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Each episode features a different perspective from a guest on how every organization can benefit from building better commercial relationships with vendors and customers by implementing a good contracting process.
Pepe Toriello and Marc Doucette talk with innovators with long experience in contract management. How can a company with no CM process implemented take a first step, how to manage relationships with vendors or clients when things go wrong and where technology, such as CLM, can be more useful.
May 21, 2025
In this week’s episode of the podcast, we bring you the fascinating conversation we’ve had with Nandita Murthy, senior director of contracts at DRS Daylight Solutions, San Diego, California. With profound experience in both the government and commercial contracting, she brings advice to legal and sales teams on working together smoothly during the contract process. Throughout the conversation, Nandita kindly provides insights on the topics, including understanding the context behind every contract and its importance, putting the best interest of the company first, whether from a sales or legal perspective, the power of clear communication, the benefits of using CLMs and AI for smarter negotiations, the role flexibility plays in a negotiation, the importance of building internal trust just as sealing the external deals, and more.
May 21, 2025
In this week’s episode of the podcast, we bring you the fascinating conversation we’ve had with Nandita Murthy, senior director of contracts at DRS Daylight Solutions, San Diego, California. With profound experience in both the government and commercial contracting, she brings advice to legal and sales teams on working together smoothly during the contract process. Throughout the conversation, Nandita kindly provides insights on the topics, including understanding the context behind every contract and its importance, putting the best interest of the company first, whether from a sales or legal perspective, the power of clear communication, the benefits of using CLMs and AI for smarter negotiations, the role flexibility plays in a negotiation, the importance of building internal trust just as sealing the external deals, and more.
Apr 29, 2025
In this episode, we’re joined by Otto Hanson, founder of TermScout and Screens, and now leading the Screens business at Agiloft. Otto shares his vision for the future of contracts and why he believes we’re just getting started when it comes to transforming how they’re created, reviewed, and managed. We dive into Agiloft’s recent acquisition of Screens and what it means for AI-powered contract review. Topics include striking the right balance between accuracy and flexibility, empowering users through prompt validation, the power of community-driven playbooks, and why AI should enhance—not replace—legal expertise.
Apr 02, 2025
In this episode of Contract Heroes, we’re joined by John Roland, a legal operations leader with over 20 years of experience across industries like energy and technology. John shares his perspective on what it takes to implement a contract lifecycle management (CLM) system that truly delivers value—from defining business needs early on to aligning teams around shared goals. John also walks us through his recent Agiloft implementation at Qcells, which Koho was proud to support. You’ll hear firsthand what made the project successful and what others can learn from the process. Whether you're just starting your CLM journey or looking to refine your current setup, this episode is full of practical insights you won’t want to miss.
Mar 17, 2025
In this week's episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Matt Lhoumeau, CEO and co-founder of Concord, a leading contract management software. Matt’s mission is to empower teams to manage contracts efficiently without requiring legal involvement at every step. Our conversation explores the growing role of AI in contract management, its impact on legal teams, and how CFOs are leveraging contract data for better decision-making. We also dive into change management, AI adoption in mid-sized companies, and the future of contract management.
Feb 10, 2025
In this conversation, procurement expert Samah Mahdi, with 15 years of experience in procurement, logistics, and supply chain management, joins to discuss the transformative impact of AI and robotics. She explores how AI enhances efficiency, optimizes supplier management, and automates procurement tasks while robotics revolutionizes warehousing and transportation. Samah highlights key challenges, including resistance to change and data quality, and shares her vision for a future driven by AI-powered, autonomous supply chains.
Jan 21, 2025
Implementing a Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) system requires careful planning, collaboration, and communication. In this episode of the Contract Heroes podcast, Susan Zagorski, legal operations director at FMC Corporation, shares her insights on the process. With over a decade of experience, she provides valuable lessons on achieving operational excellence and cost savings. Susan discusses her team's systematic approach to selecting a CLM system, emphasizing the importance of addressing pain points and planning thoughtfully. She highlights the need for strong leadership support and thorough real-life testing to ensure the system meets user needs while simplifying administrative tasks. The conversation also explores key factors for successful implementation, including cross-functional collaboration, early alignment, effective communication, training, and managing user concerns.
Jan 06, 2025
Today's episode features Hal Bretan, Contract Standards Executive in Residence at World Commerce & Contracting. In this conversation, Hal explores the importance of achieving "speed to contract" to enhance business efficiency, profitability, and collaboration. He highlights the challenges of traditional contracting practices and emphasizes the need for fair, balanced templates to streamline negotiations. Furthermore, Hal stresses the role of prioritizing risks, leveraging data to demonstrate economic benefits, and fostering teamwork across stakeholders. He advocates a top-down and bottom-up approach to drive organizational change. He offers insights into how WorldCC's contracting principles and workshops empower professionals to improve processes.
Dec 04, 2024
Claims management is a critical element of successful project execution, aimed at preventing, mitigating, and resolving disputes during a contract's lifecycle. But it’s more than just addressing issues after they arise—claims management is about proactive risk management and resolving potential challenges before they escalate. In this episode, we’re joined by Jerry Pessah, Senior Director of Contract Management at Fluor Corporation. With 27 years of professional experience and a history of working on seven multibillion-dollar projects, Jerry shares invaluable insights into the essential components of claims management. Recorded live at the World Commerce and Contracting America Summit in Atlanta, Georgia, this conversation delves deep into the strategies, tools, and principles that drive successful contract execution.
Nov 04, 2024
This week’s episode of the Contract Heroes podcast, recorded at the World Commerce and Contracting America Summit in Atlanta, features Jerry Silber, Hal Bretan, and Lita Bollimpalli discussing the benefits of relational contracting over traditional methods. Jerry highlights why traditional contracting often fails and emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships through principles like a no-blame culture, mutual objectives, and continuous improvement. Lita discusses the contracting paradox and shares examples of successful transitions by companies like Dell and FedEx. Hal introduces the World CC’s relational contracting guide, which offers practical steps and checklists for implementation, especially valuable in fast-changing technology landscapes.
Oct 01, 2024
In this week’s episode of the “Contract Heroes” podcast, Brendan Raybuck, Chief Revenue Officer at ClearLaw, discusses the role of AI in legacy contract migration and data extraction. He highlights the importance of structuring contracts in a way that allows AI to effectively analyze and extract key clauses, ensuring obligations are clearly outlined to avoid potential liabilities. Brendan also shares insights on how leveraging AI-driven contract data can address larger business challenges, such as compliance and improving operational efficiency.
Aug 06, 2024
In this episode of Contract Heroes, we're joined by Richard Robinson, the Director of Legal Operations and Litigation Support at Toyota North America. Richard shares his extensive experience in the legal tech industry, discussing his journey, the challenges of transitioning to remote work during COVID-19, and the importance of integrating technology with a strategic approach. He also delves into the core competencies of CLOC, the significance of stakeholder engagement, and the vital role of emotional intelligence in legal operations.
Jul 22, 2024
In this episode of The Contract Heroes, we are joined by Tiffany Hamilton, Director of Legal Innovation, Analytics, and Technology at DHL Supply Chain. Tiffany shares her journey from being the sole legal ops resource at DHL to leading a dynamic team focused on leveraging AI to enhance contract management. She discusses the challenges and strategies involved in migrating from a legacy contract lifecycle management (CLM) system to a modern AI-driven solution, emphasizing the importance of understanding data and information governance.
Jun 14, 2024
Join us as we welcome Roma Khan, CEO, and Sarah McCormick, COO, of Crush Contracts, to discuss the exciting launch of the Crush Contracts Academy next week, June 21st in Chicago. Listen in as Roma and Sarah share the behind-the-scenes journey of organizing their inaugural event and the overwhelming support they've received from the legal community. From expert-led discussions on negotiation to contract data in mergers and acquisitions, the academy is set to provide practical and high-quality education in contract management. Discover the broader vision of creating a globally accessible Contracts Academy event and the meaningful connections this event promises.
Jun 03, 2024
Join us as we sit down with Josh Kramer, the Chief Strategy Officer at Fileread, and embark on a journey through the evolving landscape of legal operations. Josh recounts his time managing the legal services for one of the largest pharma companies during a period of exponential growth amid the pandemic. The conversation uncovers the intricacies of assembling a robust legal team in the midst of global chaos. With a focus on the symbiotic relationship between technology, process controls, and departmental communication, Josh shares the invaluable lessons he took from that experience, now applied in his role at the startup Fileread.
May 05, 2024
If you're heading to CLOC this week, then this episode is tailored just for you! Navin Mahavijiyan joins the podcast to impart invaluable insights based on his experiences at previous CLOC events. During our conversation we discuss strategic approaches to planning your conference attendance, including selecting the most beneficial sessions and arranging pivotal meetings. We explore the art of networking, underscoring the significance of connecting with peers before the event to maximize your opportunities for growth and learning.
Apr 11, 2024
Unlock the secrets of fusing AI with legal acumen as we chat with Damien Riel, who's charted a path from musician to coder and ultimately, into the legal vanguard. Our conversation reveals how AI, particularly tools like ChatGPT, is revolutionizing the legal profession, streamlining tasks and debunking myths that suggest tech and law are at odds. Damien's expertise unveils the game-changing potential of the SALI Alliance in creating a universal legal language, transforming tedious legal legwork into a thing of the past. Our dialogue delves into the nitty-gritty of how 'Sally tags' are altering the legal landscape, offering a glimpse into a future where legal queries are managed with precision and contracts are dissected with an AI's fine-tooth comb. Discover how these advancements are not just reshaping workflows but are poised to reinvent the industry itself, with practical insights on AI's role in upending traditional billing models and increasing in-house efficiency. The conversation with Damien is a must-listen for those curious about the tangible benefits AI can offer in legal settings, from data management to nuanced contract analysis. As we wrap up, we ponder the immediate future of Contract Lifecycle Management and how AI continues to carve inroads across various sectors. Damien's perspectives leave us with a sense of the vast potential that lies at the intersection of technology and legal expertise. For keen minds looking to stay abreast of these developments, our episode with Damien is an essential resource, providing a roadmap through the ever-evolving terrain of law and AI. Join us and harness the insights needed to navigate the bold new world of AI-enhanced legal practice.
Mar 26, 2024
On this unique LinkedIn Live episode of Contract Heroes listen in as we're joined by Jenn McCarron, President of CLOC and Head of Legal Ops at Netflix as we navigate through the complexities of technology adoption, the criticality of user engagement, and the 'Ready Fire Aim' approach that typifies project execution in this information-dense environment. With her wealth of experience, Jenn also reflects on the evolution of legal ops, drawing comparisons from the pioneering days at Cisco to the contemporary landscape dominated by SaaS solutions.
Mar 11, 2024
Monica Zent, founder of ZENT Law, pioneers the Alternative Legal Service Providers (ALSPs) landscape with a subscription-based model, reshaping legal services. Her journey unveils the early adoption by diverse sectors and the transformative strides in legal operations, offering insights into ALSPs' evolution. Delving into contract management complexities, Monica addresses challenges like stakeholder mismanagement and data underutilization, proposing methods to streamline contract cycles. Her expertise provides a roadmap to enhance contracting efficiency, highlighting the impact of legal ops and external expertise. Emphasizing communication and cultural understanding, Monica advocates for introducing automation while addressing staff concerns about job security. This episode equips organizations with strategies for impactful change management, offering practical advice to overhaul legal ops effectively.
Feb 23, 2024
Join Matthew Rinker of DocuSign as we uncover the power of Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) for seamless collaboration and speedy deal closures. Discover how modern CLM tools eliminate the tedious back-and-forth of contract negotiations and bring transparency to the approval process. Matthew's expertise in legal technology and sales sheds light on the transformative efficiencies of CLM systems, revolutionizing sales outcomes. Explore how CLM integrates with platforms like Salesforce, offering a competitive edge in deal forecasting and closure. Learn about shared investment opportunities in CLM tools, reshaping resource allocation for sales and legal departments. Gain actionable strategies for CLM adoption and user efficiency, including management buy-in and CLM champion identification. Explore the importance of a robust support network for successful CLM implementation, with practical examples of streamlined NDA processes and proactive contract renewal notifications. Don't miss out on unlocking the full potential of CLM for your organization's growth and success.
Feb 05, 2024
In this episode of Contract Heroes, we are joined by James Peacock, Head of Key Enterprise Accounts at ThoughtRiver. James has a broad resume full of experience from a variety of roles, enabling him to understand contracting from both the commercial side and the legal side. Throughout our conversation, James emphasizes the importance of alignment between the business and the legal team. This alignment, along with communication and proper change management, is the gateway to innovation for in-house employees and the successful implementation of technology like CLM. He explains that, without buy-in from internal teams, technology can fail. So, we must meet employees where they are prior to implementation, taking stock of what everyone wants and making sure the business is in the right place to succeed. This podcast episode will help in-house legal and commercial teams learn how to better communicate with each other and work together to drive the success of the organization.
Nov 20, 2023
The world of contracts isn't limited to just legal professionals and corporate executives; it affects entrepreneurs, freelancers, and consumers in various ways. Whether you're a business owner seeking to protect your interests, a freelancer setting the terms of your next project, or a consumer deciphering the fine print of a service agreement, understanding the intricacies of contracts is crucial. In this episode of the Contract Heroes Podcast, still at the WorldCC Summit in Dallas, we are joined by Laurie Ehrlich, Chief Commercial Counsel at Datadog. Datadog is an observability service for cloud-scale applications, providing monitoring of servers, databases, tools, and services, through a SaaS-based data analytics platform. In our conversation, we discuss the challenges and misunderstandings in contract management and the importance of education for both parties involved. Erlich shares Datadog's approach to these issues, including a multilingual FAQ and a playbook for explaining operational realities. We also discuss the use of heat mapping to identify key terms and risks in contracts, the standardization of NDAs, and the implementation of a system to streamline non-critical contracts. The episode concludes with insights on task delegation based on individual preferences.
Nov 08, 2023
Ever wondered how big companies successfully navigate the complex world of legal challenges, rules, and keeping everything above board while still keeping pace with the fast-moving business world? In this episode of the Contract Heroes Podcast, we are delighted to feature Mark Ross, the Principal and Co-Leader at Deloitte Legal Business Services. Mark dives into his role, where he helps large enterprises revamp their legal operations by combining the wisdom of experts, efficient processes, and advanced technology. He emphasizes the importance of understanding what each organization needs and involving all the relevant people before making changes in how they manage contracts. He also explains the potential benefits of a contract transformation program. These benefits include getting work done more efficiently, making more money, and saving a lot of money by avoiding risks. This podcast episode is a treasure trove of practical insights into how big companies are mastering the legal side of their businesses.
Oct 15, 2023
Can you imagine a symphony without harmony, a ship without a compass, or a puzzle missing its final piece? In the world of business, the relationship between procurement and legal is equally indispensable. So, have you ever wondered what happens when these crucial departments don't quite harmonize in the realm of contract management? In this episode of the Contract Heroes Podcast, we are excited to welcome back Prashant Dubey, the chief strategy officer of Agiloft to the show. Agiloft is a technology company specializing in contract lifecycle management and business process management software in Redwood City, California. During our conversation, we discussed the importance of building a better relationship between procurement and legal, and the evolving nature of contract management. We highlight the benefits of creating a negotiation playbook, implementing a contract lifecycle management system, and standardizing templates and intake protocols. We also address the challenges of training team members on legal terminology and contract management, and the importance of collaboration and flexibility in implementing Agiloft practices.
Oct 03, 2023
Have you ever wondered how certain organizations consistently maintain a competitive edge in the fast-paced world of business? What if we told you that one of the keys to their success lies in their adoption of cutting-edge technology in the realm of contract management? The future of contract management is poised to revolutionize the way businesses handle their agreements and legal documents. In this episode of the Contract Heroes Podcast, we sit down with Nikki Shaver, CEO and co-founder of Legaltech Hub. Legaltech Hub is a global directory for 21st-century legal solutions that connects buyers, vendors, and investors in the legal tech space. During our conversation, Nikki shares her background as a lawyer and the challenges she observed in contract management. She explains the purpose of Legaltech Hub as an insights and analysis platform for the legal industry, focusing on legal tech. The discussion revolves around the importance of contract management software, advancements in AI-driven solutions, customization, and the future of AI in contract management. She also emphasizes the need for prioritizing user experience and identifying pain points before implementing AI.
Sep 20, 2023
The importance of moving contract management from a paper-based, manual process to a more efficient, automated one is clearer than ever in our digital age. Join us on this enlightening journey as we explore the intricate and often treacherous path of digitizing contract management, uncovering the key milestones, hurdles, and rewards that lie ahead. In this episode of the Contract Heroes Podcast, we are thrilled to be joined by Alistair Maiden. Alistair is the founder and CEO of SYKE, a legal engineering business. SYKE helps businesses and law firms to procure and use technology to solve legal problems. During our conversation, Alistair shares his experience with contract management and how he developed a user-friendly solution to streamline the process. He emphasizes the importance of investing in contract automation software and involving experienced professionals for successful implementation. Our conversation also touches on the pitfalls of focusing solely on the product and vendor, the complexity of implementation, and the need for transparency and realistic expectations. Alistair discusses the future of the industry, and the potential disruption of AI in legal advisory services, and invites listeners to learn more about SYKE.
Sep 11, 2023
Today, one element that should never be overlooked in any organization is contract management. Imagine a well-oiled machine, where every gear perfectly interlocks to form a seamless symphony of productivity. That's the magic of effective contract management. It harmonizes every operation, streamlining processes, and eliminating unnecessary bottlenecks. By getting it right, your organization can gain an unmistakable advantage in the market, outshining competitors and securing its position at the forefront of innovation and excellence.
Sep 04, 2023
In a world where time is money, contracts stand as the bedrock of every transaction, sealing deals that shape the destiny of organizations. Picture a scenario where every contract is expertly managed, every negotiation streamlined, and every legal hurdle deftly overcome. Envision a future where you never miss a renewal deadline, avoid costly disputes, and confidently navigate through complexities with ease. In this episode of the Contract Heroes Podcast, we are thrilled to be joined by Roma Khan. Roma is the CEO of CrushContracts, a trailblazer in contract management, dedicated to democratizing law. As the Contracts Queen, Inventor of Global NDA and Zoey, Attorney, Fashionista & Connector, she brings over a decade of in-house counsel and fractional GC experience, serving Fortune 500 companies and startups.
Aug 15, 2023
In the hustle and bustle of the business world, imagine possessing a secret weapon that can help you stay ahead of the competition, navigate stormy waters with ease, and unlock hidden treasures of success. Fortunately, with the rapid advancement of technology and the proliferation of data, that very weapon now lies within your grasp: data-driven insights in contract management. In this episode of the Contract Heroes Podcast, we feature the team from Intel who have successfully implemented a CLM tool, and they have been actively using it. Joining us today are Gerald Wright, Senior Manager of Contract Solutions at Intel, Donovan Bell, Director of Information and Contract Experience (Global Legal Operations) at Intel, and Kuan Yu Liu, IT Product Owner at Intel.
Aug 07, 2023
In this episode of the Contract Heroes Podcast, we are thrilled to sit down with Sol Brody. Sol is the Executive Director, Legal Operations at Boeing. The Boeing Company, along with its affiliated companies, engages in the global design, development, manufacturing, sales, servicing, and support of commercial jetliners, military aircraft, satellites, missile defense systems, human space flight initiatives, as well as launch systems and services.
Jul 31, 2023
In this episode of the Contract Heroes Podcast, we sit down with the incredibly experienced Trayce Marcelle who is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in legal operations management consulting and the Head of US - Legal Operations and Technology Consulting LOD + SYKE.LOD & SYKE are the leading and rapidly expanding experts in legal technology, have collaborated to provide clients with exceptional alternative legal services. They are globally recognized as the biggest and most swiftly advancing specialists in this field.
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