Innovation is not based on fear :: Zack Oliva

When most people think about innovation, law firms don’t usually come to mind; Zack Oliva is working to change that. In this episode, Jared Simmons talks with Zack, Managing Partner at Oliva Gibbs and founder of Oliva Partners Management, about how innovation in professional services isn’t always about new technology or radical inventions. Sometimes, it starts with running things a little differently. Zack shares how treating his law firm like a business--with a clear strategy, leadership team, defined culture, and coaching-based development--has positioned it as a forward-thinking force in the energy sector. He also offers a candid look at the promise and pitfalls of AI in the legal field, what spreadsheets and digital courthouses have done for the oil and gas industry, and why innovation starts with a willingness to embrace uncertainty without fear. The episode also explores deeper themes: the emotional intelligence required for entrepreneurial leadership, the fine line between risk and danger, and how reframing tough decisions can make innovation more accessible. If you’ve ever wrestled with fear-based decision-making or wondered what innovation looks like outside of tech startups, this episode is for you. Chapters: 00:00 — Introduction to Zack Oliva 01:19 — Redefining innovation: invention vs. improvement 02:45 — Running a law firm like a business 04:28 — AI in law: ethics, risks, and opportunities 06:26 — Operational innovation in legal services 09:28 — Innovation in oil and gas data & drilling 13:31 — Why the energy sector demands constant innovation 14:24 — Avoiding bureaucracy and staying nimble 15:37 — Innovation ≠ decisions made in fear 17:47 — Reframing risk: uncertainty vs. danger 20:50 — The “go get the bread” metaphor for risk-taking 22:06 — Balancing risk with reputation in law 24:25 — Managing ego and team-based decision-making 25:34 — Advice for innovators: trust your gut and your people About the Guest: Zack Oliva is the Managing Partner of Oliva Gibbs LLP, a firm known for its deep expertise in the energy sector. He also leads Oliva Partners Management, a long-only value investment fund for high-net-worth families. With a reputation for bridging legal strategy and business operations, Zack brings a unique perspective to innovation in both professional services and capital markets. He is also a passionate mentor and lifelong learner (and Jiu Jitsu practitioner). About the Host: Jared Simmons is the Founder and Principal of OUTLAST Consulting, a boutique firm helping organizations unlock innovation through intentional action. With leadership experience at Procter & Gamble, McKinsey & Company, and Coca-Cola, Jared blends corporate strategy with entrepreneurial thinking to help clients innovate on their own terms.