Blake Lawit

The Messy Middle

News EN ↓ 5 episodes

A monthly podcast where tech, law, politics, the world of work, and pop culture collide. Hosted by LinkedIn’s Chief Global Affairs and Legal Officer, Blake Lawit, each episode features candid conversations with leaders and thinkers who aren’t afraid to get into the “messy middle” of today’s thorniest issues. Where many podcasts focusing on these topics can be stuffy or formal, “The Messy Middle” serves as a lighter vector for these conversations and themes. We acknowledge that the news and the world around us, much like our own lives, can be a little messy but are unafraid to dive in. Expect s...

Author

Blake Lawit

Episodes

Patrick McHenry: What's the key to leading through an unexpected crisis? 22.06.2026 1:12:00

In this episode of The Messy Middle , former Congressman Patrick McHenry reflects on leadership, public service, and what it was like guiding the House of Representatives during one of the most turbulent moments in modern congressional history.

Sec. John Kerry: Why is understanding history critical for diplomacy? 26.05.2026 45:53

In this episode of The Messy Middle, former Secretary of State John Kerry reflects on war, diplomacy, climate change, and why understanding history is essential to successful negotiation in a rapidly changing world.

Juan M. Lavista Ferres: What exactly is "AI for Good"? 28.04.2026 59:03

In this episode of The Messy Middle, Juan Lavista Ferres explains how Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab applies artificial intelligence to disaster response, environmental research, and public-sector challenges – turning advanced technology into practical, measurable impact.

Paul Grewal, Chief Legal Officer at Coinbase 25.03.2026 56:57

Welcome back to The Messy Middle. This episode is a treat, where we hear from Paul Grewal, Chief Legal Officer at Coinbase. We get into what exactly crypto is, why we should care, and whether Bitcoin is basically just another version of Sephora points or if it is truly the finance of the future. You'll learn about Paul's unique career path - from law firm partner, to federal magistrate judge, all...

Rep. Jay Obernolte 09.02.2026 1:00:18

Join us as we hear about how Congressman Jay Obernolte went from video game designer, to pilot, to black belt, to legislator - with some great stories thrown in along the way. You’ll get an inside look on some misconceptions with respect to how the US approaches regulation, and hear from one of the leading voices in Congress on how he views AI’s impact on careers and the future of work.