Diversity Journal Publishes Profile of Natasha Kohne as a “Woman Worth Watching”

A profile of Akin Gump cybersecurity, privacy and data protection practice co-chair Natasha Kohne has been published by Profiles in Diversity Journal as part of Kohne’s recognition as one of the publication’s Women Worth Watching (learn more here).

In the profile, she discusses how her “tough realization” that women, rather than being able to “have it all,” can only “do it all, just not at the same time” led to several related lessons, namely to forge your own path, reinvent and persevere.

Regarding the first, she notes that she has “consistently resisted the traditional path,” pointing to her taking the opportunity to open Akin Gump’s Abu Dhabi office and to co-lead the firm’s cybersecurity practice. In this, she says that she follows her mother’s example, who moved to the United States from Jamaica at the age of 18 to forge a new life and attend college.

Regarding reinvention, she calls it “critical” and points to her work with cybersecurity at “the cutting edge of emerging technology and the law.” Kohne says that “[R]esponding to new technology, while shaping the policy debate to develop new and better laws, only happens if lawyers are willing to embrace and effect meaningful change.”

Finally, regarding perseverance, she says that, while striving for perfection “has its merits…the latest social psychology research compellingly documents that ‘grit’ is the most critical element in one’s career.”

Kohne closes by noting that she is supported by where she lives, San Francisco, and by the friends, colleagues and clients who believe that her “presence at the table enhances critical decision-making and the broader business environment.”