Join Ryan Nier, General Counsel, CCO, and Head of People at Nova Credit, as he shares his journey from software engineer and startup founder to litigator to general counsel, and the unique perspective, philosophy, and motivation that has lifted him to each new opportunity.
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Key Insights

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1. Imposter syndrome doesn’t disappear — but it can be repurposed.

Ryan describes early career moments where he didn’t understand professional norms (including showing up to law firm events not knowing basic etiquette). Instead of letting that insecurity paralyze him, he focused on the work: solving the problem in front of him. The lesson: confidence is built through competence, not the other way around.

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2. Mentorship is often the hinge point in a legal career.

People who took the time to support Ryan early on shaped how he sees leadership. His own hiring philosophy prioritizes curiosity, intrinsic motivation, and grit — not prestige. He now actively scans for people who remind him of his younger self and invests in their upward trajectory.

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3. Becoming a GC is less about mastering law and more about becoming a business thinker.

Ryan emphasizes that he didn’t grow up wanting to be a lawyer — which is partly what makes him effective. He approaches legal problems like product and business problems. His value comes from enabling progress, not policing guardrails.

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4. Taking on the People function was a natural extension of leadership — not a title grab.

He didn’t do it because it “made sense structurally.” He did it because impact on culture and talent is one of the most meaningful levers a GC has. But he makes clear: doing both roles well requires a strong lieutenant and deep trust.

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5. Purpose is not abstract — it’s rooted in real people.

His mother’s life and passing reframed how Ryan measures success. He cares about doing work that matters at human scale — helping individuals access financial systems, supporting careers, and telling stories that would otherwise disappear.

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6. Closing Insight

The GC role is expanding — by choice or by necessity. The leaders who will thrive are those who see themselves not just as legal experts, but as organizational stewards. Your influence begins the moment you decide to lean into it.