"If you're not failing or falling short, you're probably not taking enough risks or swinging big enough" - Ryan Holiday Why is stoicism as relevant today as it's ever been? How does our perception of challenges affect our ability to overcome them? Why is worrying about a problem a waste of your time? How can accepting defeat help you make progress? Ryan Holiday: The Modern StoicRyan Holiday is the best-selling author of books such as The Obstacle Is the Way, Ego Is the Enemy, Stillness Is the Key, and many more. His writings on stoicism bring the philosophy out of 300 BC Athens into the modern world and help people overcome contemporary problems with the same philosophies founded and honed by thinkers like Zeno of Citium and Marcus Aurelius.Ryan gives us a crash course in stoicism and details how ourselves and our businesses can benefit from adopting some stoic teachings, applying the philosophy to our everyday lives. We also discuss how changing our perception of events can help us to find the positives in the negative, why we have more control than we think when we're dealt a bad hand, and how training ourselves to see past "destructive emotions" can help us persevere in difficult times.Own What You Can ControlSo often in our daily lives, things come up that we simply can't avoid or change — and we often spend too much energy worrying about these inconveniences rather than focusing our efforts on the things in life that we can exert some influence over.We discuss one of the fundamental teachings of the stoics: the dichotomy of control. Ryan breaks the thinking down, explaining that this pillar of the philosophy can be brought into the 21st century by viewing it as an exercise in resource allocation. Plus, by simply spending your "energy points" in areas where you can make a difference, you'll spend less time worrying about the areas where you can't.Courage is Action in the Face of FearWhen we're worried or scared, our immediate reaction is to lock up, get stuck in our own heads, and shy away from whatever the problem is. But the inaction itself can be just as damaging as the obstacle and doesn't do anything to overcome it.Ryan shares his secrets for overcoming adversity and taking on challenges that seem too big to conquer. He discusses strategies for tackling seemingly impossible tasks, and he explains why as leaders in business and communities, we don't have the luxury of freezing up in the face of fear.Key takeaways: Success is achieved through failures, so appreciate your losses as markers on the road to victory. Adversity can make you stronger as long as you recognize and accept it as an opportunity for growth. Tap into your inner strength. Use previous moments of struggle as proof that you can overcome the challenges of the future. Links and Resources The Game Changing Attorney Podcast Michael Mogill Facebook Michael Mogill Twitter Michael Mogill Instagram Michael Mogill LinkedIn Crisp Video Website Crisp Video Facebook Crisp Video Group Twitter Crisp Video Instagram Crisp Video LinkedIn Ryan Holiday Twitter Ryan Holiday Website

"You're driving to court. You've got your music on. You're ready to go kick butt. But you're also scared. You've just got this mix of emotions, and then when the trial starts, you're just in there to crush it. To go through all of that is so much fun because you're facing your fears." - Brian Chase Why does attorney Brian Chase say he’s never going to retire? How did he gain notoriety in the world of auto defects as the crazy guy willing to try tough cases? Why does doing the right thing sometimes mean taking on the small cases? How does Brian set and smash goals time and time again? Brian Chase: From the Beaches of California to the Highest Courts in the CountryBrian Chase is the senior partner and a trial lawyer at Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys in Newport Beach, California. For over 40 years, Brian has been the senior litigator and lead trial attorney on countless catastrophic injury and auto defect cases.But Brian wasn't always the suited, briefcase-wielding top-1% trial lawyer he is today. In fact, while at school, Brian was more into catching waves and the California sunshine until a college project unearthed his passion for research and case building. In this episode, Brian tells about his journey from the beach to the courtroom and how he found his calling as a PI attorney.Marketing TrendsetterSometimes it can take years for new types of media to be recognized as effective and worthwhile marketing tools. Those that are quick to embrace them are often seen as fools before they're recognized as geniuses — and Brian was no exception. He was skeptical when his partner came to him with the idea of making a website for their firm over 20 years ago.Brian tells us how he came to embrace his website (bestattorney.com) and how he became a trailblazer in new marketing techniques. He also tells us how he coped with the naysayers criticizing his marketing methods, and he explains why you shouldn't be afraid of being ahead of the curve.Hiring Fast and Firing FasterIt can take a long time to develop a good employee into a great one, and most of the time, the investment is more than worth it. But turning a mediocre employee into a great one is nearly impossible, which is why it's almost always in everyone's best interests to let people go if they aren't making the grade.Brian tells us the valuable staffing lessons he's learned over the years and explains why substandard hiring could be hindering your firm's success. We also discuss what you need to look out for in a great team player and why you need to "hire fast and fire faster."Key takeaways: Set goals, but never settle for them. The only way to elevate yourself and your business is to always be striving for bigger and better things. Success isn't measured in revenue. It's a combination of happiness and fulfillment in both your personal and professional life. Right some wrongs because as attorneys, you have the power to make enormous positive impacts. From time to time, take on the cases that might not be financially rewarding, but that align with your values. Links and Resources The Game Changing Attorney Podcast Michael Mogill Facebook Michael Mogill Twitter Michael Mogill Instagram Michael Mogill LinkedIn Crisp Video Website Crisp Video Facebook Crisp Video Group Twitter Crisp Video Instagram Crisp Video LinkedIn Brian Chase LinkedIn Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys

Jan Jones, Master Executive Assistant, shares insights on the crucial role of executive assistants in maximizing productivity and effectiveness. She emphasizes the importance of transparency in the hiring process and effective delegation for leaders and assistants. The discussion distinguishes between executive assistants and COOs, highlighting the significance of creating a productive partnership.

"People get confused with talent and development. Talent you're just born with. Development you’ve got to assemble. That comes in a box with a whole bunch of pieces and only a couple of tools." - Eric Thomas Why do you need to want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe? How did Eric go from a homeless high school dropout to a PhD recipient and internationally renowned speaker? What are the biggest mistakes leaders make? How can you beat self-sabotaging tendencies? Eric Thomas: Inspiring the MassesEric Thomas rocketed into the global scene when his "succeed as bad as you want to breathe" speech went viral. But Eric had been inspiring others well before his YouTube fame, going from homeless and without a high school education to author, educator, pastor, academic, and philanthropist.In this episode, Eric shares with us his extraordinary story, detailing the events and people that inspired him to chase success. He explains how you can achieve whatever you want as long as you want it hard enough.Development Beats Talent Every TimeWhen it comes to achieving your goals, everyone has to start somewhere. And for the talented, the starting line is a bit closer to the finish. But those who focus on their own development rather than relying on their natural skillset will achieve their goals far more quickly.Eric tells us why complacency kills dreams and how wanting to succeed and seeking continual self-improvement is far more valuable than natural-born talent.Recognize Your PotentialOne of the hardest things you can do is evaluate yourself. While it's easy to be self-critical, identifying your strengths and what you're capable of can feel almost impossible. That's why it's vital to surround yourself with those who can recognize and bring out your potential.We talk about some of the people in Eric's life that pushed him to achieve more and helped him realize what he was capable of. Eric also tells us how he has helped others to realize their own potential and how he is helping others to reach their goals.Key takeaways: Effort is the difference between success and failure. Whether you've inherited wealth or built it yourself, the work you put in will determine whether you grow it or lose it. What motivates you probably doesn't motivate others. Your job as a leader is to find out what inspires your team members so you can all work towards a common goal. Acknowledge your weaknesses, because you'll never develop if you don't address your blind spots. Links and Resources The Game Changing Attorney Podcast Michael Mogill Facebook Michael Mogill Twitter Michael Mogill Instagram Michael Mogill LinkedIn Crisp Video Website Crisp Video Facebook Crisp Video Group Twitter Crisp Video Instagram Crisp Video LinkedIn Eric Thomas LinkedIn Eric Thomas Website

"I think that all along the path of the history of our law firm, we have tried to stay on the front side of technology, the front side of the marketing curve, and to try to make sure that we are committed to change, not committed to the same." - Kyle Bachus Why did Kyle Bachus leave his life in Florida behind for the unknowns of Colorado? How did Kyle start his practice with little to no money? Why do lawyers need to commit to progress and be mindful of new media technologies? How did Kyle's firm lose out on $10 million — and how you can avoid the same mistake? Kyle Bachus: Natural Born LawyerKyle Bachus is a personal injury lawyer and founding partner of Bachus & Schanker in Denver, Colorado. Kyle has been standing up to authority and rooting for the underdogs since high school, and at 17 he successfully argued his case in front of the Florida Supreme Court in a mock trial.Kyle's passion for advocating for the little guy drove him to become a personal injury attorney, and he now represents victims and their families in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases.In this episode, Kyle tells us about his professional journey, why he left the familiarity of Florida behind to strike out on his own in Colorado, and how he and his partner built one of the most successful law firms in the US out of nothing.Adapting and Overcoming: Keeping Ahead in the Legal Marketing SpaceLife isn't like Field of Dreams, and getting people through your doors isn't as easy as hoping "if you build it, they will come." Kyle recognized early on that organic growth on its own wasn't going to take his firm to where he and his partner wanted it to go.Kyle tells us why he made such huge investments in TV advertising and how it was a long time before he earned his $1 million gamble back in cases. He also shares why good law firms need to have great marketing campaigns and why you shouldn't be blinkered to new and emerging media technologies if you want to remain competitive.Missed Calls are Dollars BurnedYou can throw as much money at marketing as you want, but if you're not able to take all the calls that are coming in, you may as well be flushing money down the drain.Kyle recognized that his firm didn't have a problem with call volume — but it did have a problem with client experience. Calls and clients were slipping through his fingers because the systems weren't in place to respond to every query that came in. He explains why it's vital to be responsive to any incoming request and why you shouldn't burden non-call-center staff with answering phones.Key takeaways: Put clients at the heart of your processes, and always be looking for ways to improve the structures you have in place to offer a greater user experience. Big rewards require big risks, but it doesn't mean they can't be calculated. So don't dismiss large investments with even larger long-term rewards. Do what's best for your clients, even if that means fighting your superiors to ensure you get the resources necessary to put forward the best case you can. Links and Resources The Game Changing Attorney Podcast Michael Mogill Facebook Michael Mogill Twitter Michael Mogill Instagram Michael Mogill LinkedIn Crisp Video Website Crisp Video Facebook Crisp Video Group Twitter Crisp Video Instagram Crisp Video LinkedIn Kyle Bachus LinkedIn Bachus Schanker Website

"You don't deserve to go to the next level until you beat the current one. That's just life. But you don't have to go to the next level if you don't want to." - Eric Siu Why has gaming influenced Eric's life and business practices so heavily? How can real-life "power-ups" help you to get the most out of your day? Why does Eric think poker should be taught at school? How does Eric use negative energy to boost his motivation? Eric Siu: Gaming Life and BusinessEric Siu is an investor, podcaster, and author with a talent for leveling up businesses. But Eric's business know-how doesn't just come from book study. In fact, Eric credits most of his business acumen to his other passion: gaming.By relating his world to aspects of his favorite games (power-ups, character classes, etc.) Eric discovered the key elements to succeeding in his work and professional life. Now, a few businesses, a book, and a podcast later, Eric shares all he has learned over the years to help others game the system.Reframing Negativity to Feed the FireOne game Eric has taken many life lessons from is poker. The key trait it has taught him is resilience. Playing through college, Eric experienced month-long spells of good luck, but also desperate losing streaks that threatened his college funds, teaching him the importance of perseverance.Eric discusses how these highs and lows forged his ability to press on. He talks about his method of using negative energy to fuel his determination and how the amount of struggle you're able to endure is commensurate with you and your business's ability to grow.Playing the Long GameWhen you're building a business, you need long-term goals that you can work towards. Being short-sighted and only focusing on the immediate future might solve a few small problems, but you'll be neglecting the longer-term factors that could have a much more substantial positive impact on your clients.Eric tells us why you need to focus on your big-picture strategies rather than your quick-fix tactics to offer real value. He also explains why chasing after the small wins will only move you further away from your goals and why your time is better spent focusing on perfecting what you do best, rather than jumping into scaling up.Key takeaways: You don't need to stay in single-player mode. You'll achieve more and have a bigger impact if you work with a team. Hold on to your apprentice mentality. Don't get stuck in your ideas or ways of doing things, and be open to change and new methods. Don't worry about being original. Instead, reinvent and innovate. Eventually, you'll come up with an iteration that is original. Links and Resources The Game Changing Attorney Podcast Michael Mogill Facebook Michael Mogill Twitter Michael Mogill Instagram Michael Mogill LinkedIn Crisp Video Website Crisp Video Facebook Crisp Video Group Twitter Crisp Video Instagram Crisp Video LinkedIn Eric Siu LinkedIn Eric Siu Twitter

"When you say that Crisp was the first child — 100%! Before actually having a child, I was here seven days a week. We were here until 10 o'clock at night. There were no boundaries with that." - Jessica Mogill How did a 30-day consultation at Crisp turn into a new career? Why does every business need their own Jessica? How did Jessica go from an industrial engineer to Head of Coaching Strategy at Crisp? Why is bath time non-negotiable? The Midas TouchJessica Mogill is Head of Coaching Strategy at Crisp. After helping out at the company for 30 days, Jessica tamed the madness of the fledgling business and put into place structures and processes, contributing to Crisp’s first year achieving seven figures in revenue.Jessica's background in engineering has given her a unique set of leadership and strategic skills, which she has used to take the company to new heights year after year. Since joining in 2014, Jessica has increased the Crisp team's effectiveness through the implementation of new processes and improved synergy, resulting in a 1,500% growth rate.Get Yourself a JessicaHaving visionary ideas and realizing visionary ideas are two completely different skill sets. If you're coming up with big ideas for your business that you want to put into action, you need an implementer, a COO, a Jessica.We discuss what key qualities you need to possess when working with a visionary in order to turn their ideas into a reality. Jessica also tells us about her experiences in her early days with Crisp and how she put replicable procedures in place to make Michael's dreams for the business come true.Partners in Business, Partners in Life: Lessons From the ExpertsJessica and Michael have perfected the art of working with your spouse. Throughout their years working and being together, they've struck a perfect balance and developed an understanding of each other's boundaries and habits that would be the envy of any working couple.They share exactly how they are able to separate their work and their personal life and reveal what their non-negotiables are when it comes to family. Jessica tells us about the merits of working with your partner — but also reveals the key factors you need to consider before going into business with them.Key takeaways: Everyone has bad days, and this is still true when working with your spouse. Make sure you have each other's backs in case one of you needs picking up. Align your expectations when going into business with your partner. Be sure that both parties are clear on what the commitment will involve. Separate your work and home life, because no one benefits from a partner who isn't fully present in the office or with family. Links And Resources The Game Changing Attorney Podcast Michael Mogill Facebook Michael Mogill Twitter Michael Mogill Instagram Michael Mogill LinkedIn Crisp Video Website Crisp Video Facebook Crisp Video Group Twitter Crisp Video Instagram Crisp Video LinkedIn Jessica Mogill LinkedIn

"You have to go through a certain kind of death to transform yourself. And I feel like that's what happened to me. I had to get my ass beat to really come to grips with a better method and to learn to be able to deal with loss and fear — because to me, that is the greatest gorilla." - Rich Newsome Why is fear the biggest threat to your success? How did Rich go from product liability defense to complex civil litigation? Why is the plaintiff lawyer community unlike any other? How can you overcome your own fears? Champion of the PeopleRich Newsome is the senior partner at the Newsome Melton Law Firm. Rich started out in product liability defense for manufacturers, but one case turned him away from the big clients and set him down a new path. For the last 25 years, Rich has dedicated himself to representing individuals and families who have suffered catastrophic and fatal injuries against the kinds of corporations he once defended.In this episode, Rich tells us all about the case that got him into complex civil litigation and how time and again he has overcome professional and personal hurdles that would've beaten anyone else.Collaboration, Not CompetitionWithin the plaintiff lawyer community, there is a duality of competition and collaboration. Competition for new clients is fierce, but the plaintiff lawyers' shared belief in advocating for their clients' rights also leads to unparalleled cooperation among rivals.Rich shares with us what he loves about being a plaintiff lawyer and describes the altruistic exchange of information plaintiff lawyers engage in through the Attorneys Information Exchange Group (AIEG).Learn From Your LossesEven in the legal profession, it's true that with every failure comes an opportunity to grow — and while losing in the courtroom can be devastating, you should use it as a chance to reflect and improve.Hot streaks can give us a false sense of confidence, which is something Rich knows all about. He shares with us one of his own opportunities for growth and how he learned from his hubris to never overestimate your own abilities.Key takeaways: Don't ignore your fear. It's normal to feel it, and you're definitely not the only one who gets scared. So acknowledge it, accept it, breathe through it, and learn to overcome it. Roll with the punches. You're going to take a lot of hits in your personal and professional life — but each one is an opportunity for you to learn and grow. Cooperation is key. Keep in touch with your contacts, join groups and associations like the AIEG, and take advantage of the exchange of information and support. Links and Resources The Game Changing Attorney Podcast Michael Mogill Facebook Michael Mogill Twitter Michael Mogill Instagram Michael Mogill LinkedIn Crisp Video Website Crisp Video Facebook Crisp Video Group Twitter Crisp Video Instagram Crisp Video LinkedIn Rich Newsome LinkedIn Rich Newsome Twitter Newsome Melton Law Firm Trial School Website

"You want a 30(b)(6) cross-examined and torn to shreds? I'm your girl." - Sara Williams Why do you need to be authentic to reach your maximum potential? How did Sara Williams go from aspiring sports agent to top dog at Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys? Why does the legal industry still have a long way to go to be truly diverse? How can "being yourself" help you in front of a jury? Attorney and EducatorSara Williams is a Leading Trial Attorney at Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys. After attending Cumberland Law School and quickly falling in love with the work of a trial lawyer, Sara made her way to Shunnarah’s empire in 2013.Sara has built up a name for herself as a truly formidable lawyer, and she litigates on various cases from motor vehicle negligence to wrongful deaths. As well as her work as an attorney, Sara is an educator. Serving as adjunct professor of Trial Advocacy at Cumberland School of Law, Sara helps students "flip the switch" and go from good attorneys to great attorneys.Advocate of AuthenticityOne of Sara's core strengths is authenticity, and her main goal as an educator and mentor is to help others recognize that you cannot reach your full potential while you're pushing against — or hiding — who you truly are.We discuss what it means to be authentic and the impact it’s had on Sara's journey. We also talk about her ongoing work to help others defeat generations of social conditioning to unleash their true voices, and why having authentic mentors is vital for personal and professional development.Career Growth: Chase Skills, Not RolesThe factor that has most influenced Sara's career choices isn't money or titles, but skills. Time and time again, Sara's need for professional growth has made her choose learning opportunities over bigger paychecks — and even abandon the familiarity of one job for the educational value of another.Sara explores why it's important to always be learning and why you should value opportunities to develop your skillset over bigger salaries or fancier offices. We also talk about how this single belief influenced Sara's trajectory and put her on the path to become the lawyer she is today.Key takeaways: Don't worry about your weaknesses. Focus more on your strengths, and be great at a few things rather than average at a lot of things. Find a mentor you can be vulnerable with and who makes you feel comfortable, so you can develop your authentic voice and build confidence. Be confident in your abilities, and don't be afraid to show it. The quickest way to lose a skill is to hide it away. Links and Resources The Game Changing Attorney Podcast Michael Mogill Facebook Michael Mogill Twitter Michael Mogill Instagram Michael Mogill LinkedIn Crisp Video Website Crisp Video Facebook Crisp Video Group Twitter Crisp Video Instagram Crisp Video LinkedIn Sara Williams LinkedIn Sara Williams Website Sara Williams YouTube

"What is average? Average is the bottom of good and the top of bad. Why would you not make a decision to be truly excellent in your particular business?" - Horst Schulze Why should every business have a clearly defined vision? How can empowering your employees benefit your clients and you? What are the four cornerstones of a great company? How should you orient new staff to promote your values and vision? The Advocate of ExcellenceHorst Schulze learned early on that in order to excel, you must be excellent. From his humble beginnings as a server's assistant, he worked his way up through both the Hilton and Hyatt Hotels before helping to found The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company in 1983.Horst's obsession with excellence has earned him commendations such as Corporate Hotelier of the World and the Ishikawa Medal for personal contributions to the quality movement — and his subsequent venture, Capella Hotel Group, continues to push the bounds of luxury and quality.Excellence PermeatesTo be the best — and to hold that position — you must always be looking for ways to excel. Not only does this benefit you, but it inspires those you lead to do the same.Horst tells us all about the role self-betterment plays in your company and how striving to be the best can positively influence those around you, resulting in happy customers and a stronger company.Customer Loyalty Through Company CultureCustomer loyalty doesn't necessarily depend on the quality of the product. It is fostered through continued excellence in the service you provide, which can only be delivered through your employees.We discuss how instituting a culture of excellence can improve your law firm and result in more loyal clients. We also talk about the dangers of poor service and how a loyal customer can quickly switch from being an evangelist for your company to a terrorist for your reputation.Key takeaways: Don't just hire qualifications — select values. Bring in staff members that believe in your vision, want to achieve your goals, and will be advocates for your mission. Prioritize customers over the business. It is not enough to think that customers will flock if you have a good company. You must serve their needs first in order to create a successful business. Every complaint is an opportunity for you to promote loyalty. Recognize them as a chance, not to shut out a bad customer, but to bring in a loyal one. Links and Resources The Game Changing Attorney Podcast Michael Mogill Facebook Michael Mogill Twitter Michael Mogill Instagram Michael Mogill LinkedIn Crisp Video Website Crisp Video Facebook Crisp Video Group Twitter Crisp Video Instagram Crisp Video LinkedIn Horst Schulze Website Need to Lead Website Capella Hotel Group *Excellence Wins* Book