The Crafty Show - Crafty Counsel's in-house legal podcast

What does it take to change careers, raise your voice, and thrive in-house? In this episode, Nadiye Morgan, Legal Counsel at YuLife, joins Griffin Hoyle to share her story of shifting from property to law, building community through Crafty X, and finding resilience - in life, work, and powerlifting. Expect honest reflections on career change, navigating bias, and what real allyship looks like. Plus: why progress beats perfection, and how to ask for more.

In this episode of the Inside In-House Legal Podcast , Sophie McKibbin, Head of Business and Legal Affairs at Pophouse Entertainment, takes us behind the scenes of one of Europe’s most creative companies. From negotiating IP deals to advising on artist partnerships and live productions, Sophie touches on her work at Pophouse, the founding investor and production partner for ABBA Voyage, offering a glimpse into the legal side of supporting creative ventures.

Rob Saunders’ career has taken him from the broadcast rights of the Olympic Games to the highly regulated world of online gambling. In this episode of the Inside In-House Legal Podcast , Rob speaks with host Toby Hornet about the pivotal lessons he’s learned along the way - from building trust with the business to leading legal teams through complexity. Rob shares why regulation should be embraced as both the right thing to do and a sustainable business strategy - and why it’s better to have an expressly regulated industry than risk pushing vulnerable people towards black market operators. He also reflects on the role of in-house lawyers as more than just legal advisors, but as strategic leaders influencing reputation, ethics, and long-term decision-making. This wide-ranging conversation covers resilience, leadership, and the responsibility lawyers carry in shaping how companies act. Whether you’re early in your in-house journey or leading at the top, Rob’s story is full of practical takeaways and thought-provoking insights.

In this special episode of Inside In-house Legal , Toby Hornett (Head of Community) turns the mic towards a familiar face—Griffen Hoyle, Crafty Counsel’s Head of Content and the creative mind behind Crafty Fest. Together, they unpack what really goes into designing standout agendas, why themes like “hats” and “compasses” matter, and how a bit of chaos can lead to magic. Expect honest reflections, practical insight, and a dash of joy—from wild card pitches to empty chair surprises, and everything in between. Whether you're planning your first event or just curious about how Crafty makes it all look so smooth, this one’s for you.

When Lucy Allen, Chief Growth Officer at BARBRI, experienced a sudden and overwhelming perimenopause symptom in the middle of a high-stakes meeting, it changed everything. That moment sparked a movement: Menopause Matters . In this episode, Lucy shares: Her personal story and why she went public How workplaces can better support employees during menopause Practical ideas to turn awareness into action This conversation is raw, real, and a reminder that open dialogue changes culture.

Zelda Perkins responds to new UK legislation that could make silencing NDAs unenforceable. She reflects on power, ethics, and what this moment means for legal and HR teams. 🎧 Missed Part One? Catch up now.

Before the headlines, there were individuals taking extraordinary risks to challenge abuse. In this episode, Zelda Perkins (Founder of Can’t Buy My Silence ) shares her story of signing (and later breaking) the NDA that protected Harvey Weinstein. Zelda describes the reality of “legal waterboarding,” the weight of being silenced, and why the legal profession must confront the human cost of confidentiality agreements. She challenges lawyers to question how NDAs are used, look beyond process to people, and stand up for a culture where speaking up is the norm—not the exception. This is a conversation every legal professional should hear. Listen now to explore: How NDAs became tools to hide misconduct What it feels like to have your voice taken away Why the system, not just individuals, needs reform How you can play a part in change

This week we are bringing you a special episode of our podcast, Inside In-House Legal. Once a quarter, we host Crafty Innovates - a call open to anyone in the legal ecosystem interested in innovation (in it’s many varieties!). Back in September, we dived into the critical topic of mental health in the legal profession with our Crafty Fest 2024 Charity Partner, LawCare. This discussion, between Toby Hornett, Elizabeth Rimmer ( Chief Executive , LawCare) and David McCahon, explores mental health in the legal profession to share guidance and raise awareness. 💡 Why Listen? Mental health is a cornerstone of a thriving legal career, yet it often doesn't get the attention it deserves. This episode sheds light on the challenges faced by legal professionals and offers thoughtful perspectives on fostering wellbeing. Let's continue the conversation on mental health and build a stronger, more supportive legal community together. 💬 Listen here: #InHouseLawyers #MentalHealth #LegalCommunity #CraftyCounsel #LawCare

In the latest episode of the Insight In-House Legal podcast, Ben White chats with Michael Bernstein, Senior Legal Counsel at Trustpilot. Michael shares how his entrepreneurial upbringing and creative background shaped his approach to in-house legal roles, emphasising problem-solving, adaptability, and building strong professional relationships. He also discusses the transformative role of AI in legal and offers advice for young lawyers: “Your job as an in-house lawyer is to be the brakes on the car—knowing when to say yes and when to say no.” Don’t miss this episode packed with insights!

In the latest episode of the Inside In-House Legal podcast, Ben sits down for a chat with Grainne O'Driscoll, Product and Marketing Counsel at Credit Karma. Grainne's journey—from navigating the 2008 global financial crisis to unexpected detours like scuba diving—shows that success isn’t always linear. She shared powerful reflections on resilience, flexibility, and the importance of strong support systems and relationships in the workplace. Her story is an inspiring reminder of the value of perseverance and creating a positive work environment. Listen to the full episode for more!

In the latest episode of the Inside In-House Legal podcast, Ben is joined by Alex Williams (Legal Director & Company Secretary). Alex shares insights from his in-house legal career spanning Nike, Uber, and now leading the legal team at Zelus. He discusses the challenges and rewards of working across diverse industries, the importance of building strong relationships, and the unique experience of establishing a legal function from scratch. Alex also highlights the value of his dual role as Legal Director and Company Secretary, emphasising prioritisation, organisation, and the effective use of external resources. Listen to the full podcast for more insights from Alex Williams!

Join Ben White as he interviews Daniel Whitehead, Global Head of Issuer Services Legal at Citi, in this engaging episode. Discover Daniel's remarkable career journey and his volunteer work with Medical Lifelines Ukraine. Gain insights into navigating change, proactive problem-solving, and fostering a positive workplace culture. Learn about the importance of achieving balance in high-pressure roles and how Daniel's dedication to both his professional responsibilities and humanitarian efforts provides a unique perspective on leadership and making a meaningful impact. Don't miss this opportunity to hear about Daniel's experiences and the incredible initiatives he's involved in!

Taking a look inside the career of an in-house lawyer with Adam Hirschovits! Tune in to the latest episode of the Insight In-house Legal podcast where Ben White sits down to chat with with Adam Hirschovits, Senior Commercial and Legal Director at The Roald Dahl Story Company. Adam and Ben dive into exploring Adam’s career journey so far. Discussing the opportunities and challenges of being a sole in-house lawyer, navigating the recent acquisition by Netflix, and the intricacies of managing intellectual property rights in the entertainment world. It's a must-listen for in-house legal professionals!

In this special bonus episode of The Crafty Show, we’ve pulled together some of the words of wisdom our various in-house lawyer interviewees shared during our conversations. We asked them whether there was any advice they had been given that they still use to this day, and we received a range of fascinating (and, of course, helpful!) insights. So, whether you're just starting out or are a seasoned in-house counsel, this episode is packed with relatable stories and actionable advice to help you navigate the ups and downs of your legal career. Join the Crafty Counsel Community to discover a space where in-house legal professionals can find joy, insight, and connection. Register for the Crafty Counsel Community for free.

James Smither, co-founder of the Neurodiversity Network, sits down with in-house lawyer Connagh McCormick, and private practice lawyer Jessie Smith to discuss the importance of understanding and embracing neurodiversity in the legal field. During their conversation, they share personal experiences and perspectives, highlighting the need for organisations to support neurodiverse individuals. They also emphasise the various ways lawyers can take small steps to break the stigma often associated with neurodiversity, offering examples of different strategies legal professionals can use to disclose it in the workplace. Join the Crafty Counsel Community to discover a space where in-house legal professionals can find joy, insight, and connection. Register for the Crafty Counsel Community for free.

Lee Castleton purchased a Post Office in Bridlington, Yorkshire, in 2003. When the Post Office management discovered a loss of £25,000 in the computer system, they blamed Lee, who argued that the Horizon IT system was at fault. The Post Office sued him, won the case, and pursued legal costs amounting to £321,000, which led to Lee's bankruptcy. To this day, he is still awaiting compensation. Lee graciously shared his story at Crafty Fest 2024 in a fireside chat with Ben White, founder of Crafty Counsel. He provided a unique perspective on the best and worst aspects of the legal profession.

In this episode of The Crafty Show, Lucie Cruz, Content Producer at Crafty Counsel, is joined by Harriet Dedman, Counsel at Tiny, journalist, photographer, and filmmaker. Beginning her career at Hogan Lovells in 2008, Harriet spent a decade exploring various legal roles. In 2014, she transitioned into freelance journalism and filmmaking while continuing her corporate law work. In 2015, she left corporate law to cover the European refugee crisis in Greece as a freelancer. Her talent eventually secured her a full-time role as a Staff Producer/Director at VICE News. After a career in media spanning Europe, Hong Kong, and the U.S., collaborating with outlets such as BBC News, HBO, The Guardian, and CNN, and earning two Emmy nominations, Harriet returned to the legal field in October 2018. Join the Crafty Counsel Community to discover a space where in-house legal professionals can find joy, insight, and connection. Register for the Crafty Counsel Community for free.

In this episode of The Crafty Show, Ben White, founder of Crafty Counsel, sits down with Karl Wilson, a seasoned lawyer turned legal consultant with over two decades of experience and, since 2015, also a professional actor. During the course of their conversation, Karl speaks candidly about the significant upsides as well as the hurdles he's encountered while juggling both legal consultancy and acting. He offers valuable insights and guidance for fellow in-house lawyers looking to pursue interests beyond the legal realm. This episode was kindly sponsored by Re:link - the flexible legal resourcing platform from Linklaters. Join the Crafty Counsel Community to discover a space where in-house legal professionals can find joy, insight, and connection. Register for the Crafty Counsel Community for free.

In this episode, Lucie Cruz, Content Producer at Crafty Counsel, is joined by Richard Barnett, General Counsel at The National Gallery. Responsible for advising The Gallery on all regulatory and commercial matters, Richard has played a crucial role in facilitating the acquisition of Thomas Lawrence’s “Red Boy” through a private treaty sale, as well as procuring works by Veronese, Pissarro, Poussin, and others. In this episode, Richard opens up about the considerations and negotiations involved in acquiring artworks. He also shares his work for The National Gallery's Bicentenary - celebrating 200 years of bringing people and paintings together. Join the Crafty Counsel Community to discover a space where in-house legal professionals can find joy, insight, and connection. Register for the Crafty Counsel Community for free.

In this episode of The Crafty Show, Toby Hornett, Head of Community at Crafty Counsel, sits down with Mel Nebhrajani CB, Director General for Litigation with Justice and Security at GLD. Mel, who previously served as Legal Director at the Department for Health and Social Care, led the department's legal response to the pandemic while also navigating EU Exit challenges. She is now Director General for Litigation with Justice and Security at GLD In this episode, Mel shares insights from her experiences so far, as well as the lessons she has learned from her role in both the response and inquiry. Join the Crafty Counsel Community to discover a space where in-house legal professionals can find joy, insight, and connection. Register for the Crafty Counsel Community for free.