The Game Changing Attorney Podcast with Michael Mogill

What if the best way to build a high-performing team wasn’t through perks or policies, but by telling people the truth? In this episode of The Game Changing Attorney Podcast, HR consultant, speaker, author, and former Netflix Chief Talent Officer Patty McCord joins Michael Mogill to challenge conventional HR thinking and offer a candid take on what truly drives culture, leadership, and high performance. With decades of experience shaping iconic teams in Silicon Valley, Patty unpacks how honesty, accountability, and experimentation can redefine what it means to build a workplace people are proud to be from, not just at. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why retention is the wrong metric for building great teams — and what matters instead How “telling the truth up front” can eliminate legal issues, improve culture, and drive results What it takes to create a company where high performers thrive and mediocrity doesn’t survive If you’re ready to ditch outdated practices, build a team of adults who own their impact, and lead with context instead of control, this episode is your blueprint. ---- Show Notes: 00:00 – Introduction: Patty’s Unconventional Path into HR 05:06 – The Call That Changed Everything: Joining Netflix at 2 AM 06:40 – Reinventing Work: Cutting What Doesn’t Matter 08:06 – Creating a Great Place to Be From 12:00 – Building High-Performance Teams with Radical Clarity 17:18 – Problem Solvers vs. Problem Finders 20:14 – Giving Feedback That Drives Growth 27:11 – Metrics That Matter: P&L Over Perks 34:12 – Preparing for the Future: Do You Have the Right Team? 37:04 – Stop Empowering: Teach How the Business Works 38:29 – The Future of Work Is Now 40:15 – Redefining Leadership Through Context 41:22 – Final Thoughts: Stop Doing Stupid Stuff ---- Links & Resources: Powerful: Building a Culture of Freedom and Responsibility by Patty McCord How Netflix Reinvented HR, HBR Article by Patty McCord Netflix Culture Deck “Google Ideological Echo Chamber” memo by James Damore ---- Do you love this podcast and want to see more game changing content? Subscribe to our YouTube channel. ---- Past guests on The Game Changing Attorney Podcast include David Goggins, John Morgan, Alex Hormozi, Randi McGinn, Kim Scott, Chris Voss, Kevin O’Leary, Laura Wasser, John Maxwell, Mark Lanier, Robert Greene, and many more. ---- If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like: 352 — Susan Fowler — Why Everything You Know About Motivating Your Team Might Be Completely Wrong 328 — Sherry Stewart Deutschmann — Transform Your Business with Bold, People-First Leadership

What if the real risk isn't taking bold action — but staying exactly where you are? In this episode of The Game Changing Attorney Podcast, author, founder of Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO), and Founder & CEO of Scaling Up, Verne Harnish shares timeless insights on scaling a business, developing high-performing teams, and why most leaders fall short when they lose their edge. From navigating uncertainty to rediscovering founder-mode, Verne challenges the safe, conventional wisdom that holds organizations back — and offers a blueprint for playing bigger, leading smarter, and building companies that endure. Here's what you'll learn: Why aggressive goals create more energy — and why incrementalism kills momentum What it means to rediscover your company's "soul" — and how to lead from founder-mode How to replace weak managers with true team captains who drive performance If you're playing not to lose, you're already falling behind — this episode is your call to play to win. ---- Show Notes: 00:00 - Introduction 06:00 - Betting on Yourself: The Sacrifices and Mindset of Entrepreneurs 09:19 - Thriving in Chaos: Why Optimism and Timing Matter 14:00 - The Power of Big, Audacious Goals (and Why Small Thinking Fails) 16:42 - Why Most Companies Plateau: The Mindset and Market Gap 20:41 - Rediscovering Founder Mode and the Soul of Your Business 26:46 - Building Teams That Don't Need Managers 31:15 - How AI Will Redefine Growth, Strategy, and Hiring 36:40 - Redefining Success: The Five F's That Really Matter ---- Links & Resources: Scaling Up by Verne Harnish Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) Mastering the Rockefeller Habits by Verne Harnish Founder Mode by Paul Graham The Captain Class by Sam Walker ---- Do you love this podcast and want to see more game changing content? Subscribe to our YouTube channel. ---- Past guests on The Game Changing Attorney Podcast include David Goggins, John Morgan, Alex Hormozi, Randi McGinn, Kim Scott, Chris Voss, Kevin O'Leary, Laura Wasser, John Maxwell, Mark Lanier, Robert Greene, and many more. ---- If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like: 243. AMMA — Success Without Safety Nets: The Entrepreneurial Journey 338. Will Ahmed — From Stress to Success: Optimizing the Entrepreneurial Journey 196. AMMA — The 9 Sources of Entrepreneurial Advantage

What if your suffering isn't coming from your circumstances, but from your stories? In this episode of The Game Changing Attorney Podcast, workplace drama expert, leadership consultant, and best-selling author Cy Wakeman unpacks the inner chaos that holds high performers back. Through personal stories and hard-won lessons, she reveals how the ego fuels self-imposed suffering, how gratitude can evolve your perspective, and why true leadership begins with self-reflection. Alongside Jessica Mogill, Cy shares the practices and mindset shifts that can help you stop resisting reality and start showing up with clarity, calm, and compassion. Here's what you'll learn: Why most suffering is self-inflicted — and how your ego is the culprit How to use three simple questions to break free from stress and overwhelm What it takes to live a life you don't need a vacation from Your peace begins where your ego ends — and this episode shows you the way. ---- Show Notes: 00:00 – Introduction 01:56 – Writing Through the Chaos: How the Pandemic Shaped Cy's New Book 02:08 – Self-Imposed Suffering: How Ego Hijacks the Present Moment 06:04 – Reclaiming Perspective: The Three Questions That Set You Free 10:06 – Gratitude Reimagined: Counting Everything as a Blessing 23:05 – Stop Naming Things Too Soon: Embracing Curiosity Over Control 25:07 – The Power of “And”: Rejecting Either/Or Thinking 29:41 – Overgiving, Boundaries, and the Illusion of Control 32:42 – Self-Soothing vs. Self-Care: The Difference That Changes Everything ---- Links & Resources: Reality-Based Rules of the Workplace and Life's Messy, Live Happy by Cy Wakeman Ted x Talk: “Ditch the Drama” by Cy Wakeman ---- Do you love this podcast and want to see more game changing content? Subscribe to our YouTube channel. ---- Past guests on The Game Changing Attorney Podcast include David Goggins, John Morgan, Alex Hormozi, Randi McGinn, Kim Scott, Chris Voss, Kevin O'Leary, Laura Wasser, John Maxwell, Mark Lanier, Robert Greene, and many more. ---- If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like: 110. Leading Ladies: Four Leaders in Business 132. Summit Spectacular: Part 1  214. Dream Team: How to Hire & Keep High-Performing Talent

Chris Dreyer, Founder of Rankings.io and author, dives into the pitfalls law firms face with SEO and marketing strategies. He emphasizes that true success comes from commitment to SEO and building real-world relationships to earn Google’s trust. The conversation also touches on how AI is reshaping search relevance and the need for consistent effort in a competitive landscape. Dreyer urges firms to never settle for mediocrity and to leverage community engagement and innovative marketing to gain an edge over competitors.

What if trying to help everyone is the very thing keeping your law firm from growing? In this episode of The Game Changing Attorney Podcast, Michael and Jessica Mogill challenge the myth that more is better — more practice areas, more clients, more complexity. Instead, they reveal why clarity, consistency, and restraint are the real drivers of sustainable growth. From the $10M rule to the art of saying “no,” this episode is a practical blueprint for law firm owners ready to scale without spreading themselves — or their teams — too thin. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why the best cases go to the best marketers What the $10M rule means for your expansion plans Why generalists struggle to grow — and how specialists win The real impact of saying “no” to misaligned clients How focus helps you build authority and trust If you’re ready to scale your firm without losing focus, this episode will challenge you to lead with clarity, say no with confidence, and grow where it matters most. ---- Show Notes: 00:01 – Introduction 03:28 – Should I Niche Down to Compete With a Younger Attorney? 07:23 – Should I Expand Into New Practice Areas to Grow? 12:00 – How Do I Say No to Longtime Clients? 14:09 – The Power of Saying No to Stay Focused 15:30 – Why Boundaries Are a Sign of Growth 16:10 – Saying Yes Means Saying No to Something Else 16:14 – Final Thoughts: You Have the Power to Choose ---- Links & Resources: Turf Grass Phone Case  ---- Do you love this podcast and want to see more game changing content? Subscribe to our YouTube channel. ---- Past guests on The Game Changing Attorney Podcast include David Goggins, John Morgan, Alex Hormozi, Randi McGinn, Kim Scott, Chris Voss, Kevin O’Leary, Laura Wasser, John Maxwell, Mark Lanier, Robert Greene, and many more. ---- If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like: 199. Jesse Cole — Change the Game, Break the Rules, and Create an Unforgettable Experience 258. AMMA — The Power of No: Setting Boundaries for Focused Growth 333. AMMA — Win More High-Value Cases: How to Build a Brand Clients Trust

What if your greatest leadership challenge isn’t your team — it’s you? In this episode of The Game Changing Attorney Podcast, decorated U.S. Army veteran and CEO of Berry Law, John Berry returns to share the tough lessons, tactical systems, and mindset shifts that have shaped his evolution as a leader. From military missions to managing a fast-growing law firm, John opens up about what it really takes to earn trust, retain A-players, and lead with conviction — even when the pressure is on. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why discipline, restraint, and reflection are essential to long-term leadership How to recruit and retain top talent by scaling culture from the inside out What it takes to become the kind of leader people choose to follow If you’re ready to look in the mirror and lead at a higher level, this episode will show you how real change starts from within. ---- Show Notes: 00:00 – Introduction: From Combat to Courtroom 02:18 – Why Most Leaders Get Leadership Wrong 05:42 – The Hard Lessons of Hiring and Building the Right Culture 10:04 – Leadership Under Pressure: Lessons from the Battlefield 17:09 – The Cost of Conflict Avoidance and the Power of Feedback 26:43 – Operation Spear Tip: Scalable Hiring Through Referrals 33:06 – When to Coach, Confront, or Cut Loose 42:18 – Simplifying Practice Areas to Scale with Focus 56:03 – Final Thoughts: Change Yourself to Change the Game ---- Links & Resources: Berry Law  Veteran Led by John Berry  Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin  The Dichotomy of Leadership by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin  ---- Do you love this podcast and want to see more game changing content? Subscribe to our YouTube channel. ---- Past guests on The Game Changing Attorney Podcast include David Goggins, John Morgan, Alex Hormozi, Randi McGinn, Kim Scott, Chris Voss, Kevin O’Leary, Laura Wasser, John Maxwell, Mark Lanier, Robert Greene, and many more. ---- If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like: 255. Joe De Sena — The Spartan Mindset: Embracing Discomfort and Unleashing Mental Toughness 303. Eric Thomas — Turning Struggles into Strength: A Blueprint for Resilience 331. AMMA — Failure to Reflect is Failure to Grow: The Brutal Truth About Staying Stuck

What if the reason your clients, team, or peers don’t recognize your value… is because you never showed them? In this episode of The Game Changing Attorney Podcast, Michael Mogill breaks down the unseen habits, small slips, and silent wins that separate those who sustain excellence from those who quietly fall behind. From holding the line on standards to making your effort visible, this episode is a tactical reminder that the little things are never little — and that complacency has a price. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why discipline erodes in the details — and how to hold the line How to make your unseen efforts visible to your team and clients What it really takes to prevent success from turning into stagnation Want to stay at the top? This episode is your reminder to act like it — every single day. ---- Show Notes: 00:00 – Introduction 03:48 – Teaching Entrepreneurial Lessons to the Next Generation 08:07 – The Bracelet Business: Fulfillment, Hustle, and Gratitude 09:38 – Combating Entitlement by Sharing the Real Journey 13:16 – Why Gratitude, Not Resentment, Builds a Great Culture 15:00 – Are You Paranoid or Just Paying Attention? 17:05 – The Slippery Slope of Letting Standards Slip 18:10 – Making the Invisible Visible: How to Show Your Work 22:36 – Final Thoughts and Takeaways ---- Links & Resources: Atomic Habits by James Clear  David Goggins  Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins  Cameron Hanes  The Score Takes Care of Itself by Bill Walsh  ---- Do you love this podcast and want to see more game changing content? Subscribe to our YouTube channel. ---- Past guests on The Game Changing Attorney Podcast include David Goggins, John Morgan, Alex Hormozi, Randi McGinn, Kim Scott, Chris Voss, Kevin O’Leary, Laura Wasser, John Maxwell, Mark Lanier, Robert Greene, and many more. ---- If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like: 320.  John Morgan — Dream Big, Act Bold: Turning Visions into Reality 278. Adam Alter — From Stuck to Unstoppable: Gaining and Maintaining Momentum 217.  AMMA — The Key to Clarity in Business

As we conclude celebrating five years of The Game Changing Attorney Podcast, this Elite Athletes edition showcases the world-class performers who have redefined limits — mentally, physically, and professionally. These are the voices of champions who’ve trained in darkness, fought through failure, and built the mindset required to dominate on the world stage. In this episode, we go beyond trophies and titles to uncover the discipline, resilience, and psychological mastery that separates the best from everyone else. Whether it’s breaking world records, surviving in isolation, or pushing through unimaginable pain, these athletes offer a window into what’s possible when greatness becomes non-negotiable. This episode features: Mark Beaumont: On why risk, adventure, and clarity of purpose matter more than comfort or certainty. Colin O’Brady: On challenging the impossible — and growing through adversity, whether or not you succeed. David Goggins: On building belief by choosing suffering, and how pain can become your greatest teacher. Mat Fraser: On the compounding power of consistent habits — and how world champions optimize everything. Tim Grover: On letting go of civility, mastering your dark side, and doing what winning demands. If you want to understand what true grit, mental toughness, and elite-level focus really look like, this episode is your blueprint. ---- Show Notes: 00:00 – Introduction: Unlocking Peak Performance with Elite Athletes 02:05 – Mark Beaumont: Around the World in 194 Days 07:14 – The Power of Planning, Pain, and Perspective 11:21 – Colin O’Brady: Why “The Impossible First” Mattered 17:24 – From Burn Victim to Triathlon Champion 26:05 – Crossing Antarctica Alone: Breaking Mental and Physical Limits 29:06 – David Goggins: Creating an Alter Ego to Withstand the Unthinkable 41:46 – Mat Fraser: Building 1% Gains into Unstoppable Momentum 54:10 – Tim Grover: Winning Is Uncivilized — And That’s the Point ---- Links & Resources: Mark Beaumont Colin O’Brady David Goggins Mat Fraser Tim Grover The Impossible First by Colin O’Brady Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins Never Finished by David Goggins Relentless by Tim Grover Winning by Tim Grover  ---- Do you love this podcast and want to see more game changing content? Subscribe to our YouTube channel. ---- Past guests on The Game Changing Attorney Podcast include David Goggins, John Morgan, Alex Hormozi, Randi McGinn, Kim Scott, Chris Voss, Kevin O’Leary, Laura Wasser, John Maxwell, Mark Lanier, Robert Greene, and many more. ---- If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like: 358. Your Competitors Don’t Want You to Know These Game Changing Marketing Strategies 356. Warning: These Industry Titans’ Insights Might Change How You Run Your Firm 360.  The Hidden Formula for Unstoppable Motivation and Achievement

What separates elite leaders from those who never break through? It’s not motivation or even talent — it’s the discipline to stay focused, make decisions when it’s uncomfortable, and build habits that align with who you want to become. In this episode of The Game Changing Attorney Podcast, Michael Mogill tackles questions from law firm owners about decision-making, long-term planning, and how to maintain consistent performance when things get chaotic. You’ll learn how to shift your mindset from reacting to leading, and how to engineer habits and environments that make success inevitable. Here’s what you’ll learn: What it takes to stay disciplined when motivation fails How elite leaders create leverage through “Future Time” Why identity — not willpower — is the key to lasting habits If you're ready to lead your firm at a higher level, this episode will show you how to build the internal foundation that drives consistent external results. ---- Show Notes: 00:00 – Introduction: Gadgets, Cold Plunges & Energy Boosts 06:24 – Why This Podcast Has No Sponsors (and Why That Matters) 08:03 – Navigating Hard Decisions: Choose, Own, and Move Forward 13:49 – Future Time: The Most Important Meeting You’ll Ever Take 17:06 – Strategic Thinking: Identifying the One Problem That Unlocks Growth 18:40 – Habit Stacking for Busy Law Firm Owners 21:18 – Designing an Environment That Makes Good Habits Easy 24:16 – From Cold Plunges to Consistency: The Power of Identity 28:11 – Final Thoughts: Lead Like the CEO You Want to Become ---- Links & Resources: Streaks App  Atomic Habits by James Clear Savannah Bananas  Tony Robbins Tim Cook  Rory McIlroy ---- Do you love this podcast and want to see more game changing content? Subscribe to our YouTube channel. ---- Past guests on The Game Changing Attorney Podcast include David Goggins, John Morgan, Alex Hormozi, Randi McGinn, Kim Scott, Chris Voss, Kevin O’Leary, Laura Wasser, John Maxwell, Mark Lanier, Robert Greene, and many more. ---- If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like: Episode 291 — Tim Grover — The Dark Side of Achievement Episode 229 — David Goggins — Never Finished: Unshackle Your Mind and Win the War Within Episode 258 — AMMA — The Power of No: Setting Boundaries for Focused Growth

Join industry titans Horst Schulze, Marcus Lemonis, Alex Hormozi, Joey Coleman, and Kara Goldin as they share powerful insights on achieving excellence in business. Schulze emphasizes employee empowerment as a cornerstone of loyalty. Lemonis discusses the importance of accountability and transparency. Hormozi reveals that pain often motivates true success, while Coleman focuses on crafting meaningful employee journeys. Goldin shares her journey of resilience and curiosity in brand building, proving that innovation thrives through adaptation and experimentation.