Podcasts about Rocket science

What if your biggest business-development advantage wasn't your legal skill, but how you make people feel? In this episode, you'll hear how a former big-firm lawyer turned coach built a decades-long career helping attorneys grow their books by leading with listening, caring, and genuine relationships.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Stewart Hirsch discuss: Why “how you make people feel” drives business development Lessons from watching a non-lawyer sell through listening and care Stuart's journey from law firm associate to in-house to full-time coach Shifting from marketing to true business development in law firms Practical habits: following up, setting next steps, and thinking like in-house counsel   Key Takeaways: Technical excellence is now table stakes; the differentiator is how you treat people and how you make them feel in every interaction. Deep, genuine listening often outperforms sophisticated “pitches” when it comes to earning trust and long-term business. Careers can pivot powerfully when you follow the work that energizes you, even if it means turning down “dream” jobs that would pull you off your path. Consistent follow-up and always setting clear next steps are two of the most reliable habits for building a strong book of business. To serve in-house clients effectively, outside counsel need to think like business decision-makers, not just risk-spotters, and offer practical, directional advice.   "Start with the attitude of caring and curiosity." —  Stewart Hirsch   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Stewart Hirsch: Stewart Hirsch, Esq. is the Managing Director of Strategic Relationships, LLC, where he serves as an executive leadership and business development coach, consultant, and facilitator. Drawing on over 20 years of experience practicing law—both in-house at major corporations like Staples, TJX, and Welch's, as well as in private practice—he helps lawyers, C-suite executives, and professional services leaders build high-impact client relationships, navigate complex communications, and accelerate career growth. Recognized as a top business development coach by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, Stewart also acts as a Senior Coach for Trusted Advisor Associates, designs interactive corporate workshops, and serves as a career coach for members of the Association of Corporate Counsel.   Connect with Stewart Hirsch:   Website: https://strategicrelationships.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stewarthirsch/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

If the thought of a state survey or audit makes you want to panic and start reviewing every chart you've touched for the last six months, you're not alone!Being surveyed can feel intimidating, but here's the good news: you don't become survey ready the week before survey.You become survey ready by consistently doing the things you already know how to do as a dietitian.Following the Nutrition Care Process. Keeping up with your residents. Documenting your clinical reasoning. Following up on interventions. Keeping care plans current.In this episode, I'm breaking down 5 simple daily habits that can help you stay survey-ready without spending hours preparing for survey.You just need good systems and consistent habits.And if you're newer to long term care and want a walkthrough of what the survey and audit process looks like for dietitians, I have a webinar and ebook that will walk you through what surveyors are looking for, what your role is, and how to feel more confident going into the process.The resource is available on Long Term Care RD and inside the Clinical Nutrition Central membership, where members can access it at a discounted rate.Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeHigh-Risk Resident Tracking Spreadsheet Use a system to keep your high-risk residents, follow-ups, and nutrition concerns organized so nothing falls through the cracks.Dietitian's Role in State Surveys: How to Stay Ready Every Day Webinar & eBook HereGet the free walkthrough here: https://longtermcarerd.com/dietitians-role-in-state-surveys-how-to-stay-ready-every-day/Clinical Nutrition Central Membership Access additional resources, webinars, ebooks, clinical tools, and support for dietitians working with older adults.RememberYou don't become survey-ready the week before survey.You become survey-ready through the small clinical and documentation habits you practice every day.Follow the Nutrition Care Process. Know your high-risk residents. Follow up. Keep your care plans current. Document your clinical reasoning.And you'll be much more prepared than you think.

Discover how an employment lawyer built a seven-figure practice not by “working the room,” but by being radically authentic, hyper-generous, and unforgettable in her relationships. This episode breaks down how to turn clients, competitors, and even adversaries into your most loyal referral sources.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Randi Cohen discuss: Non-traditional path from prosecutor to employment law partner Forming and growing a boutique firm through partnership Authentic, curiosity-driven networking (not “working the room”) Turning clients, competitors, and adversaries into referral sources Overcoming imposter syndrome and trusting your own skills   Key Takeaways: Business development becomes much easier when you stop “networking” and instead focus on being genuinely curious about people's lives, needs, and goals. Long-term success often comes from leading with generosity—connecting others, sharing referrals, and helping even when there's nothing immediate in it for you. The most valuable relationships are built over time through repeated touchpoints, shared experiences, and small acts of follow-up and care. How you handle billing and money can either cement trust or destroy it; protecting relationships is far more valuable than squeezing every last 0.2 from a time entry. Confidence is often forged in scary, high-stakes cases—learning to push through imposter syndrome and rely on your preparation and judgment is a pivotal professional shift.   "My entire approach to networking is not to think of it as networking. It's just authenticity." —  Randi Cohen   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Randi Cohen: Randi M. Cohen, Esq. is a labor and employment counselor and litigator at Kalmanson Cohen PLLC with nearly 20 years of experience representing individuals and businesses. Focused on practical, personalized problem-solving, she specializes in resolving workplace issues through strategic counseling and negotiation, while maintaining a formidable litigation practice in federal, state, and administrative tribunals across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania when necessary. Widely sought after by small-to-medium businesses and individuals alike, Randi is an active author and member of the American Bar Association and the New York City Bar Association. Recognized as a New York Metro Super Lawyer, she holds a J.D., cum laude, from New York Law School and a B.A. from Muhlenberg College.   Connect with Randi Cohen:  Website: https://kalmansoncohen.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randimcohen-employmentlawyer/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Episode 348 of the Dad's Guide to Twins Podcast Show Notes Today we continue our father of twins interview series with Russell Newman, father of twin boys, a singleton daughter, and expecting fraternal boy/girl twins. Listen as we explore his twin parenting journey, including: Why they needed to move after finding out about their first set of twins When the twins spent 2 weeks in NICU and had therapeutic hypothermia Applying an engineer mindset to parenting young children How they involved grandparents after the birth of the children Why a mix of au pairs and preschool after 6 months worked well for their family What twin gear they will use again First twin pregnancy vs second twin pregnancy Sleeping arrangements for children when the family grows How they successfully potty trained their twin boys over a weekend and more… Connect with Russell via his website russellnewman.com or on Twitter. Get Russell’s book Rocket Science for Kids: An Easy-to-Understand Guide (Engineering for Kids) on Amazon or save 15% and order directly from the publisher here. Podcast Transcript This is transcript auto-generated so please forgive any mistakes. INTRO (Joe Rawlinson): Today we are continuing our father of twins interview series with a father of three, including identical twin boys — plus they’re expecting their second set of twins. We discuss the differences between this twin pregnancy and the first one, some of the things they learned along their journey that they’re going to change or do the same with the second set of twins, and so much more today on the podcast. Today’s show is brought to you by my first book for dads of twins. It is called Dad’s Guide to Twins: How to Survive the Twin Pregnancy and Prepare for Your Twins. If you’re expecting twins, this is the perfect book to pick up to help you get through the pregnancy, know what to expect, some of the challenges that may be coming your way, and how to get ready and excited for those twins and get through those first couple months. You can pick up a copy at twindadbook.com. Today, I’d like to welcome to the show a fellow father of twins, soon-to-be father of twins again, and author of the book Rocket Science for Kids. Welcome to the show, Russ Newman. RUSS: Thanks for having me. JOE: Welcome, Russell. Tell us a little about your family right now — how many kids do you have, what are their ages, and what’s fun about this time of life? RUSS: Yeah, so let’s see. I have twin boys — identical — Lucas and Marcus, who just turned four. I have a daughter, Diana, who just turned two. And I also have a pair of fraternal twins due in October, so soon it’ll be a family of five. Me and my wife are both aerospace engineers. It’s super exciting. I just love my kids and I’m so happy that we’re going to have such a big family soon. JOE: That’s fantastic. My background’s in engineering too — computer engineering in college, more software. Aerospace always fascinates me, so I think that’s amazing that you and your wife were both in aerospace. That’s pretty cool. JOE: So when you found out that you would be having your first twins, what was the family situation like at that time? How did you react to that news? RUSS: I was secretly hoping for twins. I love kids. When my wife got pregnant and we went to our first doctor’s appointment for the ultrasound, I could tell that the ultrasound technician was being a little cagey. Then she told us it was twins. My wife started crying and I was so overjoyed. But yeah, it sort of threw us for a little bit of a loop because we lived at the time in a nice high-rise apartment in downtown Los Angeles. We’re like, “Okay, if we have two babies, we don’t have enough space, and we’re probably going to need the grandparents.” So we moved to El Segundo where we could have three bedrooms and let the grandparents stay with us. We had twins and grandparents help us out as my wife went through her maternity leave. Both of our workplaces were very supportive, and yeah, that got us through the first six months. JOE: That’s fantastic. Moving from the big city — were you still having to commute for work, or was there a remote work situation? RUSS: At the time, my wife was working remote and I actually got a new job in El Segundo. So it ended up being really fantastic — such a short commute. El Segundo is such a nice walkable city. I take my kids on walks every single day going outside. I love it. JOE: Are the twins in some kind of daycare or preschool right now? RUSS: Yeah, we’ve done a mix of au pairs and preschool. After the grandparents moved out in the first six months, we had an au pair from Brazil who stayed with us and helped us with all the childcare related to the twins. Then once my daughter was born, the boys were old enough to go to preschool — which actually happened to be right on our block so we could walk them to school. The au pair cared for Diana during the day. Now more recently, all three of them are eligible for preschool, so all three of them go. We do a fantastic morning walk that goes circuitously around the neighborhood — we get to look at bugs, look at plants — and then we just end the walk at preschool. Then I pick them up from school and cook them dinner. We’ve done a mix of preschool and au pair. The au pair program is fantastic. Going forward, it’ll be preschool plus grandparents, and then I’d probably say in six months or so, we’ll get another au pair to care for the new twins until they’re eligible to go to preschool around two or two and a half. JOE: That’s a great setup. For other twin parents interested in the au pair route, how did you go about finding someone that was a good fit for your family? RUSS: It’s sort of like interviewing someone for a job. The United States has a very structured program. You find a good agency and they’ll already have a vetted group of au pairs. Then you just sort of interview them — see if they’re a good fit for your family, if you vibe with them, if you think they’d be good with the kids. You chat and video chat and then you narrow it down. They’re going to be basically a family member living in your house for a year. We’ve done it with two au pairs and they both were fantastic, and both renewed for an extra year — two years and two years. What’s nice too is the first au pair helped us interview the second one, so they could talk in Portuguese directly and act as our references. It’s very economical compared to other forms of childcare like preschool, nannies, or daycare. We’ve done a mix of all of that — au pairs plus preschool plus grandparents — and it really lets us get the best of everything. JOE: Yeah, absolutely. Childcare is a huge expense. When you’ve got more than one kid in childcare, these creative solutions are actually more economical, which is fantastic. JOE: So you had the boys, and then you find out you’d be having your daughter. What was that transition like going from twins to having three? RUSS: Having the boys — the twins — was such a gauntlet that having the daughter, everything was a piece of cake. It’s so funny. Doing diapers was like, “Oh, it’s only 10 diapers a day, not 20 diapers a day.” There was a lot of challenge and sleep deprivation with the twins, but man, having one after two was so much easier. We didn’t even really need that much grandparents’ help. I think we went back to just 100% au pair care after two months and we were just back in the groove being super parents. JOE: You already know how to do so many different things with the twins that it’s just old hat to have only half as much work with the next one. RUSS: That’s right. JOE: So now as you look ahead to your next set of twins — what are some of the things where you’re like, “Okay, I remember this”? What are you looking forward to, or what challenges do you expect? RUSS: We had to do a lot of experimentation to try to get our routines in, and I think we’re a lot better about that now. One of our little life hacks — we’re engineers, so we actually have a full-size whiteboard, a wheel-around whiteboard we use for engineering diagrams. We made that our master schedule and note-taking system. We have a whiteboard in the living room, and we write down when they went down for naps, when we fed them, all the notes for all the shifts. Just used that for our cadence about what to do next. When our twins arrive, we’re going to break out our old bag of tricks and just survive. I think this next set of twins is going to be harder than the first, but we’ll just be more experienced about it. JOE: Did you keep any of the infant twin gear that you’ll be using again this time? RUSS: Yeah, we kept everything. We knew there was a small probability we’d have twins again, so we actually have two of everything and kept it all in storage — two car seats, the small infant car seats. We have all the little newborn sleep wrappers. We have tons of our bottles and everything. We also kept our twin stroller, the little tandem side-by-side stroller. So we’ll break that back out again. We only used about half of it when we had Diana, but we kept it all. JOE: That’s great. All our parents have their twins and then they’re like, “We’re never doing this again” — and then sometimes things work out a little differently. JOE: How was the division of labor between you and your wife and the au pair when you all got back to work? RUSS: It was a very regular schedule. The au pair basically handled the work hours when we would be at work. I took point on the mornings and evenings — I helped the kids wake up, my wife would cook breakfast, and then I would help get the kids to preschool. Around 8:30, the au pair would take over for Diana, and then we’d all leave for work. I would come back around 5:30, pick up the kids from preschool, and take over from the au pair. Then my wife would come home from work, we’d have dinner, and then we’d start the bedtime routine. JOE: Is there anything you would change with that now as you’re going to be going through that process again? RUSS: That battle rhythm seemed to be the best. Now that we have preschool in the mix, it’s going to be grandparents all-hands-on-deck for the first three to six months. After that, the older kids will go to preschool and the new twins will stay with the au pair during the day while we’re at work. I work from home now, so I have a lot more flexibility, which is really nice. When the boys were six months old and started with the au pair, it was really fantastic — they got so much private attention. She’d take the kids to the park once or twice a day, put them down for their nap, read them books, let them play in the living room, and help with all the laundry and tidying up kids’ toys, just really running a tight ship. I think the au pair really helped our kids be super social and fun because they get so much more outdoor time and one-on-one time compared to if they were at daycare. From six months to two years, they got so much more park time and fun time — and they love going to school now because they’re learning how to read. But it’s really fun just having them go to the park and swing. JOE: So now you’re two or three months away from having your next round of twins. Where are you in the pregnancy? RUSS: We just passed week 20. My wife just passed the halfway mark — a little more than halfway, because twins typically don’t make it all the way to 40 weeks. JOE: How many weeks were your boys born? RUSS: My wife’s an absolute trooper. They were born at 38 weeks and one day, and I think they were around six and a half pounds apiece, which was a very healthy weight for twins. JOE: That is really good — 38 weeks and good weight. Any complications with the first twin pregnancy? RUSS: In the beginning, just the usual stuff — nausea, lack of appetite. It was really good towards the end, though she grew very large. It’s not like she ate a basketball; it’s more like she ate a beach ball. It almost gets comedic how large your wife can grow. Really, the only hard part was the last week because of a lot of water retention and swelling in her hands and feet. The rest of it was just the normal being uncomfortable — not being able to eat, heartburn. But besides the last week, absolute trooper. We went in for delivery trying for a regular birth, but due to the water retention and swelling, we had to go for an emergency C-section. We had picked out a really good hospital with a great NICU and resources. When our doctor called for the C-section, the boys were out in 13 minutes. It was really fast. They gave us a little bit of a fright because they were getting distressed during delivery — not enough space for two very large babies. They actually spent two weeks in the NICU. They had to undergo what’s called therapeutic hypothermia, where because they were so distressed, they lowered their core body temperature and kept them essentially asleep for several days, then let them slowly warm up while being monitored. It really helps prevent brain damage or other after-effects from not having 100% oxygen delivery. Out of an abundance of caution, they went through the therapeutic hypothermia and slowly warmed up. It was really stressful and pretty scary for us. But after they were back and awake, they had so much energy and were wonderful little boys — no ill effects of any kind whatsoever from the birthing process. We’re very grateful for that. JOE: So in the moment, you had a change of plans from natural birth to emergency C-section. And then when they were born, it sounds like it looked like something was wrong. Is that what your experience was like? RUSS: Yeah, they were basically born unconscious. They were squirming around and having trouble, and they started tangling with the umbilical cord. So the doctor called for emergency C-section. 13 minutes later, one was out; one minute after that, the second one was out. Yeah, they were born unconscious, which was a little bit of a fright. But modern medicine — we were in a Level 4 NICU — and they did everything right. Absolutely no ill effects. We’re just so grateful to the doctors. And we plan to do the same thing this time around — give birth in a Level 4 hospital. JOE: Are you all trying for a vaginal birth or going straight to C-section this time? RUSS: No, we’ll try for vaginal birth again. Diana was born vaginally — my wife is absolutely fantastic. From start of pushing to baby being born was 57 minutes. We don’t know if we can do a vaginal birth again with the twins just because there might be more complications — more swelling, not enough room, other effects that just throw a wrench in our plans. But we’ll try for it and see how well they cooperate. JOE: So now you’re 20 weeks into this round — how have the pregnancies compared to each other, twin versus twin, or even twin versus singleton? RUSS: No problems right now. I’m sure the second half is going to be a lot harder than the first half. But my wife is starting to show now, breaking out more of her old clothes, wearing more blazers. She’s already told people at work, and she’s actually switching jobs — the new job also knows she’s pregnant. We’re just so grateful. It’s going to be really fun having our growing family. JOE: You mentioned moving from LA with the first kids. Are you having to move again or upsize your house, or are you going to fit everybody where you are? RUSS: No, we’re going to try to stay where we’re at, just so we’re close to the doctor. Our au pair is ending her contract, and that will free up our third bedroom for the grandparents, which really helps us. We have very economical rent, so we want to stay here as long as possible. All three of the kids actually sleep in the same room, and they absolutely love it. So it’ll be: me and my wife’s bedroom, the third room for the grandparents, and the middle room where the older kids sleep. We’ll have the new babies sleep in the bassinet in our bedroom for the first six months, and then we’ll have to figure out what to do after that. Probably more bunk beds in the kids’ room. JOE: Yeah, just make a big bunkhouse — a dormitory! RUSS: Exactly, yeah. JOE: For your first twins, the boys, were they in your room as well for those first several months? RUSS: Yeah, for the first six months they slept in the bassinets — the computerized bassinets, the SNOO. We absolutely love those. They were in our master bedroom: one on her side of the bed, one at the foot of my side of the bed. Then at six months they sort of outgrew that and we put them in the middle room. It’s sort of funny — in the beginning, we didn’t have any cribs. We did floor beds from IKEA, nice and firm, about four inches thick. We had two of them set on either side of the room, and they would take their naps there. But then they would always crawl across the room to go sleep with their brother. Every morning or every nap, we would find them both sleeping together. We eventually said, “Why do we have two floor beds? Let’s just make one.” And they kept sleeping in one floor bed in a big pile until I got them their bunk beds. It’s actually a really nice travel cot that’s also a bunk bed — we can bring it when we visit the grandparents. They rotate between the floor bed and either the top or bottom of the bunk bed, all in a big pile together. JOE: We had separate cribs too, but when our girls started getting older, they actually wanted to be in the same bed together for a while. It’s always fascinating with twins at that age — how they interact with each other. Like you mentioned, crossing the room to go sleep with each other. Very fascinating. We’d had singletons before, and they didn’t have that interaction — the squawking at each other, always wanting to be near each other, touching each other when they’re very young. That’s a fun part of twin parenting. RUSS: Yeah. For our kids’ room, we baby-proofed 100% of the room — that was actually one of our little life hacks. They had their floor bed and a small selection of toys. They would just wake up naturally at like 6 in the morning and either talk to each other, babble to each other, or crawl over and play with their toys. That could let us sleep until like 7 in the morning. Because we didn’t have cribs, we didn’t need to go get them out of a crib — they could just wake up on their own schedule and play. Then we would get them out at 7. JOE: That’s a great setup. I love how you created a safe room for them. It does give you some added benefits — they can be self-sufficient without you needing to move them from A to B all the time. JOE: Any other engineering masterpieces in your house that have been great for parenting? RUSS: We have our stroller. We always get compliments every time we go out. It’s a beast — a four-person stroller, literally the largest one I could ever find. It’s made by Keenz, a big four-kid wagon stroller. It weighs like 50 pounds, but it’s absolutely awesome. We take the kids to the air show and we have change of clothes, snacks, lunches, jackets — we can just toss it all in this giant wagon and have the kids on the bench seats. Our wagon has been such a trooper carrying three or four kids plus a bunch of gear. It’s getting pretty beat up and I’m probably going to buy a new one, but that giant monster of a wagon stroller has been a lifesaver. JOE: Yeah, that’s one thing that catches you off guard — how much stuff you need to take with you. It’s not just the kids, but the diaper bag supplies, snacks, change of clothes, everything. RUSS: We’ve gotten pretty light now that they’re four and two. Sometimes I can walk to our local farmer’s market with no diaper bag because they’re potty trained. All three of us just walk together, get some popcorn and some french fries, have some fun, then walk home. But once we have babies, we’re going to have a big reset with bottles and diapers and all that gear again. JOE: Yeah, somebody will be walking or wanting to push the stroller with the new babies, I’m sure. You mentioned potty training — any tricks that worked? RUSS: We read a really good book called Oh Crap! Potty Training. It doesn’t quite work in three days, but you can get like 75% of the way there in three days, which is actually really good. They were potty trained somewhere around two. Diana has been hitting her milestones always much faster than my boys. We found what they liked — Peanut M&Ms. We always had a little tiny Tupperware jar full of them. They always got one for going pee, two for going poop, and it was always tons of celebration and hype. What we did was a big ceremony over a three-day weekend — we called it “Big Boy No Diapers.” We got a box out and collected all the diapers in the house. They all threw them in the box, chanting “Big Boy No Diapers!” We gave them their underwear in a big fanfare, then took the box of diapers out and threw it away. On that weekend, we fed them as many snacks as we could. They were just around the house in their underwear. I got them miniature CamelBaks and filled them with water — we were just trying to get them to drink as much as possible. We fed them salty chips and tried to get them to go pee every 30 to 45 minutes, nonstop for three days. That was the kickstart to the potty training. From there on, they were about 75% potty trained. There’s a long tail — it takes a long time to get to 100% — but it was amazing to go from 20 diapers a day to only one or two accidents a day, then only a few accidents a week. And of course now they’re 100% potty trained. Big Boy No Diapers — ceremoniously throw all the diapers, do a big thing, get their big-boy underwear, make them wear their CamelBaks. So they’re running around on their scooters inside the house sucking on the little hydration hose. JOE: Yeah, that’s a great setup. JOE: So Russ, let’s talk a little bit about your book. You’ve written Rocket Science for Kids. What was the impetus for this book? RUSS: I’m a rocket scientist. I worked at SpaceX and a couple of other rocket companies, and I’m super interested in space. I had this idea — I have kids, I want to buy a book that talks about rockets. When I actually looked at what books were available and bought basically every book I could find, I found there was a missing segment. There’s a bunch of baby books that are very silly — “Rocket goes up, zoom!” — and there’s a bunch of books for middle schoolers with 200 words a page. There actually was no high-quality book meant for kids ages four to five that was a true introduction to rocket science. So I decided to make one. I asked my wife if I could do it and we agreed. It was a passion project. I had to go find an illustrator — interviewed a few, found one that I really jived with, really liked her art style. Then over the course of four years, I helped her do all the illustrations, dialed it all in, and created what I think is the best book on rocket science for young kids. It’s only a thousand words, 100% technically accurate, and has over 60 pages of full watercolor illustrations with animals explaining every single detail of rocket science. It’s full of totally real engineering. I started before the kids were born and only got to publish it last year. It’s really hard to make a children’s picture book, but I’m just so proud of it. I’ve been getting so many great reviews. My kids have seen every single version of it — as I drafted the book, I would show them the manuscript and edit each page. It’s really hard to explain rocket science in only a thousand words without getting into gibberish baby talk. JOE: Well, it’s not easy to write a book. It’s not easy to do that while raising small children, and it’s definitely hard to mix in rocket science and simplify concepts so they can be understood by children. So congratulations on the launch of your book and the good reviews you’ve had so far. If listeners want to pick up a copy, where should they go? RUSS: It’s available on Amazon and everywhere books are sold. I can also provide a link for the show notes where you can buy it direct from my publisher at a lower price than Amazon. JOE: Fantastic. I’ll link that up in the show notes for everybody listening so you can pick up your own copy and help those future rocket scientists. JOE: Russ, as we wrap up today — in addition to the book, if listeners want to connect with you, what’s the best way to reach out? RUSS: They can reach out to me on my personal website at russellnewman.com, or they can follow me on social media. I have the same handle everywhere, which is @RussReadsBooks — I’m most active on Twitter. JOE: Fantastic. I’ll link up to all that on the show notes as well so people can connect and reach out. Russ, thank you so much for sharing your story with us today. We really appreciate it. RUSS: Yeah, thanks so much. OUTRO (Joe Rawlinson): I hope you enjoyed that conversation with Russ about his adventures as a father of twins, plus one, and soon to be an additional set of twins. You’ll find all the show notes for this episode, including links to his book and how to contact Russ, over at TwinDadPodcast.com. If you would like to share your story like Russ did today, I would love to hear from you — email me at joe@dadsguidetotwins.com, or find me on Instagram and X at @TwinDadJoe. If you’re still expecting your twins, I invite you to pick up a copy of my book, Dad’s Guide to Twins, at TwinDadBook.com. Thank you so much for listening, and I’ll see you next time. Subscribe to the Podcast To subscribe to the podcast, please use the links below: Apple Podcasts Spotify Subscribe via RSS (non-iTunes feed) Share Your Thoughts Please let me know what you think of this episode of the podcast, you can contact me with any questions or comments or leave a comment on the blog. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast player. It will help other parents of twins find the show! Download the Podcast Download the podcast in .mp3 format (right click and “save as…”) The post Aerospace Engineer Shares Twin Parenting Tips and Prepares for Another Set of Twins with Russell Newman – Podcast 348 appeared first on Dad's Guide to Twins.

How can interactive, real-time simulations bring complex STEM concepts like aerodynamics, fluid dynamics, and more to life in the classroom? Today we speak with Andrew Johnson, founder of Digital Rocket Science, to explore how browser-based tools allow students to visualise air flowing over a wing's surface, manipulate wing shapes, and instantly see changes in turbulence, vorticity, and aerodynamic forces! Plus - you can contribute!You can try these interactive simulation tools in your classrooms! Whether you are guiding students through an aerodynamics project or demonstrating complex scientific theories, Digital Rocket Science allows learners to gather and analyse simulation data in real time. Andrew is actively seeking feedback from educators—give the software a run and share how you are using it and what could be improved!Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education About Andrew Johnson Andrew Johnson is the founder of Digital Rocket Science, where he develops browser-based platforms that help students explore science, engineering, and artificial intelligence through interactive simulation and experimentation. With a background spanning aerospace engineering, visual effects at Industrial Light & Magic, and software development at Roblox, he now focuses on creating educational experiences that make complex computational systems accessible, visual, and intuitive for STEM learners. Featured Video & Resources Watch the simulations in action on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3Q5B3kLPTow?si=iEkxVMHk5Jfit4Xg Links Digital Rocket Science: https://www.digitalrocket.com/ Digital Dynamics Studio: https://www.digitaldynamics.studio/ Digital AI Studio: https://www.digitalai.studio/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@digitalrocketscience Contact Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-a-johnson/ Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education With interviews with leading science educators and STEM thought leaders, this science education podcast is about highlighting different ways of teaching kids within and beyond the classroom. It's not just about educational practice & pedagogy, it's about inspiring new ideas & challenging conventions of how students can learn about their world! https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/ Know an educator who'd love this STEM podcast episode? Share it!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can interactive, real-time simulations bring complex STEM concepts like aerodynamics, fluid dynamics, and more to life in the classroom? Today we speak with Andrew Johnson, founder of Digital Rocket Science, to explore how browser-based tools allow students to visualise air flowing over a wing's surface, manipulate wing shapes, and instantly see changes in turbulence, vorticity, and aerodynamic forces! Plus - you can contribute!You can try these interactive simulation tools in your classrooms! Whether you are guiding students through an aerodynamics project or demonstrating complex scientific theories, Digital Rocket Science allows learners to gather and analyse simulation data in real time. Andrew is actively seeking feedback from educators—give the software a run and share how you are using it and what could be improved!Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education About Andrew Johnson Andrew Johnson is the founder of Digital Rocket Science, where he develops browser-based platforms that help students explore science, engineering, and artificial intelligence through interactive simulation and experimentation. With a background spanning aerospace engineering, visual effects at Industrial Light & Magic, and software development at Roblox, he now focuses on creating educational experiences that make complex computational systems accessible, visual, and intuitive for STEM learners. Featured Video & Resources Watch the simulations in action on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3Q5B3kLPTow?si=iEkxVMHk5Jfit4Xg Links Digital Rocket Science: https://www.digitalrocket.com/ Digital Dynamics Studio: https://www.digitaldynamics.studio/ Digital AI Studio: https://www.digitalai.studio/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@digitalrocketscience Contact Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-a-johnson/ Hosted by Ben Newsome from Fizzics Education With interviews with leading science educators and STEM thought leaders, this science education podcast is about highlighting different ways of teaching kids within and beyond the classroom. It's not just about educational practice & pedagogy, it's about inspiring new ideas & challenging conventions of how students can learn about their world! https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/ Know an educator who'd love this STEM podcast episode?  Share it!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's really holding your law firm back isn't a lack of leads—it's how you spend your time and handle the ones you already have. In this episode, you'll learn how smart hiring, offshore staffing, and a professional intake process can free you from $10-an-hour tasks and unlock real, sustainable growth.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Brett Trembly discuss: Mindset shift from saving to spending for growth Early-stage law firm struggles and first key hires Offshore staffing in Latin America and founding Get Staffed Up Broken intake systems and the client's first experience with a firm Delegation, KPIs, and freeing managing partners from billable work   Key Takeaways: Clinging to a “safe” bank balance before hiring often traps owners in low-value tasks and slows growth dramatically. Hiring support—especially before you feel fully ready—is usually the only way to stop doing admin work and start focusing on higher-value activities. Law firms frequently don't need more marketing; they need to fix intake and conversion so leads actually become clients. A professional, structured intake process signals competence, builds trust, and can transform the client's experience from chaotic to “white glove.” Using KPIs, scorecards, and results-focused metrics is more effective than obsessing over every minute your remote or salaried team members work.   "Doing all the little things yourself prevents you from ever building up your money." — Brett Trembly   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Brett Trembly: Brett Trembly, Esq., is the founding partner of Trembly Law Firm in Miami, Florida, where he focuses on business law, franchise law, and commercial litigation under the firm's mission of "Protecting the Economy, One Business at a Time." He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Eastern New Mexico University in 2005 and his Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law in 2008. In addition to managing his legal practice, Trembly co-founded Get Staffed Up, a virtual staffing company that provides offshore support personnel to law firms across North America, and authored books on business growth including 24 Months to Freedom and The Danger Zones. Active in the South Florida legal community, he has served as President of the Miami Kendall Bar Association and Vice-Chair of the Florida Bar 11th Circuit Grievance Committee, earning recognition as a Florida Super Lawyer and an Inc. 5000 honoree.   Connect with Brett Trembly:  Website: https://tremblylaw.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrembly/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

#FenceFam I go on another rant about how you need to just do and figure it out. There's no easy button. No one can has a crystal ball... It's you putting in the hard work and reaping the rewards. Cheers! Remember to like, share, comment and REVIEW! The Fence Industry Podcast Links: IG @TheFenceIndustryPodcast FB @TheFenceIndustryPodcastWithDanWheeler TikTok @TheFenceIndustryPodcast YouTube @TheFenceIndustryPodcastWithDanWheeler Visit TheFenceIndustryPodcast.com Email TheFenceIndustryPodcast@gmail.com Central Fence Supply:  Visit centralfencesupply.com Gopherwood & Expert Stain and Seal IG @stainandsealexperts  FB @ExpertProfessionalWoodCare YouTube @Stain&SealExperts  FB Group Stain and Seal Expert's Staining University  Visit RealGoodStain.com Visit Gopherwood.us Log Cabin Fence IG @Log_Cabin_Fence FB @LogCabinFence Visit LogCabinFence.com Elite Technique Visit https://www.getelitetechnique.com/ Greenwood Fence Visit https://greenwoodfence.com/ Ozark Fence & Supply promo code: TFIP15 for 15% off! Visit https://www.ozfence.com/ Benji with Clever Fox for all your FENCE website, SEO & marketing needs! Visit https://www.cleverfox.online/ Stockade Staple Guns Visit https://www.stockade.com/us/ mySalesman Visit mySalesman.com Orlando Hinge Company Visit swanhinge.com   The Fence Industry Podcast is Produced by CleverFox.Online https://www.cleverfox.online/  

When everyone's chasing the latest shiny marketing tactic, what does it look like to grow a law firm by doing less but better? In this episode, Elliot Johnson shares how “addition by subtraction,” disciplined strategy, and deep content can transform both your firm's brand and your client experience.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Elliot Johnson discuss: Addition by subtraction and prioritization in marketing Career journey into legal marketing and CMO role Jujitsu as a framework for leadership, patience, and strategy Personal branding for lawyers vs. firm branding Content, SEO, AI, and aligning marketing with client experience   Key Takeaways: Focusing on a small number of high-impact initiatives—and cutting everything else—is often the fastest path to meaningful growth. Mastery in any discipline, whether jujitsu or marketing, comes from deliberate fundamentals, patience, and long-term commitment rather than quick wins. Lawyers who intentionally build personal brands online give clients confidence, create future career options, and support their firm's broader marketing efforts. Aligning your external marketing promises with a genuinely strong client experience is essential for generating trust, five-star reviews, and referrals. Strategic, expert-driven content now serves not only human readers but also AI and search engines, making it a crucial long-term investment for any law firm.   "We want them to be able to confidently recommend us." —  Elliot Johnson   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Elliot Johnson: Elliot Johnson is the Chief Marketing Officer of Angel Reyes & Associates, one of Texas's fastest-growing personal injury law firms — and one of the few in the industry to build a truly world-class SEO and paid media operation entirely in-house. Where most firms outsource their digital marketing and hope for the best, Elliot has assembled and developed an elite internal team spanning paid search, SEO, content, local search, digital PR, and lead generation — with a hard focus on attribution, ROI, and performance that can be defended in a boardroom. His operating philosophy is AI-first and data-obsessed, built for a marketing landscape that is changing faster than most teams can keep up with. When he's not optimizing campaigns or debating LLMs, Elliot is a professor of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and a cinephile with a watchlist that never gets shorter.   Connect with Elliot Johnson:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliotjohnsonks/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Discover how small and midsize law firms can stop being “revenue rich but cash poor” by building real systems, leveraging AI, and tracking the right numbers. In this episode, you'll hear how to plug profit leaks, tame AR, and design a law firm that runs like a business—not a burnout machine.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and John Jakovenko discuss: Career path from HR to fractional law firm COO Why systems are critical for efficient, profitable law firms Practical AI use cases for billing, timekeeping, and intake Revenue vs. cash flow, debt, and financial blind spots Lead capture, AR strategies, and creative pricing/payment models   Key Takeaways: A law firm can have impressive revenue and still be “cash poor” if systems, expense control, and debt management are ignored. AI should be treated as a teammate, not a threat—offloading first drafts, admin tasks, time entry, and pre-bill review so attorneys can focus on higher-value work. Profitability depends heavily on cash velocity: how quickly work is billed and money actually hits the account, not just what's on paper. Most firms waste a significant portion of their marketing spend because they lack proper lead capture, follow-up, and accountability metrics. Creative product mixes (e.g., adding flat-fee or subscription-style services) and structured payment plans can smooth out revenue and reduce financial stress.   "You might be revenue rich but cash poor, and that comes from not having your systems in place, but it's also not knowing your numbers." —  John Jakovenko   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About John Jakovenko: John is a leading expert on all things business of law. Since 2006, John has devoted his career to law firm management, working with firms of all sizes and in various states. He also teaches the Association of Legal Administrators Business of Law HR courses as well as the HR section of the Legal Management Fundamentals course, helping new administrators navigate their first five years in law firms.   Connect with John Jakovenko:   Website: https://jakovenko.io/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakovenko/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Discover how a jazz pianist turned niche entertainment work into a powerhouse advertising, privacy, and tech practice—and why treating business development as a marathon, not a sprint, has allowed him to build a loyal, decades‑long client base. In this episode, you'll hear practical, battle‑tested strategies for specialization, client relationships, and training the next generation of rainmakers.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Jamie Rubin discuss: Lawyer's journey as a marathon, not a sprint Building a niche/specialist practice and moving firms Impact of legal operations, budgets, and alternative fee arrangements Personal branding vs. firm branding and the “Info Law Group way” Training younger lawyers in organized, non-salesy business development   Key Takeaways: Treating a legal career like a marathon allows room for ebbs and flows in work while staying confident that consistent effort will pay off over time. Specializing deeply in a niche practice area or industry builds trust and makes it easier for clients to follow you, even when you change firms. Modern in‑house legal operations demand sharper budgeting, clearer estimates, and more flexible fee arrangements, forcing outside counsel to become better business partners. Strong client loyalty grows from genuine personal relationships—helping clients succeed, understanding how they are judged internally, and making them look good in front of their own stakeholders. Younger lawyers can learn business development by following a structured, organized process that avoids pushy “sales” tactics and instead focuses on thoughtful questions, careful listening, and well‑practiced messaging.   "My big mistake is not truly understanding my client's perspective." —  Jamie Rubin   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Jamie Rubin: Jamie Rubin is an advertising, technology, and privacy lawyer who guides clients through bringing traditional and emerging campaigns from initial concept to execution. Ranked as a Leader by Chambers and Partners and recognized by Best Lawyers, his practice covers national and digital advertising, celebrity agreements, sweepstakes, social media marketing, and claim substantiation. Certified as an Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional (AIGP) and a member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), Jamie previously practiced as a partner at Wildman Harrold Allen & Dixon LLP and was named one of the "40 Illinois Attorneys Under 40 To Watch" by Law Bulletin Publishing Company.   Connect with Jamie Rubin:   Website: https://www.infolawgroup.com/jamie-rubin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrubinadlawyer/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Even high-earning attorneys can feel financially stuck when taxes, lifestyle creep, and poor planning collide. In this episode, you'll learn how to fix the most common money mistakes lawyers make and build a financial plan that actually supports your life and career.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Niraj Chhabra discuss: Taxes as the biggest financial pitfall for attorneys Lifestyle creep and savings habits for high earners Balancing kids' education, family support, and retirement Retirement, deferred compensation, and long-term care planning Unique financial challenges for solo and small-firm lawyers   Key Takeaways: Taxes are often the largest and most overlooked threat to an attorney's long-term wealth, especially when income rises, but tax strategy doesn't evolve. As income increases, spending almost always follows—but savings rarely keep pace unless it's structured and intentional. Funding children's education and big life events is important, but it must be weighed against the very real risk of extending your own working years. Tools like deferred compensation plans, 529s, and properly structured insurance can dramatically improve both tax efficiency and retirement outcomes when used correctly. Solo and small-firm lawyers face unique cash flow and risk issues and need different emergency reserves, retirement structures, and income protection than firm employees.   "You should have three to six months' worth of expenses set aside in cash. If you're a solo, you need 12 to 36..." — Niraj Chhabra   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Niraj Chhabra: Niraj Chhabra is the Managing Director of SideBar Advisors. Before launching the firm in 2022, he was an advisor with Ameriprise Financial since 2005, concentrating on clients in the legal profession. His central focus includes family finances, tax and estate strategies, retirement, and financial planning for small businesses. His goal is to help attorneys navigate their unique tax challenges and modify their financial plans as their careers evolve. He does this by offering attorneys holistic financial planning and complimentary educational workshops.   Connect with Niraj Chhabra:   Website: https://sidebaradvisors.com/ Show: https://sidebaradvisors.com/podcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nirajchhabra/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sidebaradvisors/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SideBarAdvisors/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Juli ist vorbei. Bücher zu.Der Plan war: abarbeiten, was der Juni reingespült hat. Das Ergebnis: schon wieder Rekordmonat.Dazwischen: ein paar Workflows umgebaut, vier Kunden das System gezeigt (danach war die Stimmung im Raum anders), eine Kamera in Madrid angeschaut und direkt bestellt, zwei Kunden in Spanien gewonnen, ein Beratungsmandat verlängert.Was in dieser Folge nicht passiert: Buzzword-Bingo. Was passiert: Ich sage dir, was tatsächlich funktioniert hat — und was ich bewusst noch nicht erzähle, weil hier Mitbewerber mithören.Drei Sätze, die in dieser Folge fallen:"Wenn du KI-Sachen noch ins Chat-Fenster tippst, ist das für dich Rocket Science. Für mich nicht mehr.""200 Euro im Monat. Für jeden Business Owner eine absolute Lachnummer.""6.000 Euro Rechnung für einen Monat — und nichts gemacht. Dafür würde ich mich in Grund und Boden schämen."Themen:Warum der Juli nicht Abarbeiten war, sondern UmbauenDas System: KI, Tools und Workflows, die zusammen laufen — statt nebeneinanderWarum ein NAS der unspektakulärste Game Changer ist, den du dieses Jahr kaufen kannstDatenspeicherung, DSGVO und das "digitale Brain"Madrid, Sony, neue Kamera — und drei Stunden Zug, die schneller sind als ein FlugFünf Zusagen für Q3/Q4: Podcast- und KI-Content-WorkshopsWas Agenturen abrechnen und was sie liefernBeratungsmandate: Sparringspartner für Teams, die keinen Ansprechpartner habenWelche Themen ich mache — und welche garantiert nichtAkquise für Q3 und Q400:00 Juli ist rum. Bücher zu.00:16 Der Plan war abarbeiten. Wurde: umbauen.00:49 Vier Kunden, ein System, große Augen01:12 Warum dein Chat-Fenster noch kein System ist01:41 200 € im Monat — und warum das die Rechnung nicht wert ist zu diskutieren01:59 Schon wieder Rekordmonat02:27 Das digitale Brain: NAS, DSGVO, nichts geht mehr verloren03:08 Madrid, Sony und eine neue Kamera03:33 Drei Stunden Zug schlagen eine Stunde Flug04:02 Fünf Zusagen für September und Oktober04:47 6.000 € Rechnung, null Ergebnis05:15 Da ist was am Horizont. Mehr sage ich nicht.05:53 Zwei Kunden in Spanien — und was daraus wird06:10 Beratungsmandat verlängert: Was wir da eigentlich machen06:37 Krypto, Spiritualität, Politik: danke, nein07:46 Wenn im Team jemand wirklich Bock hat08:22 Q3 und Q4 werden heiß09:17 15 Minuten. Kein klassisches Erstgespräch.

High-performing young lawyers are more willing than ever to walk if a firm won't invest in them. In this episode, Steve and Cheryl unpack what it really takes to build a culture of connection, mentoring, and resilience that keeps top legal talent thriving instead of burning out.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Cheryl Donaldson discuss: Mark Twain quote, risk-taking, and non-linear careers Early travel, psychology training, and “Lead from the Soul” Parenting, modeling behavior, and long-game training with kids How Gen Z and young associates think about big law, AI, and mobility Law firm culture, connection vs. disconnection, and practical retention strategies   Key Takeaways: Taking risks and embracing non-linear career moves creates depth, perspective, and resilience that ultimately make professionals more effective and fulfilled. Whether with children or associates, change comes from consistent training over time, not one-off conversations or quick fixes. The newest generation of lawyers is highly thoughtful about how they want to live and work—and they will leave if a firm's culture doesn't align with their values. Connection, structure, and clear expectations are the three pillars of a healthy firm; without all three, feedback and performance demands quickly backfire. In a tech-heavy, hybrid world, leaders must intentionally replace lost in-person contact with deliberate relational touchpoints if they want loyalty, sustainability, and long-term talent.   "They're going to be confident to leave if they're not getting what they need or what they want. They're going to be mobile." —  Cheryl Donaldson   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Cheryl Donaldson: Cheryl Donaldson is a licensed marriage and family therapist, consultant, international speaker, and author of Lead from the Soul. Drawing on more than 30 years of clinical experience, she works with individuals, organizations, and legal professionals to strengthen leadership, wellbeing, and workplace culture through the integration of psychology, spirituality, and self-leadership.   Connect with Cheryl Donaldson:  Website: https://cheryldonaldson.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-donaldson-ma-lmft-lcpc-3b9254292/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

When in-house counsel are “hair on fire” busy and severely resource constrained, why should they choose you as outside counsel? In this episode, you'll hear a former GC and big‑law partner break down exactly how to become the trusted, go‑to lawyer that general counsel actually want to hire and introduce to their peers.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Chaka Patterson discuss: Adaptability and rainmaking in a changing legal market The real day-to-day life of in-house counsel What GCs value most in outside counsel relationships Using investment banker and consultant strategies for BD Deepening and expanding relationships inside client organizations   Key Takeaways: Long-term success in private practice is less about raw legal talent and more about adaptability, relationship depth, and how well you understand your clients' business realities. In-house counsel are often overwhelmed and resource-constrained, so outside lawyers who proactively leverage their firm's tools, people, and knowledge to lighten that load stand out quickly. Treating in-house lawyers as whole people—with careers, families, and aspirations—rather than as “a piece of business” is a major differentiator and often the true reason work moves firms. The best rainmakers think like investment bankers and management consultants: they invest early in relationships, arrive with insight (not “What's keeping you up at night?”), and burrow into organizations so they're never reliant on a single contact. Asking satisfied clients for warm introductions—and systematizing how those introductions are made and followed up—turns existing matters into a steady pipeline of new in-house relationships.   "Anytime you can help somebody solve a problem of any kind, you have delivered real value." —  Chaka Patterson   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Chaka Patterson: Chaka Patterson is an experienced attorney and business strategist with over three decades of leadership spanning private practice, public service, and corporate executive roles. Highly educated with degrees from Amherst College, Harvard Law School, and the University of Chicago (M.B.A.), he has served as a partner at leading law firms and held key executive roles, including General Counsel at Adtalem Global Education and Vice President of Treasury and Investor Relations at Exelon Corporation. Today, he leverages this deep expertise in law, finance, and corporate governance through Chaka Strategy, where he coaches and advises legal professionals navigating complex career and business transformations.   Connect with Chaka Patterson: Website: https://chakastrategy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaka-patterson/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Stop wasting billable hours on admin work. In this episode, you'll learn how to identify hidden bottlenecks in your firm and turn them into reliable automations that save you hours every week—without tripping over AI ethics or security rules.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Jeff Arnold discuss: Process mapping before automation and AI Common admin bottlenecks in law firms and HR Practical examples of email, billing, and document automations ABA Formal Opinion 512 and AI risk in legal workflows Agents vs. workflows and why most firms aren't ready for agents yet   Key Takeaways: Automation should be built on top of clearly mapped, efficient processes; otherwise, it only helps you make mistakes faster. The best automation wins often come from small, repetitive tasks—like email responses, filing documents, or parsing PDFs—that quietly consume hours every week. Many legal professionals underestimate how much of their day is administrative; even saving ten minutes per day can translate into an extra workweek of time each year. There is a critical distinction between automation and generative AI in law: once client data touches AI, additional ethical and security requirements are triggered. Most firms don't have an “agent” problem; they have a workflow problem—reliable, well-defined automations should come first, with AI layered in only where it truly adds value.   "The most important thing is to get your processes down and get a solid foundation. Work on automation first, then you can work on implementing AI." —  Jeff Arnold   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Jeff Arnold: Jeff Arnold is the Founder and President of 4Spot Consulting, an automation and AI implementation firm, and a two-time Amazon Best-Selling author. With more than 20 years implementing automation and 40 years of leadership experience, Jeff helps law firms and professional services teams find and eliminate the manual, repetitive work that quietly drains billable hours, then convert that reclaimed time back into high-value, client-facing work. His core message: technology doesn't replace your people; it elevates them. Through his flagship keynote, "Stop Logging. Start Leading.," Jeff shows organizations how to reclaim 25% of their work week through strategic automation.   Connect with Jeff Arnold:  Website: https://4spotconsulting.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwarnold/ Book (The Automated Law Firm) - Pre-register: The-Automated-Law-.com OpsMap™ Quick Audit - a one-pager to help people get started: https://4spotconsulting.com/opsmap-quick-audit/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Who is Gwen?Gwen Acton, PhD, has built her career helping “rocket scientists”—the brilliant scientists, engineers, and technical experts behind today's most innovative companies—become extraordinary leaders. With a background spanning everything from biology to technology, Gwen was inspired by the crucial roles these experts play in industries like biotech, aerospace, AI, big pharma, and government research labs. She saw that while technical leaders are essential for organizational success, many find themselves suddenly tasked with leading teams, often without the tools or training to do so. Gwen made it her mission to bridge this gap, coaching and advising growth-stage companies and R&D groups so their top technical minds can excel both as experts and as leaders.Key TakeawaysSummaryStuart Webb and Gwen Acton PhD discuss* Why technical expertise doesn't equate to leadership proficiency* Common pitfalls technical leaders face (like micromanagement and letting go of control)* The mindset shift required to move from individual contributor to successful team leader* The most essential skills and behaviors for leadership in science and technology-driven organizations* Practical advice for influencing up, engaging teams, and leading transformation* Insights from Gwen's career and highlights from her book, “Leadership for Scientists and Engineers”* Audience questions on changing leaders' minds and the hallmarks of great leadershipWhether you're a new leader, a technical expert on the rise, or simply curious about the bridge between science and leadership, this episode delivers actionable tips and inspirational stories.Timestamps & Overview* 00:00 - Tech glitches and introductions:Stuart Webb kicks off, introducing Gwen Acton PhD, her background, and the episode setup.* 01:24 - Defining the technical leader's challenge:Gwen explains who she helps and the need for leadership skills in technical organizations.* 04:10 - Why technical backgrounds don't prepare you for leadership:Gwen highlights the crucial differences between technical problem-solving and managing people, and why logic alone isn't enough for people problems.* 07:04 - The confusion and blind spots of technical leaders:Discussion about why what worked as a technical expert often fails in leadership, and the importance of learning new interpersonal skills.* 09:16 - Letting go and the pains of delegation:Gwen addresses micromanagement, the struggle to trust others, and methods for successful delegation in high-precision environments.* 11:29 - One piece of leadership advice:Why great leaders ask more (and better) questions instead of always trying to provide answers.* 13:24 - Audience Q&A – Changing minds and influencing up:Gwen shares tips for helping leaders change direction, including the power of genuine questions and one-on-one influence.* 17:05 - Gwen's journey from scientist to leadership expert:Personal story about her path, why group dynamics and leadership in science are so important, and practical solutions for the technical world.* 20:20 - About the book “Leadership for Scientists and Engineers”:What readers will find inside and why it's designed as a practical guide for technical leaders.* 21:34 - What makes a good leader or role model?:Key traits and behaviors ranging from strategic alignment to offering feedback and motivating teams.* 26:48 - The killer question: What separates great leaders from those who plateau?:Gwen's reflections on lifelong learning, intentional skill development, and the humility to accept feedback.* 29:28 - Closing remarks and staying in touch:How to subscribe for future episodes, more about Gwen, and reaching out with questions.Resources and Links*

How did a young partner go from “no plan, no book” to doubling his business year over year—without ever feeling like a salesperson? In this episode, you'll hear how deliberate preparation, mentors, and genuine relationships can transform a legal career into a true rainmaking engine.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Alex Karasik discuss: Family values and early influences on career and character The power of preparation and the Muhammad Ali mindset Learning business development from elite mentors Relationship-based rainmaking and “sales-free” selling Starting early: advice for law students and young lawyers on BD   Key Takeaways: Success in law—whether in the courtroom or in business development—is largely determined by the preparation you do when no one is watching. Treating business development as relationship-building and problem-solving, rather than “selling,” removes the anxiety many lawyers feel around sales. A strong network, built on kindness, favors, and “mitzvahs” with no expectation of return, often becomes the foundation of a durable book of business. Carving out protected time for business development—evenings, early mornings, or weekends—is essential if you want to stop “running someone else's race.” The biggest regret for many successful lawyers is not starting earlier: law school and even college are not too soon to begin building a network and presence.   "If you don't make time for business development, it's not going to happen. It's not something that just happens by chance or by luck." —  Alex Karasik   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Alex Karasik: Alex W. Karasik is a core member of Duane Morris' Class Action Defense Team and multiple artificial intelligence committees, specializing in high-stakes employment law and privacy matters. He represents a diverse clientele—ranging from Fortune 500 multinational organizations to local Chicagoland businesses—across major industries including hospitality, technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. Recognized as an industry thought leader, Mr. Karasik's legal analysis has been featured in Forbes and Law360, and he has been honored as a Super Lawyers “Rising Star” (2024–2026) and in Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch.” Prior to his seven years as an associate at an international law firm, he earned his J.D. from Notre Dame, where he served as President of the Sports, Communication & Entertainment Law Forum. He also holds a Master of Communication Management and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Southern California, where he spent over five years working with the USC Trojans football team under Coach Pete Carroll.   Connect with Alex Karasik:   Website: https://www.duanemorris.com/attorneys/alexkarasik.html   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Don't find out you hate working in law until after you've gone to law school. Try it out first. Read more on our website. Email daily@lsatdemon.com with questions or comments. Watch this episode on YouTube!More LSAT Demon Resources.

High-performing lawyers are drowning in billable hours, perfectionism, and constant interruptions—but it doesn't have to be that way. In this episode, you'll learn practical strategies to delegate better, protect your time, and manage stress so you can build a sustainable practice without burning out.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Ellen Cohen discuss: Transition from in-house entertainment lawyer to leadership coach Biggest stressors and billable-hour pressure in modern law practice Delegation myths and the real cost of “it's easier if I do it myself” Time management, prioritization, and managing interruptions Perfectionism, neuroscience of stress, and practical self-care habits   Key Takeaways: Treating every task as equally urgent and important is a fast track to burnout; you must distinguish between high-value, urgent work and tasks that can be delegated or delayed. The mindset of “it's easier if I do it myself” hides a massive hidden cost in lost billable hours, lost growth, and lost personal time. Truly effective delegation requires training others, tolerating imperfection in the short term, and focusing your time on work that matches your highest value and rate. Perfectionism may look professional on the surface, but it often comes from self-limiting beliefs and dramatically slows productivity while increasing stress and risk of burnout. Chronic stress pushes you into fight-or-flight, which makes clear thinking neurologically harder and raises the risk of malpractice—regular breaks, movement, and joy-producing activities are therefore performance tools, not luxuries.   "When you're stressed out, when you're in fight or flight, when you're in your sympathetic nervous system, you actually cannot neurologically think clearly, and it elevates your risk of malpractice, making mistakes, errors, reactivity, emotional responses that are not in line. You cannot work as efficiently." —  Ellen Cohen   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Ellen Cohen: Ellen B. Cohen is a seasoned executive coach, organizational consultant, and former attorney who brings over 25 years of senior executive experience at major media and tech companies like Disney, Sony, Fox, Microsoft, and Viacom to her leadership development practice. Leveraging over 2,500 hours of coaching experience, she partners with C-suite executives and high-achieving professionals to help them expand their influence, manage stress through neuroscience, and transition from reactive execution to strategic leadership. Ellen holds a J.D. from Emory University School of Law, a Master's in Organization Development and Leadership from Fielding Graduate University, is admitted to the state bars of CA, NY, FL, and GA, and holds multiple elite coaching credentials (PCC, CPCC, CPQC). As a Core Guide for the executive women's network Chief, she combines her deep corporate background with mental fitness practices to help leaders break through mental glass ceilings and build sustainable, high-impact careers.   Connect with Ellen Cohen:   Website: https://ebccoaching.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebccoaching/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Lawyers are taught to practice law, not build a book of business—yet their careers depend on it. In this episode, discover how to reframe “sales” into problem-solving, develop sustainable BD habits, and turn everyday relationships into real opportunities.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Lauren Paxton discuss: Mindset shifts for lawyer business development Reframing sales as solving client problems Getting out of the “friend zone” with potential clients Targeting ideal clients, industries, and strategic partners Building consistent BD habits and leveraging existing relationships   Key Takeaways: Business development becomes far more sustainable when it's treated as a long-term journey of experimentation rather than a pass–fail test. Reframing “sales” as solving real problems makes outreach feel aligned with professional identity instead of pushy or manipulative. The most effective business development starts with clarity on where you want to end up in your career and then working backward to design the path. Narrow, specific targeting and curiosity-driven conversations make you memorable and referable in a way that “I do everything” never will. Consistency wins: small, habitual BD actions—especially with existing clients and colleagues—compound over time and smooth out the feast-or-famine roller coaster.   "Business development involves a mindset of: ‘this is a journey, and there's no failure, there's just figuring out all the different ways it doesn't work until you fall into the one that does'." —  Lauren Paxton   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Lauren Paxton: Lauren Paxton is an executive coach and consultant, working primarily with lawyers and law firms. Lauren's work integrates mindset and neuroscience-based tools, working with her clients' natural strengths to build the businesses and careers they envision.   Lauren's coaching and consulting approach is informed by her experience as a former Chambers & Partners-ranked law firm partner, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Bar Association leader, and media contributor cited in Forbes, Newsweek, and CFO Magazine.  Throughout her career, Lauren has been a trusted thought-partner to lawyers and executives, and she understands firsthand the ever-changing landscape her clients are navigating.    Connect with Lauren Paxton:   Website: https://www.laurenpaxton.com/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Celebrate a monumental milestone with Team Derringer! For our 100th episode, Laura, Paul, Alton, and Rob welcome listener-turned-touring-musician Mark Winters. Dialing in from Reno, Nevada, the former aerospace engineer shares his life-changing transition into music before counting down his Top 5 favorite songs by Tom Petty. Expect rock trivia, legal chart battles, and plenty of laughs! View additional information for this episode at www.derringerdiscoveries.com/100. In This Episode: Milestone 100: Looking back at six years of music adventures streaming to over 30 countries. Rocket Science to Rock & Roll: How a 2011 anniversary surprise guitar performance completely changed Mark's career path. The Casual Pint Takeover: Mark's upcoming September 18 tour stop in Falls Church, Virginia—right in Rob's backyard. AI and Aerospace Accents: Writing songs about Artificial Intelligence and using engineering terminology to describe human attraction. Honorary Derringer Induction: Team Derringer officially crowns Mark as an honorary member of the crew! Meet the Special Guest Mark Winters: Mark Winters is a Sugar Land, Texas-based singer-songwriter, guitarist, and recording artist who has spent the last decade captivating crowds with his self-defined brand of "quirky positivity." Drawing stylistic inspiration from Tom Petty, Jason Mraz, and John Mayer, Mark connects deeply with audiences by splitting his live sets between recognizable classic covers and half heartfelt original tunes. CONNECT WITH MARK: Website Instagram Facebook Twitter Spotify Apple Music Amazon Music YouTube WHERE TO LISTEN & CONNECT WITH DERRINGER DISCOVERIES More info & show notes: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/100 Spotify Playlist: Tom Petty Inspired Website: www.derringerdiscoveries.com Theme Song: Your Sister's Room by Ho Jo Fro. Episodes: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/episodes. Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, Threads, X, and BlueSky. Newsletter: Stay up to date by signing up for our newsletter.  Thanks for listening to Derringer Discoveries! 

Celebrate a monumental milestone with Team Derringer! For our 100th episode, Laura, Paul, Alton, and Rob welcome listener-turned-touring-musician Mark Winters. Dialing in from Reno, Nevada, the former aerospace engineer shares his life-changing transition into music before counting down his Top 5 favorite songs by Tom Petty. Expect rock trivia, legal chart battles, and plenty of laughs! View additional information for this episode at www.derringerdiscoveries.com/100. In This Episode: Milestone 100: Looking back at six years of music adventures streaming to over 30 countries. Rocket Science to Rock & Roll: How a 2011 anniversary surprise guitar performance completely changed Mark's career path. The Casual Pint Takeover: Mark's upcoming September 18 tour stop in Falls Church, Virginia—right in Rob's backyard. AI and Aerospace Accents: Writing songs about Artificial Intelligence and using engineering terminology to describe human attraction. Honorary Derringer Induction: Team Derringer officially crowns Mark as an honorary member of the crew! Meet the Special Guest Mark Winters: Mark Winters is a Sugar Land, Texas-based singer-songwriter, guitarist, and recording artist who has spent the last decade captivating crowds with his self-defined brand of "quirky positivity." Drawing stylistic inspiration from Tom Petty, Jason Mraz, and John Mayer, Mark connects deeply with audiences by splitting his live sets between recognizable classic covers and half heartfelt original tunes. CONNECT WITH MARK: Website Instagram Facebook Twitter Spotify Apple Music Amazon Music YouTube WHERE TO LISTEN & CONNECT WITH DERRINGER DISCOVERIES More info & show notes: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/100 Spotify Playlist: Tom Petty Inspired Website: www.derringerdiscoveries.com Theme Song: Your Sister's Room by Ho Jo Fro. Episodes: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/episodes. Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, Threads, X, and BlueSky. Newsletter: Stay up to date by signing up for our newsletter.  Thanks for listening to Derringer Discoveries! 

When is legal recruiting “simple but hard”? In this episode, a former BigLaw attorney turned recruiter pulls back the curtain on how associates can become highly marketable and how firms quietly lose top candidates—plus what both sides must do differently in today's ultra-competitive legal market.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Chris White discuss: Transition from law practice to legal recruiting Why credentials and experience shape lateral options Common mistakes associates make in their careers and job searches How firms lose strong candidates and what great hiring processes look like Market trends, compensation pressure, and lifestyle trade-offs in law   Key Takeaways: Legal recruiting looks straightforward on paper, but in practice, it's a complex, often difficult matchmaking process between firms and candidates. Credentials, law school performance, and the caliber of prior firms heavily influence how many and what kinds of lateral opportunities an attorney will realistically have. Associates quietly hurt their own marketability when they neglect their LinkedIn, allow their materials to go stale, and fail to build a network while billing heavy hours. Law firms routinely lose top candidates by moving too slowly, failing to tell a compelling story about what makes them unique, and not putting prospects in front of the right partners. Smaller and mid-sized firms can't always compete on salary, but they can win by offering better lifestyle, lower billable requirements, and real upside for business generators.   "The more information a candidate has, the more likely they are to accept." —  Chris White   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Chris White: As a former practicing attorney, Chris White leverages his firsthand experience and business acumen to effectively recruit, place, and advise attorneys nationwide from his base in Chicago. After earning his BBA from the University of Michigan's Steven M. Ross School of Business in 2004 and graduating from the University of Michigan Law School in 2007, he began his legal career handling corporate and securities matters at the international firm Drinker Biddle & Reath, later practicing at the mid-sized Chicago firm Pedersen & Houpt. Today, Chris has successfully placed attorneys across a vast array of practice areas—including litigation, corporate/M&A, real estate, and tax—at numerous law firms and companies. Also, the founder of a small beer tasting company, Chris combines his dual background in law and business with a genuine enthusiasm for teaching and helping others to uniquely guide candidates through their legal careers.    Connect with Chris White:   Website: https://www.navigatelegalsearch.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbrucewhite/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

What if your legal career didn't have to feel like a grind, you just survive? In this episode, you'll learn how to pause time, beat burnout, and intentionally design a solo practice and life that actually fit you.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Wendy Meadows discuss: “Forever is composed of nows,” and pausing time Journaling, gratitude, and intentionally replaying “yesterday” Leaving litigation for mediation and coaching lawyers Burnout vs. a career that no longer fits Young lawyers, work-life integration, and treating yourself as the CEO   Key Takeaways: Being fully present in the “now” moments of your day is how you ultimately shape the career and life you'll look back on. Simple reflection practices like journaling about “what was great about yesterday” can anchor gratitude and reduce the feeling of life rushing by. Leaving litigation or a firm isn't always about hating the work; sometimes it's about aligning with a role and business model that feels ethical, sustainable, and enjoyable. Burnout will recur over a career, but recognizing your personal warning signs and having tools—like movement, boundaries, and intentional scheduling—can shorten its duration and impact. Treating yourself as the CEO of your practice (and life) means owning the decisions, direction, and standards, rather than passively letting circumstances or other people steer you.   "The biggest mistake in my business is when I forget that I'm the CEO." —  Wendy Meadows   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Wendy Meadows: Wendy S. Meadows is a Maryland-based family law attorney, certified life coach, and mediator who runs the Law Office of Wendy S. Meadows, LLC in Phoenix, Maryland. After graduating cum laude from Franklin & Marshall College in 2002 and the American University Washington College of Law in 2005, she spent years as a traditional family law litigator before intentionally shifting her focus entirely to out-of-court alternative dispute resolutions. Today, her legal practice specializes exclusively in mediation, collaborative law, prenuptial agreements, and parent coordination to help families resolve high-conflict custody and divorce issues with minimal friction. Alongside her law practice, she runs a professional coaching and consulting business called Lawfully Lean—informed by her own experience with professional burnout—where she acts as a strategic coach, author, and speaker helping high-achieving women, lawyers, and firm owners optimize their habits and build sustainable careers.   Connect with Wendy Meadows:   Website: https://www.wendymeadowslaw.com/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

What if your brain isn't broken... it's undernourished, overstimulated, and chronically out of rhythm? In this episode of the Body Wisdom Podcast, Jamie Belz, FNTP, MHC sits down with internationally recognized psychotherapist, nutritionist, researcher, and award-winning author Dr. Leslie Korn to unpack one of the biggest health conversations of our generation: the connection between food, trauma, gut health, modern life, and ADHD. From social media overload and energy drinks to ultra-processed food, chronic stress, poor sleep, and unresolved trauma, we're asking our brains to perform under impossible conditions. Could the "ADHD epidemic" actually be a symptom of a much bigger problem? Together, Jamie and Dr. Korn explore: • Why ADHD isn't always a life sentence and why your brain may simply be asking for different fuel • The surprising connection between gut health and mental health • How unresolved trauma changes your nervous system and your ability to focus • Why anxiety, depression, binge eating, and ADHD often share the same root causes • The nutrients your brain desperately needs (and most people aren't getting) • How social media, constant stimulation, and modern life are rewiring our attention spans • Why sleep, circadian rhythms, and nature may be some of the most powerful mental health tools we have • The truth about stimulant medications, caffeine, and energy drinks • Practical, science-backed steps you can start today to improve focus naturally If you've ever wondered: Why can't I focus? Why am I always overwhelmed? Why do I crave sugar at night? Am I actually healing, or just surviving? ...this episode is for you. Your body isn't working against you. It's communicating with you. It's time to start listening.   Dr. Leslie Korn has spent more than four decades studying and practicing integrative mental health. She has completed over 80,000 clinical hours, trained more than 35,000 healthcare professionals, authored numerous books, and pioneered an approach that blends psychology, nutrition, functional medicine, herbal medicine, bodywork, and indigenous healing traditions to help people heal from the inside out. Click Here for BOOKS by Dr. Leslie Korn Nutrition Essentials for Mental Health  Brainbow Blueprint Rhythms of Recovery Natural Woman Eat Right, Feel Right The Good Food Kitchen Treating Diabetes Naturally Preventing and Treating Diabetes Type 2 Naturally   Dr. Leslie Korn's Matcha Mocha Smoothie A gentle, brain-supportive alternative to energy drinks designed to naturally support dopamine, focus, and sustained energy. Ingredients Brewed coffee Matcha green tea Unsweetened cocoa powder (dark chocolate) Quality protein (optional addition) Healthy fat such as coconut milk or coconut cream Ice Blend until smooth and enjoy as part of a nutrient-dense breakfast or midday energy boost. (For the complete recipe and variations, see Dr. Leslie Korn's books and educational resources.)   If this episode encouraged you, challenged your thinking, or gave you hope, please share it with someone you love. And if you're enjoying the Body Wisdom Podcast, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and join us each week as we explore the science - and wisdom- behind living a healthier, more resilient life. Connect with Jamie on Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jamiebelzfntp/⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/stories/thebodywisdompodcast/   Check out the Nutritional Therapy Association: ⁠https://www.nutritionaltherapy.com/⁠ Join a webinar to see if the Nutritional Therapy Practitioner Program is right for you!: https://www.nutritionaltherapy.com/webinars Follow the NTA on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ntatraining/⁠  

What happens when a big law partner walks away from a “wonderful job” to build an AI-powered solo practice? In this episode, you'll hear how one construction lawyer is using AI to slash hours of work to minutes—and why lawyers who stay on the sidelines risk being left behind.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Jeremy Baker discuss: Leaving big law to launch a solo practice How AI is practically used in day-to-day legal work Efficiency, billing models, and the future of big law Ethical and strategic considerations around AI adoption Encouragement for lawyers to experiment and get AI-literate   Key Takeaways: You don't need to be a coder to benefit from AI; the willingness to experiment and basic skills like copy-paste are enough to start transforming your workflow. Tasks that once required staff support, days of delay, and high cost can now be compressed into minutes with the right AI tools. Traditional big law business models built on leverage and large billable-hour teams are likely to face serious disruption as AI boosts individual productivity. Market forces will push firms toward more efficient, smaller teams and alternative fee structures, rewarding those who embrace technology early. Waiting for institutional permission or a “starting gun” is risky; individual lawyers must proactively get literate in AI to secure their future in the profession.   "The only skill that I really needed was the desire to get started, and then the ability to cut and paste, because there's no coding required to play with [AI]." —  Jeremy Baker   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Jeremy Baker: Jeremy S. Baker is a Chicago-based attorney and the founder of Baker Law Group LLC, specializing in construction law, litigation, and alternative dispute resolution. Admitted to practice in 2002, he has extensive experience representing architects, developers, engineers, and property owners in complex contract negotiations and construction disputes. A former partner at ArentFox Schiff LLP (formerly Schiff Hardin LLP), Baker has served as an adjunct professor of construction law and is a frequent speaker and writer for industry organizations, including the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC). He has been consistently recognized by Thomson Reuters as an Illinois Super Lawyer, a distinction he has held consecutively since 2019.   Connect with Jeremy Baker:   Website: https://designbuildlaw.com/, https://operationpalmtree.com/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremysbaker/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Tired of paying for “more clicks” and getting zero real cases? In this episode, you'll hear how strategic market research, real social proof, and case-study-driven content can turn a law firm website into a revenue engine instead of a digital brochure.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Cooper Saunders discuss: The real goal of digital marketing for law firms (revenue, not clicks) Market research and choosing markets you can dominate Building targeted content around real client cases and questions Personalization, video, and human connection on law firm websites Social proof, reviews, and the “Dream 100” referral strategy   Key Takeaways: Marketing success for law firms starts with showing up where people are already searching for the exact services you provide, instead of broadcasting to everyone and hoping for the best.  Smart lawyers look for markets they can dominate, choosing niches and geographies with solid demand but manageable competition rather than jumping into oversaturated metro battles by default. Case-based content that walks through “this client, this problem, this solution, this outcome” is far more powerful than generic articles that could apply to anyone and no one at the same time. Prospects convert at a higher rate when they can see and hear the attorney: simple, honest video on an About page often beats polished but faceless branding. Social proof, including reviews, testimonials, and concrete case studies, is no longer optional; it's the proof skeptical clients need before deciding you're the right firm to trust.   "I think the market research goes into identifying a pond you can dominate, rather than being a minnow in an ocean or fighting an 800-pound gorilla." —  Cooper Saunders   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Cooper Saunders: Cooper Saunders is the owner and founder of WiseGuys Digital Marketing, a Kansas City, Missouri-based agency specializing in SEO and Google Ads. Recognized as a business growth expert, he has authored three national bestselling books—including Quit Competing Start Dominating and Marketing Secrets of the Ultra Wealthy—and hosts The Growth Secrets Podcast. Under his leadership, WiseGuys Digital Marketing operates without year-long contracts and was named a Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Small Business Superstar for three consecutive years from 2021 through 2023.   Connect with Cooper Saunders:   Website: https://wiseguysdm.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coopersaunders/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

A potential client rarely picks up the phone to call a law firm on their best day—and how that first moment is handled can make or break the relationship. In this episode, you'll learn how to turn branding, digital footprint, and intake into a consistent, human experience that wins trust and converts more of the right clients.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Fiona Stevenson discuss: Unreasonable hospitality and the “2%” difference Brand vs. marketing for law firms Defining mission, values, and ideal clients Consistent intake and first-impression systems Human connection vs. AI in client intake   Key Takeaways: A law firm's brand is defined less by its logo and more by what people say when the lawyers aren't in the room. Clarity on mission, values, and the types of clients you do and do not want to serve should act as a north star for all marketing and client interactions. Consistency across every touchpoint (including your website, email, phone, live chat, and in-person conversations) is essential for building trust and a recognizable brand. The first phone call often happens on one of the worst days in a client's life, so warmth, empathy, and active listening are non‑negotiable in intake. While AI can enhance efficiency behind the scenes, real humans at the end of the phone line remain critical to delivering the kind of experience that truly reflects a firm's reputation.   "Brand is what people are saying about you when you're not in the room. You might not have even spoken to that person, and they've already got a perception about what your brand is." —  Fiona Stevenson   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Fiona Stevenson: Fiona Stevenson is Associate Director of Marketing at LEX Reception. She brings 20 years of B2B marketing experience across SaaS, professional services, retail, and the public sector. Her particular interest is customer insights - she believes good marketing starts with an honest understanding of what buyers actually need. She writes about legal operations, client experience, and practical growth for law firms.   Connect with Fiona Stevenson:   Website: https://www.lexreception.com/blog/author/fiona/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionahstevenson/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Stuck on the “wrong mountain” in your legal career but unsure what to do next? In this episode, career coach and former lawyer Sherry Mason breaks down how ambitious attorneys can separate prestige from true fulfillment, avoid burnout, and plan a smart, strategic exit instead of a panic-fueled leap. In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Sherry Mason discuss: Ambition vs. prestige in legal careers Skills, situation, and identity as sources of dissatisfaction Burnout, autonomy, and control for lawyers How spending 20% of your time on aligned work drastically reduces burnout A five-step framework for planning a career transition   Key Takeaways: Many high-achieving lawyers climb career “mountains” chosen for them by others, only to realize later that prestige alone doesn't guarantee a fulfilling life. Career dissatisfaction typically stems from one of three areas (skills, situation, or identity) and it's critical to understand which one is actually driving your unhappiness before you make a big move. Burnout often reflects a loss of autonomy and misalignment between daily work and personal values, not just long hours or compensation.  Research suggests that if just 20% of your time is spent on the work that most lights you up, your risk of burnout can drop dramatically, even if the other 80% is less enjoyable. A thoughtful, stepwise approach of clarifying your criteria, forming hypotheses, testing them through conversations, reaching the right decision-makers, and weighing trade-offs can turn a vague urge to quit into a strategic, lower-risk transition.   "You can do anything, but you can't do everything, and a lot of times we work on climbing to the top of a mountain, and sometimes it is a mountain that someone else has told us would be the right mountain for us to climb. " — Sherry Mason Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again. Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers. Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/ Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/ Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/ About Sherry Mason: Sherry Mason is the founder and principal coach at Daymark Career Coaching, where she has been advising and guiding professionals through career transitions since 2005. Grounded in an 18-year background in higher education, her experience includes serving as the former Dean of Students at the University of Maine School of Law, as well as a decade working as a Career Coach and Pre-Law Advisor at Bowdoin College and Tufts University. She holds a B.A. in Geology and Geophysics from Yale University and a J.D., summa cum laude, from the University of Maine School of Law, where she graduated first in her class. Sherry brings a deeply multi-disciplinary approach to her practice, holding credentials as an Accredited Financial Counselor alongside specialized training in navigating transitions, public speaking, racial equity, and intergroup dialogue facilitation. Connect with Sherry Mason:   Website: https://daymarkcareers.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherryfm/ Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

In this episode, you'll hear how an immigrant entrepreneur leveraged authenticity, storytelling, and smart content strategy to turn a resume platform into a powerful engine for referrals, hiring, and personal brand.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Jimmy Lai discuss: Using LinkedIn as an “Instagram” for lawyers and professionals Immigration journey, E-2 visa risk, and launching a law firm from scratch Clarifying goals on LinkedIn: clients, brand, or relationships Authenticity, lived experience, and personal storytelling in content Hooks, comments, and practical tactics to grow reach and engagement   Key Takeaways: Treating LinkedIn as a place to learn, be entertained, and build real relationships can transform it from a static resume into a dynamic growth channel. Before posting, get crystal clear on whether your primary goal is client acquisition, personal branding, or relationship-building, and let that drive your strategy. Consistent content built around a few focused pillars and rooted in lived experience tends to outperform generic, “professional-only” posts. Engagement doesn't start with posting; thoughtful, value-adding comments can be the safest and most effective way to warm up and build relationships. Sustainable business growth often requires letting go of the need to do everything yourself and delegating to capable people who can reliably handle 80% of the work.   "My big mistake as an entrepreneur was thinking that I'm the best at everything, and I need to do everything myself… we didn't hit exponential growth until I was ready to let go." —  Jimmy Lai   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Jimmy Lai: Drawing from a diverse, multicultural background and a multilingual K-12 education spanning Taiwan, the United States, Japan, Germany, and England, Jimmy has always possessed a global perspective. This unique background, combined with his experience as an international student, fueled his passion for immigration law and his desire to help others achieve the American Dream. After earning his undergraduate marketing degree from the University of Central Oklahoma—where he was honored as the sole recipient of the prestigious Top Central Man award—he went on to complete his JD/MBA at the University of Oklahoma in 2021. Rather than taking the conventional route of joining an established firm as a junior associate, Jimmy co-founded Lai & Turner Law Firm PLLC in 2022 alongside his close friend Braden Turner to "do law differently." As the firm's managing attorney, Jimmy has guided Lai & Turner through rapid growth, expanding its services from immigration to include estate planning, criminal defense, real estate, and personal injury, all while ensuring every client receives premier representation rooted in the firm's core values.   Connect with Jimmy Lai:   Website: https://www.laiturnerlaw.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmylai-jdmba   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Law firms are spending heavily to recruit great lawyers, then losing them because of broken culture, unclear paths, and weak leadership. In this episode, discover how intentional hiring, smart onboarding, and authentic leadership can transform retention and performance at every level of your firm.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Karlton Butts discuss: Phil Jackson's team quote and Bulls-era leadership Law firm culture, mission, and values Attorney development plans and onboarding strategy Cross-practice communication and breaking down silos Transparency, compensation, and listening to associates on retention   Key Takeaways: Retention begins long before someone thinks about leaving; it starts with how firms recruit, interview, and assess for alignment on values like work ethic and culture. Effective onboarding includes personalized development plans, clear growth paths, and early conversations about strengths, aspirations, and what success looks like at the firm. When leaders invest time in one-on-one conversations and cross-practice connections, lawyers feel a stronger sense of belonging to the entire firm rather than a single siloed group. Even in firms with closed compensation systems, consistent transparency about expectations, investment in growth, and visible support can significantly increase loyalty and engagement. The most impactful retention work often comes from examining the data on why people leave, listening to those who stay, and quickly fixing the core issues that cause avoidable departures.   "If they maximize their potential, it strengthens the team, but also the strength of the team is each individual." — Karlton Butts   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Karlton Butts: Karlton Butts is a Certified Executive Coach, keynote speaker, and the #1 Amazon bestselling author of The Soundtrack of Leadership, who leverages over 25 years of diverse industry experience to help organizations eliminate operational friction and build high-performing cultures. His unique professional perspective spans engineering roles at NASA and McDonnell Douglas, Fortune 500 consulting with Booz Allen Hamilton, practicing intellectual property law at Loeb & Loeb, and serving as a tech startup CEO and entertainment executive. Today, through his signature Leadership Soundcheck™ framework, Karlton masterfully blends powerful music metaphors with practical business strategies to help leadership teams realign their vision, strengthen team harmony, and stay perfectly in rhythm with their mission.   Connect with Karlton Butts:   Website: https://karltonspeaks.com/ , https://karltonbutts.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karltonbutts/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Learn how to turn complex legal services into clear, compelling marketing that actually converts. In this episode, you'll hear practical strategies for repurposing content, strengthening your online presence, and building referral relationships that consistently feed your law practice.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Sylvia Garibaldi discuss: Niche marketing for divorce and legal professionals Positioning, messaging, and understanding your ideal client Repurposing podcasts, webinars, and video for multi-channel marketing Why referrals aren't converting like they used to Building referral partnerships through webinars and LinkedIn   Key Takeaways: Growth comes from consistent, repeated action paired with learning and improvement, not just doing more of the same. Clear positioning and messaging are critical so referral partners and prospects instantly understand who you serve, what you do, and the results you deliver. Repurposing a single piece of content like a webinar or podcast into social posts, articles, and lead magnets is “marketing 101” and dramatically reduces the content burden. Referral conversion now depends heavily on your curated online presence, including your website, social media, podcast appearances, and especially a strong LinkedIn profile with social proof. Effective referral relationships require intention, follow-up, and the right partners; they're built over time through trust, value, and consistent communication, not one-off meetings.   "In business and life, we tend to want to have the outcome first, but in reality, it does take time, it takes doing those reps and consistency, and so for me, doing that repeatedly has helped me build that habit." —  Sylvia Garibaldi   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Sylvia Garibaldi: Sylvia Garibaldi, CEO and Founder of SG and Associates, is a business strategist and speaker who helps service-based entrepreneurs around the world to grow their business to 6 figures and beyond, in a way that is aligned and authentic to them. She is the creator of the Serve First, Sell-to-Many Program that has helped many of her clients achieve outstanding results. Over the course of 14 years, Sylvia has helped hundreds of financial, legal, mediation, and divorce professionals to grow their business and become leading experts in their field through results-driven marketing. Sylvia is a featured expert and speaker in leading publications and professional associations across the globe.   Connect with Sylvia Garibaldi:   Website: https://im-campus.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylviagaribaldi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sylvia.sgandassociates/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

What would you be willing to risk for “full aliveness”? In this episode, leadership coach Clay Stelzer unpacks radical responsibility, unconscious fear patterns, and how courageous self-awareness can transform the way you lead, work, and live.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Clay Stelzer discuss: The meaning of “full aliveness” and positive selfishness Radical responsibility vs. victim, blame, and hero patterns Unconscious fears around security, approval, and control Feedback, delegation, and leadership blind spots Handling triggers, anger, and emotional energy as a leader   Key Takeaways: You can't create a fulfilling life or career without first getting radically honest about what you truly want and what you're currently sacrificing to please others. Most of the outcomes people dislike in their lives are driven by reactive, fear-based decisions made without intention. Leaders are constantly influenced by three unconscious fears: threats to security, approval, and control, and these fears quietly shape decisions around feedback, delegation, and team dynamics. Taking radical responsibility means noticing your patterns, acknowledging your part in any situation, and choosing to learn rather than blame, shame, or play the hero. Emotional triggers and anger shouldn't be buried; when you move that energy in healthy ways, you regain access to clarity, curiosity, and better leadership choices.   "If you could be absolutely selfish and hurt no one's feelings, what would you want? Just understanding that is so important, because then you can get clear about what am I sacrificing or what am I compromising." —  Clay Stelzer   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Clay Stelzer: Clay Stelzer is an executive coach, public speaker, and founder of 15sixty, where he helps high-performing leaders, founders, and senior teams get unstuck, reclaim professional alignment, and take radical responsibility for their lives and businesses. Grounded in the principles of Conscious Leadership, Clay draws on a rich professional background that includes building a global team coaching practice at Salesforce, where he supported over 150 international teams and leaders. He pairs his extensive coaching credentials—including an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) designation, ORSC certification, and a Conscious Leadership Group certification—with a BA in Psychology from the University of Illinois and an MBA from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business. Known for his deep presence, fierce honesty, and rare ability to challenge leaders without judgment, Clay creates the vital conditions for trust, clarity, and bold collective leadership from his home in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, where he lives with his family and their black lab.   Connect with Clay Stelzer:   Website: https://15sixty.com/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Trapped in a “successful” legal career that still feels miserable? In this episode, Scott Mason reveals how toxic myths, rigid roles, and fear-based stories quietly sabotage lawyers' happiness, business development, and long-term success, and how to rewrite your narrative into a heroic one.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Scott Mason discuss: Storytelling, symbolism, and the narratives lawyers live by The five “toxic myths” and how they trap attorneys Identity vs. role and redefining who you really are Mindset, risk-taking, and breaking through fear in business development Revenue diversification, near-death wake-up calls, and life lessons   Key Takeaways: The stories you tell yourself about business development, success, and your career become the symbolic scripts that ultimately define your identity and legacy. External validation and social expectations can trap lawyers in careers and lifestyles that look impressive on the outside but feel empty or misaligned on the inside. Confusing your professional role with your core identity creates fragility; separating the two opens space for growth, reinvention, and more authentic choices. Mindset work is not “optional” if you want sustainable business development. Unexamined myths around risk, failure, and sales can quietly sabotage your efforts. Overreliance on a single revenue stream or professional lane is dangerous; diversifying how you create value and income is both a business and a life-preservation strategy.   "You're living out the ritual myth when you engage in behaviors or ways of being over and over and over again, even though they no longer serve you." —  Scott Mason   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Scott Mason: Scott Mason is an executive leadership coach, keynote speaker, and founder of My Freedom Rocks, where he specializes in helping attorneys and corporate leaders transform their careers by dislodging "toxic myths" and unlocking professional freedom. A graduate of Columbia Law School, he spent over 25 years working as an attorney and C-suite executive in the government and non-profit sectors, including serving as second-in-command of New York City's central administrative law court, before successfully scaling and running a multi-city manufacturing company. Today, he channels his deep corporate, legal, and entrepreneurial experience into a signature, mythology-inspired coaching framework designed to catalyze personal charisma, build resilience, and ignite authentic leadership.   Connect with Scott Mason: Website: https://www.myfreedomrocks.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Myth_Slayer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themythslayer/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

The real challenges begin when your solo practice finally starts to take off. In this episode, you'll learn how to manage growth, hire wisely, protect your time, and build a profitable, sustainable firm instead of drowning in low‑value work. In this episode, Steve Fretzin, Jordan Ostroff, and Jeremy Baker discuss: Constraints and growing pains of a solo law firm Time management, delegation, and letting go Revenue vs. systems and when to build processes Finding clients through networks, content, and clear positioning Hiring strategy, vetting candidates, and building for profit   Key Takeaways: Growth brings new constraints, and the job of a solo is to constantly identify which constraint matters most right now and address it without creating a bigger problem elsewhere. Tracking time and ruthlessly eliminating low‑value tasks is essential; answering phones and doing your own books will keep you stuck in first gear. Revenue should come before heavy process-building, but documenting how you do things early makes onboarding future hires dramatically easier. Defining an ideal client and then going where those people already gather turns scattered marketing into focused, repeatable business development. Profitability and the kind of life you want should drive decisions about firm size, hiring, and practice areas—not what other lawyers around you are doing.   "The beauty of life is you get to make your own scorecard for 99% of things, so make sure you have the right scorecard." —  Jordan Ostroff   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Jordan Ostroff: Jordan Ostroff is the CEO of Driven Law and Carpe Diem Consulting. A former prosecutor and the first lawyer in his family, Jordan overcame $200,000 in early business debt to build a thriving, low-volume personal injury practice. Now the best-selling author of Love Your Law Firm, he works 20–25 hours a week, allowing him time for family and coaching other attorneys to achieve a similar high quality of life.   About Jeremy Baker: Jeremy Baker is a veteran construction attorney and litigator representing owners, developers, and design professionals. In his sixth year of solo practice, he specializes in cost-efficient solutions for issues like contract negotiation and sustainable design. While an experienced litigator in 30+ venues and dozens of arbitrations, Jeremy prioritizes dispute avoidance and alternative dispute resolution. An early proponent of the Guided Choice Dispute Resolution System, he provides strategic advocacy to resolve high-stakes claims without the need for traditional litigation.   Connect with Jordan Ostroff:  Website: https://www.legaleasemarketing.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-ostroff/   Connect with Jeremy Baker:   Website: https://designbuildlaw.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremysbaker/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Satanic NASA conspiracy theories launch headfirst into the absolute brain-rot of the internet to expose the "Satanic origins" of rocket science. If you want to understand how devil-worshipping explosives nerd Jack Parsons became the bizarre link between Aleister Crowley, Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard, and the Apollo program... then this episode is your ultimate deep dive!So is NASA anti-Christian, or are conspiracy theorists just bad at spelling? This week, Judas and Lexi tackle the wild history behind the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the literal sex cults that fueled early American rocketry. We track Jack Parsons' "Suicide Squad" testing rockets at Devil's Gate on Halloween, uncover the truth behind L. Ron Hubbard running off with Parsons' money to buy yachts, and find out what really happens when two lonely occult nerds get together with some sacred tablets.But we don't stop at the 1940s sex magic. We go deep into modern internet lunacy, exploring why Flat Earth weirdos think the NASA logo vector is actually a serpent's tongue, the "Apollo vs. Apollyon" demon panic from the Book of Revelation, and the truth behind Project Blue Beam's fake second coming. From a 1960s tracking network acronym literally spelling out "SATAN," to the hilarious math behind why trolls claim "NASA" is just "Satan minus the T," we prove that demonizing science has always been the ultimate coping mechanism for dummies.Support the ShowWe're missing more than just the 'T' here! Want to help us afford more letters so we can continue gloating about our secret devil-worshipping space agenda? Plus, unlock our epic, exclusive mini-bio on Jack Parsons' entire unhinged life! Sign up as a Patron today to keep the rocket fuel burning.  Join the Cult on Patreon HereWhat's Next?Missed our foundational episodes on occult history? Go back and map out the rest of the madness by diving straight into our deep dive on the wickedest man in the world.  Listen to Episode 126  on Aleister Crowley:  HereSend us Fan MailSupport the showWelcome, Sinners!  We're building a cult — the good kind. No robes, just laughs. Catch every blasphemous episode: Listen Here Wear your heresy: Merch Store Support the pod & unlock Hoots songs: Patreon Your reviews, shares, and smart-ass comments keep the cult alive. 

Thinking about going solo but stuck in anxiety and overplanning? In this episode, two lawyers who successfully left prosecution and big law share the real math, mindset, and first 90‑day moves that make or break a new solo practice.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin, Jordan Ostroff, & Jeremy Baker discuss: Deciding when and why to go solo Leaving a firm the right way and preserving relationships Planning for cash flow, costs, and the first 90 days Using AI and lean tech instead of heavy overhead Common mistakes with hiring, planning, and business development   Key Takeaways: The decision to launch a solo practice often comes from a clear moment of misalignment, realizing the “next promotion” or status quo is not the life or career you actually want. A realistic financial and marketing plan, what you'll spend, how you'll earn, and where new files will come from, is more important than a perfect logo, office, or tech stack. Maintaining integrity and open communication when you leave a firm protects your reputation, preserves referrals, and can turn former colleagues into long-term allies. Early-stage solos should prioritize cash flow and relationships over tinkering with systems; networking your existing contacts usually beats waiting on websites and ads to work. AI tools can dramatically reduce startup costs and speed up execution, but they are a supplement to, not a substitute for, consistent outreach and business development.   "What I did wrong in year one was I didn't hire people, and what I did wrong in year two is I hired people the wrong way." —  Jeremy Baker   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again. Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers. Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Jordan Ostroff: Jordan Ostroff is the CEO of Driven Law and Carpe Diem Consulting. A former prosecutor and the first lawyer in his family, Jordan overcame $200,000 in early business debt to build a thriving, low-volume personal injury practice. Now the best-selling author of Love Your Law Firm, he works 20–25 hours a week, allowing him time for family and coaching other attorneys to achieve a similar high quality of life.   About Jeremy Baker: Jeremy Baker is a veteran construction attorney and litigator representing owners, developers, and design professionals. In his sixth year of solo practice, he specializes in cost-efficient solutions for issues like contract negotiation and sustainable design. While an experienced litigator in 30+ venues and dozens of arbitrations, Jeremy prioritizes dispute avoidance and alternative dispute resolution. An early proponent of the Guided Choice Dispute Resolution System, he provides strategic advocacy to resolve high-stakes claims without the need for traditional litigation.   Connect with Jordan Ostroff:  Website: https://www.legaleasemarketing.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-ostroff/   Connect with Jeremy Baker:   Website: https://designbuildlaw.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremysbaker/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

What happens when a trial lawyer stops replicating the traditional firm model and starts treating her practice like a business? In this episode, Simone Fulmer Gaus shares the five-part framework that took her from burnout and cash-flow crises to a scalable, values-driven law firm.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Simone Fulmer Gaus discuss: Facing hard truths and business challenges in law practice Leaving the traditional firm model to build a different kind of practice The five pillars: people, pipeline, process, product, profitability Delegation, time blocking, and working on the business Values-based hiring and retaining the right team   Key Takeaways: You cannot build a healthy, scalable practice if you insist on personally controlling every aspect of the firm. Treating the firm as its own “entity” that needs care and strategy, separate from the legal work, changes how you make decisions. Structuring the business into clear buckets (people, pipeline, process, product, profitability) gives clarity on what's broken and what to fix first. Setting aside dedicated time each week to work on the business, not just in it, is essential to moving out of chaos. Hiring and retaining the right people depends less on résumés and more on alignment with clearly defined core values.   "You can automate so much of what you could do, you can delegate so much of what you do, and you can definitely, whether you believe it or not, eliminate a whole lot of those hats you're wearing." —  Simone Fulmer Gaus   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again. Join the Be That Lawyer Community and connect with ambitious lawyers who are serious about growing their book of business, strengthening their brand, and becoming confident, consistent rainmakers. Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! LEX Reception: https://www.lexreception.com/partners/bethatlawyer Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Simone Fulmer Gaus: Simone Fulmer Gaus is a nationally recognized plaintiff trial lawyer and co-founder of Fulmer Sill, with nearly three decades of experience in high-stakes civil litigation. Specializing in insurance bad-faith disputes and catastrophic injury cases, Simone brings a unique "insider" perspective to her practice, having begun her career in the general counsel's office of a major insurance company. Since 1998, she has leveraged this knowledge to hold powerful insurers accountable, ensuring they honor their obligations to policyholders and injured individuals. Beyond the courtroom, Simone is a respected author and speaker, focusing on law firm leadership and operational structure. Her work is informed by both professional rigor and personal experience; after a family member sustained a traumatic brain injury, she deepened her commitment to families facing life-altering harm. Today, she balances her role as an advocate with her work as the author of The Set-Up, helping other trial firms achieve sustainable growth through disciplined preparation and strategic clarity.   Connect with Simone Fulmer Gaus: Website: https://www.fulmersill.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonefulmergaus/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Most lawyers are taught to color inside the lines until they realize that won't build the book of business they want. In this episode, you'll learn how to move from random acts of marketing to a focused, scalable rainmaking strategy using relationships, visible expertise, and a true support team.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Elise Holtzman discuss: Mindset shift from “born rainmaker” to “learned skill” Getting started: moving beyond random acts of marketing The three pillars of business development (relationships, visible expertise, thoughts/time/team) Breaking through plateaus at $500K+ and $1M+ books of business Delegation, building a team, and the role of a “lieutenant”/sponsor   Key Takeaways: Business development is a learnable skill, not an innate talent reserved for a select few; lawyers who treat it like any other competency they've mastered can grow serious books of business. Hope is not a strategy. Clarity on ideal clients, referral sources, and where they “hang out” must replace scattered networking and random acts of marketing. Visible expertise is essential: becoming “famous in your niche” through speaking, writing, and thought leadership ensures you're not the best-kept secret in your practice area. As a book of business grows, time, team, and the courage to say no become critical levers; lawyers must deliberately delegate and build a trusted support structure if they want to scale beyond early successes. Every revenue level introduces new, different challenges; plateaus are not signs of failure but signals that it's time to reassess, refine strategy, and upgrade how you use your time, team, and leadership.   "Stepping outside the comfort zone with support is the way to go." —  Elise Holtzman   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Elise Holtzman: Elise is the founder and CEO of The Lawyer's Edge, a coaching and consulting firm that helps lawyers and law firms strengthen business development, leadership, and communication skills. A former practicing attorney with experience at Am Law 100 firms, including Fried Frank and Morgan Lewis, Elise combines her legal background with executive coaching to help attorneys grow profitable practices and build healthier firm cultures. She is a frequent speaker on leadership and rainmaking, host of The Lawyer's Edge Podcast, and has been featured in publications including Law360 and The New York Law Journal. Elise earned her J.D. from Columbia Law School and her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania.   Connect with Elise Holtzman:   Website: https://thelawyersedge.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliseholtzman/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In a world where technology and AI are reshaping legal services, simply doing great work is no longer enough. In this episode, you'll learn how leveraging content, personal brand, and community can keep you relevant, visible, and in demand as the market rapidly evolves.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Rob Hanna discuss: Health, habits, and intentional self-care for high performers Legal career journey, recruiting, and launching a podcast Thought leadership, content creation, and personal brand for lawyers The rise and power of online and offline communities Technology, AI, and the shifting expectations of legal clients   Key Takeaways: Treat your health as a non-negotiable business asset; intentionally scheduling exercise, sleep, and recovery fuels better performance, energy, and longevity in your career. Content is not a vanity play. It's how you stay visible, demonstrate expertise, and become the “go-to” choice when clients are finally ready to buy. Community gives law firm owners and lawyers a safe space to be seen, heard, and supported, breaking the isolation that comes with leadership and entrepreneurship. Technology and AI are eroding the value of pure grunt work, making human judgment, brand, and community presence more crucial than ever to remain relevant. You don't need to build a massive empire to benefit from community; starting small, with a few peers, a simple WhatsApp group, or light-touch LinkedIn activity, can compound into powerful opportunities over time.   "I've never met anyone who's built a community who's regretted it.” —  Rob Hanna   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Rob Hanna: Rob Hanna is the founder and host of Legally Speaking Podcast, one of the leading platforms spotlighting legal professionals and industry innovators around the world. With a background in legal recruitment and a passion for storytelling, he has built a global community by sharing insightful conversations on careers, leadership, and the future of law. Known for his engaging style and commitment to adding value, Rob connects lawyers, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders through content that informs, inspires, and elevates the legal profession.   Connect with Rob Hanna: Website: https://legallyspeakingpodcast.com/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

What does it really take to move from overworked service partner to trusted rainmaker—without feeling salesy or inauthentic? In this episode, you'll hear a candid breakdown of career missteps, relationship-first business development, and how patience and consistency can transform a legal practice.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Jason Stiehl discuss: Transitioning from service partner to rainmaker Relationship-based business development Honesty, trust, and cross-marketing inside a firm Content creation, podcasts, and visibility for lawyers Career mistakes, firm moves, and learning from missteps   Key Takeaways: Developing a real book of business starts with owning client relationships directly, not just doing great work behind the scenes. The most effective business development feels less like selling and more like building genuine, long-term relationships based on trust. Honesty about what you and your firm can and cannot do is a powerful differentiator—and sometimes means referring work elsewhere. Consistency in follow-up, presence, and outreach matters far more than one-off networking “sprints” or scattershot emails. Before making a big firm move, dig deeply into culture, capabilities, and expectations; the wrong platform can cost time, clients, and momentum.   "You have to go to different markets. You have to go to different people. You have to realize that if the audience you're reaching is the same all the time, you're never going to grow." —  Jason Stiehl   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Jason Stiehl: Jason Stiehl is a partner in Crowell & Moring's Chicago office, where he focuses on class action defense and trade secret protection. An experienced trial lawyer with a nationwide practice, he represents clients across industries in complex litigation, including consumer class actions, advertising disputes, and intellectual property matters. Known for immersing himself in his clients' businesses, Jason develops strategic defenses to protect their most valuable assets, from brand reputation to proprietary technology. His work spans high-stakes domestic and cross-border disputes, and he has been recognized for his role in securing major dismissals in consumer fraud class actions.   Connect with Jason Stiehl:    Website: https://www.crowell.com/en/professionals/jason-stiehl LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-stiehl-22a82b4/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Most lawyers treat networking like a necessary evil, but what if you approached it as a science of human relationships instead of sales? In this episode, you'll learn how to build a small, powerful circle of trusted relationships that drive referrals, opportunities, and long-term career security.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Dillon Zwick discuss: The Harvard study on adult development and why relationships drive happiness How to reframe networking from “selling” to genuine relationship building Finding common ground and “natural affinities” to build trust Prioritizing and qualifying strategic partners using likability and referability Using systems, Dunbar's numbers, and cadence to maintain a high-value network   Key Takeaways: Long-term health, happiness, and even business success are far more correlated with the quality of your relationships than with money, status, or genetics. Networking works best when it is treated as a relationship-building exercise rooted in curiosity and service, not as a pitch or sales event. Common ground, including shared background, interests, values, or experiences, is one of the fastest and most reliable ways to create authentic connection and trust. Because time is limited, you need to intentionally prioritize relationships based on both how much you genuinely like someone and how capable and inclined they are to create opportunities for others. A simple, consistent follow-up system and a realistic understanding of how many relationships you can truly maintain, based on Dunbar's research, can ensure you are never forgotten and rarely without work.   "Relationships don't happen just by happenstance. You have to invest in your relationships and the people around you to develop them." —  Dillon Zwick   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Dillon Zwick: Dillon has spent about 5 years in the field of corporate renewal with a background in heavy industrial design and manufacturing. Dillon's primary team role has been finding opportunities, solving difficult problems, and figuring out whatever needs to get done. He has helped numerous client companies successfully work through the corporate restructuring process. In that capacity, he has worked closely with CEOs, CFOs, and their respective accounting staff to support cash-constrained situations, providing transparency and strategic analytical support to the restructuring process. Dillon earned a B.S. in Biochemistry and a B.A. in History from the University of North Texas in 2011. He serves as President on the Turnaround Management Association – Central Texas chapter board, along with being a Director of the Association of Corporate Growth NextGen – Austin/San Antonio chapter board.   Connect with Dillon Zwick: Website: https://meadowlarkadvisors.com/about/bio-dillon/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dillon-zwick/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

What if burnout isn't something you fix with better habits, but something built into the way we work? In this episode, I'm bringing back one of my favorite conversations because it gets at something I think we still don't talk about enough. I talk with Rita McGrath, Poornima Luthra & Andrew Barnes about what actually makes work feel sustainable and human, why getting people back into the office doesn't fix anything, how lack of control and fairness quietly drive stress, and why so many well-intentioned solutions miss the mark. Get ready to rethink burnout and see what actually needs to change at work. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 What's the problem with scaling workplaces and losing humanity? 04:45 Ways to build a stronger team connection. 07:15 What actually defines a “good job”? 09:15 Why perks don't fix mental health at work. 13:00 What the 4-day workweek reveals about productivity. 17:45 Why time matters more than money for employees 22:30 How bias and inequity increase stress at work. 25:15 Why inclusion improves mental health and performance. 32:00 How better listening improves team culture. 37:30 How leaders can reduce uncertainty for their teams. 42:30 Why inclusive cultures create more resilient organizations. 44:15 Leadership habits that improve team wellbeing. 48:03 The leadership shift that changes how work feels. Resources + Links Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam

In a world where lawyers are drowning in billable hours and generic marketing, this episode breaks down how to build an authentic brand, escape time traps through delegation, and use content strategically instead of reactively. Discover how small shifts in mindset and marketing execution can unlock both growth and a better life outside the office.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Nick Augustine discuss: The Ferris Bueller mindset and lawyer work-life balance Authentic branding vs. “monkey see, monkey do” legal marketing Choosing the right content format based on personality and strengths Consistency, LinkedIn, and the rise (and risk) of AI-generated content Outsourcing, ego, and overcoming limiting niches in law firm growth   Key Takeaways: Many lawyers run so fast on the billable-hour treadmill that they never stop to question whether their practice is actually supporting the life they want, rather than consuming it. Copying what “successful” peers appear to be doing is a trap; real differentiation comes from leaning into what genuinely makes you unique instead of being a polished imitator. The most effective marketing channel is the one you'll willingly stick with—whether that's writing, podcasting, answering Q&A, or being the “behind-the-curtain” expert with a bit of mystique. Consistent, thoughtful content can cut through the noise on platforms like LinkedIn, especially when it's clearly human and not just generic AI output churned out to check a box. Over-niching and letting ego dictate who you serve and how can cap your growth; expanding your perspective beyond one industry, geography, or format can unlock far more opportunity.   "Outsourcing... it helps people begin to understand that they have put themselves in a limiting box where they're limited financially by time versus dollars with hourly billers." —  Nick Augustine   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Nick Augustine: Nick Augustine is the founder of Lone Star Content Marketing, where he helps law firms grow through strategic, story-driven content that attracts and converts the right clients. With a background in journalism and digital marketing, he brings a clear, conversational style to complex legal topics—making them accessible without losing their depth or authority. Nick has worked with attorneys across the U.S. to build content systems that generate consistent leads, strengthen brand positioning, and support long-term growth. He is also a frequent podcast guest and educator, sharing practical insights on content strategy, SEO, and ethical marketing for legal professionals.   Connect with Nick Augustine:   Website: https://lonestarcontentmarketing.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickaugustinetx/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Tired of the “fight to the death” model of family law? In this episode, you'll hear how a modern family law founder rebuilt the divorce practice playbook with intentional branding, low-conflict strategy, and a subscription model that puts families—and profitability—first.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and I'Asia Scarlett-Jones discuss: Origin story and career path into family law Mindset: opportunity in difficulty and intentional practice Niche branding and attracting the right family law clients Subscription model vs. hourly billing in divorce matters Delegation, systems, pricing, and common law firm mistakes   Key Takeaways: Viewing setbacks as lessons rather than losses creates resilience in both law practice and leadership. Treating a law firm like a true business—brand, systems, pricing, and niche—separates commodity lawyers from sought-after advisors. A low-conflict, highly strategic approach to family law can protect families from the financial and emotional cost of endless litigation. Subscription-based pricing, when designed thoughtfully, can improve client affordability, predictability, and trust while still being profitable. Undercharging, under-delegating, and delaying systems are expensive mistakes; investing early in support, structure, and proper pricing pays off.   "You have to charge what you're worth. Do not be afraid. Charge it. They will pay it." —  I'Asia Scarlett-Jones   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About I'Asia Scarlett-Jones: I'Asia “Asia” Scarlett-Jones is the Founder and Managing Attorney of ASJ Law Office, a New York City–based family law firm dedicated to guiding individuals and families through complex legal transitions. With experience in public interest work, court attorney service, and litigation, she brings both deep legal expertise and a client-centered approach rooted in empathy and clarity. Asia focuses on family law matters, including divorce, custody, mediation, and prenuptial agreements, with an emphasis on resolving disputes outside the courtroom whenever possible. An Amazon bestselling author, as well as a wife and mother, she draws from both professional and personal experience to support, inform, and empower her clients while advocating for outcomes that prioritize their well-being.   Connect with I'Asia Scarlett-Jones:   Website: https://asjlawoffice.com/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Welcome to Science Quest!

Cyberattacks against law firms are exploding, and most firms are far less protected than they think. In this episode, you'll learn how to close the biggest security gaps, modernize your tech, and treat IT as a growth engine instead of a necessary evil.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Frank Stephens discuss: Technical debt and outdated systems in law firms Cybersecurity attack vectors and real-world threats Cloud, backups, and the myth of “it's secure because it's in the cloud” Practical protections: MFA, training, SOCs, and remote access Evaluating vendors, cutting tech waste, and learning to delegate   Key Takeaways: Many law firms operate with significant technical debt and outdated workflows, which limit accessibility, flexibility, and security. A “we have a firewall and the cloud” mindset breeds dangerous false confidence; modern firms need layered protections across endpoints, email, cloud, and user behavior. Phishing remains the dominant entry point for breaches, making ongoing security awareness training just as critical as any software tool. Cloud platforms do not automatically guarantee robust backups or security, so firms must take ownership of their data retention, MFA, and backup strategies. Treating IT partners as strategic advisors, reviewing licenses, roadmapping upgrades, and delegating implementation, can both reduce risk and unlock significant cost savings and scalability.   "If you're don't have MFA on all your cloud solutions, you might as well just leave the doors open, and you'd be surprised at how many people don't put that in place." —  Frank Stephens   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Frank Stephens: Frank Stephens founded Computing Technology Solutions (CTS) in 2001 with the idea that small and mid-sized businesses deserve the same IT proactive support, cybersecurity, and strategies that Fortune 500 organizations receive. Before starting CTS, Frank worked at several enterprise businesses such as Abbott, AT&T, CNA Insurance, and Microsoft. He is passionate about giving back to the community and has served on several boards, including the Salvation Army. Frank is married with three children, and his hobbies include boating, international travel, outdoor activities with his family, and coaching his sons' teams.   Connect with Frank Stephens: Website: https://www.onlinects.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankstephens/   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

How can lawyers build genuine trust, stand out through strategic thought leadership, and future‑proof their practices with value-based fees and AI—all without burning out on marketing? Learn in this episode how you can move from winging it to working with a clear, repeatable plan for visibility, credibility, and consistent growth.   In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Susan Guthrie discuss: Strategic planning vs. “winging it” in legal careers Building trust and brand through targeted thought leadership Consistency and content repurposing across platforms Flat-fee and value-based billing as trust builders Using AI tools for marketing, planning, and efficiency   Key Takeaways: Trust is the “golden thread” that should run through every interaction, from networking to content creation, and it must often be rebuilt when a lawyer shifts roles or practice areas. Thought leadership only works when it's strategic—aimed at the right decision-makers, on the right platforms, with a clear message about what you do and who you help. Consistency in showing up, even on just one or two platforms, beats a scattered “spaghetti on the wall” approach to marketing every time. Moving from hourly billing to flat-fee or value-based models can dramatically increase client trust by reducing uncertainty and aligning incentives. AI can act as a behind‑the‑scenes collaborator for planning, branding, content, and even websites, helping lawyers amplify their expertise without compromising ethics.   "Simplicity actually is much more effective as long as what you're doing is consistent." — Susan Guthrie   Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again.   Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/   Thank you to our Sponsor! Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Lawyer.com: https://www.lawyer.com/   Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/   About Susan Guthrie: Susan Guthrie is a nationally recognized family law attorney, mediator, and legal tech innovator with over 30 years of experience helping individuals navigate divorce and family transitions. Known as “The Divorce Coach,” she focuses on empowering clients through education, mediation, and more peaceful, cost-effective alternatives to litigation. Susan is the host of the award-winning Divorce & Beyond podcast and a leading voice in the intersection of family law and technology. She is a strong advocate for online dispute resolution and innovative legal solutions that make legal services more accessible and client-centered. In addition to her work with clients, Susan is a speaker, trainer, and consultant, helping legal professionals modernize their practices and better serve today's evolving needs.   Connect with Susan Guthrie:   Website: https://susaneguthrie.com/home Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susaneguthrie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie/ Twitter: https://www.x.com/susan4biz   Connect with Steve Fretzin: LinkedIn: Steve Fretzin Twitter: @stevefretzin Instagram: @fretzinsteve Facebook: Fretzin, Inc. Website: Fretzin.com Email: Steve@Fretzin.com Book: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more! YouTube: Steve Fretzin Call Steve directly at 847-602-6911   Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023 The foreperson of the Fulton County Special Purpose Grand Jury speaks on the record for the first time; the SEC has fined the Mormon Church for hiding $32B behind shell companies; Kevin McCarthy's apparent deal with Tucker Carlson to share the 1/6 video footage has surprised some top Capitol Security Officials; an inside look at the bipartisan odd couple joining forces to battle election deniers in Arizona; plus AG delivers your Good News. Dana was traveling. Renato Mariottihttps://bsky.app/profile/renatomariotti.bsky.social It's Complicated Podcast with Asha Rangappa Reminder - you can see the pod pics if you become a Patron. The good news pics are at the bottom of the show notes of each Patreon episode! That's just one of the perks of subscribing! patreon.com/muellershewrote Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:https://apple.co/3XNx7ckWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?https://patreon.com/thedailybeanshttps://dailybeans.supercast.com/https://apple.co/3UKzKt0 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.