Alok Sama is an accomplished investor, advisor, and best-selling author with more than 40 years of global experience in the financial industry. Known for his work as the president and chief financial officer at SoftBank Group International, Alok has shaped some of the most significant corporate transactions in recent history—including leading the US$59 billion merger of Sprint and T-Mobile in 2020. Alongside his endless corporate accomplishments, Alok is the author of the best-selling literary memoir The Money Trap: Lost Illusions Inside the Tech Bubble, which gives readers unique insight into the world of finance and venture capitalists. In this episode of The Playbook: Conversations With Craig Budner, Alok dives into his upbringing in India, the powerful impact of having a mentor, and what led him to the world of finance—forever changing the trajectory of his life. Craig and Alok discuss Alok’s interesting career path, including his time with Masayoshi Son, the Japanese founder of SoftBank and notorious startup investor, as well as what financial freedom looks like to him.

Sheila Murphy is a certified executive and legal coach who helps professionals accelerate career growth, strengthen leadership skills, and drive business development. She is also the author of Rainmaker Power Moves: The Attorney’s Playbook to Building a Book of Business. In this episode of Client Conversations With Craig Budner, Sheila shares her career journey and how she transformed her natural introversion into a strength as both a lawyer and a leader. She and Craig discuss actionable strategies from her book, the resources that shaped her path, and practical advice for thriving in today’s professional landscape—whether you’re in law or any other industry.

Patrick Krill is a lawyer, addiction counselor, and founder of Krill Strategies—a consulting firm dedicated to improving mental health and well-being in the legal profession. Patrick is widely recognized as a leading authority on behavioral health in law, having led groundbreaking research and authored over 70 articles on addiction and mental health. He’s a trusted advisor to many of the nation’s top law firms and a driving force behind initiatives like the ABA Well-Being Pledge and Anti-Stigma Campaign. Patrick’s work has been featured in major outlets including CNN, NPR, and The New York Times. In this episode of Client Conversations With Craig Budner, Patrick speaks about his career pivot from lawyer to addiction counseling, specifically focused on legal professionals. Patrick touches on addiction, both within the legal industry and broader, as well as his ongoing research in this space which includes an extensive study of more than 35,000 randomly selected lawyers. The findings of this lawyer mental health study, conducted in conjunction with the ABA and his research partner, will be released sometime in early 2026 within a peer-reviewed journal. Patrick also discusses what law firms can do to support their lawyers, provides resources to turn to in times of need, and much more.

Neil Smith is the former general manager of the New York Rangers, where he led the team to a Stanley Cup win in 1994, the only Cup for the Rangers in 84 years. Throughout his professional career, Neil has been credited with identifying some of the great talents of the National Hockey League (NHL) and is regarded as one of the most highly influential executives in the NHL. Neil now serves as an on-air analyst for the NHL and an advocate in the mental health space. In this episode of Client Conversations With Craig Budner, Neil and Craig discuss Neil’s career in the NHL as well as the death of his son and the journey that has followed.


https://www.klgates.com/client-conversations
https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-budner-02bbb0b/
Neil Smith's Podcast: https://nhlwraparound.com/

Alvin Hall is a television and radio broadcaster, bestselling author, podcaster, and financial educator. In this episode of Client Conversations With Craig Budner, Alvin discusses his early life in segregation, the eventual integration of his county, and his transformative time in a summer program at Yale University. He also speaks of his recently released book, Driving the Green Book: A Road Trip Through the Living History of Black Resistance, and the importance and cultural significance of the stories told. Alvin’s life story and career path exemplify the power of hard work, dedication, and passion for growth, showing how learning from life’s experiences and the people around you can lead to success.

Alison Fragale is a research psychologist, award-winning professor at UNC Chapel Hill, international keynote speaker, and author who empowers ambitious women by providing them with science-based strategies to advocate for their own interests. In this episode of Client Conversations With Craig Budner, Alison discusses her newly released book, Likeable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve, an evidence-based, ultra-practical read for every woman who is ready to take charge of their success. Alison provides valuable insights for all listeners, particularly women, on how to achieve their goals, excel in their careers, and be respected leaders, mentors, and colleagues.

Bill Neal is an author and writer, producer, and director of several documentary films and television series. In addition, Bill is a former college and professional hockey coach and color analyst on ESPN Hockey. In this episode of Client Conversations With Craig Budner, Bill discusses his background, including his education and fascinating coaching career, with interesting lessons for all of us on the benefits of creativity and collaboration. He also dives into his leading role on the Chicago Bears 1985 Super Bowl Shuffle, E! True Hollywood Story, and one of his most recent projects, Long Gone Wild, a documentary shedding light on the plight of captive orcas. Bill’s journey is relevant to all of us as a coach, creator and collaborator.

Harold Kaufman is the senior director of media relations and communications for sports and entertainment at Tony Fay PR, serving some of the biggest brands in sports and entertainment as well as supporting the growth of philanthropic entities. In addition, Harold serves as the director of communications for SportsMeter. In this episode of Client Conversations With Craig Budner, Harold discusses his 35-year career working in media relations, crisis strategy, and more, focused on the sports industry.