The Power Forward Pod
Welcome to the Power Forward Pod hosted by the Power Forward Group Financial Advisory team! Where we believe two is better than one, dialogues are better than monologues, thoughts are meant to be challenged, soundboxes are the enemy, and change is the only constant.
Recent Episodes
Oct. 14, 2026
Parenting Through Partnership in Big Law With Laura Cicirelli Partner, Lowenstein Sandler
Can you build a thriving Big Law career without sacrificing family life? In Episode 4 of The LawFin Podcast (presented by Power Forward Group), host Bobby Kaslander and co-host Chris DeVito sit down with Lowenstein Sandler partner Laura Cicirelli to discuss her journey from top-of-the-class scholar to leading venture counsel. Laura shares how lessons from her immigrant grandparents shaped her work ethic, why pivoting to Lowenstein Sandler saved her legal career, and the crucial role mentorship
Sept. 22, 2026
Finding Your Voice in Big Law with Jamie Lee, Counsel K&L Gates
In this episode of the Power Forward Pod, host Ruvin Levavi sits down with Jamie Lee, Antitrust Counsel at K&L Gates. Jamie shares her journey growing up in an immigrant family, overcoming a physical disability, and building a high-profile litigation career. From her pre-courtroom hip-hop rituals to handling cutting-edge antitrust cases involving algorithmic pricing, Jamie breaks down the grit required to navigate Big Law. She also offers listeners a candid look into the mindset of high-earning
Aug. 18, 2026
Becoming Indispensable in Big Law with Samantha Koplik, finance partner at McDermott Will & Schulte
What does it take to become a high-powered Big Law partner executing massive private equity deals in New York City? In this episode, we sit down with Samantha Koplik, a leveraged finance partner at McDermott Will & Schulte, to discuss her highly intentional career path. Sam pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to climb the legal ladder, breaking down the critical distinction between finding a mentor and securing a sponsor who will fight for you when you aren't in the room. She shares
Aug. 4, 2026
Inside the Big Law Mindset with Reuben Levavi, Of Counsel at Winston Taylor
What happens when you graduate from a top-tier law school right into the teeth of the 2008 financial crisis? In this kickoff episode of our new season focusing on Big Law attorneys, we sit down with Reuben Levavi, Winston Taylor, to unpack his incredible journey through the legal landscape. From starting his career at a mega-firm that suffered the largest bankruptcy in legal history, to navigating the high-stakes world of corporate salaries, Reuben shares raw insights into what the practice of
Jan. 23, 2026
Consulting, Automation, and the Leap into Entrepreneurship
Join the Power Forward Group Financial Advisory Team for a dynamic conversation with Joe Kattan, an ex-Bain & Company employee who transitioned from elite consulting to business ownership. In this episode, hosts Michael Dayan and Ruvin Levavi explore the intersection of formal corporate training and the "Blank Slate" reality of running a startup in 2026. Episode Breakdown The Safety Net Strategy: Joe Kattan discusses his deliberate path from the University of Maryland to Bain & Company, explai
Dec. 22, 2025
New York Times Dealbook Summit: AI, Tariffs, and Optimism
Join Ruvin Levavi and his "younger mentor," Michael Ken , Managing Partner of 1847 Financial in New York , as they dissect the most thought-provoking moments and overarching themes from their annual trip to the New York Times Dealbook Summit. This year's event featured a different lineup than previous years but delivered a wealth of insights from business leaders and politicians alike. What's Inside this Episode: The Optimism of CEOs vs. The Partisanship of Politicians: The hosts discuss the s