blog: behind the scenes.
Stop Pitching, Start Helping This Summer (Minis with Megan)
Business development doesn't have to start with a sales pitch - it starts with a conversation.
In this mini episode with Megan Senese, we explore why the most effective networking isn't about selling yourself or asking for work. It's about getting curious, building genuine relationships, and showing up with a simple question: How can I help? Megan shares the outreach strategy that transformed stage's first year of business and offers a simple challenge to help you build meaningful connections this summer.
Who this episode is for:
Lawyers looking for a more authentic approach to business development
Professionals who feel uncomfortable reaching out to new contacts
Anyone who worries networking feels too transactional
People wanting to grow their network through genuine relationships rather than sales
Episode takeaways:
Business development begins with relationships, not sales
Most people are far more open to connecting than we assume
A simple, thoughtful outreach often works better than a perfectly crafted pitch
Asking "How can I help?" creates stronger, more memorable relationships
Small, intentional conversations today can become opportunities tomorrow
What to do this summer to build your network:
Reach out to someone new: Invite them to a 15-20 minute virtual coffee or meet-and-greet.
Lead with curiosity: Ask about their work, their interests, and what's keeping them busy.
End every conversation by asking, "How can I help?": You may be surprised by the answer.
Remember what matters to them: Take notes and follow up later on the things they shared.
Plant seeds now: Thoughtful relationships built during slower seasons often grow into meaningful opportunities later.
The Bad Boss Episode: Mita Mallick on Toxic Workplaces, Burnout, and Boundaries
“If anyone takes anything out of today's conversation, it's you gotta find ways to recharge and replenish so you can go back to work and make impact.” - Mita Mallick
Why do so many smart, capable people stay in unhealthy work environments? And why do bad bosses seem to exist in every industry?
In this episode of So Much To Say: A Legal Podcast For People, Megan Senese and Jennifer Ramsey are joined by Mita Mallick, bestselling author, workplace culture expert, and speaker on a mission to make work more human.
Drawing from the stories in her book The Devil Emails at Midnight, Mita shares why toxic leadership is often enabled by systems, why self-awareness is the foundation of great leadership, and how many high achievers unknowingly normalize unhealthy behavior.
This conversation unpacks everything from micromanagers and "rainmakers" to people-pleasing, burnout, and the surprising ways our childhood experiences can shape the bosses we tolerate. If you’ve ever given a bad boss a code name, this episode is for you.
You’ll hear about:
Why Mita believes bad bosses aren't born, they're made
The essential role self-awareness plays in becoming a better leader
How organizations unintentionally protect toxic high performers
Why fear creates short-term results but destroys culture over time
Why people often normalize unhealthy workplace behavior
The importance of boundaries in a 24/7 world
Why taking care of yourself isn't selfish, it's good leadership
What Mita is exploring in her upcoming book, Office Villains
This episode is brought to you by: Latitude Legal
In partnership with Latitude Legal, stage offers four free business development sessions for any lawyer returning from parental leave. We call it Corduroy. It is open to any lawyer. We know how challenging it can be to be a working parent, and this is our way of giving back to the legal community through business development support. If you are interested in learning more about Corduroy for yourself or your team, you can email us at info@stage.guide. Thank you to Latitude Legal and Kyle Robisch for being the sole partner supporting our Corduroy initiative. They recognize the importance of supporting working parents in the legal industry and are generously underwriting this program. To learn more, visit www.latitudelegal.com or contact Kyle directly at KRobisch@latitudelegal.com.
The Upside of Both: Lessons from In-House and Private Practice (with Global Franchise Lawyer, Brittany Johnson)
“The goal was never to be the department of ‘no’. The goal was to find a way for the business to proceed while identifying the risks that you are willing to take and those that you are not.” - Brittany Johnson
What do in-house lawyers actually want from outside counsel?
After spending more than a decade inside one of the most recognizable brands in the world, Brittany Johnson has a surprisingly clear, and uncomplicated, answer.
In this episode of So Much To Say: A Legal Podcast For People, Megan Senese and Jennifer Ramsey sit down with Brittany Johnson to talk about her journey from Big Law associate to leading licensing and expansion work at a global brand, and why she recently made the decision to return to private practice.
Along the way, Brittany shares what life inside a global brand really looked like, the lessons she learned working alongside business leaders, and why the best outside counsel don't just identify risks, they stand by their team and share in the responsibility of all decisions made.
You’ll hear about:
Why Brittany left her "dream job" to begin a new chapter
The anxiety dream that perfectly captured career transitions
What surprised her most about moving from private practice to in-house
Why in-house lawyers are rarely the most important voice in the room
The difference between identifying risks and helping businesses make decisions
The business development mistakes that immediately turn in-house counsel off
Why relationships with in-house lawyers are often a long game
What outside counsel can do to become indispensable partners
The brands Brittany is watching right now
How a non-billable assignment changed the course of her career forever
About Brittany Johnson:
Brittany Johnson is a franchise and licensing attorney with more than a decade of experience spanning both private practice and in-house legal leadership. Throughout her career, she has advised brands on growth, expansion, licensing, and strategic partnerships, helping businesses navigate complex legal and commercial challenges.
Today, Brittany brings her unique perspective as both a former in-house business partner and outside counsel to help emerging and established brands grow thoughtfully and sustainably. Her practice focuses on franchising, licensing, and building practical legal solutions that support business objectives.
This episode is brought to you by: Vista Consulting
Vista Consulting helps law firms navigate the rapidly shifting landscape of private equity and MSO-driven transactions. They serve as strategic advisors to firms preparing for acquisition, merger, or partnership, strengthening operations, aligning leadership, and pressure-testing financial performance. Their hands-on experience ensures firms enter the market organized, confident, and positioned to maximize value when it matters most for long-term success ahead. For more information, check out their Law Firm Owner’s Guide to PE Readiness here or explore Vista Consulting’s M&A advisory services for law firms considering a sale.
How You Feel About Business Development Matters (Minis with Megan)
What if the biggest thing holding you back from business development isn’t your strategy, it’s how you think and feel about it?
In this episode of So Much To Say: A Legal Podcast For People, Minis with Megan, we explore why so many lawyers immediately answer "I'm bad at business development" when asked how they feel about it. By shifting the conversation from performance to emotion, Megan shares a more useful way to identify what’s really getting in the way, and how small, consistent actions can help you build confidence over time.
Who this episode is for:
Lawyers who feel overwhelmed, intimidated, or stuck when it comes to business development
Professionals who believe they're "bad" at networking or relationship building
Anyone looking for a more sustainable and realistic approach to growth
People who want to improve their business development skills authentically
Episode takeaways:
"I'm bad at business development" is often a judgment about yourself
Understanding how you feel about business development helps identify the real challenges you’re facing with BD
Mindset isn't about blind positivity; it's about awareness and practice
There is no one-size-fits-all business development strategy
Small, consistent actions create momentum and confidence over time
Business development tips for lawyers you can try:
Start with the right question: Ask yourself how you feel about business development, not whether you're good at it
Identify the real obstacle: Overwhelmed, nervous, time-constrained, uncertain? Name it first
Treat business development like a skill: Practice matters more than perfection
Take small steps consistently: A few minutes a day is better than waiting for the perfect plan and doing nothing
Experiment without judgment: Find approaches that fit your personality and season of life
Focus on progress, not performance: Confidence grows through action
Stay Connected:
Love So Much To Say? Let us know! Drop a review, give us 5 stars in your favorite podcast app, and tell us what made you laugh, think, or just go “yep, that’s me.” Every review helps us reach more awesome humans who want to make legal…well, human.
Want to go deeper? Curious about 1:1 coaching with Megan or Jen? Or want the inside scoop on stage? Hit us up below, we’d love to chat!
Learn more about stage
Connect with Megan Senese
Connect with Jennifer Ramsey
Building Equity Through IP Education (with Valérie Cambronne, Founder of LegallyBlack)
What if intellectual property education weren’t reserved for corporations, elite institutions, or people who already knew how the system worked?
In this episode of So Much To Say: A Legal Podcast For People, Megan Senese and Jennifer Ramsey sit down with Valérie Cambronne, IP attorney, founder of LegallyBlack, and someone deeply committed to closing the IP literacy gap in underrepresented communities.
What started as a conversation between two law school friends after hearing about young artists being exploited in the music industry, eventually became a nationwide nonprofit teaching students how to protect what they create. From candy-themed trademark workshops with high school students to partnerships with Harvard University, MIT, Howard University School of Law, and the American Bar Association, Valérie is helping reshape who gets access to intellectual property education and why it matters.
You’ll hear about:
How one podcast episode about music exploitation inspired the formation of LegallyBlack
Why Valérie believes IP literacy should be treated and taught like financial literacy
Why so many creators and founders underestimate protecting their IP
The difference between obstacles and resistance, and why that mindset changed everything
Building a nonprofit while practicing law full-time
How LegallyBlack grew through relationships, word-of-mouth, and momentum
Why IP matters for creators, influencers, startups, and students
The surprising intersection between Valérie’s nonprofit work and private practice
Why business development is a long-term investment
The vision for LegallyBlack chapters across the country (and eventually globally!)
About Valérie Cambronne:
Valérie Cambronne is an IP attorney and the Founder & Executive Director of LegallyBlack, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing IP literacy in underrepresented communities. Since launching in 2020, LegallyBlack has delivered free educational workshops across multiple states, reaching students through partnerships with schools, universities, and legal organizations nationwide.
Valérie also runs her own IP practice, where she focuses on trademark counseling, brand protection, and helping creators and entrepreneurs understand the “why” behind intellectual property strategy.
This episode is brought to you by: Vista Consulting
Vista Consulting helps law firms navigate the rapidly shifting landscape of private equity and MSO-driven transactions. They serve as strategic advisors to firms preparing for acquisition, merger, or partnership, strengthening operations, aligning leadership, and pressure-testing financial performance. Their hands-on experience ensures firms enter the market organized, confident, and positioned to maximize value when it matters most for long-term success ahead. For more information, check out their Law Firm Owner’s Guide to PE Readiness here or explore Vista Consulting’s M&A advisory services for law firms considering a sale.
Stay Connected:
Love So Much To Say? Let us know! Drop a review, give us 5 stars in your favorite podcast app, and tell us what made you laugh, think, or just go “yep, that’s me.” Every review helps us reach more awesome humans who want to make legal…well, human.
Want to go deeper? Curious about 1:1 coaching with Megan or Jen? Or want the inside scoop on stage? Hit us up below, we’d love to chat!
Learn more about stage
Connect with Megan Senese
Connect with Jennifer Ramsey
Lawyers Neglect This Resource for Deepening Client Relationships
Based on an insight by Megan Senese, as published in Bloomberg Law.
When lawyers think about strengthening client relationships, they often focus on client meetings, legal work, and responsiveness. All of those things matter.
But there is another resource inside many firms that is frequently underutilized: the marketing and business development team.
As Megan Senese explains in Bloomberg Law, these professionals can do far more than coordinate events, update biographies, or prepare pitches. When engaged strategically, they can help lawyers deepen client relationships, better understand client needs, and create opportunities for long-term growth.
Looking Beyond Traditional Marketing Support
Many lawyers view marketing and business development as a support function rather than a strategic one.
As a result, they may only involve these teams when a proposal is due, an event is approaching, or a directory submission needs attention.
The missed opportunity is that marketing and business development professionals often have access to valuable client intelligence, industry insights, relationship data, and strategic planning tools that can strengthen client engagement throughout the year.
Building Stronger Client Connections
Strong client relationships rarely happen by accident.
They are built through thoughtful communication, consistent engagement, and a genuine understanding of what matters most to the client.
Marketing and business development teams can help lawyers identify meaningful touchpoints, uncover cross-selling opportunities, track relationship activity, and develop client account plans that keep important relationships moving forward.
These efforts help lawyers become more proactive rather than reactive in their client service approach.
Turning Information Into Action
One of the most valuable contributions these teams provide is helping lawyers transform information into action.
Whether it is monitoring industry trends, identifying business opportunities, researching client priorities, or coordinating strategic outreach, marketing and business development professionals can help lawyers engage clients in more relevant and meaningful ways.
The result is often stronger relationships and a deeper understanding of how the firm can provide value beyond a single matter.
A Strategic Partner for Growth
The firms that get the most value from their marketing and business development teams are the ones that treat them as strategic partners.
When lawyers collaborate closely with these professionals, they gain access to insights, planning, and support that can strengthen client relationships and uncover new opportunities.
As Megan Senese notes in Bloomberg Law, one of the most effective resources for deepening client relationships may already be sitting inside the firm. The key is recognizing its full potential.
Read Full Insight Article Here : Lawyers Neglect This Resource for Deepening Client Relationships
What Makes Lawyers Stand Out to Law Firms? (with Albert Tawil, Founder of Lateral Hub)
“You don't have to craft your resume to make it look like you've wanted to be a lawyer since kindergarten. Just show your authentic self.” - Albert Tawil
What actually makes someone stand out in the legal industry?
In this episode of So Much To Say: A Legal Podcast For People, Megan Senese and Jennifer Ramsey sit down with Albert Tawil, Founder and CEO of Lateral Hub, to talk about entrepreneurship, authenticity, legal recruiting, and why the most interesting thing about you might have absolutely nothing to do with the law.
From starting a Costco delivery business before Instacart, to disrupting the traditional lateral recruiting model, to helping law students learn how to share the parts of themselves that make them memorable, this conversation is packed with practical insights and refreshing honesty.
You’ll hear about:
Why authenticity matters more than a perfectly curated legal resume
The Costco delivery business that unexpectedly made Albert a standout candidate
How entrepreneurship shaped the way Albert approaches recruiting and business
The origin story behind Lateral Hub and the inefficiencies it set out to solve
Why traditional legal recruiting can feel outdated and expensive
The changing landscape of lateral hiring
What firms are actually looking for in interviews
Why being “well-rounded” is often more valuable than looking traditionally impressive
The role creativity and adaptability play in legal careers
What COVID changed about lateral hiring, remote work, and law firm culture
Why some industries are ripe for disruption, and where legal may be headed next
About Albert Tawil:
Albert Tawil is the Founder & CEO of Lateral Hub, a legal recruiting platform helping attorneys take a more transparent and efficient approach to lateral hiring. A former IP and Tech Transactions associate at Cleary Gottlieb and Fenwick & West, Albert launched Lateral Hub in 2022 after experiencing the lateral recruiting process firsthand and recognizing an opportunity to modernize it for both candidates and law firms.
Since launching, Lateral Hub has become a growing resource for BigLaw laterals, law students, and recruiting teams navigating an increasingly competitive hiring landscape. Albert received his J.D. from New York University School of Law and lives in New Jersey with his wife and three children.
Learn More:
Check out Lateral Hub
Stay Connected:
Love So Much To Say? Let us know! Drop a review, give us 5 stars in your favorite podcast app, and tell us what made you laugh, think, or just go “yep, that’s me.” Every review helps us reach more awesome humans who want to make legal…well, human.
Want to go deeper? Curious about 1:1 coaching with Megan or Jen? Or want the inside scoop on stage? Hit us up below, we’d love to chat!
Learn more about stage
Connect with Megan Senese
Connect with Jennifer Ramsey
The 5 Most Important Things to Do After a Conference
You’ve just come back from a big conference, energized, exhausted, and you’re ready to take action. You had great conversations, made meaningful connections, and now you want to keep that momentum going but aren’t totally sure of where to begin.
In this episode of Minis with Megan on So Much To Say: A Legal Podcast For People, Megan Senese offers 5 tips that help people focus on the part most people skip: the follow-up. Because the value of any conference isn’t just in who you meet, it’s in what you do next.
Who this episode is for:
Lawyers, legal marketers, and professionals returning from conferences or networking events
Anyone struggling to keep momentum after meaningful in-person connections
People overwhelmed by follow-up and unsure where to start
High performers who want to turn conversations into lasting relationships
Episode takeaways:
The real value of networking happens after the event
Follow-up often gets skipped—not from lack of intention, but lack of time
There is no one “right” way to follow up—what matters is that you do it
Small, timely actions build trust and strengthen relationships
Momentum fades quickly if you don’t capture and act on it
5 things to do when you get home from a conference:
Write a list of everyone you met: Names, companies, refer back to your photos, notebook, or notes app
Follow through on what you promised: Referrals, intros, or simple check-ins build trust
Share something valuable: Pass along insights, ideas, or “aha” moments from the event to colleagues or clients
Keep the conversation going: Set follow-up meetings, even if they’re weeks or months out to ensure nothing slips through the cracks
Reach out to missed connections: Follow up with people you didn’t meet or who couldn’t attend the event
What Happens When You Start Practicing Law Like an Innovator (with Vivek Jayaram)
“ For all of us, which is the hardest thing to do, is to really try to reach your true self.” - Vivek Jayaram
What if the problem isn’t the law…but how we talk about it?
In this episode of So Much To Say: A Legal Podcast For People, Megan Senese and Jennifer Ramsey sit down with Vivek Jayaram, an IP attorney who’s rethinking what it means to be a lawyer, not just in how he practices, but in how he shows up, communicates, and builds relationships.
From turning complex legal concepts into engaging Instagram content, to teaching intellectual property law through Taylor Swift (affectionately named “Blank Space”), to sitting in the room before the legal work even begins, this conversation challenges the traditional idea of what a “successful lawyer” looks like.
It’s a conversation about creativity, courage, and choosing to do things differently, even when the industry as a whole tells you not to.
You’ll hear about:
Why law feels boring, and how storytelling changes everything
Building a platform by making legal concepts relatable (and actually interesting)
The reality of getting comfortable on camera
Why authenticity isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a competitive advantage
Tips for helping clients get to yes
Why many lawyers think too small about their role
The long game of business development, and why most people quit too early
Why consistency matters more than talent when building visibility
The impact of teaching law through pop culture
How creativity shows up in unexpected places
Redefining what success looks like for lawyers
About Vivek Jayaram:
Vivek Jayaram is an attorney. But as Founder of Jayaram Law, he’s also a successful entrepreneur, which gives him a sound base for advising other entrepreneurs, creatives, and the companies they run. From groundbreaking artists and Web 3.0 innovators, to unique international brands in fashion and new media, Vivek handles their intellectual property transactions and disputes, corporate deals, and acts as an outside general counsel.
Alongside the day job, Vivek teaches intellectual property and entertainment law courses at the University of Miami Law School. Before Jayaram Law happened, he was an associate at Greenberg Traurig, as well as a law clerk to the Honorable Adalberto Jordan of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Beyond work, Vivek plays and records music, collects contemporary art, and loves to get lost in great cities.
Learn More:
Check out Jayaram Law
This episode is brought to you by Dealmakers Forums:
Dealmakers Forums is a premier platform for high-impact networking and strategic deal-making in complex markets. Through flagship events across the U.S. and Europe, they convene a curated, senior-level community of investors, corporate leaders, funders, and counsel. Their focus is on delivering meaningful connections, market insight, and real business outcomes in litigation finance and intellectual property.
For more information, visit Dealmakers Forums and view their upcoming event calendar.