July 2024

“The networks build themselves when you invest in the relationships.” It sounded effortless, but it was also a meaningful point of emphasis—like something Managing Partner Kristina Lawson had said before, perhaps to one of her mentees or during a more formal speaking engagement. Last week was the first installment of HB Talks: Authentic Leadership Series—and the discussion was full of such off-the-cuff nuggets of wisdom. Partner and Sacramento Market Leader Shannon Nessier, who guided the conversation, was in the process of drilling deeper into the importance of connectivity and how it’s helped guide Kristina on her path to where she’s at right now when Kristina offered up the soundbite.

We also learned plenty of fun facts: Kristina isn’t the person to ask what happened on your favorite show (she never watches TV); she was both a grunge rocker and a cheerleader in high school; and she listens to KQED’s The California Report religiously. The casual conversation, with plenty of laughs and elements of a podcast or late-night talk show-type interview (see: the Colbert-inspired quickfire Q&A below), was more about getting to know who Kristina is personally and what inspires her than it was about business insights. But those who attended the in-person talk or participated in the livestream learned plenty and left feeling motivated.

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“I think the goal of this new series is that we get as many voices up here as we can, with people that work in different areas and have different experiences,” said Shannon, “We want to talk about leadership expressly and continue to grow our relationships.”

Last week’s series kickoff set the table for what “authentic leadership” really means at Hanson Bridgett. The candid discussions are meant to help foster an environment of transparency, relationship-building, and the sharing of personal stories. Kristina’s story was about doing things differently (and celebrating that part), seizing opportunities (and creating them), and, most importantly, putting people and relationships first.

I came here to take a little bit of a step back—so I completely failed in that endeavor—but when I came here, I realized the opportunity and the possibility and the immediate ability to make an impact was present. That doesn’t just happen.” – Managing Partner Kristina Lawson on the unique culture of opportunity at Hanson Bridgett

Kristina discussed the power of learning how to have the tough conversations (in addition to being able to banter)—skills she was taught by her grandfather at a young age over late-night pie and coffee in a small-town diner. The anecdotes provided important takeaways: that inspiration and opportunities often come from unlikely sources, and that it’s up to us to seek them out. For Kristina, doing so has been crucial for her career.

“Hanson Bridgett rewards seekers,” said Shannon, echoing Kristina’s thoughts on how this firm is different. The talk concluded with a quickfire Q&A session where Shannon asked Kristina to say the first answer that popped into her mind (“no lawyer answers!”). Here’s some highlights:

1. Best sandwich? 
   A tuna sandwich from Plaza Deli in Santa Barbara (which sadly no longer exists).
2. The one thing that you own that you really should throw out?
   The binders in my office from my first projects I worked on that are still there.
3. Scariest animal?
   Honeybadger
4. Have you ever asked someone for their autograph? If so, name one person.
   A thousand times. Steve Kerr.
5. Favorite smell?
   Almond extract
6. Most used app on phone?
   X/Twitter
7. Desert island song?
   The Trapeze Swinger by Iron & Wine

The HB Talks Authentic Leadership Series will continue throughout the year, featuring a diverse lineup of speakers from within Hanson Bridgett. Each session aims to delve into the unique experiences and insights of the firm’s leaders, providing a platform for candid discussions on what it takes to lead with authenticity in our ever-evolving firm.

Stay tuned for the next installment of the series!