Former federal prosecutor and defense attorney – and co-founder of California Pizza Kitchen – Rick Rosenfield sits down with host James Brown to discuss how the skills developed in the courtroom helped build a successful restaurant brand. Drawing on his experience launching California Pizza Kitchen with his law partner, Rosenfield explores the parallels between trial practice and entrepreneurship, from taking calculated risks and building strong relationships to crafting a compelling story, understanding your audience, and staying focused on what matters most. Throughout the conversation, Rosenfield reflects on how the principles that make effective trial lawyers – persuasion, empathy, sound judgment, and the ability to consider different perspectives – can also guide business decisions and help build a workplace culture grounded in respect, opportunity, communication, and kindness.
