Lisa Riad Orion Work Anniversary
This month, we spotlight Lisa Riad who celebrated her four-year work anniversary with Orion. Lisa sat down with Akosua Domfeh about her time at Orion and her role.
How long have you worked Orion? Please share about your role and background.
I have been an Orionite for four years and just celebrated my work anniversary! In my role as Legal & Business Affairs Director, my primary responsibility is supporting the business and finance teams in the U.S. for both the client and media side, and also assist Beth LaVelle, in supporting the Canada region. I work closely with the teams to provide counsel and legal risk analyses and facilitate contract negotiations with clients and partners. And, I serve as legal liaison with my counterparts at our agency partners around IPG. Prior to joining Orion, I was a corporate attorney for CBS, specializing in trademark and copyright matters (chiefly anti-piracy and content protection).
What drew you to Orion?
Having previously worked in entertainment, I knew nothing of the advertising media space and was grateful for the opportunity to expand my knowledge base and skill set with a whole new discipline. I also think my skills are much better suited in a transactional client-facing role as opposed to my previous role which was much more adversarial and pre-litigation focused. I have always admired Orion’s core principles and identify very strongly with the ‘Work Hard. Be Nice’ mantra.
What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?
Definitely working with my fellow Orionites and collaborating as a team to help impact business goals. One of the biggest challenges facing in-house attorneys is gaining the confidence of the business teams you support so that they see you as an ally and asset who is going to help move the needle toward that common business objective. And I don’t find that to be the case here. I think everyone I help support views me as a resource whom they know they can tap into for strategic advice that is tailored to their business needs and goals, but who will also provide comprehensive guidance on legal risks so that they can be empowered to make informed decisions.
What hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?
Prior to having my daughter Noelle, I was a runner and I have a few half marathons and 10Ks under my belt. Maybe it’s wishful thinking, but I hope to one day run a full marathon. I also enjoy reading, travelling, and a spirited (but respectful) political debate. Additionally, I am an amateur belly dancer, having learned most of my moves from my mother who is Egyptian (see my agent for bookings!)
If you could eat one meal, every day, for the rest of your life, what would it be?
My late, beloved Italian grandmother’s seafood “fra diavolo.”
In addition to Lisa, we would also like to congratulate, Alicia Weaver, Carly Roduit, Corey Davis, Jason Felker, Monica Tran, and Sam Ringelberg who celebrated their work anniversaries in the month of February.
Thank you for the contributions that help make Orion successful.
