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Amy Schwartz, Chief People Officer at Wiz, joined us on The Modern People Leader. We talked about why HR alone can't create a high-performance culture, why relationships and influence matter more than HR systems, and why "picking up the trash" - a leadership philosophy she picked up working in casinos - has stuck with her ever since.---- Sponsor Links:
Marshall Public Library's "Garden to Give" is back for its 7th year. Anyone can donate excess fruits and veggies to the MPL and the Idaho Foodbank from now until October.
More of the McCartney promotion for "Boys of Dungeon Lane." Paul guests on the final episode of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert", talks with the BBC about "Ten songs that shaped his life," (while Macca hold a large microphone with a giant Yellow flag), and MPL (perhaps in conjunction with Apple and the Quadrology?) get the two Paul's (Mescal and McCartney) together with a crowd dressed in more or less fifties period outfits. Review coming soon! #madeonzencastr.
Dr. Margarita Fedorova discusses whether a vaccine ingredient is quietly protecting the brain. Show citation: Taquet M, Todd JA, Harrison PJ. Lower risk of dementia with AS01-adjuvanted vaccination against shingles and respiratory syncytial virus infections. NPJ Vaccines. 2025;10(1):130. Published 2025 Jun 25. doi:10.1038/s41541-025-01172-3 Show transcript: Dr. Margarita Fedorova: Welcome to Neurology Minute. My name is Margarita Fedorova, and I'm a neurology resident at the Cleveland Clinic. Today we're exploring a study that raises a compelling question. Could a vaccine ingredient be quietly protecting the brain? A recent study by Taquet et al., published in npj Vaccines in 2025, investigated whether vaccination with an AS01-adjuvanted vaccine is associated with a lower risk of dementia. You might know it as the immune-boosting ingredient in Shingrix, the shingles vaccine, and Arexvy, the new RSV vaccine. We already know from prior work that the Shingrix vaccine was associated with a reduced risk of dementia, but the question this paper asks is why. Is it because preventing shingles itself protects the brain, or is there something specific about the adjuvant that's doing the work? To answer this, the researchers used a large US electronic health record database comparing over 35,000 people who received the AS01-adjuvanted RSV vaccine, over 100,000 who received the AS01-adjuvanted shingles vaccine and over 78,000 who received both. Each matched against individuals who got the seasonal flu vaccine instead. The findings were interesting. People who received the RSV vaccine had a 29% lower risk of new dementia diagnosis over the following 18 months. Those who received the shingles vaccine had an 18% increase in time without dementia, and those who received both had a 37% increase in dementia-free time. Here's a key insight. Both vaccines target completely different viruses, but both contain the same adjuvant. The fact that a similar protective signal was seen with both suggests the benefit may not be about which virus is prevented, and it may be about the AS01 itself. Why might an adjuvant protect the brain? AS01 contains two active components, monophosphoryl lipid A, known as MPL, and QS21. Together they activate macrophages and dendritic cells, triggering cascade that includes a production of interferon gamma. In animal models, stimulation of a receptor called toll-like receptor 4, which MPL activates, has been shown to reduce Alzheimer's-like pathology. The authors also point out that the protective effect appears within just a few months of vaccination, which is hard to explain purely by prevented infections and may point instead to a direct immunological mechanism. Very important caveat. This is an observational study, not a randomized trial, so we can't prove causation. There was also uncertainty about which brand of RSV vaccines some patients received, which could affect the strength of the AS01-specific conclusion. And with all of the dementia studies, it's unclear whether the vaccines prevent dementia or delay its onset. Though even a delay would be clinically meaningful given how few tools we have. What does this mean for clinical practice? For now, it doesn't change your vaccination recommendations. Both Shingrix and Arexvy already indicated in appropriate patients for the primary purposes, but it adds an intriguing possible benefit when counseling patients who ask about vaccines. And it opens the door to a genuinely exciting question. If AS01 has neuroprotective properties, could it be studied in a therapeutic target in its own right? That's the Neurology Minute for today. Keep exploring and we'll see you next time. If you want to read more, please find the paper by Maxime Taquet, et al., titled Lower Risk of Dementia with AS01-Adjuvanted Vaccination Against Shingles and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections, published in npj Vaccines in June 2025.
Laura Tomaino, Chief People Officer at Glooko, joined us on The Modern People Leader. We talked about why “People-First” leadership feels harder in 2026 and what it actually looks like to live up to that today.---- Sponsor Links:
Jevan Lenox, Chief People Officer at Writer, joined us on The Modern People Leader. We talked about why AI adoption alone is not enough, how companies can use “directed innovation” to drive real business outcomes with AI, and what high performance looks like in the AI era.---- Sponsor Links:
The ASX 200 bounced back 99 points today to 8605 (1.2%) as banks led the recovery. CBA gained % with the Big Bank Basket up to $271.83 (=1.5%%). NAB the standout gaining 2.0%. MQG also had a good day up 1.9% and insurers did well as higher bond yields helped, QBE up 2.9% and MPL rising 2.1%. REITs also had a better day with GMG up 1.8% and CHC up 2.2%.Industrials were firm, WES finally finding buyers up 2.4% and TLS gained 2.6%. WOW and COL both did very well on some broker upgrades. Healthcare also found support, CSL up 2.6% and RMD gaining 2.0%. BXB fell another 0.6% and TUA up 17.6% after a 68% fall yesterday. Tech slightly better with the All-Tech Index up 0.8%.Resources eased back, iron ore off in Asia, BHP down 0.1% and FMG down 0.3% with gold miners mixed, NEM up 1.8% and NST falling 0.7%. Lithium and rare earth stocks slid, LYC down 4.3% and PLS falling 1.3%. Oil and gas stocks held, uranium stocks gained, coal better too.In corporate news, MIN rose 2.6% after it announced a restart at Bald Hill, SLC flagged a 4.5m share purchase for staff. TNE fell 2.9% as FX headwinds hurt.On the economic front, RBA minutes pointed to a pause perhaps from the RBA. Asian markets bounced a little, Japan down 0.5%, HK flat, China down 0.4% Kospi down 2.8%.US futures lower with Dow down 39, Nasdaq down 105. European futures opening around 1% lower. Oil down around 2%.—Marcus Today – Daily Market InsightsMarcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise.If you'd like to go further:Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcastJoin Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offerMT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcastPrinciples – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast—Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.
Kirsten Moorefield, Chief Strategy Officer & Co-Founder at Cloverleaf, Sarika Lamont, CPO at Vidyard, and Sarah Royer, Sr. Manager of People Ops at Nirvana Insurance, joined us on The Modern People Leader for a live discussion on AI coaching. We talked about what AI coaching actually means today, building these tools in-house versus buying, and why career growth will never be a perfect checklist.---- Sponsor Links:
The Cradle of Humankind in Mogale City, Johannesburg is facing ongoing sewage pollution due to repeated failures at the Percy Stewart Wastewater Treatment Plant. Untreated and partially treated sewage has been flowing into nearby rivers, raising concerns over ecological damage and risks to underground cave systems holding human evolutionary fossils. The Democratic Alliance says the situation reflects a governance failure that is harming tourism, livelihoods and South Africa's international obligations.The party is now calling on Gauteng's COGTA MEC to urgently intervene. We spoke to Leanne De Jager, MPL and DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation.
Cara Brennan Allamano (Founder of PeopleTech Partners and former Chief People Officer at Lattice) and Jevan Lenox (Chief People Officer at Writer) joined Stephen at Fix Healthcare Live. They talked about the growing pressure on HR leaders and why modern people leaders need to rethink how they operate in a rapidly changing world.---- Sponsor Links:
Lindsay Jurist-Rosner, Co-Founder and CEO of Wellthy, and Stephan Dolling, AVP of Global Benefits & Well-being at Merck, joined us on The Modern People Leader. We talked about the rising pressures facing working families and what companies can do to support their employees that are caregivers.---- Sponsor Links:
In Episode 316 of The Rainmaking Podcast, Scott Love speaks with executive coach and business strategist Ivy Slater about how professional services firms can create high-impact strategic plans that drive real growth. Ivy breaks down the structure of an effective strategic planning retreat, including who should attend, how to facilitate productive conversations, and why firms must think beyond short-term goals to create a long-term vision. She introduces her expanded “SWOTT” framework—strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats, and trends—and explains how leadership teams can use it to align finance, marketing, business development, and people strategy into one unified growth plan. The conversation also explores common strategic planning mistakes that derail firms, including lack of accountability, reactive leadership, and leadership teams getting trapped “in the weeds” of day-to-day administration instead of focusing on growth. Ivy shares practical guidance on implementation, quarterly accountability meetings, leadership cadence, and why numbers tell the real story of a firm's future. For managing partners, law firm leaders, consultants, and professional services executives, this episode delivers a practical roadmap for strategic planning, leadership alignment, operational clarity, and sustainable firm growth. Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/RRrc4EsMSvM ----------------------------------------
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate has recorded 27 rape cases involving law enforcement officers in Gauteng, raising fresh concerns over police accountability and oversight. The Democratic Alliance, DA has criticised Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi for allegedly only accounting for five of the cases in the provincial legislature. The DA is calling for urgent reform and stronger consequences for officers who abuse their authority. For more we spoke to Michael Sun, MPL and DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Community Safety.
Jessica Zwaan, VP People Strategy & Operations at Leapsome and author of Built For People, joined us for another MPL Build AMA. This time we talked about how to redesign your People team if you're running your team like a product team, why metrics like internal promotion retention matter more than traditional HR KPIs, and more.---- Sponsor Links:
In Episode 315 of The Rainmaking Podcast, Scott Love shares seven powerful business development lessons learned from building his art business—and how those same principles apply to law, recruiting, consulting, and high-level B2B sales. From niching deeply and creating true distinction to forming strategic alliances and leveraging charitable relationships, Scott explains how success in one domain can translate directly into another. The core message: the fundamentals of rainmaking are universal—you just need to apply them intentionally. Scott also dives into advanced concepts like storytelling, relationship-driven marketing (instead of constant pitching), and continuous learning as a competitive advantage. Whether you're a law firm partner, investment banker, or professional services provider, this episode delivers a practical framework for building visibility, attracting opportunities, and creating long-term client relationships. If you want to grow your book of business in a more strategic and sustainable way, this is a must-listen episode. Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/F2Bt3wI4YrI ----------------------------------------
Jim McMahon turned 60 in early 2026, and his supplement industry experience now spans nearly four decades. He founded Fit Foods Ltd. (parent of Mutant, PVL, Whey Gourmet, and North Coast Naturals) in 1996 with $13,000 and a newborn at home, and built one of the industry’s most disciplined manufacturing operations: 200,000 square feet in Port Coquitlam, BC, roughly 200 employees, and distribution in 70+ countries. This is his first appearance on the PricePlow Podcast, and he doesn’t hold back. In Episode #215 of the PricePlow Podcast, Jim traces the full arc from introducing whey protein to Canada at the 1993 CHFA trade show to signing the Creapure® trademark agreement two days before Prolab. He explains that Mutant’s internal testing found creatine gummies at 28 times the allowable impurity limit, predicts whey protein prices will roughly double within six months, and breaks down the Canadian NHP regulatory system from the inside. Jim also teases a novel pre-workout stimulant nobody has used in sport, Mitchell Hooper‘s upcoming “Stronger” signature line, and a protein extension partnership with Dr. Daniel Traylor of DePaul University. This is a good one — subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and sign up for Mutant news alerts on PricePlow before diving in. https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/jim-mcmahon-mutant-215 Video: Jim McMahon on 40 Years, Creatine Gummy Quality, and the Whey Protein Avalanche https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zUsvh5PlrQ Detailed Show Notes: Jim McMahon, Founder and CEO of Fit Foods / Mutant (0:00) – Introductions (3:15) – First to Market: Whey Protein and Creapure in Canada (11:30) – Founding PVL with $13K, a Newborn, and No Room to Fail (16:30) – The Mutant Mass Origin Story (19:00) – Rich Piana, Big Ron Partlow, and What Mutant Really Sells (31:00) – COVID Lessons and “Happier Lives Through Healthier Living” (33:30) – Why Mutant Won’t Make Creatine Gummies Yet (40:30) – Canadian Supplement Regulation: The NHP System (49:00) – MPL, FDA Reform, and the Case for a Clear Innovation Pipeline (53:15) – Ingredient Science, Creatine Impurities, and the Zero-Sum Fallacy (59:15) – EAAs, Intra-Workouts, and the Shawn Clarida Project (1:02:15) – Inside Mutant’s 200,000-Square-Foot Operation (1:06:30) – The 2009 MusclePharm Near-Insolvency and Why Mutant Went Inward (1:11:00) – Supply Chain Discipline: 97% Fill Rates and a Distribution-First Model (1:17:00) – Quality Over Trends: The Mutant Philosophy on Innovation (1:18:30) – The Whey Protein Price Avalanche (1:28:45) – The Investor Deal: Protecting 200 Teammates and Planning for Continuity (1:37:45) – Title Sponsor for Eight Years: The Arnold Classic and the Camaraderie Mission (1:39:45) – What Does PVL Stand For? (And Teasing What’s Next) (1:42:30) – Mitchell Hooper’s “Stronger” Signature Line (1:47:30) – The Protein Extension Project: Shawn Clarida, Dr. Daniel Traylor, and What Comes After the Avalanche Where to Follow and Learn More Connect with Jim McMahon and Mutant / Fit Foods LinkedIn: Jim McMahon … Read more on the PricePlow Blog
Amin Palizban, Co-Founder & CEO of TopicFlow, joined us on The Modern People Leader. We talked about why managers are at a breaking point, how AI is transforming performance management, and what it takes to build AI-native people products that actually support managers in real time.---- Get the AI for Performance Management Toolkit: https://modernpeopleleader.kit.com/aiforperformanceSponsor Links:
In Legal Episode 314 of The Rainmaking Podcast, Scott Love speaks with Frank Koranda of Polsinelli about the power of niching deeply—and how building a focused, specialized practice can transform client development, deal flow, and firm growth. Frank shares how his firm moved beyond a general M&A offering to create a dedicated private equity M&A practice, aligning talent, messaging, and strategy around a clear differentiator. The result: stronger positioning in the market, faster deal execution, and deeper trust with clients who value specialization over generalization. The conversation also explores how niching impacts referrals, recruiting, and long-term client relationships. By clearly communicating their expertise and focusing on a specific ecosystem—private equity funds, investment bankers, and portfolio companies—the firm increased visibility and repeat work. Frank breaks down practical lessons for professionals looking to niche down: identify your strengths, eliminate distractions, and commit to a bold, differentiated strategy. For lawyers and professional service providers seeking sustainable growth, this episode is a blueprint for building authority through specialization. Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/mhTSzDVIo64 ----------------------------------------
As we take a break this week from any DUNGEON LANE News and give Ringo some airtime, Andy and Tom were afforded the opportunity to review the recent BBC Documentary "The Hunt For The Lost Bass". We give our thoughts and opinions on this cute story and it's principal players including Paul, Klaus Voorman, Nick Wass, Scott and Naomi Jones who started the search for the bass with #TraceTheBass ultimately leading to its discovery at the end of 2022. Although not an MPL production Paul and his team obviously have given their approval for this film and we enjoyed it for what it was. If you've had an opportunity to see it, let us know! And which "bass" do you prefer? The 1961 or 1963 one? Or Another? See you next time! A ndy and Tom
In Episode 313 of The Rainmaking Podcast, Scott Love speaks with Fin Wycherley, founder of Supersized Media, about how professionals can build a consistent client pipeline through online connections. Fin explains why relying on referrals, directories, and traditional networking is no longer enough—and how lawyers, consultants, and executives can use personal branding and high-value content to become “sales magnets” online. Instead of generic updates, the key is creating content that directly addresses client pain points, educates the market, and positions you as the go-to expert in your niche. The conversation dives into practical strategies for building visibility and converting attention into business, including how to create content that gets shared, leverage multiple platforms (LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok), and turn engagement into real opportunities through lead capture and nurturing. For professionals who want to move from unpredictable referrals to a scalable business development system, this episode provides a clear framework for building authority, visibility, and a predictable pipeline of inbound opportunities. Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/UdMdhWV94zA ----------------------------------------
James Seechurn, Author of ‘What Pay Costs' and ‘Nothing Left to Take Away', joined us on The Modern People Leader.We talked about why traditional “pay for performance” systems often fail—both because individual performance is hard to measure in knowledge work and because incentives don't actually drive better outcomes. We also explored a new definition of performance centered on innovation, and how companies can unlock it by creating the conditions of autonomy, competence, and relatedness instead of relying on compensation levers.---Sponsor Links:
In Episode 312 of The Rainmaking Podcast, Scott Love speaks with storytelling expert Rob D. Willis about how rainmakers can use stories to win clients, build trust, and communicate more effectively. Rob explains why storytelling is deeply wired into human behavior and far more powerful than raw data or bullet points—because stories simplify complexity, create emotional connection, and help clients see themselves in the outcome. Rob breaks down practical storytelling frameworks for professionals, including how to spot stories in everyday conversations, structure them using simple beginning–middle–end formats, and position your client as the “hero” while you act as the guide. Whether you're pitching, networking, or leading client conversations, this episode gives you a clear system to move beyond information-sharing and start influencing decisions through compelling narratives. Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/prADCJNmBnA ----------------------------------------
Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, joined us on The Modern People Leader. We talked about why workplace dread is increasing in today's environment, what Claude has learned from Gen Z employees, and how leaders can leave their “heart print” on the people they work with.---- Sponsor Links:
In Episode 311 of The Rainmaking Podcast, Scott Love speaks with Val Madamba about what in-house counsel actually want from law firm events—and why most firms get it wrong. Drawing from original research and interviews with in-house lawyers, Val reveals that many events fail because they feel too generic, overly broad, and disconnected from real client needs. Instead of defaulting to lecture-style presentations, she explains how firms can design events that foster meaningful conversations, stronger relationships, and real business development outcomes. Val breaks down practical strategies to improve law firm events, including targeting the right audience (beyond just general counsel), involving clients directly in panels, and designing experiences that create engagement before, during, and after the event. Whether you're planning a client dinner, CLE, roundtable, or practice group summit, this episode provides a clear roadmap to turn your events into powerful rainmaking tools that differentiate your firm and deepen client trust. Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/R1-n0NNOlSA ----------------------------------------
Zachary Parris, who's re-imagining talent development for the AI era at Google, joined us on The Modern People Leader. We talked about how AI is turning HR leaders into builders, why product thinking is replacing traditional HR programs, and how anyone can now create impactful tools without a technical background. ---- Sponsor Links:
Deborah Yount, CHRO at Sutter Health, joined us on The Modern People Leader to share her journey from finance to leading HR at one of the largest healthcare systems in the U.S. We discussed how Sutter reduced turnover by nearly 40%, built a culture of leadership accountability, and scaled employee experience and development across 60,000+ employees.---- Sponsor Links:
Jon Stone and Marv sit down as we discuss the fun that is the promotion for "The Boys of Dungeon Lane". Mike Mac, his son Josh, BBC Merseyside, Google, Target and Talk Shop Live all join MPL on introducing and promoting Paul McCartney's new album "The Boys of Dungeon Lane." Remember, 211 Hale Road at Dungeon Lane! #madeonzencastr.
Eva Majercsik (Chief People Officer) and Trevor Schulze (CIO) at Genesys joined us on The Modern People Leader. We talked about how AI is reshaping how humans and machines work together, why CIO and CPO partnerships are more important than ever, and how to lead a human-centered AI transformation across the organization. ---- Sponsor Links:
In Episode 309 of The Rainmaking Podcast, Scott Love speaks with Danny Bobrow, creator of the Persuasion Blueprint, about the Three C's of Persuasive Communication: Caring, Connection, and Collaboration. Danny reframes persuasion as an ethical, non-coercive process focused on influencing outcomes through trust and understanding—not manipulation. He explains why most professionals fail to connect effectively: they assume their expertise is enough, when in reality, people make decisions emotionally and respond to those who demonstrate genuine care and understanding first. The conversation dives into practical communication strategies, including how to close the “care gap,” ask better questions, and avoid common traps like over-talking, jargon, and premature problem-solving. Danny emphasizes that successful rainmakers slow down, listen actively, and guide conversations collaboratively—so clients feel understood and confident in their decisions. For lawyers, recruiters, and professional services providers, this episode delivers a clear framework to improve influence, build stronger relationships, and convert conversations into lasting business opportunities. Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/SGb6bpeBqYc ----------------------------------------
Amit Rapaport, Co-Founder & CEO of Compete, joined us on The Modern People Leader. We talked about why most HR metrics don't matter to your CEO, how to think like a CEO when looking at workforce data, and more.---- Downloadable PDF with top takeaways: https://modernpeopleleader.kit.com/5-hr-rulesSponsor Links:
In Episode 308 of The Rainmaking Podcast (Legal Series), Scott Love speaks with Phil Flora of SurePoint Legal Insights to break down the 2025 State of the Legal Industry Report. The data reveals a surge in lateral hiring across nearly 6,000 law firms, with especially strong growth in transactional practices like corporate, real estate, and banking. Larger firms continue to consolidate market share, while mid-size firms accelerate mergers to stay competitive. The report also highlights a shift toward more sustainable hiring, with increased demand for partners and counsel roles rather than just associates. The conversation also explores critical trends shaping the future of law firms, including retention challenges, the rise of non-equity partner tracks, and the growing role of artificial intelligence—along with its risks, such as increased AI-related errors in legal work. For law firm leaders, partners, and recruiters, this episode provides a clear, data-driven view of where the market is heading—and what strategic decisions are required to stay competitive in an evolving legal landscape. Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/J8QJjKG4y70 ----------------------------------------
Beth Ley, Chief People Officer at Kendra Scott, joined us on The Modern People Leader. We talked about how to build the number one workplace for women, the “Great Talent Transfer” and Beth's vision for internal talent mobility, and what it's like to work with a visionary founder.---- Sponsor Links:
In Episode 307 of The Rainmaking Podcast, Scott Love interviews leadership expert Jon Lokhorst on what it means to practice mission-critical leadership in today's volatile and complex business environment. Jon introduces a powerful framework for leading in all directions—not just managing direct reports, but also leading yourself, influencing peers, and effectively managing upward. In professional services firms, where hierarchy is often flat and influence matters more than authority, this approach is essential for building trust, alignment, and long-term success. The conversation breaks down practical leadership tools, including self-leadership through vision and values, improving internal self-talk, leading peers without formal authority, and implementing coaching-style leadership with accountability. Jon also shares actionable strategies such as structured one-on-one meetings, supportive accountability, and leadership development planning. For law firm partners, executives, and professionals navigating growth and complexity, this episode delivers a clear roadmap for developing leaders people want to follow and building teams that perform at the highest level. Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/pvw9vtfa8NM ----------------------------------------
In Episode 306 of The Rainmaking Podcast, Scott Love speaks with Robert Weiss of MultiVision Digital about how law firms can build authority and win clients using video marketing. While most firms rely on referrals, networking, and written thought leadership, Robert explains that video accelerates the “know, like, and trust” factor by allowing prospects to see how attorneys think, communicate, and solve problems. Despite its effectiveness, most law firms are still underutilizing video—creating a major opportunity for firms willing to adopt a thoughtful, strategic approach to video content. The conversation breaks down how to implement video the right way: aligning content with business objectives, repurposing webinars into multiple short-form videos, and building a consistent cadence across marketing channels like LinkedIn, email, and website content. Robert emphasizes that video is not a one-off tactic but a long-term strategy that compounds over time—helping firms increase visibility, strengthen client relationships, and improve conversion. For law firm partners, marketers, and leaders looking to stay competitive, this episode delivers a practical roadmap for legal video marketing, personal branding, and client development. Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/p8EwmYVJ-Hc ----------------------------------------
Matt McFarlane, Founder of FNDN, joined us on The Modern People Leader. We talked about how to build a successful HR consulting business, why niching down and strong branding matter, and how to create sustainable growth through content, community, and a portfolio career.---- Sponsor Links:
John Cole Scott, President of CEF Advisors, says that closed-end funds are being buffeted in two directions due to current headlines, with war in Iran impacting net asset values and anchored interest rates impacting levered closed-end funds and discounts shifting to reflect both situations. Scott, who also serves as the Chairman of the Active Investment Company Alliance, says sectors that have benefitted from the chaos have been MPL and energy funds, while business-development companies and CLO equity funds have suffered. Scott also put his firm's "Trifecta analysis" to work, with four funds to consider now: ticker symbols AFB, ARDC, CSQ and MEGI.
In Episode 305 of The Rainmaking Podcast, Scott Love sits down with Hannah Romick, an expert in performance improvement, change management, and stakeholder engagement, to unpack the growing impact of generational differences in professional services firms. As law firms and advisory organizations navigate shifting expectations around work, communication, and career development, leaders are increasingly challenged to align multiple generations under a shared culture. Hannah explains how generational tension is often misunderstood—and how firms can move beyond labels to focus on performance, accountability, and measurable outcomes. The conversation dives into practical strategies for driving cultural transformation, leadership alignment, and performance-based decision-making across generations. Hannah shares how firms can build sustainable change by linking leadership development with clear performance metrics, improving communication across teams, and engaging stakeholders at every level. For law firm leaders, partners, and professional services executives looking to strengthen firm culture, retention, and long-term performance, this episode offers a clear roadmap to navigating generational dynamics while maintaining high standards and business results. Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/COM27VFyAAc ----------------------------------------
Most benefits strategies fail for one simple reason: employees don't know how to use them. Matt Scovil, Co-Founder and CEO of Medefy, joined us to break down why confusing benefits lead to higher healthcare costs, why behavior change is the real unlock, and how HR teams can turn benefits from a cost center into something employees actually use.---- Downloadable PDF with top takeaways: https://modernpeopleleader.kit.com/episode288Sponsor Links:
In Episode 304 of The Rainmaking Podcast, Scott Love speaks with legal industry advisor Tim Corcoran about one of the most overlooked drivers of law firm profitability: pricing strategy. Many firms focus heavily on billable hours, origination credit, and revenue targets, but fail to connect the critical dots between how legal services are priced, how lawyers practice, and how firms ultimately generate profit. Tim explains why pricing is not just a finance function but a strategic leadership issue that directly affects client relationships, lawyer behavior, and long-term firm performance. The conversation explores practical ways law firms can move beyond traditional hourly billing toward value-based thinking, better matter management, and smarter pricing decisions. Tim shares how partners can improve profitability by understanding the economics of legal work, aligning incentives, and communicating value more clearly to clients. For law firm leaders, partners, and legal professionals looking to improve law firm profitability, pricing strategy, and client value, this episode provides actionable insights into connecting pricing, practice management, and business development. Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/QyaL8-wcWeM ----------------------------------------
Alex Coonce (Chief People Officer) and Patrick Quigley (CEO) from Sidecar Health joined us on The Modern People Leader. We talked about building a strong CEO–CPO partnership, why culture must scale before headcount does, and how companies can become AI-native while staying transparent with employees.---- Downloadable PDF with top takeaways: https://modernpeopleleader.kit.com/episode287Sponsor Links:
In Episode 303 of The Rainmaking Podcast, Scott Love speaks with Jason Stiehl, Managing Partner of the Chicago office of Crowell & Moring, about a unique perspective on law firm business development: treating networking like theater. Jason explains why successful rainmakers approach conferences and networking events as a series of interactions over time rather than a quick sales pitch. Preparation, curiosity, and authentic connections are critical to building trust and long-term client relationships. They also discuss how lawyers can use conferences, presentations, and follow-up conversations to uncover shared interests and create genuine connections that lead to business opportunities. If you're looking to improve your law firm client development, rainmaking strategy, and professional networking, this episode offers practical insights from a practicing rainmaker. YouTube: https://youtu.be/Y5hDNsBYDCU --------------------------
Kim Smith from Tilt joined us on The Modern People Leader. We talked about how personalized leave support creates a better employee experience, what managers and HR teams often miss during leave transitions, and how to build a modern leave process that balances compliance, communication, and care.---- Downloadable PDF with top takeaways: https://modernpeopleleader.kit.com/episode286Sponsor Links:
In Episode 302 of The Rainmaking Podcast, Scott Love speaks with Jill Huse, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Society 54, about the characteristics of high-performing law firms in business development. Jill explains why many firms struggle with business development, including failing to invest in marketing resources, neglecting succession planning, and relying too heavily on individual rainmakers instead of institutional client relationships. She also shares how leading firms build stronger client relationships through client experience programs, coaching, and proactive business development strategy. The conversation also covers how lawyers can grow their practice by nurturing professional networks, investing in thought leadership, and consistently following up on opportunities. If you're a lawyer or law firm leader looking to improve law firm business development, client development strategy, and rainmaking performance, this episode offers practical insights. YouTube: https://youtu.be/XQKz-6P8iNU ----------------------------------------
Melissa Theiss, Head of People Ops at Kit, joined us on The Modern People Leader to break down how HR leaders can build real business acumen using practical frameworks like Track-Racehorse-Jockey, her PeopleOps maturity diagnostic, and a 90-in-90 listening tour. We also walked through how to turn employee feedback into an actionable backlog and use it to shape a people strategy that supports the business first while staying people-centric.---- Downloadable PDF with top takeaways: https://modernpeopleleader.kit.com/episode285Sponsor Links:
In Episode 301 of The Rainmaking Podcast, Scott Love interviews business development coach and author Doug Ott about his book The Business Development Shift and how lawyers, consultants, and other professional services providers can grow their practices through intellectual curiosity, trust, and consistency. Doug explains why the best business development strategy is not selling harder, but solving better by asking thoughtful questions, listening closely, staying visible, and building genuine relationships over time. He shares practical advice on how attorneys can improve client development, avoid passive networking habits, use stronger follow-up language, and make business development a daily habit even with a demanding billable schedule. This episode is packed with actionable insights. YouTube: https://youtu.be/0O-4XaeM9QM ----------------------------------------
Jessica Zwaan joined us on The Modern People Leader for MPL Build's first-ever AMA, alongside Jalene Vandermey-Jackson from Workleap. We talked about what traditional HR mindsets must be let go to become builders, how to collect lightweight employee feedback to help build the right products, and more.---- Downloadable PDF with top takeaways: https://modernpeopleleader.kit.com/episode284Sponsor Links:
Diane Sadowski-Joseph, Co-Founder of Clarinet, joined us on The Modern People Leader. We talked about why most AI adoption stalls at “talking the talk,” how to choose the right AI use cases using the “trifecta” and the Five Frictions framework, and how “click cutters” can unlock compounding gains by removing cognitive and workflow friction.---- Here's everything Diane referenced: https://modernpeopleleader.kit.com/fivefrictionsSponsor Links:
Liz Bronson, VP of People at Skimmer, joined us on The Modern People Leader to talk about intentionally “flatlining” her career for a period of time to prioritize parenting. ---- Downloadable PDF with top takeaways: https://modernpeopleleader.kit.com/episode282Sponsor Links:
Isabel Naidoo, Chief People Officer at Wise, joined us on The Modern People Leader to share how Wise builds a cohesive employee experience across global offices while still honoring local identity. ---- Downloadable PDF with top takeaways: https://modernpeopleleader.kit.com/episode281Sponsor Links:
Chase Warrington, Head of Operations at Doist, joined us on The Modern People Leader to break down how async-first work enables faster decision-making, stronger culture, and scalable operations. We talked about building trust without offices, the systems and rituals behind Doist's execution velocity, and why async workflows are foundational to effective AI adoption.---- Downloadable PDF with top takeaways: https://modernpeopleleader.kit.com/episode280Sponsor Links: