HBO’s Succession with Sean Berkowitz and Kate O’Leary (Season 3)

This podcast episode, centered around the TV show Succession, explores a wide range of corporate governance and legal challenges faced by companies, including dealing with whistleblowers, conducting internal investigations, cooperating with government probes, addressing sexual harassment, contending with activist investors, and navigating family dynamics in a business context. Takeaways • Thorough investigation and witness preparedness are vital aspects in whistleblower cases, particularly when the whistleblower is influential. • When faced with government investigations, cooperation is often advantageous, and non-cooperation could lead to severe consequences. • Internal investigations require careful decision-making to protect privileged information and ensure independence. • Activist investors can significantly influence corporate governance outcomes, but negotiations can lead to mutually beneficial results. • Sexual harassment cases should be handled with respect for the victim, thorough investigation, and consideration of potential leadership implications. • When considering a large company's acquisition, personal integrity and character should be evaluated alongside financial projections and strategic alternatives. • Family-owned businesses need clear mechanisms for resolving conflicts and legal documents for determining decision-making authority. • When communicating with government authorities, thorough preparation, honesty, and careful disclosure of information can greatly benefit an individual's credibility.