Sonya Olds Som, Esq.

Captain
DISC Type : DS

Global Managing Partner - Legal, Risk, and Compliance Executive Search Practice Group at DSG Global

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Overview

Sonya is the Global Managing Partner for the Legal, Risk, and Compliance practice at DSG Global. A former practicing attorney and Cornell Law School graduate, she specializes in executive searches for top-tier legal talent, including General Counsels and board members, for corporate, non-profit, and higher education clients.

Outside of her executive search work, Sonya is a fierce advocate for inclusive leadership and is deeply involved in non-profit work, having served on the boards of Girls Inc. of Chicago and the American Writers Museum. Colleagues describe her as a supportive champion, a master connector, and a relationship builder.

During college, she sang in a choir, acted in plays, was active in the Black Student Organization, and took classes in four languages.

Personality Overview

Dynamic But Sincere

Long-Term Thinker

Output-Driven

They might take some time to make their mind up but once they do, they don't change it easily.  They are very professional in their approach and can weigh multiple perspectives together. Reading between the lines and seeing beyond your words comes naturally to them.

Topics They Care About

Legal Executive Search
Leads the Legal, Risk, and Compliance practice at a Forbes top-ten executive search firm, placing General Counsels, Chief Legal Officers, and other senior executives.
Diversity in Law
A recognized advocate for diversifying the legal profession, she has received multiple awards for her work and focuses on placing diverse talent in executive roles.
Career Advancement
Frequently speaks and writes on career strategy for legal professionals, including personal branding, networking, and transitioning to in-house or board roles.

Media Appearances

Sonya has no verified media appearances

Work History

6-2022
Global Managing Partner - Legal, Risk, and Compliance Executive Search Practice Group at DSG Global
5-2019 - 5-2022
Partner - General Counsel Search and CEO & Board Search Practices at Heidrick & Struggles
9-2016 - 3-2019
Partner - GC/In-House Counsel Recruiting Practice Group at Major, Lindsey & Africa
1-2012 - 9-2016
Managing Director - GC/In-House Counsel Recruiting Practice Group at Major, Lindsey & Africa
7-2010 - 1-2012
Business Development Specialist - GC/In-House Counsel Recruiting Practice Group at Major, Lindsey & Africa

Education

8-1994 - 5-1997
Doctor of Law - JD from Cornell Law School
8-1990 - 6-1994
Bachelor of Arts - BA from Kalamazoo College

More Information

Social Presence :

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Exp : 15 Location : Chicago, Illinois, United States Job Level : N/A Designation : Global Managing Partner - Legal, Risk, and Compliance Executive Search Practice Group at DSG Global
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Insights For Selling To Sonya

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Suggest clear next steps with confidence, don't be vague or hesitant
  • Ask them at the end if they see a strong value prop in your product; expect an honest answer
  • During followups, use phone or text if needed, they should be fine

DONT's

  • Don't get into pricing discussions early on, steer conversation towards proven results
  • Avoid putting conscious effort into relationship-building
  • Don't shy away from asking hard questions, but be extra polite

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Sonya is

  • Strong proof of impact and their conviction will matter the most, but they wouldn't want to act unilaterally either
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Sonya

  • They will say no if they are not convinced but you will have to prompt them.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Sonya move?

  • They will want to understand things well but can move fast once they have a clear picture.
  • Can Sonya take some risk or not?

  • They have good risk tolerance but are likely to think it through once or twice.

You And Sonya

Personality Compatibility


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