Culture and Language

Design Thinking and Innovation with Leigh Ollman

Leigh Ollman, June 14, 2017, Legal Marketing Studio podcast

There has been a tidal wave of disruption in every industry driven by digital technologies shifting not only the nuts and bolts of a business but the expectations and needs of clients. The legal industry has not been immune to these changes and there is much talk about innovating in the face of them. Leigh Ollman, co-director of Akerman X, joined me to discuss how Akerman is using design thinking, or human centered design, in creating innovative solutions to the challenges of today’s business environment and doing so with their clients’ needs top of mind. The focus of our conversation is on design thinking and creating a culture of innovation.

For more information on Law2023: here.

Need resources? Ideo.org and Treehouse Innovation were both mentioned by Leigh as resources they did and do use.

Recorded June 14, 2017 at the New York City offices of Akerman.

Empowering Through Networking with Janice Roven and Davida Perry

Janice Roven and Davida Perry discussing the Women's Empowerment Networking Group on the Legal Marketing Studio podcast with host Michael Meyer.

Networking is a crucial part of any business development toolkits. A graphic designer I met through my own networking told me about the Women’s Empowerment Networking Group founded and run by Janice Roven and Davida Perry, and I was struck by the founding story of the all women group. Janice and Davida generously offered to come on the show to discuss their reasons for starting the group, the value of being at its center, the logistical challenges and a bit about diversity.

Recorded May 26, 2017 in the offices of Schwartz Perry & Heller LLP.

Building a Personal Brand with Jasmine Sandler

A strong personal brand can help an attorney or executive to develop new business for his or her firm or company. Jasmine Sandler, keynote speaker, trainer, author and consultant in digital marketing and social selling for global organizations, joins me on the latest podcast to discuss her process for helping attorneys, executives and entrepreneurs build, grow and protect this kind of personal brand. Our conversation touches on the kinds of goals and initiatives served by building these kinds of personal brands, the interaction between this personal branding and firm branding, and the buy-in and commitment required to succeed.

Download Jasmine’s Personal Branding Checklist from her website (will open as a PDF).

Recorded June 15, 2017 at the offices of Jasmine Sandler.

Targeted Messaging Supporting a Specific Service Offering with Tanya Pohl

Tanya Pohl defines herself very specifically as a social media attorney. In this episode of the Legal Marketing Studio, she describes how she came to see this niche of IP law as the basis for a viable practice and as a form of effective marketing. Our conversation wends its way through the language that she uses across various marketing channels and the subtle ways that she modulates this messaging for each. We discuss also the nuts and bolts of moving out of big law and starting a solo practice.

Recorded April 17, 2017 at the New York City Bar.