“All the World’s YOUR Stage” on Expert Webcast … You Won’t Break My Soul: The 8.8 Trillion Dollar Question of Employee Engagement with guest Kacy Fleming

View here (free login/registration may be required).

Thank you, Anna Spektor and Expert Webcast for the opportunity. We offer words of condolence to Nancy Slome’s family in the opening. And shout outs to previous guests Jay Harrington and Laura Gassner Otting throughout the interview.

In this episode, Roy Sexton and Kacy Fleming unpack the formula for workplace engagement. Spoiler alert: it centers around authenticity and empathy. There are five core concepts involved: investing in leaders, recognition through a feedback loop, empowerment and autonomy, purpose and mattering, and career growth and development.

Kacy Fleming is an award-winning well-being strategist and life-coach, with a Master’s in Organizational Psychology and a passion for building cultures where individuals feel safe and have space to grow and thrive. Having moved from traditional marketing leadership roles to Head of Global Well-being for a Fortune 500 organization—she has gained invaluable first-hand experience driving change throughout complex corporate hierarchies.

In her article “How to Keep Employees Engaged: The 8.8 Trillion Dollar Question” for ThriveGlobal, Kacy writes, “There are a litany of factors that have been shown to improve employee engagement and performance, including autonomy. Over-indexing on where people work appears to have a negative effect on both organizational commitment and productivity. While there is much more research to come on employee engagement in distributed work, organizations must remember that what we reward gets repeated. Recognition and promotion belong to the people who help achieve company outcomes in a way that enhances culture, not those who log the most hours in-office or at the bar after work.”

Kacy has won multiple awards for her work in corporate well-being. She has built strategy for large global employers with populations working in a wide variety of work settings. From traditional knowledge work to the frontline, she has launched, co-designed, and deployed well-being strategies and solutions from the ground up. Her approach is guided not only by 20 years of practical experience working in some of the largest biopharmaceutical companies, but also from her academic research and writing.

Kacy is a sought after speaker and writer. Her TEDx talk on “The Limitlessness of Flexible Work,” was based on her master’s thesis. She has spoken for the Business Group on Health, MH Work Life, Randstad USA, and Wellbeing at Work and has appeared on numerous global podcasts. Kacy is the author of articles on hot topics in the workplace ranging from menopause and mid-life transitions to flexible work, humane leadership, and the key to employee engagement. Kacy loves to share top tips earned from her two decades of experience working in a variety of leadership roles. Learn more about Kacy at https://kacyfleming.com/

Webinar video replays a-go-go! DraftnCraft’s The New Age Law Firm: Lean Teams & Flexible Spaces and ExpertPress’ Beyond the Byline: Harnessing Your Partner’s Legal Experience for Business Development Success … both with yours truly #lmamkt #lma24

The New Age Law Firm: Lean Teams & Flexible Spaces

From Draft n Craft: “Big shoutout to these amazing legal and marketing experts for making this session a fun and enlightening experience! Let’s keep the good vibes going and continue rocking the legal world!” 

View recording here.

Beyond the Byline: Harnessing Your Partner’s Legal Experience for Business Development Success

And from ExpertPress: “Learn how to harness your legal expertise and thought leadership to drive business development success. Listen to this webinar hosted by The Expert Press’ Andrew Polzl as he talks with Roy Sexton and Laura Galeano, Esq.. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn key tips and suggestions from the experts.” 

View recording here.

Discover how to:

Turn expert news articles into engines for business development.

Raise attorney profiles without sacrificing billable hours.

Create impactful content that captivates target audiences and helps convert new business.

Stay ahead of the ever-evolving media landscape by diving into new techniques and adapting for maximum impact.

Latest “All the World’s YOUR Stage” – Leaving the Margins and Grabbing the Spotlight with Aarash Darroodi

Latest episode here.

At six months old, Aarash Darroodi’s parents, who were foreign students in the US, sent their son back to Iran to live with his grandparents so they could complete their graduate studies at the University of Houston. That was 1979. A year later, the Iran-Iraq War erupted. It took seven years and attempts in many countries to get a US visa before Darroodi would reunite with his family in America. That experience, Darroodi says, shaped his life, which would forever be changed.

As General Counsel & Executive Vice President of Fender, Aarash Darroodi has developed a successful 20-year in-house legal career on the idea of melding a traditional legal education/experience with business acumen and business intelligence. He leverages his personal history to lead with empathy and pragmatism. Aarash is quite simply and beautifully a connector. He also has developed the course “How to Build a Rain Machine” through which he teaches lawyers what in-house clients really want. Equipping outside counsel with the secret skills and tactics to maximize client billings, client retention, and client satisfaction. Learn more here: https://www.rainstaracademy.com/. 

“Everybody has a story when you connect to humanity,” Darroodi says. “What you realize is that those stories bring a lot of life learning, and there is a lot of power that’s locked up within people that they feel that they should hide it away and not embrace it. I fundamentally disagree. I think you embrace it because those are where the learnings come from. … I just don’t want to see the resume, I want to know the story. What were some of the challenges you faced in your life? How did you overcome them? What did you learn from those challenges? How do you think those challenges will help you in the future? That’s valuable. That’s what I want to see. I want those people, the ones that have overcome difficulties and challenges. … People are more capable than they know … But people themselves, a lot of times, we need somebody to see that within us and push us, and then we can achieve greatness we never thought possible.”

The fundamental power of storytelling, of reclaiming our individual narratives, and of celebrating our differences will be the focus of this episode. The human condition can be one of “categorizing” others, and thereby limiting potential. Aarash and Roy will discuss how important it is to break that cycle and how each individual can embrace respective heritage as a means of authentic differentiation and professional branding. They will also address the business benefits to leaders who model this for their colleagues and their teams.

Darroodi is an in-demand speaker and pundit, having offered commentary to Bloomberg Law, Thomson Reuters, The Legal 500, TedX, the American Bar Association, American Lawyer Media, South by Southwest, the Association  of Corporate Counsel, the Legal Marketing Association, Fox Business, The Los Angeles Times, and the Maryland State Bar Association.

“All the World’s YOUR Stage” … Stop overthinking and just connect with Jay Harrington

View latest episode here.

Jay Harrington is president of his eponymous agency Harrington and is one of the country’s leading consultants and strategists in the areas of legal marketing, PR, and business development. His consulting work includes helping clients define strong market branding and positioning, develop effective thought-leadership strategies, gain visibility through public relations, and generate new business through the execution of marketing tactics.

Jay practices what he preaches. He doesn’t merely consult with clients about the importance of thought-leadership PR and marketing—he is an active content creator himself. He frequently speaks and writes on important issues and trends in legal marketing. His writing is featured in columns for Law.comJD Supra, and Attorney at Work. He is also the author of three books: The Productivity PivotThe Essential Associate, and One of a Kind.

Following February’s conversation with Laura Gassner Otting about “getting unstuck,” Jay and Roy discuss how important thought leadership is to personal and professional branding and provide tips on how to stop overthinking and just connect, leveraging the power of social media and digital channels.

Jay leads a vibrant attorney coaching and training practice, through which he provides one-on-one coaching and group training to attorneys and law firms, with a focus on issues related to business development, productivity, and thought leadership.

Jay is a sought after speaker who frequently presents to law firms and legal industry associations on a range of topics including branding, thought-leadership marketing, and business development. His unique approach blends storytelling, strategy, behavioral science, and practical, actionable advice.

Prior to co-founding the agency 15 years ago, Jay practiced law as a commercial litigator and corporate bankruptcy attorney at top law firms, including Skadden Arps and Foley & Lardner. He also co-founded and ran a boutique corporate restructuring law firm. He has an undergraduate degree in journalism and earned his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School. During his time practicing law, Jay learned what it takes to market successfully and develop business for sophisticated professional services, and he applies those lessons while working with clients today.

Tara Alexandra Kachaturoff and I chat about all things legal marketing on the Michigan Entrepreneur tv show … #lmamkt

Thank you, Tara Alexandra Kachaturoff for having me on Michigan Entrepreneur as your guest. You can watch the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5RuJFyMXkE

We speak at length about Clark Hill Law, Legal Marketing Association – LMA International, legal marketing , social media , digital marketing , lawyers, thought leadership, media relations, podcasts, technology, and trends.

Shout outs abound, including Wabash College, Deloitte, The Ohio State University, UM-Flint School of Management, Trott Law, Kerr Russell, Beaumont Health, JD Supra, Tanner Friedman, Mary Zatina, Susan Ahern, Megan McKeon, Alex France, Joel Epstein, Dave Trott, Robert Hoban, Sander Zagzebski, and …. cannabis.

Thank you to Carrie LeZotte and Steve Rota as well for their exceptional work on the production of this show.

Special thank you to Tanner Friedman’s Joel Epstein for arranging this fun opportunity. Joel, you are such a rock star and we all love working with you and are grateful for your hustle and your heart. Tara and I are both in the Joel fan club for sure!

Legendary Megan McKeon joins us on Legal Marketing Coffee Talk

(Screenshots by Nancy Leyes Myrland)

Thank you to my fabulous Clark Hill colleague Megan McKeon for joining Rob Kates and me on Kates Media: Video Production’s “Legal Marketing Coffee Talk,” sponsored by Jessica Aries’ By Aries. Thanks again to Katelynn Audrey Wynn McGuire for the wonderful promotional support.

Facebook VIDEO: https://fb.watch/7b2fOwyVov/

LinkedIn VIDEO: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/robkates_legalmarketingcoffeetalk-legalmarketing-lmct-ugcPost-6827996446755713025-4wjF

YouTube: https://youtu.be/kxzNIpDgjYw

We cover a LOT! 🤣 The relative merit of phone calls, being trapped in Facebook jail, the perils of pool repair, the joys of home associations, and the highs and lows of geriatric pet ownership.

MORE importantly we discuss trends in legal marketing and business development, the crucial differences between those two disciplines AND their complementary nature, how data drives smart decision-making and efficient resource deployment, how the Legal Marketing Association and a commitment to mentoring benefits firm culture, and more.

Shout outs in today’s show to Susan Ahern, Guinevere Lehman Anderson, Marceline Johnson, John Byrne, Timothy Corcoran, Anne Gallagher, Brenda Plowman, Jill Mason Huse, Kelly MacKinnon, Nancy Myrland, Brenda Pontiff, Amy Payton Verhulst, Gina Furia Rubel, Heather Morse-Geller, Gail Porter Lamarche, Gail Paul, Susie Sexton, Connie Harris, James Fisher, Eric Lewandowski, Nancy McKeon, Patrick Fuller, Jay Harrington, Glen Hanson, HunTees, Marlon Brando, and more.

Postscript

That’s me! Always on the cutting edge! LOL. Thanks for the shout out (below), Nancy Myrland of Myrland Marketing and Social Media. She writes, “‘Should You Give Stories A Chance?’ A LinkedIn notification related to Roy Sexton yesterday (discussed in this 2-minute, 22-second episode) is what caused me to record this episode.”

I admit I keep using the damn things as another piece of real estate, wondering if anybody’s paying attention. So she nailed exactly my psychology as a user in her assessment!

Post – postscript …

8/3 – 2 pm ET – ALM Media’s “The Do’s and Don’ts of Legal Industry Content Marketing” with yours truly

8/3 – 2 pm ET – “The Do’s and Don’ts of Legal Industry Content Marketing.” Looking forward to joining ALM Media, LLC’s VP & Legal Markets Leader Keith Edwards, NAM (National Arbitration and Mediation)’s Director of Continuing Legal Education Sharon Vento Pedersen, and Planet Depos’ Director of Marketing Daniel Malgran for this important conversation.

REGISTER (complimentary): https://www.law.com/2021/07/14/the-dos-and-donts-of-legal-industry-content-marketing/

Discover the secrets for creating the most effective content marketing for the legal industry. Top performing law firm and legal solution provider marketers will share their challenges, successes and best practices in creating content that drives thought leadership, awareness and consideration with law firms and corporate counsel offices.

Join this webcast to learn:

The differences between marketing to law firms and to corporate counsel offices

How to create webcasts that drive increased registration, engagement and results with law firms

Best practices in using research to create data-supported value statements to drive legal industry awareness and consideration

Legal industry content marketing do’s and don’ts when creating white papers, blogs, podcasts and other content formats for the legal industry

SPEAKERS:

Roy E. Sexton | Director of Marketing | Clark Hill

Roy Sexton leads Clark Hill’s marketing, branding, and communications efforts, collaborating with the firm’s team of marketing and business development professionals. In doing so he facilitates the law firm’s business growth, crafting communications strategy, and celebrates its culture.

Sharon A. Pedersen | Director of Continuing Legal Education | NAM

Sharon A. Pedersen oversees the Continuing Legal Education Program working closely with former judges and attorneys who make up NAM’s esteemed panel of hearing officers to provide high-quality Continuing Legal Education programs to various law firms, bar associations and corporate legal departments.

Daniel Malgran | Director of Marketing | Planet Depos

Daniel Malgran maintains in-depth knowledge of SEO, SEM, social media, and email marketing best practices, with expertise in identifying emerging market trends and engaging with social audiences.

Keith Edwards | VP & Legal Markets Leader | ALM

Keith Edwards leads marketing services across the ALM family of 20 industry-leading legal media brands, including Law.com, The American Lawyer, Corporate Counsel and The New York Law Journal. As part of his role, Keith advises law firms and legal technology and services companies about how to best drive thought leadership, brand awareness, and lead generation.

New Clark Hill firm photo – thank you to Metro Detroit photographer Scott Lawrence and the entire Gittings Global team, including Barry Benton and Greg Lorfing. Pandemic “groovy college prof” Roy is now preserved in digital imagery. I guess I’ll never get my hair cut now. 😉 #itsokaynottobeokay #itsokaytonotbeokay

THIS THURSDAY, February 4th, 3 pm ET! Heather and Jay Harrington with yours truly on Legal Marketing Coffee Talk

Join me and guests Heather and Jay Harrington, founders of Harrington Communications, as we discuss the importance of thought leadership and PR in legal marketing, marrying smart design with good content, and what it took to start their own agency that has turned top professional services firms into titans of industry.

Jay and Heather also have fascinating interests that include Heather’s spectacular art career – Life and Whim – and Jay’s books and publications. We are looking forward to picking the brains of this outstanding duo, and we know it’s a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Join us live on Thursday, February 4th at 3 pm ET. On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/155057871244919/posts/3747637818653555/?d=n

Legal Marketing Coffee Talk is brought to you by: Jessica Aries’ By Aries and Rob Kates’ Kates Media: Video Production.

Miscellany …

Thanks, Wabash College! I’m a “treasure.” 😉

Original post: https://blog.wabash.edu/alumninews/2021/01/26/roy-sexton-95-appointed-as-treasure-to-the-lma-board-of-directors/

Roy Sexton ’95 has been appointed as treasurer of the 2021 Legal Marketing Association – LMA International (LMA) Board of Directors. LMA represents thousands of legal marketing and business development professionals in 48 U.S. states and 24 countries.

“Being on the LMA Board of Directors is the apex of one’s volunteer leadership within the Legal Marketing Association and is significant in advancing the legal marketing profession as a whole,” LMA Executive Director Danielle Holland said in a news release.

Sexton, director of marketing at Clark Hill Law, has nearly 20 years of experience in marketing, communications, business development and strategic planning.

He has been heavily involved in the LMA as a regional and international leader and has served on numerous nonprofit boards and committees including the Ronald McDonald House Charities Ann Arbor, Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, Royal Starr Arts Institute, EncoreMichigan.com.

“I am honored to serve on the 2021 LMA Board of Directors, and I look forward to the opportunity to help guide the association’s important work,” Sexton said in the release. “LMA will continue to provide outstanding programming and opportunities for professional development and networking to our members and advocate for our profession, locally, regionally and internationally.”

While at Wabash College, Sexton majored in English and theater and was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha and involved with the Wabash Theater, the Bachelor and Student Senate.

Sexton’s LMA appointment became effective January 1, 2021.

Our Clark Hill marketing and business development team has been on quite the journey over the last couple of years. It has been a great growth opportunity and one of the more enriching work experiences of my life. Out of the blue, REDSTARKIM LIMITED Managing Director Kim Tasso wrote about our work, based on a webinar we did six months ago! A lovely surprise!

Original post: https://kimtasso.com/legal-marketing-case-study-clark-hill-redesigns-its-marketing-and-bd-team/

Grateful for our exceptional and supportive leader Susan Ahern and for wonderful and inventive colleagues Megan McKeon , Guinevere Lehman Anderson , Emilie Strozier McCarthy , Shayna McCloskey , Tommy Franz , Dani Carter , Alexandra France , Gloria Pak , Elizabeth C. Jeffries , Stacey Marie , Maureen Denney , Keith Hobbs , Katelynn Schwalm , Alé Simmons , Amy Oldiges , Kimberly Reisman , Leslie Smithson.

From the blog entry’s intro: “In September, the international senior marketing and business development team at Clark Hill presented a webinar for the Professional Marketing Forum. The topic was ‘Clark Hill redesigns its marketing and BD team’. The work to re-imagine its marketing and business development (M&BD) team won Clark Hill the Best Marketing Initiative Award at the 2020 Managing Partners’ Forum Management Excellence Awards.”

SAVE THE DATE! February 11, 12:05 pm ET. Brenda Meller of Meller Marketing and I return to thunderdome! We will discuss what it means to be a superfan and how that can benefit your networking, branding, and marketing efforts. Celebrate, advocate, reciprocate.

More: https://www.mellermarketing.com/upcoming-live-interviews