In episode 23 of Careers in the Business of Law, Kelly Griswold talks with David about how her grandmother’s approach to painting influences her decisions as CEO today, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and repeatedly returning to the Why questions. They also talk country music and Garth Brooks.

Today’s guest is Kelly Griswold. 

Kelly is the Chief Executive Officer at Onna, a data management platform company. Prior to joining Onna, Kelly served as Senior Vice President at Axiom spin-out Knowable, where she led the go-to-market function and built the global partnerships and alliances teams. Kelly has also worked in finance and corporate development roles in renewable energy – she was previously the Senior Vice President of Business Development at Sungevity, co-founder of GSSG Solar, and part of the Global Special Situations Group at SunEdison.

0:11 - Introduction

Kelly Griswold, CEO of Onna, joins David Cowen to discuss her vibrant career trajectory and insights into the world of legal tech. Kelly shares her beginnings in the Bay Area and her educational and professional journey across the U.S. and Europe. Kelly reminisces about her childhood in Santa Cruz, describing her early artistic influences under her grandmother's guidance. "I was spending a lot of time with her and had some aptitude for it," she recalls, linking her creative roots in art to her later business acumen.

2:19 - Artistry Meets Entrepreneurship

Kelly explores the parallels between her artists and CEOs. Like using watercolors, both fields require flexibility and an evolving vision.

3:44 - Technology and Transition

Kelly journeys from art and sociology to the world of (math!), finance, and technology. Her story highlights a career filled with calculated risks and pivotal changes, culminating in leadership roles in renewable energy and legal tech.

7:28 - Value of Relationships

In a powerful testament to the importance of professional networks, Kelly credits Alec Guettel as a key influence who reintroduced her to legal tech at Axiom. She underscores the importance of surrounding oneself with trustworthy, inspirational people.

12:54 – Driving Innovation at Onna

Kelly dives into the culture and operations at Onna, emphasizing a learner's mindset and the critical role of understanding customer needs in tech innovation. "It's a constant reminder...do we really understand the Why behind the actions that we're taking?”

14:23 - Design Sprint and Team Dynamics

Kelly recounts a transformative design sprint that fostered team cohesion and innovation at Onna. She highlights the blend of structured creativity and team bonding that characterized this pivotal moment.

16:02 - Country Love

Kelly talks about her unexpected love for 90s country music, particularly Garth Brooks, illustrating her unique personal and professional path.

Mentions:

• Bucknell University: Kelly's alma mater. Bucknell University

• Axiom: A company involved in legal tech. Axiom

• Griswold Inn: Mentioned as a location for a team event. Griswold Inn

• Garth Brooks: Mentioned as a favorite musician of Kelly's. Spotify link