Wrapping Your Head and Heart Around Risk ...

 "The company [Google] is on the back foot as the trial begins, over the deletion of internal messages that could have been relevant to the case." - The Wall Street Journal, September 9, 2024

In addition, Google lost another government antitrust case this earlier this year.

The plaintiffs for this legal action which began today are the Department of Justice and a bipartisan coalition of 17 states. The issue is Google's ad tech practices. 

In the comment section of the WSJ article there is this:

"Karen Roth - People don't use Google because it is the best search engine. They use it because it is the default on their phones and a most people are unaware of Google's manipulative search algorithms, especially with politically related searches."

Comments are taken seriously, especially by members of Gen Z.

Although I am not a lawyer, I have, as a former legal blogger and influencer, covered trials ranging from the landmark Rhode Island lead paint public nuisance one to "Hulk Hogan v Google," which ended with a nuclear jury award for the plaintiff. I assess that this one does not seem winnable for the defense.

Sure, business is all about taking risks. However, that risk has to be carefully calculated. The mystical Tarot cards, dating back in the 14th century, start with The Fool Card. It symbolizes the potential benefits and perils of risk.



While defense attorneys wax poetic about the duty to provide the best advocacy for all possible clients, there is no ethical obligation to take on any specific case, is there?

Paul Weiss partner Karen Dunn, who is the lead lawyer for Google on this one, has a strong track recond in all litigation but especially in tech. In this bench trial - that is, the judge not the jury renders the decision - if there is a loss for the defendant Dunn's brand can be tarnished. So can that of her elite law firm Paul Weiss. America is about winning. Individual and organizational reputations primarily are shaped by wins and losses. 

Another risk Dunn has taken on is prepping Kamala Harris for the critical debate scheduled on ABC tomorrow. Now the GOP contends such a dual role constitutes a conflict of interest for Dunn.

It is well-known that so far Harris' strength has not been on-your-feet unscripted performance art. Back in 2020, a presentation which Dunn also coached, Harris did not get good grades for that debate. 

Among the current main challenges, as attorney Robert Barnett told the WSJ, is how to navigate the "craziness" which is the essence of Donald Trump presentation stylistics.

Those of us from nutty families in which chaos ruled know how difficult it is to go up against such dramatics. Usually it requires years of therapy and attendance at co-dependent anonymous meetings to even get clued in about what we could have done back then. The force field in-the-now is so unpredictable and overwhelming.

Dunn is only one member of Harris' prep team but she is the one who is high-profile in this activity. If  those doing the grading don't assign Harris good grades again, Dunn can be targeted for blame. 

As strategist James Carville anticipates, this will be a tough campaign right up the last days. Also, it comes down to electoral votes. Some calculate those are in Trump's favor. 

Harris can't risk a disapointing appearance tomorrow. If she loses the election, a lot of big donors will likely be hunting for those to blame. Dunn can head the list. 

But, of course, so could many others. For instance, there is Eric Holder, a partner at Covington, who headed the vetting of vice presidnent. Maybe Harris should have chosen Josh Shapiro to bag Pennsyvlania. 

The big events of our times pile on big risk. 

As a coach I tutor clients in 1) how to get their heads as well as their hearts around risk and 2) Not to waste time crying over any spilled milk.



In business and life you usually have only one shot at whatever. Up the odds of success with Jane Genova. I am an intuitive coach, tarot reader and content-creator. Complimentary consultation (please text/phone 203-468-8579 or email janegenova374@gmail.com)


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