What Was the Mastermind?

Author: Tiffany McLean 

Warner Norcross & Judd

Training Manager 

The PDC Mastermind program, titled "Turning Lawyers into Rainmakers" and facilitated by David Freeman, was an initiative designed to empower professional development (PD) professionals with the skills and strategies necessary to guide internal clients in business development (BD) from a PD perspective—a critical area often overshadowed by traditional marketing approaches.

Why I Joined the Mastermind

Several compelling reasons drew me to this Mastermind:

As a PD professional, my role involves identifying the right training programs, selecting top-tier speakers, and staying attuned to the broader landscape within the legal industry. Understanding industry trends and shifts is crucial in preparing our attorneys to deliver exceptional client service. This is where the connection to business development becomes clear.

What truly excited me about this mastermind was the opportunity to learn from David Freeman, a recognized thought leader in the BD space. David’s deep expertise, extensive experience, and unique ability to spot BD opportunities in nearly any situation were invaluable benefits of participating in this program. The chance to discuss ideas with someone who has “been there, done that,” and in the process, made the mistakes and learned from them was an opportunity I couldn’t miss. Getting advice and feedback from such a highly regarded PDC Trusted Advisor was invaluable.

Key Takeaways from the Mastermind

1. During the PDC Mastermind event, the discussions highlighted the numerous pressures legal professionals face, including adopting a business development mindset. As a PD professional, I realized the significant role we can play by collaborating with Practice Group leaders and our BD/Marketing teams to design targeted programs that support the growth and advancement of our attorneys and the overall firm. My passion remains firmly rooted in nurturing and developing our attorneys.

2. Participating in this program offered me invaluable opportunities to engage in deep, insightful conversations with my peers about the challenges related to business development. It became clear that PD professionals nationwide struggle with seamlessly integrating BD activities with PD initiatives. This revelation underscored that this challenge is not unique to our firm but is a common issue across the industry.

3. A true "AHA!" moment for me was rethinking the timing of when to integrate BD practices into the associate journey. Traditionally, I had focused on more senior associates, believing that BD should be introduced later in their careers. However, the mastermind sessions prompted me to reconsider this approach. I realized that cultivating BD habits earlier in an associate’s career could significantly enhance their growth. By the time they are up for partnership, they would already have the skills to build their practice groups and continue providing value to the firm and our clients.

A well-developed BD plan, especially within my firm's unique lockstep system, ensures consistent work for junior associates and allows them to replicate practical tools and techniques as they grow their careers. This approach helps maintain our market position, strengthens our brand, and enhances client relationships by positioning us as key leaders for our clients' legal needs. Keeping this front of mind is essential as I develop programs for the firm.

What I Hope Other PDC Members Know About Joining a Mastermind

The PDC Mastermind program is an invaluable opportunity for PD professionals. It offers a fantastic platform for connecting with peers, exchanging best practices, and continually refining our professional skills. I am genuinely grateful for the chance to engage with like-minded professionals, learn from their experiences, and build meaningful connections with individuals equally committed to their ongoing professional growth.

For those considering joining one of these groups, I can confidently say that the insights, connections, and professional growth you’ll gain are well worth the investment. Whether you want to enhance your skills or drive meaningful change within your firm, the PDC Mastermind program provides the tools, knowledge, and community to support your journey.