Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary, Knowles
Search every verified Robert Perna interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. Robert Perna, senior vice president, general counsel and secretary at Knowles Corporation, discussed his career and approach to in-house legal work in a September 2024 podcast for the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State. Perna said that as an in-house lawyer he balances legal risk with business goals, aiming to suggest ways to mitigate risk rather than simply saying no. He described the role of a general counsel as encompassing compliance, business advising, and legal expertise, and noted that in-house lawyers typically do not go to court but manage legal risks internally and with outside counsel. Perna also said that emotional intelligence and collaboration are more important than IQ in business, and that early involvement in business decisions adds value. Perna advised students interested in law or business to be humble, listen more than they talk, be curious, and think critically and broadly. He said he realized through a business law class that law and business are deeply connected, and that becoming a corporate transactional lawyer allowed him to stay involved in business. Perna also noted that working with large companies like Apple pushes suppliers to innovate and improve, and that being open to opportunities and flexible in one's career path is important.
“My thesis was entitled money market mutual funds their reaction to the money market deposit account. In the early 80s, banks were capped in terms of interest they could offer, so money market mutual funds became popular. When banks were deregulated to offer more interest, mutual funds reacted by taking on slightly more...”
“I realized through a business law class that law and business are deeply connected. Going into law as a corporate transactional lawyer allows me to stay involved in business and help companies achieve their goals.”
“As an in-house lawyer, you have to balance legal risk with business goals. We try not to say no outright but suggest ways to mitigate risk while achieving business objectives. Early involvement in business decisions adds value.”
“Working with large companies like Apple and others, they push suppliers to innovate, improve quality, and reduce costs. This pressure makes us a better company with world-class processes and certifications.”
“Emotional intelligence is critical in business and law. Early in my career, I learned that being confrontational backfired. Understanding people’s motivations and seeking win-win outcomes is key in negotiations.”
“A general counsel wears many hats: compliance officer, business advisor, legal expert. Typically, we do not go to court but manage legal risks internally and with outside counsel.”
“For students interested in law or business, I advise being humble, listening more than talking, being curious, and thinking critically and broadly.”
“Be open to opportunities and flexible in your career path. I never imagined where I would end up professionally and personally. Moving from Pennsylvania to the Midwest was a great decision.”
“In-house lawyers must know when to bring in outside specialists, especially for complex litigation or antitrust matters. Issue spotting and risk triage are vital skills.”
“Collaboration and emotional intelligence are more important than IQ in business. Being able to communicate complex ideas clearly and work well with others is essential.”
Overview: Bob Perna '85 Bus serves as the senior vice president, general counsel, and secretary at Knowles Corporation in Itasca ...
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