Market Leaders Podcast

In times of uncertainty, the value of wisdom can't be overstated. In this special retrospective episode of the Market Leaders podcast, we reflect on the valuable insights shared by our recent guests that are particularly relevant for navigating the current market and economic challenges that may lie ahead. Join us as we explore Steve Martini and Larry Braun's perspectives on building relationships...

Marianne Talbot’s career and personal life have been characterized by versatility and excellence. Marianne, now serving as Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer at Bailey & Glasser LLP, has donned numerous hats, including that of a trial attorney, business development expert, executive coach, diversity and inclusion strategist, author, and mother. In today's turbulent talent pool, i...

Market leaders are skilled at finding opportunity in the places most people overlook. In this week's episode of the Market Leaders Podcast, Katie Munroe, Chief Marketing Officer at Zuckerman Spaeder LLP, describes how she championed an expansion of the firm's business development efforts to include partners and associates. Katie astutely recognized how bringing associates into the fold earlier on...

We place a lot of stock in strong beginnings: the first 100 days of a presidency, the first 10 minutes of a film, the first impression we form when meeting a new person. A strong beginning sets expectations, and solidifies our faith in someone's competence and capabilities. In this episode of the Market Leaders Podcast, Maggie Garden, Director of Business Development at Shipman & Goodwin LLP,...

The traditional approach to law firm marketing lacks malleability and imagination. In other words, it leaves no room for teams to react to a fast paced and ever changing market. Being slow to market and slow to pivot are not an option in today's competitive economy. Sadie Baron, CMO at Reed Smith has recognized this, and true to her innovative spirit, helped her firm adapt. Reed Smith implements “...

Over the past 26 years, Eva Wisnik, Founder of Wisnik Career Enterprises, Inc., has trained Partners at 88 law firms on how to interview legal talent. The art of assessing talent and selling top candidates on the firm are crucial skills in today’s competitive job market. Tune in to hear Eva share her thoughts on: Outlining and executing goals for the partner interview process.  The biggest mistake...

In this episode, David Ackert, Founder & CEO at Ackert Inc. speaks with Colin Keefe, a Partner and Chair of the Mergers and Acquisitions Practice Group at mid sized law firm Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba, P.C. (FLB). Tune in to this episode to discover: How FLB positions its services to be appropriate for mom and pop businesses and Fortune 500 companies alike.  How the firm has grown to become...

Imagine being friends with someone for years, and referring millions of dollars back and forth between each other’s businesses. In this episode Steve Martini (MST, CPA | Partner at Withum) and Larry Braun (Partner at Sheppard Mullin) talk with David Ackert about their referral partner relationship and share how they’ve done just that. Tune in to learn the importance of building connections, how to...

In this episode, Kip Guthrie (Senior Advisor, Ackert) talks with David Ackert (Founder & CEO, Ackert) about the current talent war and how to optimize firm profitability. Tune in to this episode to discover: - How firms often compete against themselves in their day-to-day processes - The importance of market intelligence in making business decisions - The role client feedback plays in setting...

There are some seasons when strategic planning is critical, and others when it’s just nice to have. In this episode, Timothy Corcoran (Principal, Corcoran Consulting Group, LLC) talks with David Ackert about shifts in strategic planning, the components and tactical implementation of a firm’s strategic plan; and using a strategic plan to differentiate your firm in the months and years to come.

Many of us wish to see changes in the management and improvement of our community, but only a courageous few decide to take matters into their own hands by running for office. In this episode, Kathryn Whitaker, Chief Marketing Officer at Burr & Forman, talks with David Ackert about the interesting and inspiring career journey she has embarked on over the past few years. Tune in to hear Kathryn...

Over the past year, many have formed virtual communities to maintain their connections (and their sanity). In this episode, Liz Cerasuolo Sobe (Director of Strategic Growth, Goulston & Storrs) talks with David Ackert about the role communities play in our business development and our mental health. Tune in to hear them discuss: • How to maintain spontaneous connections in online interactions •...

Join David Ackert as he interviews Gia Altreche, Director of Business Development & Marketing at Newmeyer Dillion, in this episode of the Market Leaders Podcast. Tune in to hear them discuss: • How to position DEI (Diversity Equity & Inclusion) initiatives within your firm to affect meaningful change • How institutions can provide systemic support to BIPOC lawyers and other professionals •...

Join David Ackert as he interviews Kelly Harbour, Director of Client Relations and Innovation at Goulston & Storrs, in this episode of the Market Leaders Podcast. Tune in to hear them discuss: • How she overhauled the data and tracking systems at Goulston to institute the SALI system, and how that translated to speed and flexibility in addressing new matters • How establishing clear standards...

Join David Ackert as he interviews Brittaney Schmidt, Chief Talent Officer at Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease, in this episode of the Market Leaders Podcast. Tune in to hear them discuss: • Her journey from chief marketing and development officer to chief talent officer • Tips for managing stress and uncertainty during the pandemic • Her framework for holistic business development training across...

Join David Ackert as he interviews Anand David, Global Head of Lateral Partner Recruitment & Integration at Hogan Lovells, in this episode of the Market Leaders Podcast. Tune in to learn: • The relationship between talent acquisition and your strategic plan • How clients can improve diversity at law firms • How to define (and contextualize) the metrics of lateral integration • How culture driv...

Join David Ackert as he interviews Mandy Hicks, Director of Marketing and Communication at English, Lucas, Priest & Owsley, in this episode of the Market Leaders Podcast. Tune in to hear them discuss: • How Mandy Hicks used PipelinePlus training and tracking software to shift mindsets and increase revenue at her firm • How she secured buy-in from practice group leaders • How to use role-modeli...

Join Join David Ackert as he interviews Joe Patrice, Senior Editor at Above the Law., in this episode of the Market Leaders Podcast. Tune in to hear them discuss: • Why lawyers have been slow to adopt technology • The technologies that are gaining traction at law firms • The latest legal innovations, as well as new additions to classic products

Join David Ackert as he interviews Vikki Sicilian, Director, Business Development and Communications at Loeb & Loeb, in this episode of the Market Leaders Podcast. Tune in to hear them discuss: • How to build out your marketing strategy according to relevant client needs • Why fear of missing an important client opportunity often leads to an unfocused marketing approach • How to feed marketing...

Join David Ackert as he interviews Mark Howe, Director of Client Relations at Thompson Dorfman Sweatman, in this episode of the Market Leaders Podcast. Tune in to hear them discuss: • The key ingredients of business development success in external-facing roles • How to break down silos and evolve your firm culture • The specific challenges faced by regional firms vs. larger firms

Join David Ackert as he interviews Rich Bracken, Director of Business Development at Fredrikson & Byron, in this episode of the Market Leaders Podcast. Tune in to hear them discuss: • What emotional intelligence actually means, and how understanding it builds resilience in the face of uncertainty • How learned behaviors within law firms can impact cross-selling, and lead to overlooked client n...

Strong leadership is more important than ever as firms transition to remote work and endeavor to navigate our changing environment. Join David Ackert as he interviews Nora Shearer, CMO of Shearman & Sterling, in this episode of the Market Leaders Podcast. Tune in to learn: • How parenting influenced her perspective on leadership • Balancing home life and work life in a business context • How t...

What precautions should you be taking to protect yourself against the novel coronavirus? Join David Ackert as he interviews Dr. Kelly Bender, ND, in this episode of the Market Leaders Podcast. Tune in to learn: — How the coronavirus travels, and just how much "social distancing" is required — The science behind washing your hands for 20 seconds — How to keep your immune system healthy in a time of...

“This is going to get worse before it gets better.” With the novel coronavirus dominating the news, how should law firms respond in the face of crisis? Join David Ackert as he interviews Stefanie Marrone, communications and business development consultant, in this episode of the Market Leaders Podcast. Tune in to hear them discuss: • How firms should be communicating with their clients to reassure...

Tune in to hear them discuss: *How firms can ascertain the degree to which procurement will play a part in client negotiations *How technology and data play key roles in navigating a win/win arrangement *How to better navigate relationships with legal operations professionals *How to frame procurement as an ally rather than an obstacle to winning new work