For Jim Goniea, the impact of a general counsel extends beyond the law. It’s also about creating a culture of understanding and problem-solving to not only insulate the company from business and legal risk but to help real people, like franchise owners, employees, and the general public. As the leader of the legal team for a fitness franchise holdings company with more than 5,500 locations in 32 countries, Goniea guides Self Esteem Brands through complex domestic and international franchise and corporate laws. During his seven-year tenure, he’s led legal aspects of key brand acquisitions for the Woodbury-based company, including Basecamp Fitness, The Bar Method, Stronger U Nutrition, and most recently, the merger of Self Esteem Brands with Orangetheory Fitness. According to his peers, Goniea’s leadership style leans into finding great people and giving them space to do their best work.