Sarah Sawyer and Russell Berger, attorneys at Offit Kurman, discuss what employees, managers, and executives should do when they receive reports of workplace issues, and how business leaders can empower people to escalate concerns. Russell explains the compliance need for clear reporting channels for improper conduct, typically routed to HR, or to an operations leader. They also explain that businesses must establish operational reporting structures through managers, and build open communication with supervised employees. Sarah notes leaders should not assume approachability guarantees reporting, especially as companies grow and add layers.

• (00:00) - Episode Introduction
• (00:43) - Why Issues Get Missed
• (01:19) - Compliance Reporting Channels
• (01:33) - HR Paths And Alternatives
• (02:22) - Operational Reporting Lines
• (02:52) - Leader Blind Spots
• (03:52) - Growing Pains and Culture
• (04:14) - Wrap Up

Sarah Sawyer and Russell Burger are joined by Marc Misthal, an intellectual property and trademark attorney and chair of the firm’s IP group, to discuss how businesses’ use of AI is creating new IP challenges. Marc explains that AI-generated outputs raise questions about whether they can be protected by copyright, trademark, or patent. They discuss practical impacts for both creators’ seeking protection and those facing potential infringement claims. There are unresolved issues about who is responsible—the user, the AI company, or both. Marc recommends documenting AI use, including prompts, emphasizing that more human involvement can increase protectability on a case-by-case basis, and urges business owners to be proactive and consult counsel early.

• (00:00) - Meet the IP Expert
• (00:37) - AI Creations and IP Risks
• (01:48) - Infringement from Training Data
• (03:02) - Protectability and Liability Questions
• (03:48) - How to Boost Protection
• (04:53) - Law Catching Up to Tech
• (06:16) - Final Takeaways and Proactive Steps
• (07:15) - Wrap Up and Stay Updated

In this episode of OK at Work, Sarah Sawyer and attorney Russell Burger of Offit Kurman discuss how managers influence company culture alongside the usual compliance responsibilities. Managers act as ambassadors and the day-to-day face of the organization, especially as companies grow and executives have less direct contact with employees. Russell stresses the importance of being intentional about culture by clearly defining desired behaviors, communication styles, and expectations. They explain that consistent messaging, strong communication, and knowing employees help make difficult conversations easier, improve retention and productivity, as well as reduce legal risk.

• (00:00) - Managers Shape Culture
• (00:54) - Be Intentional Daily
• (01:15) - Leaders Model Values
• (02:15) - Empower Consistent Messaging
• (03:11) - Tough Talks Get Easier
• (03:39) - Communication Builds Buy In
• (03:57) - Culture Benefits and Wrap Up