Impact Entrepreneurship

October 11, 2021

IEI PARTNER CHANGEMAKER: Anna Radke @ Brand Counsel

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

I’m an attorney in New York. Currently, I serve as a Managing Associate at Brand Counsel, P.C., a bicoastal full-service law firm located in Los Angeles and New York. I primarily focus on matters related to corporate formation and governance, drafting agreements and resolving contractual disputes as well as protecting parties’ intellectual property. I’ve worked with domestic and international clientele from the apparel, beauty, media, art, sport, tech and manufacturing industries. From time to time, I’m a guest lecturer/adjunct professor. So far, I’ve had a chance to speak at The New School, Brooklyn Law School, LIM College, Fashion Institute of Technology, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and London College of Fashion, among others. 

How have you been involved with the IEI fellows so far?

I participated in a meeting with IEI fellows together with Brand Counsel’s Managing Partner, Manoj Shah. We had the pleasure of discussing various legal challenges that entrepreneurs may face throughout their journeys. I also had a chance to connect with a few other IEI fellows and assist them with matters related to setting up entities and reviewing contracts.

What does impact entrepreneurship mean to you?

For me personally, impact entrepreneurship means delivering high quality services that make a difference in people’s lives. I also value transparency and frequent communication that allow us to achieve our vision more efficiently. 

Since you are a lawyer, can you tell us one of the most common mistake people make early on from the law perspective? How can they avoid this mistake?

Not sitting down and having a difficult and honest conversation with their business partners, employees or contractors. Setting expectations and putting them in writing is key. Then, invest in an attorney who understands your space. It will save you thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars.

When you think of your own mentors, what do you think is the most important quality of a mentor and why?

Your mentor needs to believe in you. Don’t look for people who are similar to you. If you find someone who’s quite different, but 
share common interests and mission, you can truly grow by stepping outside your comfort zone. 

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