Ira Kaplan

Partner & Chairman, Corporate Practice Group, Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff LLP

Education: Juris doctor, George Washington University Law School; bachelor’s degree in political science, University of Rochester

What I Look for in a Leader: They listen actively; recognize that input from colleagues, regardless of tenure or age, carries insights; exhibit empathy; communicate effectively; show humility; celebrate the successes of others; and take educated business risks and are right the majority of the time. 

What Motivates Me Right Now: As the incoming board chair of United Way, we are focused on helping families who have a hard time making ends meet move toward stability. Cleveland has a substantial percentage of families who are working but struggle to make ends meet. Moving the needle in helping these families is important and has the collateral benefit of making Cleveland’s economy stronger.

An Important Lesson I Learned: One should not mistake kindness for weakness. Empathy is not inconsistent with accountability. Leadership includes setting examples for one’s teams. 

Outside of Work You’ll Find Me: Spending time with family, riding my road bike and finding as much time as possible to spend with three little granddaughters