChance”aspartof myre-electioncampaignmysophomore yearandpromisingthestudentbodythatI
wouldreplacewaterfountainswith soda,thatthevendingmachines wouldbe illedwithcandyandthat Iwouldhostavictorypartyatmy opponent'shouse.
AlthoughIfailedtodeliveronmany ofmyloftyhigh-schoolcampaign initiatives,Ilearnedalotabouthow toeffectivelycommunicatethrough myeffortsasbothaDJanda memberofstudentgovernment.
What motivated you to transition from representing artists to focusing on intellectual property in the cannabis industry?
IbecameanattorneybecauseI wantedtorepresentandworkwith artistsandcreatives.Iconsider myselfacreativethatdidnot believeIwouldfeedafamilywith mycreativepursuits,soItookon lessriskandpursuedalawdegree instead.
AlthoughIwasdrawntorepresent musicartistsbecauseIlovemusic,I haveanappetiteandgeneral admirationforrepresentingparties thathaveahighertoleranceforrisk thanme,whichrealistically includespeoplewithinthecannabis industry.Ialsoconsidercannabis entrepreneursatypeofartists themselves,andsothetransition didnotreallyfeellikeaseismic changetome.
Iwasmotivatedtomigrateaway fromrepresentingtalentandto focusonotherbusinessesdealing withintellectualproperty,including thecannabisindustry.Afteroneof the irstartistsIdiscovered,and whomIhadhelpedachieve internationalsuccessthatmost artistswoulddreamof,was poachedandtheartistthereafter
I have been responsible for work that individually and collectively helped elevate the perception of the value of intellectual property rights within the cannabis industry. The cumulative impact of perceived value may have helped fuel greater valuations or capital raises, or even in uenced how nancial resources were allocated for intellectual property management.
attemptedtonotpaymethe percentagewehadagreedto.
Aftergoingthroughthatlegalbattle andfeelingunderappreciatedand exposedtoasimilarsituation repeatingitselfwithothertalentsI represented,Isoughtoutdifferent clientsandindustrieswhereI thoughtmyskillsandexpertise wouldbevalued.Moreover,Icould beinthepositionofgenerally havingmoreexperiencethanothers sothatIwouldbelesslikelytohave clientspoached.Seekingclients withinthecannabisindustryto providelegalservicestothemwas not
Being recognized by various bar associations and industry publications, how do you think your contributions have impacted the perception of intellectual property management in the cannabis industry?
SomeoftheworkIhavedoneinthe cannabisindustryhelpedseveral brandsgrowfrominfancytomajor marketpresence,andthe foundationoftheworkwasbased inintellectualpropertystrategy. TheIPstrategiesIdevelopedthat thosebusinessesdeployedhave sincebeenadoptedbyothers withintheindustry,includinghow
businessesregister,positionand policeintellectualpropertyrights, andhownewIPisintroducedinto andmanagedwithinthesupply chain.
Severaloftheindustry'sgreatest successstoriesrevolvearoundthe developmentandcultivationof strongintellectualpropertyrights. Presently,themostactivelitigator intheUnitedStates,isabusiness thatmakesancillaryproductsfor thecannabisindustryandenforces theirintellectualpropertyrights, andnotonlywasIinstrumentalin developingtheirintellectual propertystrategyintheirst severalyearsoftheirexistence,but
thebusinesshasgoneontodevelop andaccumulateaveryvaluable intellectualpropertyportfolioof bothtrademarksandpatents.
What excites you the most about the future of intellectual property law within the cannabis industry?
WhenevertheshacklesofSchedule Iclassi icationareremoved,andthe opportunitytodoreliableand repeatablestudiesinvolving cannabishassigni icantlyless governmentredtape,thereisgoing tobeanexplosioninresearch surroundingcannabis,andthe subsequentintellectualproperty
thatisdevelopedfromthat researchcouldchangethefutureof medicineandtheworld.
Finally, what is your vision going forward on a personal front? What are you most excited about?
Myvisiongoingforwardisto continuetobethebestBrandonI canbeandstrivetomakeanimpact eachday,whilenotforgettingthat tomorrowisnotagiven.Iwill continuetotryandbeofserviceof othersandcontinuetopaveand cleartheroadforthecreative community,bothinsideandoutside ofcannabis,foryearstocome.
Iamexcitedaboutnotonly emergingmarketsforcannabis,and thepossibilitiesforFRUITSLABS andotherbrandsIworkwithto growintonewmarkets,including butnotlimitedtoNewYork,but alsothedevelopmentof consumptionloungesand immersivecannabisexperiences.I amalsoreallyexcitedaboutsome thingsonthehorizonformyother businessventures,includingsome creativecollaborationsbetween YeastieBoysandothers,therelease ofadditionalissuesofBelow Sycamore,agraphicnovelseriesI haveworkedonextensively,andthe releaseoftheirstepisodeofa docuseriesthatIshotwithHigh ThreadCount,LLCinOaxacainlate 2023.
