The Game Changing Attorney Podcast with Michael Mogill

"It's not one little thing. It's a lot of continued, consistent effort to get where we are. But I think for other people, they sit there and go, ‘Well, I can't do that.’ You may not be able to do everything we're doing today, but you could do one thing, and after that, you can build to other things. I think that's the opportunity that people could really grow from.” - Bob Tharp How has Bob Tharp managed to grow his firm for 23 years without ever backsliding? What are the values that Meriwether & Tharp is built on? How does Bob ensure continual improvement for his business and himself? What can attorneys learn from going to Disney? A Full Trophy CaseBob Tharp is a Founding Partner of Meriwether & Tharp, an 8-figure family law firm in Atlanta, as well as a nationally-recognized family attorney in his own right. He has earned awards for his work with clients, including being named Family Law Monthly's 2016 Family Lawyer of the Year and a Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers Magazine for the past 6 years.Bob has also taken the lead on M&T's extensive content generation efforts and has overseen the creation of thousands of educational materials, including podcasts, blog posts, white papers, and speaking engagements. This too has garnered him awards, including the Omni, Muse, W3, and Communicator awards for his work on the M&T website and library of resources.Consistency is KeyHow do you get where you're going? One step at a time. Bob is a champion of persistent, steady progress. He starts each morning by evaluating his analytics to see what areas of his business can be improved and what processes can be optimized.Since launching the firm in 1998, Bob has increased the company's value year over year for 23 straight years. Meriwether & Tharp has also been listed on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in America for 4 years in a row.The Pursuit of PerfectionSelf-improvement is a core value for M&T, and it infuses every aspect of their business, from how they train their lawyers to the resources they provide clients.And it's not just lip service for Bob — he lives and breathes it. He's always striving to make himself and his practice better. It's what keeps him engaged. He's constantly creating new goals to make M&T the best firm it can be.Key takeaways: Learn from anything and everything. How does Disney do their customer service? How do football coaches dissect their previous games? Keep your mind open and you can find applicable lessons for your business everywhere. Know before you grow. You can't build your business without understanding the ins and outs of your analytics, your strategy, and your clientele. Build systems now, save time later. They take time to perfect and implement, but the investment is worth it in the long run. 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 Bob Tharp LinkedIn Meriwether & Tharp Website

You'll never change the game if you don't think outside the box. That's why game changing attorneys don't blindly follow the status quo to get ahead — they look to leading business owners and entrepreneurs from all industries to elevate themselves and their practices.So far this year, we've spoken to game changers in all sectors. Publishers, biohackers, giftologists, hoteliers, and of course a few world-class attorneys have shared their experiences about how they got to the top of their respective fields. They’ve given up their best secrets to tell you how to take your law firm to the next level and beyond.In this Best of Season 2: Q1 roundup, we take a second look at some of the most poignant moments and prominent guests Michael has encountered on the podcast. Join us as we rediscover the habits, strategies, and mindsets of the architects of some of the most influential and disruptive businesses and law firms of the 21st century.In this episode: Jay Papasan on boosting your productivity through harnessing your focus and ditching the "to-do" list Dave Asprey on how you're more in control of your health than you might think and how you can best utilize your mental energy John Ruhlin on why no one wants your company-branded swag and how to think strategically about gifting Horst Schulze on why anything short of excellence is unacceptable Sara Williams on embracing your strengths and why you should never hide your true voice Jessica Mogill on why one of the best traits of great leaders is a little bit of humility Kyle Bachus on the importance of bold but calculated risk-taking when growing your law firm Eric Thomas on the widening gap between desire and effort and its negative impact on success Join us for all these insights and more on this Best of Season 2: Q1 episode of The Game Changing Attorney Podcast.Links and Resources The Game Changing Attorney Podcast Michael Mogill Facebook Michael Mogill Twitter

Marcus Lemonis, successful entrepreneur and host of The Profit, shares insights on learning from mistakes, business principles, and the importance of self-awareness in leadership. His journey emphasizes the value of human behavior, effective leadership, and embracing setbacks as learning opportunities.

"We were told when we were young that we're going to work for five different places. There's no real reason for that. I've come to realize more and more that people are doing that because most companies suck to work for. They just suck." - Eric Farber Why do you need to take a leap of faith and invest in your company culture? How can you make your team happy and un-poachable? Why should you make progression and development a priority for all your employees? How can you encourage others to be comfortable with being vulnerable and asking for help? Cultivator of Company CultureWhen a lawyer decides to hang out their shingle and start their own firm, they usually dream of using their practice as a means to do the kind of work they want to do, when they want to do it. But the reality is that as soon as they open their practice, they need to don their management hat and quickly learn how to become business people as well as attorneys.Eric Farber is an attorney, a CEO, and the author of the highly-rated “The Case For Culture,” a book all about transforming your law firm, taking control of yourself and your business, and establishing a clear company culture. Eric knows all too well the pitfalls attorneys fall into in their own practices, and in this episode, we'll discuss how law firm owners can avoid these mistakes and motivate their team members to stick around.Not Hiring is Better Than Hiring WrongWhen you're growing fast or find that certain departments are overwhelmed, any manager's gut reaction is to start hiring. While bringing in the right people can help to handle the extra workload, hiring someone unfit for the task can end up costing your firm dearly.Eric explains how poor hiring choices make for unhappy and unproductive employees, and he tells us why it's better to leave a position empty rather than fill a seat with someone who doesn't fit your culture. Eric also reveals the only two follow-up questions you'll need in an interview and offers a word of warning about candidates who seem to tick all the right boxes.Give Until It HurtsWhen starting your own firm, you have to make sacrifices. That might mean giving up personal time to work on your business, or it might mean taking a smaller salary to make sure your team gets paid. But if you want to promote a healthy culture to support your business, you might have to go yet another step further.We discuss why you and your culture need to be able to recognize that nobody is a superhero and that from time to time some might need a little extra help. Eric also details the extraordinary lengths he went to in order to support one of his own employees, and he shares the unexpected positive impact it had on his business.Key takeaways: Have faith when investing in culture. Some benefits will be immediate, and some won't be obvious until the future. The company culture might not be what you think it is, so ask your key stakeholders to find out what it is to them. Keep your employees challenged and satisfied if you don't want to lose them. 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 Farber LinkedIn Eric Farber Website The Case for Culture Website

"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