The Practice Playbook Podcast with Susan Guthrie

For the past three years, most conversations about AI in the legal and dispute resolution professions have fallen into one of two categories: fear or hype. Either AI was coming to replace everyone, or it was being presented as a magical solution that could somehow run your practice for you overnight. But professions are finally moving into a new phase of the conversation, one grounded in practical reality, thoughtful implementation, ethical responsibility, and strategic opportunity. In this episode of The Practice Playbook Podcast, Susan Guthrie goes inside the upcoming AI and the Practice of Law Summit with two of the leaders helping shape that conversation: Joseph Gartner, Director of the ABA Center for Innovation and Deian McBryde, Chair of the Planning Committee for the upcoming ABA AI Summit. Together, they explore where AI adoption in legal practice actually stands right now, what professionals are getting wrong, what is finally starting to work, and why the future of professional practice may belong to those who learn how to combine technology with the uniquely human skills clients value most. This is not another surface-level AI conversation. It is a candid and practical discussion about: Real-world AI implementation in law firms and professional practices The shift from AI theory to actionable workflows Billing and pricing challenges in an AI-driven practice environment Ethical guardrails and responsible technology adoption AI agents and what they may mean for the future of legal work Why solo and small firm professionals have enormous opportunities right now How mediators, arbitrators, and dispute resolution professionals fit into the evolving landscape The growing importance of judgment, creativity, strategy, and counseling in an AI-supported profession Whether you are AI-curious, actively experimenting with tools like ChatGPT and Claude, or already integrating AI into your practice, this episode offers practical insights and a grounded perspective that cuts through the noise. Susan and her guests also discuss the upcoming AI Summit, a virtual two-day program designed to help professionals at every level of AI adoption move from information overload to practical implementation.   ABA's "The AI and the Practice of Law Summit", May 18th and 19th The program is fully virtual and all sessions will be available on demand afterward, which honestly was the deciding factor for me because I cannot attend live either, but I absolutely registered so I can access all of the content afterward. Registration is very reasonably priced at about $200 for members and $240 for non-members, and there is also a discount code available. Use code SUMMIT10 for 10% off registration. More information and Registration Meet our Guests: Joseph“Joey”Gartner focuses on the skill set of the modern lawyer. As Director and Counsel at the ABA Center for Innovation and former staff counsel to the ABA Task Force on Law and Artificial Intelligence, he approaches the profession’s challenges and opportunities with a broad, practical lens. Joey believes innovation starts with the individual and grows from well-rounded capabilities—such as data fluency, an iterative mindset, and technology competence—to complement legal expertise. His experience across practice and legal operations informs a steady approach to change and skill-building. He encourages balanced adoption of technology—AI included—grounded in client value and risk awareness rather than hype. He also helps lawyers develop the mindset to work at the top of their license and think creatively about how legal services are delivered. Joey frequently speaks on innovation, change readiness, the delivery of legal services, and artificial intelligence. He holds a J.D. from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law. Deian McBryde is a New Mexico litigator and appellate attorney, mediator and settlement facilitator, and a judge pro tempore for the Tonto Apache Tribal Court in Arizona.  Deian worked in business consulting, adult learning, technology, wellness, and the arts before pivoting to the law later in his career. He is a former chair of the State Bar’s Solo & Small Firm Section and is currently a member of the governing board of the ABA’s Center for Innovation and a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, who has presented continuing education sessions locally and nationally. Deian is online at www.mcbrydelaw.com. Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan E. Guthrie is one of the most respected voices in mediation and conflict resolution today. A nationally recognized family law attorney and mediator for 35 years, she is now a top professional coach and consultant helping dispute resolution and legal professionals build thriving, modern practices. Susan recently appeared on The Oprah Podcast, expanding her reach to an even broader audience and highlighting her role as a trusted expert in divorce, communication, and modern conflict resolution. She is also the creator and host of The Divorce & Beyond Podcast, ranked in the top 1% worldwide, with millions of listeners and a global following. As Immediate Past Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan continues to shape the future of the profession while training and mentoring practitioners around the world. Connect with Susan E. Guthrie Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Books: https://susaneguthrie.com/books LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Instagram: @susaneguthrie and @practiceplaybookpodcast    If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to subscribe to The Practice Playbook Podcast on your favorite platform, leave a 5-star review, and share the episode with a colleague or professional friend who would benefit from this conversation. Your support helps us continue bringing practical insights, forward-thinking strategies, and meaningful conversations to lawyers, mediators, arbitrators, and entrepreneurial professionals looking to build stronger, smarter, and more sustainable practices. And as always, please remember that this podcast is presented for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice, business advice, or professional advice of any kind, and listening to this podcast does not create any attorney-client or professional relationship.    

Seven habits. That is what separates the top 10% of practitioners from everyone else. Not talent, not experience, not working harder. Seven specific, actionable habits that most professionals either overlook or avoid entirely. This week, every single one gets unpacked so you can begin implementing them into your practice today. Most professionals believe success comes from doing more. More marketing, more networking, more credentials, more training. But after working with hundreds of professionals and colleagues building their practices, the truth is clear: volume is not what creates a thriving practice. What does? Intention. Top performers make decisions with purpose, take action consistently, and build their practices strategically instead of reactively. This episode walks through all seven habits so you can identify exactly where you are operating like the 90% and where you can start operating like the top 10%, instead. What You’ll Learn: Why top performers are not working harder than everyone else and what they are actually doing differently. How to use data from your last five clients to stop reacting and start building your practice with intention. What ruthless clarity around who you serve does for your referrals and how one sentence can change everything. How to build visibility as a habit instead of an event so you stay top of mind without burning out. What happens to most opportunities after the first conversation and the simple habit of followup keeps them alive. Get the FREE Resource: A free scorecard was created to go along with this episode. The Top 10% Practice Assessment walks through each of the seven habits and helps you identify exactly where your gaps are and where to focus next. Awareness is the first step, but action is what creates change. Get the Resource here: https://practiceplaybook.pro/practice-assessment   Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan E. Guthrie is one of the most respected voices in mediation and conflict resolution today. A nationally recognized family law attorney and mediator for 35 years, she is now a top professional coach and consultant helping dispute resolution and legal professionals build thriving, modern practices. Susan recently appeared on The Oprah Podcast, expanding her reach to an even broader audience and highlighting her role as a trusted expert in divorce, communication, and modern conflict resolution. She is also the creator and host of The Divorce & Beyond Podcast, ranked in the top 1% worldwide, with millions of listeners and a global following. As Immediate Past Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan continues to shape the future of the profession while training and mentoring practitioners around the world. Connect with Susan E. Guthrie Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Books: https://susaneguthrie.com/susans-books LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Instagram: @susaneguthrie and @practiceplaybookpodcast 

You can be exceptional at what you do, the best lawyer, mediator, consultant, or coach in the room, but if people don’t know who you are or how you can help, building a thriving practice becomes an uphill climb. In fact, if you’ve ever left a conference, networking event, or even a series of great meetings thinking, “That was really valuable… so why aren’t any leads coming from it?” then you’ve already felt the gap we’re going to talk about in this episode. With the help of guest Steve Fretzin, we’re exploring the difference between simply meeting people and actually building a meaningful book of business, or put another way, how to grow your practice without feeling like you’re selling. Steve is a nationally recognized business development coach, author of five books on legal marketing and rainmaking, and host of the podcasts Be That Lawyer and Future Rainmakers. He works with professionals across the country to help them grow their practices in a way that feels both effective and authentic. In this conversation, we’ll talk about how to become what Steve calls “that lawyer,” or in our world, that professional, the one people remember, trust, and want to work with. What You’ll Learn: Business development is not selling. It’s relationship building, and when you approach it that way, everything changes. Meeting people is not the same as building business. Without follow-up, adding value, and deepening relationships, it’s easy to become what Steve calls a “professional meeter.” Activity without strategy does not create results. You need a system you can follow, track, and improve over time. Consistency is what separates successful professionals from everyone else. Not intensity or short bursts of effort, but showing up week after week in a meaningful way.  Get the FREE Resource: The Professional "Meeter" to Rainmaker Reset Kit: a companion resource to this episode designed to help you move from just meeting people to actually building a book of business building on the insights shared by Steve Fretzin in this episode.  Get the Resource here. Guest Driven, focused, and committed to helping attorneys realize their full potential, Steve Fretzin is an internationally recognized coach, skills trainer, and roundtable facilitator for lawyers who want to build meaningful books of business and take control of their careers. He has authored five books on legal marketing and business development and hosts two highly rated podcasts, BE THAT LAWYER and Future Rainmakers. Steve also writes a monthly column for Above the Law, and his podcasts are regularly featured on the Above the Law and Attorney at Work websites.   Find out more about Steve’s new Be That Lawyer Community.    Website: bethatlawyer.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevefretzin/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/fretzinsteve Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fretzinsteve/ Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan E. Guthrie is one of the most respected voices in mediation and conflict resolution today. A nationally recognized family law attorney and mediator for 35 years, she is now a top professional coach and consultant helping dispute resolution and legal professionals build thriving, modern practices. Susan recently appeared on The Oprah Podcast, expanding her reach to an even broader audience and highlighting her role as a trusted expert in divorce, communication, and modern conflict resolution. She is also the creator and host of The Divorce & Beyond Podcast, ranked in the top 1% worldwide, with millions of listeners and a global following. As Immediate Past Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan continues to shape the future of the profession while training and mentoring practitioners around the world. Connect with Susan E. Guthrie Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Books: https://susaneguthrie.com/susans-books LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Instagram: @susaneguthrie and @practiceplaybookpodcast 

Most professionals are busy, capable, doing good work and yet the practice is not growing the way they expected. The issue is not effort. The issue is usually strategy, or lack thereof. Because most professionals are focused on what feels productive, not what actually drives growth. In this solo episode, Susan Guthrie walks through the seven fastest ways to grow your practice in 2026 and beyond. These are not trends. These are patterns, the things she sees consistently with professionals whose practices are growing, whose calendars are full, and who are being sought out rather than chasing work. One important note before diving in: you do not need to do all seven. You should pick one from the list and do it consistently. Work through the episode, refer to the companion download, and  find the one strategy that resonates.  What You’ll Learn: Every successful practice is built on three things: positioning, visibility, and trust. If your practice is not growing, at least one of those is off. The market does not reward general capability. It rewards clear positioning. You can do many things, but you must be known for one. You do not need more visibility. You need the right visibility, showing up where your referral sources already gather. Stop asking how to find more clients. Start asking who already works with your clients and build real relationships with those people. Thought leadership is what turns visibility into demand. It is not about being louder. It is about being clearer. Related Resources Companion Worksheet: Download and refer back to it as you listen to the episode!  The Business Planning Playbook The Flat Fee Playbook The Thought Leadership Playbook Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan E. Guthrie is one of the most respected voices in mediation and conflict resolution today. A nationally recognized family law attorney and mediator for 35 years, she is now a top professional coach and consultant helping dispute resolution and legal professionals build thriving, modern practices. Susan recently appeared on The Oprah Daily Podcast, expanding her reach to an even broader audience and highlighting her role as a trusted expert in divorce, communication, and modern conflict resolution. She is also the creator and host of The Divorce & Beyond Podcast, ranked in the top 1% worldwide, with millions of listeners and a global following. As Immediate Past Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan continues to shape the future of the profession while training and mentoring practitioners around the world. Connect with Susan E. Guthrie Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Books: https://susaneguthrie.com/susans-books LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Instagram: @susaneguthrie and @practiceplaybookpodcast 

Most people think you can simply stop practicing law one day and become a mediator the next. But as this episode makes clear, building a successful neutral practice takes years of credibility, relationships, and intentional effort. For anyone who has thought about making the transition from litigator to mediator, or who is already building a neutral practice and wondering what it really takes to succeed, this episode is exactly where to start. Susan Guthrie sits down with Scott Zucker, a commercial litigator with nearly four decades of experience who has built a thriving mediation and arbitration practice. He is also the author of Mediation Minute: Insights on Alternative Dispute Resolution. Scott pulls the curtain back on what his journey really looked like, including the long runway and the simple but powerful marketing principle he calls “Go out, get seen, get asked”. This conversation is packed with the kind of real-world insight that only comes from someone who has walked the walk. Scott and Susan cover everything from making the mental shift from advocate to neutral, to building thought leadership, and to why trust is the true bedrock of dispute resolution work. What You’ll Learn: Building a mediation practice does not happen overnight, and why reputation, relationships, and credibility take years to develop. Thought leadership builds credibility before anyone picks up the phone, and how writing and speaking about what you observe as a neutral lets people understand you better Some of the best ways to build skills and get cases early in a neutral practice Why and how trust is the foundation of dispute resolution Guest Scott Zucker is a founding partner of the Atlanta law firm Weissmann Zucker Euster + Oblinger P.C. and has been practicing law since 1987. His law practice focuses on real estate, employment and construction matters. He is also a certified Mediator and Arbitrator and assists parties in resolving matters through Alternative Dispute Resolution. Scott is a frequent lecturer at national and state real estate and construction trade conventions and is a contributing legal writer for trade industry magazines. Scott is actively involved in the community and has sat on the advisory boards for Emory University’s Winship Cancer Institute as well as the Rollins School of Public Health. He is a past president of Temple Sinai in Atlanta and is a Vice-Chair for the Southeast Division of the Anti-Defamation League. Scott is a fervent writer and educator on the topic of “Ethical Wills” and is a passionate advocate of the importance of legacy writing. Scott presented a TEDx talk on Ethical Wills in 2019 which is available on YouTube. Scott obtained his undergraduate degree from Washington University in St. Louis and his law degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Scott and his wife Melanie are proud parents of two sons (and two wonderful daughter-in-laws) and especially proud grandparents. Connect with Scott Practice: https://milesmediation.com/neutrals/scott-zucker/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-zucker-3643b712/ Book: THE MEDIATION MINUTE: Insights on Alternative Dispute Resolution Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan E. Guthrie is one of the most respected voices in mediation and conflict resolution today. A nationally recognized family law attorney and mediator for 35 years, she is now a top professional coach and consultant helping dispute resolution and legal professionals build thriving, modern practices. Susan recently appeared on The Oprah Daily Podcast, expanding her reach to an even broader audience and highlighting her role as a trusted expert in divorce, communication, and modern conflict resolution. She is also the creator and host of The Divorce & Beyond Podcast, ranked in the top 1% worldwide, with millions of listeners and a global following. As Immediate Past Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan continues to shape the future of the profession while training and mentoring practitioners around the world. Connect with Susan E. Guthrie Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Books: https://susaneguthrie.com/susans-books LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Instagram: @susaneguthrie and @practiceplaybookpodcast  —--------------------------  

What if credibility does not come from sounding like an expert? What if it comes from being understood? That is the question at the heart of this week's conversation and for legal professionals trained to believe that complexity signals expertise, it may be the most important question to sit with. Susan Guthrie is joined by Lee Shainis, founder of Simplify Language, who has trained hundreds of organizations nationwide to make their written and spoken communication clearer, more efficient, and more inclusive. Lee brings a grounding reminder that simplifying communication is not dumbing it down. It is tightening it up, editing, sharpening, and making space for the people across from you to actually follow along. Together, Susan and Lee explore the hidden costs of complex language, why most people will never tell you when they are confused, and how small, intentional shifts in clarity can strengthen trust, influence, and authority.  What You’ll Learn: Why complexity can actually work against your credibility How institutional language creates distance, even when you do not mean it to Why most people will never tell you when they are confused, and how to make it easier for them Why knowing your audience is always step one, before you write a word or say a thing How to use AI to simplify your communication without losing your voice Join Us at the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution Skills Summit Lee Shainis is the featured presenter on day two of the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution Skills Summit this April. He will be diving deep into practical tools for simplifying communication, elevating your public speaking, and strengthening your facilitation skills. It is a two-day virtual program, so you can attend from anywhere. Register at https://events.americanbar.org/event/b68303d1-af4a-495c-abc3-a67a5bd67a9b/summary Guest Lee is founder of Simplify Language, providing training to make written and spoken communication more concise, understandable, readable, and efficient for all audiences. Since 2023 he has led hundreds of custom trainings nationwide for educational institutions, government agencies, nonprofits, and others. Lee co-founded the nonprofit lntercambio Uniting Communities in 2000 and was the CEO for 20 years. During his leadership, lntercambio connected 10,000 adult immigrants with 5,000 volunteer English teachers in Boulder County and established a national network of several hundred organizations. lntercambio continues to thrive and in 2024 received $2M from the MacKenzie Scott Foundation. Connect with Lee Website:  simplifylanguage.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-shainis Resources Mentioned:  Get All Three Practice Playbook Books for Just $19.99 If you are serious about building a profitable, sustainable practice, Susan's entire Practice Playbook series is now available as a PDF bundle. That includes the Flat Fee Playbook, the Thought Leadership Playbook, and the Business Plan Playbook. One PDF with three strategic guides designed to help you clarify your positioning, strengthen your authority, and build a practice that actually works for you. Grab the full bundle at https://bit.ly/Three-Books _____________________________________ Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan E. Guthrie is one of the most respected voices in mediation and conflict resolution today. A nationally recognized family law attorney and mediator for 35 years, she is now a top professional coach and consultant helping dispute resolution and legal professionals build thriving, modern practices. Susan recently appeared on The Oprah Daily Podcast, expanding her reach to an even broader audience and highlighting her role as a trusted expert in divorce, communication, and modern conflict resolution. She is also the creator and host of The Divorce & Beyond Podcast, ranked in the top 1% worldwide, with millions of listeners and a global following. As Immediate Past Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan continues to shape the future of the profession while training and mentoring practitioners around the world. Connect with Susan E. Guthrie Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Books: https://susaneguthrie.com/susans-books LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Instagram: @susaneguthrie and @practiceplaybookpodcast

Are you building a firm, or have you really built yourself a very high-paying job? That is a question every entrepreneurial professional needs to confront at some point, whether you are five years into practice or thirty-five. This week, Susan Guthrie welcomes Andrea Steinbrenner for a thoughtful and eye-opening conversation about what it truly means to build something that can sustain itself beyond the founder. Andrea is the CEO and Partner of Exit Consulting Group, where she helps business owners plan for succession, transition, and exit. A former fractional CFO and operational leader, she brings deep strategic and practical experience. What makes this conversation especially powerful is that she does not view exit planning as simply a transaction. She frames it as something much bigger.  It is about transition, legacy, and long-term relevance. Together, Susan and Andrea explore what happens when a business is built around one person, the emotional and practical challenges of letting go, and what it really takes to create something that can endure.  Whether you plan to sell, wind down, pass your work on, or simply want more freedom in your life, this conversation invites you to consider an essential truth: A business that depends entirely on you is inherently fragile, and building something that lasts requires intentional planning long before any transition begins. What You’ll Learn: Why a business that cannot run without you is not yet transferable and what that actually means about structure, not success How to think about exit strategy as transition, legacy, and future freedom rather than simply selling Why timing matters and how early structural changes create more options later How to assess whether you are building a scalable firm or sustaining a high performing job Where founder dependency shows up and how to identify if you are a single point of failure One practical step you can take in the next ninety days to build real leverage in your business Guest Andrea Steinbrenner is the Chief Executive Officer and Partner of Exit Consulting Group, Inc. (ECG), where she leads with strategic vision and cultural integrity. Her career spans retail management, accounting, and operations, including serving as a fractional CFO and VP of Operations at TGG Accounting, where she helped scale the firm significantly. After earning her EMBA, she founded Canopy Consulting before joining ECG in 2019, rising from consultant to COO and ultimately CEO in 2022. Known for her clear communication and “Tarzan” analogy of bridging strategy and execution, Andrea prioritizes active listening to align company goals with client success. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, hiking, reading, and raising poodles with her husband, Todd. Connect with Andrea: Website: https://exitconsultinggroup.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreasteinbrenner/ Featured Companion Resource: The Founder Independence Scorecard Take this conversation from insight to action with The Founder Independence Scorecard, a companion resource created for this episode. This short, strategic self assessment helps you see clearly whether you are building a scalable firm or sustaining a high performing job. More importantly, it helps you identify where you are structurally strong, where you may be a single point of failure, and one practical move you can make in the next ninety days to build real leverage. Download the companion scorecard here: bit.ly/PPP-Founder-Scorecard This Episode is Sponsored by Fourth Party FourthParty bridges the gap between great mediators and great businesses by offering technology and guidance that make running a mediation practice feel effortless. Say goodbye to the pain of scheduling, payments, and communications.   FourthParty is offering listeners 20% off their first 6 months with the codes SUSAN20. Head over to FourthParty.app and schedule a conversation with the team. https://fourthparty.app Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan E. Guthrie is one of the most respected voices in mediation and conflict resolution today. A nationally recognized family law attorney and mediator for 35 years, she is now a top professional coach and consultant helping dispute resolution and legal professionals build thriving, modern practices. Susan recently appeared on The Oprah Daily Podcast, expanding her reach to an even broader audience and highlighting her role as a trusted expert in divorce, communication, and modern conflict resolution. She is also the creator and host of The Divorce & Beyond Podcast, ranked in the top 1% worldwide, with millions of listeners and a global following. As Immediate Past Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan continues to shape the future of the profession while training and mentoring practitioners around the world. Connect with Susan E. Guthrie Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Books: https://susaneguthrie.com/susans-books LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Instagram: @susaneguthrie and @practiceplaybookpodcast    —--------------------------

This is not your typical episode on profitability. Susan Guthrie welcomes guest Darren Wurz,CFP®, who brings a fresh and innovative approach to what profit really means for legal professionals. He explains why chasing higher revenue alone can actually leave firm owners feeling more stressed, stretched thin, and disconnected from the life they want their practice to support. Darren is the founder of The Lawyer Millionaire and a fiduciary financial planner who works exclusively with law firm owners. He brings a rare perspective shaped by his background as an educator and his deep understanding of both business strategy and personal finance. In this conversation, they dig into what profitability really means, why growing a firm can actually reduce profit if you’re not careful, and the practical systems that help lawyers keep more of what they earn while building businesses that support the lives they want. This episode invites you to slow down, challenge familiar assumptions, and think about profit in a more intentional, sustainable way. What You’ll Learn: Why profitability is not the same thing as revenue, and how a growing practice can still leave you financially strained if you’re not being intentional  How separating business and personal finances, paying yourself consistently, and setting profit aside on purpose can transform both your numbers and your decision-making Why profitability is a team sport, and how aligning your staff around clear financial goals leads to better choices across the firm The hidden cost of rushed decisions, and why slowing down to think strategically can protect your profit and your long-term vision Guest Darren Wurz, CFP®, is the founder of The Lawyer Millionaire®. He is a fiduciary financial planner who works exclusively with law firm owners, helping them bridge the gap between running a successful practice and actually building lasting wealth. What makes Darren’s perspective so compelling is his path. He didn’t come up through traditional finance sales. He started as a teacher, driven by a genuine commitment to helping people grow, and that mindset carries through everything he does today. Through his work with lawyers across the country, Darren saw a pattern that will sound very familiar to many of you. Talented, driven professionals bringing in good revenue, but still struggling with cash flow, taxes, long-term planning, and the question of what all that hard work is really building toward. So he built something that didn’t exist. A flat-fee advisory firm designed specifically for law firm owners, combining business strategy, tax-smart planning, and personal financial coaching. Connect with Darren Community: https://community.lawyermillionaire.com Website: https://thelawyermillionaire.com Podcast: https://www.lawyermillionaire.com/the-lawyer-millionaire-podcast Book: https://www.lawyermillionaire.com/the-lawyer-millionaire-book Related Resources Download the Law Firm Profit First Set Up Guide and Instant Cash Flow Assessment Profit First by Mike Michalowicz Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits by Greg Crabtree The Great Game of Business by Jack Stack The Road Less Stupid by Keith Cunningham Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan E. Guthrie is one of the most respected voices in mediation and conflict resolution today. A nationally recognized family law attorney and mediator for 35 years, she is now a top professional coach and consultant helping dispute resolution and legal professionals build thriving, modern practices.  Susan recently appeared on The Oprah Daily Podcast, expanding her reach to an even broader audience and highlighting her role as a trusted expert in divorce, communication, and modern conflict resolution. She is also the creator and host of The Divorce & Beyond Podcast, ranked in the top 1% worldwide, with millions of listeners and a global following. As Immediate Past Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan continues to shape the future of the profession while training and mentoring practitioners around the world. Connect with Susan E. Guthrie Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Books: https://susaneguthrie.com/susans-books LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Instagram: @susaneguthrie and @practiceplaybookpodcast   —--------------------------  

You’re posting on LinkedIn. People are liking and commenting on your posts. And yet, when you look at your practice, nothing has really changed. In this episode, Susan Guthrie unpacks a pattern she sees repeatedly in workshops, retreats, and strategy sessions with experienced professionals using LinkedIn. The effort is there. The consistency is there. But the results do not match the visibility. Susan explores why LinkedIn engagement can be misleading, how professionals get stuck being visible without being positioned, and how to use the platform as a long-term trust builder rather than a popularity contest. What You’ll Learn: Why LinkedIn likes and comments reflect agreement, not trust, and what decision-makers are actually evaluating before they reach out How the content that leads to clients often receives less engagement, and why authority-signaling posts work differently by design How to tell when your LinkedIn visibility is not positioning you clearly, and why positioning matters more than posting consistency Related Resources The Business Planning Playbook The Flat Fee Playbook The Thought Leadership Playbook Upcoming Live Session 🎙 Ask Susan Anything: New Year Practice Building Focus 📅 February 2 at 11am CT A free live session for dispute resolution professionals ready to break old patterns and build smarter strategies. Register here: https://lnkd.in/ggtQJudk Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan E. Guthrie is one of the most respected voices in mediation and conflict resolution today. A nationally recognized family law attorney and mediator for 35 years, she is now a top professional coach and consultant helping dispute resolution and legal professionals build thriving, modern practices. Susan recently appeared on The Oprah Daily Podcast, expanding her reach to an even broader audience and highlighting her role as a trusted expert in divorce, communication, and modern conflict resolution. She is also the creator and host of The Divorce & Beyond Podcast, ranked in the top 1% worldwide, with millions of listeners and a global following. As Immediate Past Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan continues to shape the future of the profession while training and mentoring practitioners around the world. Connect with Susan E. Guthrie Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Books: https://susaneguthrie.com/susans-books LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Instagram: @susaneguthrie and @practiceplaybookpodcast 

What trends will shape dispute resolution in 2026? How should mediators and arbitrators adapt right now? And what does this mean for your business plan going forward? In this episode of The Practice Playbook Podcast, Susan Guthrie breaks down the three most important trends shaping dispute resolution in 2026 and explains how dispute resolution professionals can use these shifts to future-proof their practices. This conversation grew out of Susan’s work on the third book in the Practice Playbook Series, The Business Planning Playbook, and centers on one essential idea: A business plan is not a one-and-done document. It is a living strategy that must evolve as the world and your practice change. You will learn how AI is becoming infrastructure in dispute resolution, why the profession is moving beyond hourly billing, and how specialization in emerging practice areas is driving growth in the U.S. and globally. This episode also includes a free downloadable handout with sample AI prompts to help you apply these ideas immediately. What You’ll Learn Why AI is now part of everyday dispute resolution practice How AI can support pricing analysis and innovative fee models Why the shift is not flat fees versus hourly billing, but moving beyond hourly billing entirely How AI Deep Research and Learning Mode can help you identify emerging practice areas Why specialization is driving visibility and opportunity in 2026 How emerging trends should inform your business plan this year and beyond The 3 Trends Covered 1. AI as Infrastructure AI is no longer optional. Used responsibly, it enhances judgment, preparation, and workflow efficiency. 2. Moving Beyond Hourly Billing Clients want clarity and predictability. Innovative pricing models align services with value, not time. 3. Specialization and Emerging Practice Areas Growth is increasingly driven by depth, particularly in areas like data privacy, employment, and ESG-related disputes. Free Download: AI Prompt Handout Download the companion resource to this episode, including sample AI prompts to help you: Evaluate your current pricing Explore innovative pricing models Research emerging practice areas Build a learning and positioning plan 📥 Download here: https://susaneguthrie.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/ai-placeholder-8   Related Resources The Business Planning Playbook The Flat Fee Playbook The Thought Leadership Playbook Upcoming Live Session 🎙 Ask Susan Anything: New Year Practice Building Focus 📅 February 2 A free live session for dispute resolution professionals ready to break old patterns and build smarter strategies. Register here: https://lnkd.in/ggtQJudk   Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan E. Guthrie is one of the most respected voices in mediation and conflict resolution today. A nationally recognized family law attorney and mediator for 35 years, she is now a top professional coach and consultant helping dispute resolution and legal professionals build thriving, modern practices. Susan recently appeared on The Oprah Daily Podcast, expanding her reach to an even broader audience and highlighting her role as a trusted expert in divorce, communication, and modern conflict resolution. She is also the creator and host of The Divorce & Beyond Podcast, ranked in the top 1% worldwide, with millions of listeners and a global following. As Immediate Past Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan continues to shape the future of the profession while training and mentoring practitioners around the world. Connect with Susan E. Guthrie Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Books: https://susaneguthrie.com/susans-books LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Instagram: @susaneguthrie and @practiceplaybookpodcast         

In a profession increasingly shaped by AI, virtual platforms, and rapid technological change, it is easy to believe that success depends on mastering the newest tools. In this episode, we take a different approach. Susan Guthrie is joined by veteran mediator and arbitrator Lawrence Kolin for a grounded, insightful conversation about what actually gets cases settled and why the core skills of peacemaking still matter more than ever. With nearly twenty-five years of experience resolving complex disputes, Lawrence has practiced through sweeping changes in how mediation is conducted. Yet his message is clear: while the tools have evolved, human nature has not. Trust, intuition, preparation, and the ability to read people in the room remain the true differentiators for effective neutrals. This episode explores why experienced mediators continue to succeed even as the profession evolves and what practitioners at every stage can learn from returning to fundamentals. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why mediation’s core principles have endured for thousands of years The limits of technology and what AI cannot replace in dispute resolution How experienced neutrals identify the true “nub” of a dispute The information paradox in modern mediation and why more data does not always lead to better outcomes How trust, reputation, and word of mouth still drive mediator selection The role of intuition, judgment, and experience in moving parties toward agreement Why adaptability and curiosity are essential skills for long-term success Whether you are building your practice, refining your craft, or navigating a rapidly changing professional landscape, this conversation is a powerful reminder of where the real edge comes from. Guest: Lawrence Kolin is an AV-Rated, Preeminent Super Lawyer and a highly respected mediator and arbitrator who has resolved thousands of cases in state, federal, and appellate courts. A former General Magistrate in Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit, Lawrence now serves as a neutral panelist with Upchurch Watson White & Max, the American Health Law Association, and the American Arbitration Association. Contact Lawrence Kolin:  Email: [email protected] Blog: www.OrlandoMediator.blogspot.com  LinkedIn:  https://linkedin.com/in/lkolin   ******************************************* Get Susan's Latest Book and Start 2026 with a Plan! The Business Plan Playbook is a practical guide for dispute resolution professionals and legal entrepreneurs who want to build a sustainable, intentional practice. This book walks you through how to clarify your vision, define your ideal work, structure your services, and make smart business decisions in a profession that is evolving quickly. It is not about predicting the future. It is about creating a framework you can rely on as your practice grows and changes. Learn more about the book and explore Susan’s full collection of titles here: https://susaneguthrie.com/susans-books   Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan E. Guthrie is one of the most respected voices in mediation and conflict resolution today. A nationally recognized family law attorney and mediator for 35 years, she is now a top professional coach and consultant helping dispute resolution and legal professionals build thriving, modern practices. Susan recently appeared on The Oprah Daily Podcast, expanding her reach to an even broader audience and highlighting her role as a trusted expert in divorce, communication, and modern conflict resolution. She is also the creator and host of The Divorce & Beyond Podcast, ranked in the top 1% worldwide, with millions of listeners and a global following. As Immediate Past Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan continues to shape the future of the profession while training and mentoring practitioners around the world. Connect with Susan E. Guthrie Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Books: https://susaneguthrie.com/susans-books LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Instagram: @susaneguthrie and @practiceplaybookpodcast     

Technology now sits at the center of modern ADR practice, and the decisions we make about tools, pricing, and security have real consequences for our efficiency, profitability, and client experience. In this episode of the Practice Playbook Podcast, I’m joined by legal tech pioneer Gary Doernhoefer to unpack what actually works for mediators, arbitrators, and dispute resolution firms today. Gary and I talk candidly about how ADR technology has evolved, why many traditional pricing models no longer serve neutrals, and how integrated platforms can eliminate friction while protecting confidentiality. If you’re rethinking your tech stack for 2025 and beyond, this conversation offers practical insight and strategic clarity. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why eliminating friction points like manual data entry, repetitive forms, and disconnected tools is critical to a sustainable ADR practice How automated intake, conflict checks, document generation, and secure communications can reclaim hours of professional time The risks of piecemeal tech stacks and why integrated platforms offer stronger security and reliability How AI tools like ADR Coach can support both practitioners and parties without replacing professional judgment More About This Week's Special Guest: Gary Doernhoefer graduated from the University of Chicago School of Law and has 40 years of experience in private practice, as an in-house attorney, general counsel and entrepreneur in two successful technology startup companies. His legal experience convinced him of the benefits of ADR and inspired him to apply his skills to the development of technology for dispute resolution practitioners. He is the founder of ADR Notable - the leading case and practice management software designed specifically for ADR practitioners. He also serves as Co-Chair of the ADR Practice Skills and Technology Innovations Committee of the ABA Dispute Resolution Section, and is a frequent speaker on ADR technology. Website and Contact Information: ADR Notable: https://www.adrnotable.com Social media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gdoernhoefer/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/adr-notable/ Who This Episode Is For Mediators Family law and collaborative professionals Attorneys, arbitrators, and legal neutrals Coaches and consultants working in conflict resolution Solo practitioners and small to mid-size ADR firms Practice owners seeking efficiency, scalability, and sustainability Resources Mentioned The Flat Fee Playbook – Your guide to building, structuring, and pricing flat fee services ADR Notable website and demo signup The Flat Fee Playbook by Susan Guthrie Join the waitlist for The Practice Accelerator, Susan’s brand-new subscription program packed with resources, tools, and community support to help you grow smarter. RPS Coach Revealed: Professor John Lande’s New Tool to Transform Your Mediation Practice (Part One) on Make Money Mediating #532 RPS Coach Revealed: Professor John Lande’s New Tool to Transform Your Mediation Practice (Part Two) on Make Money Mediating #533 Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan E. Guthrie is one of the most respected voices in mediation and conflict resolution today. A nationally recognized family law attorney and mediator for 35 years, she is now a top professional coach and consultant helping dispute resolution and legal professionals build thriving, modern practices. Susan recently appeared on The Oprah Daily Podcast, expanding her reach to an even broader audience and highlighting her role as a trusted expert in divorce, communication, and modern conflict resolution. She is also the creator and host of The Divorce & Beyond Podcast, ranked in the top 1% worldwide, with millions of listeners and a global following. As Immediate Past Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan continues to shape the future of the profession while training and mentoring practitioners around the world. Connect with Susan E. Guthrie Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Books: https://susaneguthrie.com/susans-books LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Instagram: @susaneguthrie and @practiceplaybookpodcast 

If you want a clearer, steadier, and more grounded start to 2026, this episode offers the essential year-end reflection every legal and dispute resolution professional should be doing. As the year winds down, Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized mediator, legal entrepreneur, and bestselling author,  guides you through a candid, deeply clarifying debrief of your practice. Instead of waiting for the calendar to turn and hoping things feel different in January, Susan shows you how to understand the patterns, decisions, and dynamics that shaped your year. You’ll look closely at what worked, what drained you, and what you’re finally ready to let go of, so you can step into the new year with focus, intention, and renewed purpose. This episode mirrors the same process Susan uses with her private coaching clients every December, and it includes access to a powerful companion worksheet to help you translate today’s insights into a written plan for the year ahead. Whether you want to strengthen your systems, expand your visibility, refine your services, or simply create more ease in your business, this honest debrief will help you step into 2026 with clarity and confidence. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Your wins are your data! Identify the strategies and behaviors that moved your practice forward this year How to uncover the projects, habits, and commitments that drained your time or energy Why follow-up remains one of the most powerful (and underused) growth tools in any practice How to evaluate opportunities that aligned with your vision and those that didn’t Key questions for assessing visibility, client experience, efficiency, and sustainability How to identify what to refine, what to adjust, and what to release completely The emotional and practical power of letting go How to turn lessons learned into strategic choices for the year ahead Download the Year-End Debrief Companion Worksheet Make this reflection process easy and intentional with a guided worksheet created specifically for this episode. This companion resource walks you through each step of your year-end debrief so you can capture your insights clearly and turn them into meaningful action for 2026. Download the worksheet here: https://susaneguthrie.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/ai-placeholder-5   Inside, you’ll find thoughtful prompts and supportive questions that help you identify your wins, acknowledge what didn’t work, and decide what you’re ready to release. It’s a simple, structured way to gather everything you uncovered in this episode and shape it into a confident plan for the year ahead. Who This Episode Is For Mediators Family law and collaborative professionals Attorneys, arbitrators, and legal neutrals Coaches and consultants in conflict resolution Solo and small firm practice owners Entrepreneurs seeking more clarity, sustainability, and purpose Anyone preparing their strategic foundation for 2026 Resources Mentioned Jill Sherer Murray’s TEDx Talk: “The Unstoppable Power of Letting Go” Year-End Debrief Companion Worksheet – Free download can be found here https://susaneguthrie.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/ai-placeholder-5 This Episode is Sponsored by Fourth Party FourthParty bridges the gap between great mediators and great businesses by offering technology and guidance that make running a mediation practice feel effortless. Say goodbye to the pain of scheduling, payments, and communications.   FourthParty is offering listeners 20% off their first 6 months with the codes SUSAN20. Head over to FourthParty.app and schedule a conversation with the team. https://fourthparty.app Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan E. Guthrie Susan E. Guthrie is one of the most respected voices in mediation and conflict resolution today. A nationally recognized family law attorney and mediator for 35 years, she is now a top professional coach and consultant helping dispute resolution and legal professionals build thriving, modern practices. Susan recently appeared on The Oprah Daily Podcast, expanding her reach to an even broader audience and highlighting her role as a trusted expert in divorce, communication, and modern conflict resolution. She is also the creator and host of The Divorce & Beyond Podcast, ranked in the top 1% worldwide, with millions of listeners and a global following. As Immediate Past Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan continues to shape the future of the profession while training and mentoring practitioners around the world. Connect with Susan E. Guthrie Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Books: https://susaneguthrie.com/susans-books LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Instagram: @susaneguthrie and @practiceplaybookpodcast 

If you want more clarity, higher revenue, and a smoother path into 2026, this episode is your essential year-end roadmap. November is the strategic moment for legal and dispute resolution professionals to review their pricing, refine their services, and set the stage for a more profitable year ahead. In this solo episode, Susan E. Guthrie, nationally recognized mediator, legal entrepreneur, and author of The Flat Fee Playbook, walks you through a complete “Profit Checkup” designed specifically for mediators, attorneys, collaborative professionals, coaches, and conflict-resolution entrepreneurs. Whether you are preparing to raise your rates, transition to flat fee services, improve client experience, or finally bring your systems in line with your value, this actionable episode gives you the structure and clarity to make smart, strategic decisions before the new year begins. You will learn how to assess your current pricing, evaluate your true profit margins, analyze your most and least profitable services, and identify the bottlenecks that quietly erode your income and energy. Susan also explores the emotional side of pricing decisions and why most professionals struggle with raising their rates even when the data tells them they should. And because year-end is the perfect time for strategic planning, Susan shares a powerful companion tool for this episode: The Profit Checkup Worksheet, a free downloadable checklist that walks you step-by-step through the exact process she uses with her coaching clients and inside The Flat Fee Playbook. If you want a profitable, focused, and confident start to 2026, this episode is your guide. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: • Why November, not January, is the smartest time to review and revise your pricing (although it's never too late!) • How to evaluate whether your fees reflect your expertise, market, and current demand • The three questions every practitioner should ask when assessing their pricing • How to calculate your “effective hourly rate” and why it matters more than your billed rate • Why flat fees reduce friction, increase predictability, and enhance client experience • Which services are most likely ready for a pricing change or structural redesign • How to assess your service mix for profitability, client fit, energy impact, and alignment • What bottlenecks silently drain your revenue and how to identify them • The emotional barriers that prevent professionals from raising prices • Why pricing is a leadership decision, not a math exercise • Key system updates you must complete before implementing new pricing in 2026 Download the Profit Checkup Worksheet Make this process effortless with a step-by-step worksheet that guides you through your year-end pricing review, service audit, and 2026 planning. Download the worksheet here: https://susaneguthrie.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/profit-checkup-worksheet This companion resource includes prompts, checklists, and guided questions that help you make informed, confident pricing decisions without overwhelm. Who This Episode Is For This episode is ideal for: • Mediators • Family law and collaborative attorneys • Arbitrators and legal neutrals • Coaches and consultants in conflict resolution • Solo practitioners and small firm owners • Professionals transitioning to flat fee or hybrid pricing • Legal entrepreneurs building or scaling their practices • Anyone preparing for 2026 business planning and revenue strategy If you want more profit, simplicity, and stability in your practice next year, this episode gives you the exact roadmap. Resources Mentioned • The Flat Fee Playbook – Your guide to building, structuring, and pricing flat fee services • Profit Checkup Worksheet – Free download • Thought Leadership Playbook – Build your platform and elevate your visibility • Business Planning Playbook (Coming Soon) – A complete framework for building a modern, strategic business plan • Practice Building Tip of the Day Newsletter on LinkedIn Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan E. Guthrie is one of the most respected voices in mediation and conflict resolution today. A nationally recognized family law attorney and mediator for 35 years, she is now a top professional coach and consultant helping dispute resolution and legal professionals build thriving, modern practices. Susan recently appeared on The Oprah Daily Podcast, expanding her reach to an even broader audience and highlighting her role as a trusted expert in divorce, communication, and modern conflict resolution. She is also the creator and host of The Divorce & Beyond Podcast, ranked in the top 1% worldwide, with millions of listeners and a global following. As Immediate Past Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan continues to shape the future of the profession while training and mentoring practitioners around the world. Connect with Susan E. Guthrie Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Books: https://susaneguthrie.com/susans-books LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Instagram: @susaneguthrie and @practiceplaybookpodcast 

In this special solo episode, Susan shares behind-the-scenes lessons from her appearance on The Oprah Podcast. Discover how years of preparation and purpose can lead to extraordinary opportunities, how to steward visibility with integrity, and how to turn gratitude into growth. This isn’t just an episode about a big media moment, it’s a heartfelt reflection on what it means to stay consistent, stay true to your mission, and trust that the right people will find your work when the time is right. Consider this your reminder that you don’t chase moments like this - you build toward them one intentional step, one thoughtful piece of content, and one act of service at a time. Here’s what else you’ll hear in this episode: How consistent, clear messaging reaches the right person at the right moment when you stay committed to your work. The intentional preparation and mindset Susan used to show up professionally and honor the platform and community she represents. A simple shift that turns nerves into gratitude, presence, and grounded confidence in high-visibility moments. Insights from meeting Oprah and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and the reminder that true greatness is humble, steady, and rooted in service. The real “Oprah Effect”:  expanding impact, deepening connection, and inspiring others through meaningful visibility. Links and resources from this episode: The Oprah Podcast: Gray Divorce Episode Watch on YouTube // Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts Divorce & Beyond Episode Archive =================== This Episode is Sponsored by Fourth Party FourthParty bridges the gap between great mediators and great businesses by offering technology and guidance that make running a mediation practice feel effortless. Say goodbye to the pain of scheduling, payments, and communications.   FourthParty is offering listeners 20% off their first 6 months with the codes SUSAN20. Head over to FourthParty.app and schedule a conversation with the team. https://fourthparty.app ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

Most professionals in dispute resolution don’t start out dreaming of marketing strategies and social media plans, they become mediators, arbitrators, and facilitators because they want to help people resolve conflict, not “sell” themselves. Marketing done right isn’t about selling at all, it’s about educating, connecting, and building trust. In this episode, Susan breaks down the Top 3 Must-Dos for Modern Marketing in Dispute Resolution, sharing practical, accessible strategies that help professionals attract the right clients, establish credibility, and grow their practices authentically.  When clarity, connection, and consistency guide your marketing, growth becomes not just possible, but sustainable. Here’s what else you’ll hear in this episode: Why you should be marketing dispute resolution itself, not just your own services. How to build your brand around trust, not titles + why educational content builds trust  And why consistent follow-up might be your most powerful growth tool. Links and resources from this episode: The Thought Leadership Playbook: How to Get Known, Build Trust, and Grow a Profitable Practice (The Practice Playbook Series 2) Join the waitlist for The Practice Accelerator, Susan’s brand-new subscription program packed with resources, tools, and community support to help you grow smarter. ==================== This Episode is Sponsored by Fourth Party FourthParty bridges the gap between great mediators and great businesses by offering technology and guidance that make running a mediation practice feel effortless. Say goodbye to the pain of scheduling, payments, and communications.   FourthParty is offering listeners 20% off their first 6 months with the codes SUSAN20. Head over to FourthParty.app and schedule a conversation with the team. https://fourthparty.app ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

If you’ve been looking for ways to expand your services, stand out in a competitive market, and deliver greater value to your clients, this week’s conversation is for you. Early Dispute Resolution (EDR) is transforming the way practitioners help clients resolve cases, faster, more cost-effectively, and with higher satisfaction on all sides. It’s also a smart way to grow your practice and position yourself as a future-focused professional. To explore the power of EDR, Susan Guthrie welcomes Anne Jordan, a Chicago-based arbitrator and mediator, Of Counsel to Mandell Menkes LLC, and one of the leading national voices on EDR. Anne serves on the American Arbitration Association’s Commercial, Large Complex Case, Employment, and International panels, as well as the CPR Panel of Distinguished Neutrals. She’s also a Trustee of the EDR Institute and past chair of the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution’s Task Force on Early Dispute Resolution, so she’s been shaping this movement from the inside out. Together, Susan and Anne break down what EDR really is, how its four-step process helps clients save time and money, and why it’s such an attractive service to offer as a mediator or dispute resolution professional. Anne also shares how the ABA and AAA are embracing EDR, and why now is the perfect time to integrate this approach into your practice and your marketing strategy. Here’s what else you’ll hear in this episode: How EDR can give you a business advantage by delivering faster, more cost-effective results and attracting clients. Why introducing EDR early in a case can save time, money, and reduce conflict before litigation escalates EDR’s four-step framework and how it can be adapted to fit the unique needs of each dispute Why demand for EDR is growing and how being trained now gives you a clear edge. More About This Week's Special Guest, Anne Jordan:  Anne Jordan is a Chicago-based arbitrator and mediator, Of Counsel to the firm Mandell Menkes LLC, and a leading national voice on Early Dispute Resolution (EDR). She serves on the American Arbitration Association’s Commercial, Large Complex Case, Employment, and International panels, as well as the CPR Panel of Distinguished Neutrals. Over the course of her career, she has handled countless high-value cases involving technology, intellectual property, and employment disputes. Before establishing her practice as a neutral, Anne served as General Counsel for three major technology companies — PeopleSoft, Sega of America, and Worlds of Wonder. Anne is also a Trustee of the EDR Institute and the past chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution’s Task Force on Early Dispute Resolution, playing a pivotal role in shaping the evolution of the EDR process. Website and Contact Information: Early Dispute Resolution Institute: https://www.edrinstitute.org/ Anne Jordan’s email: anne(at)annjordanassociates.com Social media: http://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-jordan-759867 ==================== This Episode is Sponsored by Fourth Party Build your practice like a CEO with Fourth Party, the all-in-one platform for dispute resolution professionals. Manage intake, scheduling, files, and payments in one place. As a listener of The Practice Playbook Podcast, you can get 20% off your first three months. Just visit fourthparty.app and use the code SUSAN20 at checkout.  Take control of your business and start building it like a CEO with Fourth Party. ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

Susan Guthrie welcomes you back to The Practice Playbook Podcast with a focus on one of the most important shifts you can make in your business: moving from chasing clients to attracting your perfect clients. When you’re chasing, you’re hustling, discounting, and saying yes to everyone. It keeps you stuck in scarcity and often leads to burnout. Attracting, on the other hand, is about clarity, alignment, and building a practice that feels lighter, more intentional, and more successful. In this episode, Susan lays out the step-by-step process to help you research, define, and validate your perfect client profile and then put that information to work so that the right people naturally find you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why chasing doesn’t work long-term and how it keeps you in scarcity How to define your perfect client using both demographics and psychographics The key questions to ask yourself: Who brings out my best work? Who leaves me fulfilled? Who values what I bring? Practical tools for validating your perfect client profile through market research, from AI prompts to social listening to direct conversations Ways to put your research into action by refining your messaging, shaping your offers, and positioning yourself where your perfect clients already are ➡ Grab Your Copy of the Perfect Client Worksheet referenced in the episode:  https://susan-s-site-47d7.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/ai-placeholder ================== This Episode is Sponsored by Fourth Party Build your practice like a CEO with Fourth Party, the all-in-one platform for dispute resolution professionals. Manage intake, scheduling, files, and payments in one place. As a listener of The Practice Playbook Podcast, you can get 20% off your first three months. Just visit fourthparty.app and use the code SUSAN20 at checkout.  Take control of your business and start building it like a CEO with Fourth Party. ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

Have you noticed something strange happening on LinkedIn lately? Old videos from months ago are suddenly resurfacing and getting traction? That’s not a glitch, it’s the algorithm talking to you. And if you’re not paying attention, you could be missing one of the biggest visibility opportunities available right now. In this episode, Susan shares how a nine-month-old video suddenly went viral and what that means for your own content strategy. LinkedIn has shifted its priorities in favor of short-form video, at least for now. Susan helps break down the best practices you can use to ride the wave of this (and future) algorithm changes. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: A quick checklist to optimize content for the LinkedIn algorithm Why short, direct, personal, educational, or emotionally resonant content performs best The importance of captions, attention-grabbing openers, and calls to action in video posts Why your LinkedIn profile is not a static brochure and how to use analytics to adjust what’s working and what’s not The bigger lesson: stay engaged with the platforms that work for you and repurpose content strategically If a nine-month-old ChatGPT joke can resurface and go viral, just imagine what your next post might do. Visibility is a moving target, but if you pay attention, you’ll stop guessing about what and how to post and start growing with intention. ================== Get Real, Actionable Strategies Join the free Profitable Practice Strategies webinar on Thursday, September 18th at 12 noon ET. In 60 minutes, Susan will walk you through practical, real-world tips that have helped hundreds of professionals raise their revenue, improve their systems, and finally feel in control of their practice. We’ll cover: * How to transition away from the billable hour * A consult framework that actually converts * How to position yourself to attract premium clients * Simple ways to use AI to save time and increase profit * Your next steps with a profitability checklist Whether you’re a solo, firm leader, or neutral in transition, this one’s for you. ➡️ Save your seat at susaneguthrie.com ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

Susan Guthrie is back with some big news: the podcast has a new name! Welcome to The Practice Playbook Podcast, your hub for building a smart, sustainable, and fulfilling practice. And what better way to kick things off than by tackling one of the most powerful (and most avoided) topics out there: finding your niche. Niching can feel scary. Maybe you’ve worried about turning people away, missing opportunities, or “leaving money on the table.” But the truth is, your niche is not a limitation, it’s the key to standing out, attracting the right clients, and building a business that feels aligned with who you are.  In this episode, Susan shares a simple, step-by-step playbook to help you get clear on your niche and shows you how to put it to work in your practice. This is a conversation full of “aha” moments and golden nuggets that will inspire you to focus your energy where it matters most: on the clients and work that light you up. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why so many professionals resist choosing a niche (and why that fear is holding you back). The difference between a job title and a niche and why the latter is where your power lies. A step-by-step process to reflect, refine, and test your niche so it feels authentic to you. Practical ways to leverage your niche, from your messaging and pricing to building authority in your field. Golden nuggets to remember, including: why a well-defined niche builds trust, credibility, and income faster. Resources and Next Steps: Grab your copy of The Flat Fee Playbook:  https://amzn.to/4213I22 Download the Find Your Niche Worksheet: LINK https://bit.ly/PPP-Niche-Worksheet   Join the waitlist for The Practice Accelerator, Susan’s brand-new subscription program packed with resources, tools, and community support to help you grow smarter. Inside The Practice Accelerator, you’ll get exclusive access to: Ad-free episodes A monthly behind-the-scenes email from Susan with insights, updates, and the real story of what she’s seeing in the industry Quick tip downloads like pricing tools, client scripts, checklists, and strategy sheets you can use in your practice right away And if you choose the higher tiers, you’ll even get live Q&A sessions with Susan, monthly office hours, practical, step-by-step action plans, access to our growing resource library, and discounts on courses and books. This is not just extra content, it’s structured support to help you implement what you’re learning here and accelerate your growth. It was created because it’s time we stop just talking about what works and start giving you the tools to build it. So if you want to be the first to know when we open the doors and get access to exclusive founding member perks, sign up for the early access list here!  ==================== This Episode is Sponsored by Fourth Party Ready to streamline your practice? Fourth Party is the all-in-one platform built just for dispute resolution professionals, handling your intake, scheduling, file management, payments, and more. As a listener of The Practice Playbook Podcast, you’ll get 20% off your first three months. Visit FourthParty.app and use code SUSAN20 at checkout to start building your practice like a CEO. ============================ CHECK OUT THE PRACTICE PLAYBOOK SERIES:  Susan's growing collection of practical, no-fluff guides designed for legal, mediation, and service-based professionals who want to build modern, profitable, and purpose-driven practices. Each book is a focused “playbook” packed with actionable strategies, tools, and templates to help you grow with clarity and confidence—one smart step at a time. The first title, The Flat Fee Playbook, launched as a #1 New Release on Amazon. The next book, The Thought Leadership Playbook, arrives October 1st— with more to follow covering branding, business planning, launching your practice, and more. Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susaneguthrie Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/practiceplaybookpod ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie is a top 1% attorney, mediator, coach, keynote speaker, trainer and #1 Amazon bestselling author with over 35 years of experience, now helping professionals build modern, profitable, and purpose-driven practices. A leader in the legal and dispute resolution fields, Susan is the former Chair of the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution and the creator of The Practice Playbook Series and Podcast and The Practice Accelerator. Through her books, podcast, and coaching, she empowers legal and entrepreneurial professionals to grow with clarity, confidence, and impact.

Melissa Brogdon, CEO and co-founder of Fourth Party, joins me today for a must-listen conversation on the backbone of every successful mediation practice: your backend systems. Whether you're launching your practice or trying to fix one that's stalled, chances are the issue isn’t with your logo or your website colors—it’s in your operations. Melissa and I go deep into why building a strong business structure is make-or-break, what most mediators get wrong (spoiler: it’s not your branding), and how Fourth Party is transforming the way dispute resolution professionals run their practices. Here’s what else you’ll hear in this episode: Why the backend of your business matters more than your brand colors How Fourth Party helps practitioners go from booking to billing seamlessly The role of onboarding and client experience in sustainable growth Why ease of use and thoughtful tech matter more than flashy tools What to audit right now in your intake process to avoid losing clients More About This Week's Special Guest, Melissa Brogdon: Melissa leverages a career in operations management as a law firm administrator and as a nonprofit executive. She has been recognized as one of Georgia’s top 40 under 40 business leaders and secured key partnerships with Google for Startups, SAP/Pyxera Global, and Georgia Tech’s Advanced Technology Development Center, Georgia’s oldest tech incubator. Melissa is a graduate of Spelman College and The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. Website: https://www.fourthpartyapp.com Social Media: http://instagram.com/4thpartyapp ==================== This Episode is Sponsored by Smith.ai Never miss a client call again. Smith.ai’s 24/7 virtual receptionists combine live agents + AI to answer calls, chats, and texts — helping you capture more leads and boost client satisfaction. MMMP Listeners Get: $100 off first month (Code: GUTHRIE) 5% off bundled reception + chat 10% off annual plans 🔗 Learn more: bit.ly/MMMP-SmithAI ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

Susan Guthrie brings a solo episode that challenges one of the most common mindset traps among mediators, coaches, and conflict resolution professionals: waiting for the “right time.” If you’ve been circling the runway, stuck in planning mode while telling yourself you just need one more training, a better schedule, or a sign from the universe, this conversation offers the clarity and push you’ve been needing. Waiting feels responsible, but in reality, it’s a form of self-sabotage. Susan breaks down how this delay is costing you revenue, momentum, and confidence and how to shift into action now, without needing perfection. What  you’ll learn in this episode: Why “the right time” is a myth and how waiting is holding your business back The hidden fears that keep you in the waiting room How to reframe readiness and start small instead of not at all A simple 3-step action plan to move you forward in 48 hours The power of accountability and why telling someone your next step can make all the difference Announcing the upcoming launch of The Practice Accelerator with Susan Guthrie: a brand-new subscription for professionals who are serious about building a profitable, modern mediation or legal practice. Inside The Practice Accelerator, you’ll get exclusive access to: Ad-free episodes A monthly behind-the-scenes email from Susan with insights, updates, and the real story of what she’s seeing in the industry Quick tip downloads like pricing tools, client scripts, checklists, and strategy sheets you can use in your practice right away And if you choose the higher tiers, you’ll even get live Q&A sessions with Susan, monthly office hours, practical, step-by-step action plans, access to our growing resource library, and discounts on courses and books. This is not just extra content, it’s structured support to help you implement what you’re learning here and accelerate your growth. It was created because it’s time we stop just talking about what works and start giving you the tools to build it. So if you want to be the first to know when we open the doors and get access to exclusive founding member perks, sign up for the early access list here!  ==================== This Episode is Sponsored by Smith.ai Never miss a client call again. Smith.ai’s 24/7 virtual receptionists combine live agents + AI to answer calls, chats, and texts — helping you capture more leads and boost client satisfaction. MMMP Listeners Get: $100 off first month (Code: GUTHRIE) 5% off bundled reception + chat 10% off annual plans 🔗 Learn more: bit.ly/MMMP-SmithAI ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

Susan Guthrie brings a power-packed solo episode, sharing five quick but impactful upgrades you can implement this week to elevate your practice. From sharpening your client intake process to enhancing your digital presence, these high-leverage, low-lift shifts are designed to boost visibility, streamline your workflow, and yes, improve your bottom line. Whether you’re just getting started or refining a well-established practice, you’ll walk away with clear, actionable tips—from what to include in a client follow-up email to how to record a simple welcome video that builds instant trust. Plus, Susan shares how AI can be your secret weapon in getting it all done faster. What  you’ll learn in this episode: Why adding an online booking system is a no-brainer and how to start today How to craft a more compelling LinkedIn headline that actually attracts clients The follow-up email template that saves you time and seals the deal What to say in a 60-second welcome video  How to start using AI as your daily practice assistant: yes, even if you're tech-averse Resources and tools mentioned in this episode: Calendly Acuity CalendarHero ChatGPT Claude AI Co-pilot AI Gemini AI Announcing the upcoming launch of The Practice Accelerator with Susan Guthrie: a brand-new subscription for professionals who are serious about building a profitable, modern mediation or legal practice. Inside The Practice Accelerator, you’ll get exclusive access to: Ad-free episodes A monthly behind-the-scenes email from Susan with insights, updates, and the real story of what she’s seeing in the industry Quick tip downloads like pricing tools, client scripts, checklists, and strategy sheets you can use in your practice right away And if you choose the higher tiers, you’ll even get live Q&A sessions with Susan, monthly office hours, practical, step-by-step action plans, access to our growing resource library, and discounts on courses and books. This is not just extra content, it’s structured support to help you implement what you’re learning here and accelerate your growth. It was created because it’s time we stop just talking about what works and start giving you the tools to build it. So if you want to be the first to know when we open the doors and get access to exclusive founding member perks, sign up for the early access list here!   ==================== This Episode is Sponsored by Smith.ai Never miss a client call again. Smith.ai’s 24/7 virtual receptionists combine live agents + AI to answer calls, chats, and texts — helping you capture more leads and boost client satisfaction. MMMP Listeners Get: $100 off first month (Code: GUTHRIE) 5% off bundled reception + chat 10% off annual plans 🔗 Learn more: bit.ly/MMMP-SmithAI ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

If you're out there posting on social media, giving workshops, and networking like crazy, but still struggling to convert leads into paying clients - or if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by client inquiries or assumed your intake system is “good enough,” this conversation will completely shift how you think about client communication and conversion. Susan Guthrie welcomes Maddy Martin, the SVP of Growth at Smith.ai to this week’s episode of Make Money Mediating. Maddy has helped thousands of small businesses fix their growth problems by solving what she calls their “leaky bucket” — their broken intake and client communication process. From secret shopper strategies to using AI tools like ChatGPT to summarize intake calls, Maddy shares practical, tech-forward ways to attract better clients, streamline your systems, and reclaim your time. Here’s what else you’ll hear in this episode: How to secret shop your own practice and uncover what’s really happening when someone calls you Why the first to respond gets the client (and how to be that first responder) How to delegate your intake without sacrificing quality or control Using tools like ChatGPT to turn intake chaos into a streamlined system More About This Week's Special Guest, Maddy Martin: Maddy Martin is a revenue and marketing leader with deep expertise in scaling technology businesses that serve small businesses. As the SVP of Growth at Smith.ai, she helps small business owners grow faster with the support of 24/7 AI and human receptionists. Maddy’s work sits at the intersection of marketing, sales, automation, and client service — areas she’s helped optimize for thousands of companies. A sought-after speaker and strategist, she’s known for making complex growth tactics approachable, especially for time-strapped business owners and operators. When she’s not at her desk, Maddy can be found competing in dog sports with her two Brittanys, skiing, and gardening around her Western NY home, which she shares with her husband. Website: https://smith.ai Use code GUTHRIE for $100 off first month Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/virtualreceptionists https://www.instagram.com/smith.ai/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/smith-ai ==================== This Episode is Sponsored by Smith.ai Never miss a client call again. Smith.ai’s 24/7 virtual receptionists combine live agents + AI to answer calls, chats, and texts — helping you capture more leads and boost client satisfaction. MMMP Listeners Get: $100 off first month (Code: GUTHRIE) 5% off bundled reception + chat 10% off annual plans 🔗 Learn more: bit.ly/MMMP-SmithAI ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

Susan Guthrie welcomes Dr. Clare Fowler to discuss the many ways that dispute resolution professionals, and professionals of all kinds, can get their ideas out into the world through writing and publishing. Susan and Clare recently co-presented a popular program for the ABA Dispute Resolution Section on this topic, and they’re continuing that conversation here. Together they break down the options for getting published: from traditional books to articles to blog posts to podcasts, and how each approach can be tailored to both your goals and your audience. You will also hear about some mindset blocks that often stop professionals from writing in the first place. Whether it’s imposter syndrome, fear of sounding “braggy,” or writer’s block, Clare and Susan offer real-world, relatable ways to overcome those challenges. If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to take your idea from “I have something to say” to “I want to share this publicly,” this conversation is packed with golden nuggets to help you get started, and keep going. Remember, your voice is needed. And as Clare reminds us in this episode, the ripple effects of your work go far beyond what you see. Here’s what else you’ll hear in this episode: Why writing matters more than ever in our field How to choose the right publishing path for your goals Why your work doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful How to use your writing to actually grow your practice and build your reputation. More About This Week's Special Guest, Dr. Clare Fowler: Dr. Clare Fowler is the Executive Vice President at Mediate.com, Managing Editor of Mediate.com’s publishing platform, and author of the 2023 book, Rising Above Office Conflict: The Light-Hearted Guide for the Heavy-Hearted Employee. She holds a doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine and was recently honored with the 2024 International Woman of Peace Award. Her experience includes roles at the United Nations, the Supreme Court of Hawai'i, and extensive work designing dispute resolution systems for small businesses. Website links: Mediate.com Mediate.com Mentor Program Mediate.com Article Submission Rising Above Office Conflict: A Light-Hearted Guide for the Heavy-Hearted Employee ABA DR Conference Program: https://www.americanbar.org/events-cle/ecd/ondemand/449302359/ Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarefowler/ ==================== This Episode is Sponsored by Smith.ai Never miss a client call again. Smith.ai’s 24/7 virtual receptionists combine live agents + AI to answer calls, chats, and texts — helping you capture more leads and boost client satisfaction. MMMP Listeners Get: $100 off first month (Code: GUTHRIE) 5% off bundled reception + chat 10% off annual plans 🔗 Learn more: bit.ly/MMMP-SmithAI ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

In this powerful episode, Susan Guthrie is joined by Michael Holmes, Chief Product Officer at FourthParty, for a conversation every mediator and ADR professional needs to hear. Michael, a legal mind with an entrepreneurial edge, has worked with hundreds of mediators to build thriving practices, and he’s here to share the client-first strategy that top-performing professionals never overlook. While many mediators focus on honing their skills in the room, Michael makes a compelling case that what really sets the best apart is their commitment to the entire client experience, from first click to final invoice. With industry growth projected at 7.3% annually (the highest of any profession, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), it’s more important than ever to stand out with smart systems, seamless communication, and true operational elegance. Plus, Michael shares a free downloadable resource: the Client Experience Scorecard, a self-audit tool to help you identify gaps in your intake, communication, and billing workflows. Here’s what else you’ll hear in this episode: Why “side hustle” mediators struggle to gain traction How top pros treat their practice like a business from day one The traps ADR professionals fall into when overthinking or underinvesting in marketing What “smart visibility” really looks like in the golden age of convenience The Four Cs of client experience: convenience, consistency, competency, and care More About This Week's Special Guest, Michael Holmes: Michael Holmes is a creative strategist with a strong legal background, entrepreneurial spirit, and a knack for technological innovation. He is the Chief Product Officer at FourthParty, an ADR tech and practice development company, where he helps mediators launch, manage and grow their businesses through smarter, client-centric systems and methods. Website: http://fourthparty.app. Be sure to grab your copy of the Client Experience Scorecard at FourthParty.app. Email: michael(at)fourthparty.app Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-holmes-5b940391/ ==================== This Episode is Sponsored by Smith.ai Never miss a client call again. Smith.ai’s 24/7 virtual receptionists combine live agents + AI to answer calls, chats, and texts — helping you capture more leads and boost client satisfaction. MMMP Listeners Get: $100 off first month (Code: GUTHRIE) 5% off bundled reception + chat 10% off annual plans 🔗 Learn more: bit.ly/MMMP-SmithAI ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

Susan Guthrie shares the one negotiation skill that works every time—no matter the context—and how you can use it to build both resolution and rapport. In this solo episode, she introduces the powerful concept of framing: the art of shaping how information is presented to influence how it is received. Framing is not about manipulation—it’s about clarity. When used ethically, framing helps emphasize what matters most, creating a path for people to hear each other differently and move forward more constructively. It’s a tool that can completely shift the tone of any mediation or negotiation. Importantly, this episode also includes a correction to a previously shared example involving Nurofen’s marketing in Australia. After learning the campaign had been found to be misleading by Australian courts, Susan sets the record straight and uses the opportunity to explore the difference between effective framing and deceptive messaging—a must-know distinction for all professionals.  (Correction starts at 7:14) You’ll hear practical ways to refine your framing skills, from AI-powered prompts to marketing messaging that better communicates your impact. Whether you're guiding high-conflict clients through a tough negotiation or introducing your services at a networking event, framing helps you lead with confidence, connection, and credibility. Here’s what else you’ll hear in this episode: How strong negotiators use framing to drive outcomes and build agreement Ethical ways to reframe messaging in mediation to help parties truly hear each other How framing can reduce conflict and position you as a narrative guide in the room Smart ways to use AI tools to reframe challenging client statements and practice scripts Why framing is not just a skill—it’s a strategy for growth, trust, and leadership Be sure to grab your copy of Susan’s free downloadable Framing Toolkit, including real life reframing phrases and AI prompts you can use right away. Want to Go Deeper? Each week, I publish two companion articles that expand on the episode’s key themes—one on the Practice Building Blog and one in my Practice Building Tip of the Day newsletter on LinkedIn. If you’re looking for practical takeaways you can implement right away, don’t miss this week’s articles, which dive into how better framing can transform your messaging, your website, and your client outcomes. 👉 Link to Blog Article 👉 Link to LinkedIn Newsletter ==================== This Episode is Sponsored by Thinkific! If you're ready to turn your expertise into scalable income, Thinkific is the platform to make it happen. I’m currently using Thinkific to build out my own suite of on-demand programs, and it’s become a key part of how I’m diversifying my business. Want to do the same? Get started with a free 30-day trial using my link: https://bit.ly/MMMP-thinkific Be sure to check out my recent episode on diversifying your income as a legal or dispute resolution professional, and the companion article on monetizing your expertise with downloadable programs—both linked below to help you get inspired and started. Article:  The Fast-Track Guide to Creating a Profitable Downloadable Course Episode: Turn Your Expertise Into Income: A Step-by-Step Guide to Monetizing Your Knowledge on Make Money Mediating #529 ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie is one of the leading voices in dispute resolution today. A nationally recognized Top Family Law Attorney and Mediator, Susan has evolved from a successful legal and mediation practice into a sought-after trainer, coach, and consultant for professionals who want to build impactful, future-ready practices. As Chair of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, she is at the forefront of innovation and leadership in the field—championing new approaches to practice building, technology integration, and client-centered service models. Susan is the author of the upcoming book, Future-Proofing Your Practice: AI, Tech and Strategies for Lawyers, Mediators, and Legal Entrepreneurs (ABA Publishing, 2025), which offers practical tools for professionals navigating the evolving demands of modern practice. Through her coaching and consulting work, Susan empowers legal and dispute resolution professionals to expand their reach, grow their businesses, and lead with clarity, credibility, and confidence. She also hosts the Top 1% globally ranked Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie, reaching millions of listeners with insights on conflict, communication, and creating a thriving life beyond divorce. To learn more about Susan’s speaking, consulting, or coaching services, visit https://susaneguthrie.com  

Susan Guthrie welcomes Usher Winslett for a conversation that pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build a thriving arbitration practice. From his early days of “dabbling” in dispute resolution to leading with service and strategy, Usher shares the pivotal moments and mindset shifts that helped him turn curiosity into a successful career.  Whether you’re just starting out in ADR or looking to take your practice to the next level, this episode is packed with insights on visibility, opportunity, and the power of raising your hand. Plus, get a sneak peek into the upcoming ABA Arbitration Institute and why it’s the place to be. Here’s what else you’ll hear in this episode: Why showing up and saying yes creates opportunity How visibility and authentic relationships lead to growth The importance of treating your practice like a business and how it can set you apart in a crowded field Why consistent marketing matters, even when it feels like it’s not working The value of staying curious and committed to growth More About This Week's Special Guest, Usher Winslett: Usher Winslett has been an ADR professional since 1996, handling more than 130 international and domestic disputes as an arbitrator or mediator (50+ as arbitrator; 80+ as mediator). He has experience as tribunal chair, wing arbitrator, sole arbitrator, and mediator on all sorts of commercial, intellectual property, employment, insurance, and entertainment disputes. Usher is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb), Chair of the ABA Arbitration Institute, and Co-Chair of the ABA Dispute Resolution Section International Committee. He was also Co-Chair of the ABA Arbitration Institute in 2023 and 2024 and Co-Chair of the Atlanta International Arbitration Society (AtlAS) Annual Conference in 2024. He serves on the arbitration and mediation panels of the AAA, ICDR, Miles Mediation and Arbitration, ICC, CPR, FINRA, and the United States District Courts for the Southern District of New York, Eastern District of New York, and the District of South Carolina. Website: https://usherwinslett.com/, https://wsmblaw.com/ Usher’s Article: Ensuring Efficiency and Economy: An Arbitrator’s Primary Obligation Social Media: http://www.linkedin.com/in/usher-winslett-fciarb-57483b9/ ====================== 2025 Arbitration Institute - June 12, 2025 – June 13, 2025 If you’re arbitration-curious or looking to sharpen your skills, the ABA Arbitration Institute is happening this June in Denver. Presented by nationally recognized experts, the Arbitration Institute has comprehensive sessions on every stage of the arbitral process examined from the vantage point of neutrals, advocates, and in-house counsel. Substantive sessions address specific areas of arbitral practice, and small break-out discussions allow participants to interact in depth with the faculty and each other. For more information or to register, visit: https://events.americanbar.org/event/4f4c11a4-81ea-42ff-9be4-fbdcb02f561b/registration-fees Arbitration Institute Agenda: https://events.americanbar.org/event/4f4c11a4-81ea-42ff-9be4-fbdcb02f561b/agenda ==================== This Episode is Sponsored by Thinkific! If you're ready to turn your expertise into scalable income, Thinkific is the platform to make it happen. I’m currently using Thinkific to build out my own suite of on-demand programs, and it’s become a key part of how I’m diversifying my business. Want to do the same? Get started with a free 30-day trial using my link: https://bit.ly/MMMP-thinkific Be sure to check out my recent episode on diversifying your income as a legal or dispute resolution professional, and the companion article on monetizing your expertise with downloadable programs—both linked below to help you get inspired and started. Article:  The Fast-Track Guide to Creating a Profitable Downloadable Course Episode: Turn Your Expertise Into Income: A Step-by-Step Guide to Monetizing Your Knowledge on Make Money Mediating #529 ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

In part two of a special two-part series, Susan continues her conversation with Professor John Lande about RPS Coach, his groundbreaking AI tool designed to elevate mediation practice through better preparation, deeper reflection, and more conscious system design. This time, Susan and John explore how RPS Coach can be used before, during, and after mediation, not just as a tool for practitioners, but as a conversation partner. They also talk candidly about how AI can unlock creativity, serve as a second brain, and offer guided coaching that encourages intentional practice. If you missed part one of the conversation, be sure to check that episode here. John's work is a reminder that true success comes not just from mastering techniques, but from understanding the systems we work within and constantly improving them. Here’s what else you’ll hear in this episode: Using AI to debrief, reflect, and grow your skills with guided checklists and coaching prompts The importance of using the right AI tool for the right job—think toolbox, not one-size-fits-all Real-time mediation support and how RPS Coach fills the gap when your support group isn’t available More About This Week's Special Guest, John Lande:  John Lande is the Isidor Loeb Professor Emeritus at the University of Missouri School of Law and a nationally recognized leader in dispute resolution. A mediator since 1982, he holds a J.D. from Hastings and a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His groundbreaking work has shaped how practitioners, courts, and educators approach negotiation, mediation, and dispute system design. John is the recipient of the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution’s Award for Outstanding Scholarly Work, the Mangano Dispute Resolution Advancement Award, and multiple writing honors from CPR, AFCC, and others. His scholarship on early dispute resolution, collaborative law, and legal practice innovation has influenced a generation of professionals. He has taught widely on negotiation, lawyering practice, and dispute system design, and is a Fellow of Educating Tomorrow’s Lawyers. He also serves on the editorial board of the Indisputably blog. Websites and Resources:  RPS Coach: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-67bdbff0204c81919bae3f14ac7810dc-rps-negotiation-and-mediation-coach RPS Coach is Biased -And Proud of It: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5213572 User Guide: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5199282 Mediate.com Podcast 46: Training an AI on Yourself with Prof. John Lande: https://mediate.com/mediate-com-podcast-46-training-an-ai-on-yourself-with-prof-john-lande/ Contact John with your feedback about RPS Coach: landej(at)missouri.edu, https://lande.missouri.edu/ ==================== This Episode is Sponsored by Thinkific! If you're ready to turn your expertise into scalable income, Thinkific is the platform to make it happen. I’m currently using Thinkific to build out my own suite of on-demand programs, and it’s become a key part of how I’m diversifying my business. Want to do the same? Get started with a free 30-day trial using my link: https://bit.ly/MMMP-thinkific Be sure to check out my recent episode on diversifying your income as a legal or dispute resolution professional, and the companion article on monetizing your expertise with downloadable programs—both linked below to help you get inspired and started. Article:  The Fast-Track Guide to Creating a Profitable Downloadable Course Episode: Turn Your Expertise Into Income: A Step-by-Step Guide to Monetizing Your Knowledge on Make Money Mediating #529 ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

Susan Guthrie welcomes Professor John Lande for an eye-opening conversation that blends innovation, insight, and the evolving role of AI in mediation. In this special two-part series, Susan is joined by legendary dispute resolution scholar John Lande, yes, the same John Lande who generally is very cautious about electronic technology – but is all-in on AI but one conversation flipped the switch, and now he’s the mind behind the RPS Coach: a trailblazing AI tool powered by four decades of his research and writing. Built to help mediators, lawyers, educators, and students sharpen their skills and rethink their systems, the RPS Coach is more than just a chatbot, it’s a game-shifter. In Part One, Susan and John get into why he became so enthusiastic about AI, how the RPS Coach came to life, and what it means to interact with a tool built from your own intellectual legacy. Whether you’re shaping the future of mediation or just curious about what’s next in the field, this episode delivers a fresh take on how tech and practice can elevate one another. Here’s what else you’ll hear in this episode: What inspired John to create the RPS Coach despite hesitations about technology How the tool works and who it’s designed to help Real-world ways the RPS Coach can improve writing, curriculum, and mediation prep Tune in next Thursday for Part Two, where we go deeper into how practitioners and educators are already using the tool and how AI might reshape the field of dispute resolution. More About This Week's Special Guest, John Lande:  John Lande is the Isidor Loeb Professor Emeritus at the University of Missouri School of Law and a nationally recognized leader in dispute resolution. A mediator since 1982, he holds a J.D. from Hastings and a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His groundbreaking work has shaped how practitioners, courts, and educators approach negotiation, mediation, and dispute system design. John is the recipient of the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution’s Award for Outstanding Scholarly Work, the Mangano Dispute Resolution Advancement Award, and multiple writing honors from CPR, AFCC, and others. His scholarship on early dispute resolution, collaborative law, and legal practice innovation has influenced a generation of professionals. He has taught widely on negotiation, lawyering practice, and dispute system design, and is a Fellow of Educating Tomorrow’s Lawyers. He also serves on the editorial board of the Indisputably blog. Websites and Resources:  RPS Coach: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-67bdbff0204c81919bae3f14ac7810dc-rps-negotiation-and-mediation-coach RPS Coach is Biased -And Proud of It: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5213572 User Guide: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5199282 Mediate.com Podcast 46: Training an AI on Yourself with Prof. John Lande: https://mediate.com/mediate-com-podcast-46-training-an-ai-on-yourself-with-prof-john-lande/ ==================== This Episode is Sponsored by Thinkific! If you're ready to turn your expertise into scalable income, Thinkific is the platform to make it happen. I’m currently using Thinkific to build out my own suite of on-demand programs, and it’s become a key part of how I’m diversifying my business. Want to do the same? Get started with a free 30-day trial using my link: https://bit.ly/MMMP-thinkific Be sure to check out my recent episode on diversifying your income as a legal or dispute resolution professional, and the companion article on monetizing your expertise with downloadable programs—both linked below to help you get inspired and started. Article:  The Fast-Track Guide to Creating a Profitable Downloadable Course Episode: Turn Your Expertise Into Income: A Step-by-Step Guide to Monetizing Your Knowledge on Make Money Mediating #529 ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

You could be the most qualified person in the room, and still not get hired. That stings, right? But if you’ve ever heard someone say, “Oh wow, I didn’t know you do that now!” then you’ve met the curse of the Invisible Expert. The truth is, being amazing at your work is just half the battle. The other half? Making sure the right people know you’re out there. In this episode, Susan Guthrie calls out the disconnect between being skilled and being seen; breaking the “Invisible Expert” curse for good. In today’s world, visibility is non-negotiable. You can be the best in your field, but if no one knows what you do, they’ll hire someone else who simply showed up. To break the Invisible Expert curse, you’ll learn: What it really means to be “invisible” in your profession and how visibility is the bridge between your value and your client. The tell-sale signs that you are an invisible expert. How to shift your mindset to think about visibility not as ego. It’s about connection and service. Five visibility boosters to break the Invisible Expert curse that you can implement today! Other resources mentioned in this episode: The Visibility Booster Playbook for Professionals LinkedIn and Beyond: The Latest and Greatest from the Master, Donna Serdula Is it Time For a LinkedIn Makeover? Insider Tips From the Woman Who Wrote the Book, Donna Serdula ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

There’s a lot of fear and misunderstanding around AI in the legal and mediation world. Will it replace professionals? Will clients trust AI-generated content? Is it even ethical to use these tools in practice? These questions are valid, but they’re also keeping too many solo and small firm professionals from tapping into tools that can actually help their businesses grow. In this episode, Susan Guthrie breaks down how the Big Four accounting firms—Deloitte, EY, PwC, and KPMG—are investing billions into AI platforms to increase productivity, reduce costs, and move away from the billable hour. And what they’re doing at scale, you can apply in your practice on a much smaller, strategic level. It’s not about having all the answers, it’s about being curious, open, and willing to evolve. Tune in now to learn how AI can become your new business partner, not your competition. Unlock the Power of AI with These Practice-Boosting Insights: Why fear of AI is holding professionals back What the Big Four are doing with AI and what you can learn from them Tools to start using today for research, writing, marketing, and more How AI supports value-based pricing and frees you from trading time for money Small ways to start integrating AI whether you're solo or running a growing team Other resources mentioned in this episode: Spellbook ChatGPT CoCounsel by Thomson Reuters Descrybe.ai Smith.ai Martindale-Avvo AI in Action: Transforming Legal Practice and Dispute Resolution with descrybe.ai.  A Conversation with Co-Founder, Kara Peterson   AI Newsletters: The Rundown: https://www.therundown.ai/subscribe?ref=4IFpe9D95g AI for Work: https://aiforwork.co Prompts Daily: https://neatprompts.com ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

Susan Guthrie welcomes you to a game-changing episode, where she explores how legal professionals can monetize their expertise through courses, webinars, corporate trainings, and more. So, are you maximizing the value of your expertise? If you’re a mediator, attorney, or dispute resolution professional, you’ve spent years refining your skills and guiding clients through complex situations. But too many professionals rely solely on billable hours, leaving money on the table. With the booming knowledge economy, there’s never been a better time to turn what you know into scalable, sustainable income. Susan breaks down the most profitable strategies, shares real-world success stories, and offers practical tips for structuring and pricing your content so you can expand your revenue streams without adding more client sessions to your calendar. Your knowledge is valuable—why not turn it into an asset that works for you? Tune in now and start making money beyond mediation sessions! Turn Your Knowledge into Profit with These Key Insights: Why now is the best time to monetize your expertise The best types of courses, webinars, and trainings for dispute resolution professionals How to structure and price your content for maximum value  Top platforms for hosting and selling your knowledge Other resources mentioned in this episode: The 6-Figure Mediation Practice Blueprint: What High-Earners Do Differently Teachable Thinkific Zoom Demio WebinarJam LinkedIn Learning Udemy Substack Gumroad Amazon Kindle Publishing ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get Susan's #1 Best-Selling Book on Kindle: Building the Practice of Your Dreams Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieconsulting Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

Can you really make six figures as a mediator? The answer is YES—but only if you run your practice like a business. So, what sets those who are making six figures apart from those who are not?  In this week’s episode, Susan shares  four key principles from her 6-Figure Mediation Practice Blueprint to help you shift your mindset, increase revenue, and charge what you are worth! Tune in to hear what high-earning mediators do differently and how you can start putting these strategies into practice today. Four essential strategies for reaching a six-figure income in this episode: Shift your mindset from practitioner to business owner Position yourself as the go-to-expert in your field or niche. Generalists struggle, specialists thrive. Why diversifying revenue is key: Hourly billing alone won’t get you to six figures! Raise your rates and use pricing strategies that work. The best clients pay for results, not time. Charge for what you deliver, not how long it takes! Other resources mentioned in this episode:   Handout: Switching to a Flat-Fee Mediation Model: What You Need to Know What Are You Worth? Understanding Pricing for Dispute Resolution Professionals Crafting a Killer Business Plan for a Great New Year LinkedIn and Beyond: The Latest and Greatest from the Master, Donna Serdula ==================== ABA Section of Dispute Resolution Spring Conference The 2025 ABA Section of Dispute Resolution Spring Conference is just around the corner—happening April 25–26, 2025, in Chicago! This year, we’ve reimagined the conference with a shorter, two-day format and expanded options to attend in person, live-streamed, or online-only. That means more accessibility for you and dispute resolution professionals around the globe! And let’s talk about the venue—Convene Willis Tower, located in the iconic Chicago Loop. It’s a state-of-the-art space designed to inspire and elevate your experience. Mark your calendars now  and visit https://ambar.org/Spring2025 for more details and to register. See you in Chicago! ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.  

You asked—no, you demanded—and we delivered! Back by overwhelming popular demand is the one, the only… LinkedIn Legend, Donna Serdula. Donna joins Susan Guthrie for a conversation that will help you turn your Linkedin Profile from “meh” to magnetic! Donna is the LinkedIn legend, the queen of personal branding, and the author of LinkedIn Profile Optimization for Dummies. Her last appearance on this podcast remains the number one episode of all time!  LinkedIn has evolved since Donna was last on the show. In this episode, she breaks down everything you need to know to stand out, get noticed, and build real connections. We talk about the biggest mistakes people make with their profiles, the secrets to an engaging LinkedIn presence, and why your profile should be a launchpad—not a career obituary! Plus, we’re diving into the power (and pitfalls) of AI in branding and content creation.  Key Takeaways to Level Up with LinkedIn: Why your LinkedIn profile is your future, not your past. It should not be your obituary Engagement builds connections: in addition to posting, be sure you are commenting, interacting, and starting conversations The power in dropping your to-do list for a ta-da list. Learn how celebrating your wins helps you stand out How to use AI as a LinkedIn partner while keeping it real—AI can help, but it can't replace you More About This Week's Special Guest, Donna Serdula: Donna Serdula is an engaging speaker, strategist, author and founder of Vision Board Media, an executive branding company. Since 2009, Donna has worked with companies and individuals from all over the world. Donna’s mission is to help professionals take control of their Inter-net presence and truly present themselves in a way that inspires, impresses, and builds confidence in their abilities, products, and services. Donna’s presentations and work-shops are great for conferences, corporate education, and meetings that want to complement their programs and services with education on LinkedIn, Social Media, and online personal branding. Websites: http://LinkedIn-Makeover.com, http://donnaserdula.com Book: Linkedin Profile Optimization for Dummies Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todonna/ ======================== Other resources mentioned in this episode: Is it Time For a LinkedIn Makeover? Insider Tips From the Woman Who Wrote the Book, Donna Serdula  AI in Action: Transforming Legal Practice and Dispute Resolution with descrybe.ai. A Conversation with Co-Founder, Kara Peterson ==================== ABA Section of Dispute Resolution Spring Conference The 2025 ABA Section of Dispute Resolution Spring Conference is just around the corner—happening April 25–26, 2025, in Chicago! This year, we’ve reimagined the conference with a shorter, two-day format and expanded options to attend in person, live-streamed, or online-only. That means more accessibility for you and dispute resolution professionals around the globe! And let’s talk about the venue—Convene Willis Tower, located in the iconic Chicago Loop. It’s a state-of-the-art space designed to inspire and elevate your experience. Mark your calendars now  and visit https://ambar.org/Spring2025 for more details and to register. See you in Chicago! ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

Susan Guthrie is diving into a timely and crucial topic today: how the early days of the Trump administration are reshaping the legal landscape and what it means for mediators, arbitrators, and other dispute resolution professionals. In just the first week, the administration’s actions have already set the tone for what promises to be a divisive policy agenda. These changes are driving new legal disputes and creating opportunities for those in the dispute resolution field. In this episode, Susan breaks down key trends and shares practical, actionable strategies to help professionals navigate and leverage these developments in their practice. Catch the latest insights on how mediators can thrive in today’s evolving landscape and stay ahead of the curve, including: How shifting policies and cultural changes are creating the need for mediators to step in and help resolve workplace tensions and immigration-related conflicts. Changing laws in environmental, healthcare, and business sectors are creating new disputes, are making skilled mediation more valuable than ever. How to stay ahead by tracking key legal updates and sharing insights with your network. Invest in training and partnerships to expand your expertise in high-demand areas. Engage your audience through blogs, newsletters, and social media to establish yourself as a trusted leader in the field. ==================== ABA Section of Dispute Resolution Spring Conference The 2025 ABA Section of Dispute Resolution Spring Conference is just around the corner—happening April 25–26, 2025, in Chicago! This year, we’ve reimagined the conference with a shorter, two-day format and expanded options to attend in person, live-streamed, or online-only. That means more accessibility for you and dispute resolution professionals around the globe! And let’s talk about the venue—Convene Willis Tower, located in the iconic Chicago Loop. It’s a state-of-the-art space designed to inspire and elevate your experience. Mark your calendars now  and visit https://ambar.org/Spring2025 for more details and to register. See you in Chicago! ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

In this groundbreaking episode of Make Money Mediating, we’re diving deep into the transformative power of AI and how it can revolutionize the way you approach your business and practice.  This episode will showcase the next level of AI Tools to help you visualize the possibilities for the future with this fast-moving and improving technology.  From enhancing your marketing strategies to streamlining your operations and even supporting you in real-time, AI is more than just a buzzword—it’s a game-changer and we promise, it will blow your mind! Joining me are two fascinating guests, and together, we’ll explore: How AI moves beyond simple searches to become a collaborative thought partner. The art of “prompt engineering” and why it’s key to getting the best results. Practical applications of AI in business support, practice management, and real-time scenarios. Eye-opening examples of how professionals in various fields are already using AI to save time, innovate, and grow. Plus, I’ll be introducing my special guests at the end of the episode—don’t miss it! Their insights will leave you inspired and eager to explore AI’s endless possibilities. This episode isn’t just about learning what AI can do; it’s about opening your mind to what’s possible when humans and technology collaborate. Tune in now and take the first step toward unlocking your full potential with AI. Mentioned in the Episode: Susan’s AI Slide Deck Shared with You: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/8gjudz7p62umzvy0dzkun/Guthrie-AI-Slide-Handout.pdf?rlkey=oq7juaxz6fa7y2ukxyvpqedvj&dl=0 Google NotebookLM: https://notebooklm.google.com/ ==================== ABA Section of Dispute Resolution Spring Conference The 2025 ABA Section of Dispute Resolution Spring Conference is just around the corner—happening April 25–26, 2025, in Chicago! This year, we’ve reimagined the conference with a shorter, two-day format and expanded options to attend in person, live-streamed, or online-only. That means more accessibility for you and dispute resolution professionals around the globe! And let’s talk about the venue—Convene Willis Tower, located in the iconic Chicago Loop. It’s a state-of-the-art space designed to inspire and elevate your experience. Mark your calendars now  and visit https://ambar.org/Spring2025 for more details and to register. See you in Chicago! ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

Ready to rethink how you approach your business? Susan Guthrie welcomes Trina Nudson, a trailblazing entrepreneur and family advocate, to the Make Money Mediating podcast. Trina’s journey from foster care social work to owning multiple thriving businesses is packed with lessons in resilience, adaptability, and growth. If you've ever struggled with running the business side of your mediation practice, this episode is a must-listen. Trina shares her experiences building businesses from the ground up—without prior training—and how she navigated challenges by leaning on external resources like the SBA and the EOS system. She reveals the pivotal mindset shifts that helped her embrace creativity and scale her impact, both in business and in co-parenting.  Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about overcoming obstacles, embracing growth, and transforming both personal and professional lives. Highlights from this episode: Trina’s journey from social work to running multiple businesses The importance of mindset shifts and ongoing mastery for entrepreneurs Tools and systems that transformed Trina’s business operations How entrepreneurial principles can enhance co-parenting The creation and mission of The Layne Project for Families More About This Week's Special Guest, Trina Nudson: Trina Nudson is a dedicated advocate for children and families, committed to safeguarding childhoods and fostering transformative growth. As the founder of THE LAYNE PROJECT, she empowers parents, professionals, and families to navigate the challenges of co-parenting with resilience and purpose through her BeH2O™ program. Grounded in neuroscience, business leadership, and mindset coaching, Trina’s innovative approach inspires lasting mindset shifts and meaningful change. In addition to her work with THE LAYNE PROJECT, Trina is the owner of My Child Advocate, PA, where she gives children a voice in the courtroom and supports families in creating healthier dynamics. Her work emphasizes gratitude, growth, and the belief that every challenge holds a valuable lesson. A certified coach and lifelong learner, Trina integrates cutting-edge research into her programs, helping others unlock their potential and remain grounded in their “why.” She is passionate about empowering families and professionals to embrace their journey with clarity and purpose. Websites:   https://thelayneproject.com https://tlp4families.org https://beh2ocoaching.com Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trina-nudson-19b169149/ Other resources mentioned in this episode: EOS - Entrepreneurial Operating System https://www.eosworldwide.com/ ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

Discover how AI can level up your practice, reduce burnout, and make legal work more fulfilling with insights from Kara Peterson, co-founder of Descrybe.ai. Susan Guthrie welcomes Kara Peterson, a trailblazer in legal tech and one of the ABA’s 2024 Women of Legal Tech, to share how AI tools are transforming the future of law for solo practitioners, mediators, and small firms.  Whether you’re looking to streamline your work, improve access to justice, or overcome tech hesitations, Kara’s groundbreaking platform, Descrybe.ai, is leading the charge with tools that are accessible, intuitive, and game-changing.  Kara’s passion for revolutionizing legal tech is contagious, and this conversation will leave you feeling inspired and ready to take your practice to the next level. If you’re curious about how AI can benefit you—without the overwhelm—this is the episode to tune into. Highlights from this episode: How AI can help you work smarter, not harder, and alleviate burnout. Ways technology is democratizing access to legal information. Practical insights for embracing AI, even if you’re not a “tech person.” How tools like Descrybe.ai empower small firms, mediators, and dispute resolution pros. More About This Week's Special Guest, Kara Peterson: Kara Peterson is the co-founder of descrybe.ai, a Boston-based justice tech startup launched in July 2023. The company leverages AI to democratize access to the law and address the access-to-justice crisis in the United States.  A seasoned marketing communications executive, Kara has dedicated her career to organizations dedicated social justice. She previously served as Chief Communications Offi cer at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Executive Director of Communications at Boston University School of Public Health, and Director of Communications at Suff olk University Law School. A recognized advocate for responsible AI and AI for good, Kara was named a “Woman of Legal Tech 2024” by the American Bar Association. She is a frequent speaker at conferences and podcasts and has garnered signifi cant accolades for descrybe.ai, including a 2024 Anthem Award for Best Use of AI, a 2024Webby Award nomination, and two 2024 American Legal Technology Awards. Website: https://descrybe.ai Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kj-peterson https://www.linkedin.com/company/descrybe-ai https://bsky.app/profile/descrybe-ai.bsky.social ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? ✨ Grab your Make Money Mediating Weekly Business Journal and set yourself up for success in 2025! Download now: https://bit.ly/MMMP-Journal 🚀 Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

Ready to kick off 2025 with a practice that’s more efficient, organized, and set for success? Then get ready, as Susan Guthrie shares actionable tips to declutter—not just the physical space, but the mental and operational obstacles holding you back. From letting go of mental clutter to streamlining inefficient processes, you’ll learn how to create a better business that serves you and your clients. A clean, organized practice lays the foundation for long-term success, and the time you invest now will pay off in a thriving year ahead. Highlights from this episode: Conducting a year-end audit to identify what’s working—and what’s not Streamlining processes to run your practice like a well-oiled machine Using automation to save time and reduce stress Creating an action plan to keep your practice organized and thriving Free Downloads Available → Grab the Decluttering Checklists! Mentioned in this episode: Quickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/7noaf2x9b96z  Calendly: https://calendly.com/?redirect=false  SaneBox https://try.sanebox.com/qph8mx5ppa61  FourthParty: https://fourthparty.app Tell them Susan sent you!  ADR Notable:  https://adrnotable.com  Tell them Susan sent you!  Do You Hate Bookkeeping As Much As I Do? (LinkedIn Newsletter) Stop Procrastinating and Use the 15-Minute Rule to Meet Your Goals in the New Year  ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

Mastering the art of follow-up is essential for turning prospects into clients. With her signature clarity and expertise, Susan Guthrie shares actionable strategies to stay top of mind with prospects without coming across as pushy or over the top. From crafting personalized messages to automating the follow-up process, you’ll gain a comprehensive toolkit for success. Susan also covers how to create a follow-up schedule that keeps you consistent, the power of persistence without being overbearing, and tips for crafting messages that resonate.  Whether you’re reaching out to new leads or maintaining relationships with past clients, these insights will help you build trust while growing your practice. Highlights from this episode: The importance of follow-up for client conversion Why timing is key + when you should follow up Tips for crafting personalized and impactful messages How to automate follow-ups without losing the personal touch Strategies for being persistent, not pushy ➡ Grab Your Copy of The Art of Follow-up Download Handout  Also mentioned in this episode: Susan’s Book on Kindle! Building the Practice of Your Dreams, One Month of Daily Tips for Finding Success Turns Out Podcast - Coming Soon! Introducing Turns Out..., my brand-new podcast launching in the new year. This show is all about life’s unexpected twists and turns—those aha moments that change everything. From career pivots to personal revelations, we’ll explore the stories that prove life is full of surprises. Make sure to visit turnsoutpodcast.com and keep an eye out for our launch drop! You won’t want to miss these inspiring stories, and you might even hear some familiar voices. Stay tuned, and remember, Turns Out... life has so much more in store than we ever imagined! ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

Susan Guthrie welcomes Amanda Nugent, Director of Talent and Diversity at Carmody, Torrance, Sandec, and Hennessey LLP, for a conversation on breaking out of the traditional litigation career mold to lead with purpose. Amanda reveals how she transformed her legal career by embracing her passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)—what was once an extracurricular passion is now her full-time role.  Discover how Amanda built a position that aligns with her core values, all while championing a workplace that elevates diverse voices and fosters a more inclusive firm culture. "It was the best risk I ever took," she shares, inspiring listeners to think outside the box and craft a career that truly lights them up. Highlights from this episode: Amanda’s leap from traditional litigation to DEI leadership and why it was the best risk she ever took. How her extracurricular DEI work evolved into her full-time role and her journey to create the position she desired. Amanda’s moment of realizing, “I needed to understand that what I was contributing was important.” Encouragement and practical steps for those feeling unfulfilled in their legal careers. More About This Week's Special Guest: Amanda Nugent Amanda is the Director of Talent & Diversity at Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP, a Connecticut-based law firm. Prior to this role, Amanda practiced law at Carmody for 15 years as part of their litigation practice group. Amanda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-nugent-28a70987/ Also mentioned in this episode: Turns Out Podcast - Coming Soon! Introducing Turns Out..., my brand-new podcast launching in the new year. This show is all about life’s unexpected twists and turns—those aha moments that change everything. From career pivots to personal revelations, we’ll explore the stories that prove life is full of surprises. Make sure to visit turnsoutpodcast.com and keep an eye out for our launch drop! You won’t want to miss these inspiring stories, and you might even hear some familiar voices. Stay tuned, and remember, Turns Out... life has so much more in store than we ever imagined! ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.  

Ready to optimize your mediation game? Susan Guthrie welcomes the dynamic Gabrielle Hartley, best-selling author, and mediation trailblazer, to chat about her groundbreaking approach to mediation pricing and publishing success. Gabrielle opens up on navigating the traditional vs. self-publishing world and shares pro tips for aspiring authors.  Expect insider tips, laughs, and a fresh perspective on customizing your practice to align with your strengths. Susan and Gabrielle wrap up with a shoutout to the upcoming ABA Section of Dispute Resolution's Advanced Mediation & Advocacy Skills Institute – because staying connected and learning never goes out of style! Tune in and get ready to elevate your practice with some serious inspiration. Highlights from this episode: The benefits and limitations of working with a conventional/major publishing house Some tips for researching and securing an agent for your book Inspiring conversation: "If you are consistent and have an action plan - you will set yourself on a path to feel good about yourself and accomplished." Gabrielle's Holistic Pricing Model for Mediation: how this client-centered approach benefits clients and her business alike Encouragement and resources for aspiring mediators More About This Week's Special Guest: Gabrielle Hartley Gabrielle Hartley, Esq. is an online mediator, former court to NYS Supreme Court Judge Jeffrey Sunshine, and co-chair the ABA Mediation Committee.  She is the author of Better Apart; The Radically Positive Way to Separate (Harper Collins 2019) and The Secret to Getting Along and Why It's Easier than You Think (Sourcebooks 2023).  She has a popular TEDx on how to get along better using her Y.E.S. Method.  She is a graduate of Brooklyn Law School and Cornell University. Learn more at gabriellehartley.com Gabrielle’s website: http://GabrielleHartley.com Contact Gabrielle: [email protected] Also mentioned in this episode: ABA Book Publishing Proposal: https://americanbar.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8unltrAWBrr3UlD Advanced Mediation and Advocacy Skills Institute will be held online on October 16 and 17th. This institute will offer incredible programming to help you uplevel your skills which is a great way to advance your practice! Register for the October institute here ambar.org/med2024 What Are You Worth? Understanding Pricing for Dispute Resolution Professionals on Make Money Mediating #507 ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://form.jotform.com/242547531799166 Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

Unlock the power of your voice and elevate your impact as a mediator—today. Susan Guthrie reveals 10 game-changing tactics that will transform you into a confident and captivating public speaker. This episode delves into an essential skill for mediators and professionals alike—public speaking. Whether you’re addressing a conference, leading a workshop, or presenting in a meeting, strong speaking skills can set you apart. You’ll hear 10 effective tactics that can help you become a more confident and impactful speaker. Here are just some of the strategies you’ll hear about:  Start with a Strong Opening: Capture attention within the first 30 seconds with a compelling story or surprising fact. Engage with Your Audience: Turn your speech into a conversation by asking questions or conducting polls. Control Your Body Language: Use purposeful gestures, maintain good posture, and make eye contact to enhance your message. Manage Nervousness: Focus on your message and audience rather than your nerves, and practice techniques like deep breathing. Seek Feedback: After your presentation, ask for constructive feedback to continue improving your speaking skills. Tune into the full episode to hear all 10 tactics to help you become a great public speaker.  Public speaking is a journey, and improvement comes with practice. Remember, your voice is powerful—keep engaging, practicing, and believing in yourself! ============================ For the first time, The ABA Section of Dispute Resolution is holding a virtual PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE to support dispute resolution professionals in building and growing a successful practice at any point in their career!   This institute aims to help colleagues build successful practices to advance the profession and dispute resolution as a whole. The better each colleague does, the better off we all are. Registration is open for the fully virtual Practice Development Institute (PDI), held on September 12th and 13th. Register for this virtual institute today: ambar.org/drpdi. PLUS, if you sign up for the PDI – you will get a code for 15% off the Section’s upcoming Advance Mediation and Advocacy Skills Institute which will also be held online on October 16 and 17th. This institute will offer incredible programming to help you uplevel your skills which is a great way to advance your practice! Register for the October institute here ambar.org/med2024 ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

In this episode of Make Money Mediating, Susan Guthrie dives into one of the most commonly overlooked yet crucial aspects of building a successful dispute resolution practice—branding. Transitioning into dispute resolution from another successful career can be challenging, especially when it comes to standing out and attracting clients. The missing link? Branding! Susan discusses why so many professionals forget this vital step and how it can make or break your practice. Tune in to learn about the importance of branding, how to create a unique brand identity, and the role of personalization in enhancing your client experience. Plus, discover practical tips on leveraging technology to boost your brand and measure its impact. Key Takeaways: The Branding Gap: Why professionals transitioning into dispute resolution often struggle without a clear brand. Building Your Brand Identity: Key elements to consider, including your mission statement, visual identity, and tone of voice. Personalization Matters: How to customize your services and client interactions to create a memorable experience. Technology’s Role: Tips on using your website, social media, and CRM tools to strengthen your brand. Measuring Success: How to track the effectiveness of your branding efforts through client feedback, referral rates, and online engagement. Mentioned in this episode: Murphy Funkhouser Reveals: How to Transform Conferences into Marketing Goldmines on Make Money Mediating #509 ============================ For the first time, The ABA Section of Dispute Resolution is holding a virtual PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE to support dispute resolution professionals in building and growing a successful practice at any point in their career!   This institute aims to help colleagues to build successful practices to advance the profession and dispute resolution as a whole. The better each colleague does, the better off we all are. Registration just opened for the Institute which will be fully virtual and will be held on September 12th and 13th.  Early bird pricing is happening now, be sure to take advantage of the savings – head over to ambar.org/PDI2024 ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Your Business Have you ever felt like an imposter in your professional life? Susan Guthrie dives into this all-too-common struggle among dispute resolution professionals, sharing her journey and the importance of continuous learning to overcome Imposter Syndrome.  You’ll hear Susan offer practical tips to conquer self-doubt, embrace your feelings, seek support, take bold risks, and practice self-compassion as you tackle Imposter Syndrome head-on.  Overcoming imposter syndrome is a rewarding journey filled with growth and discovery.  Highlights from the Episode: What Is Imposter Syndrome  Why We Experience Imposter Syndrome Everyone Has Something to Share Embracing Growth and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Mentioned in this episode: Becoming a Training Junkie: The Power of Continuous Learning in Mediation on the Make Money Mediating Podcast with Susan Guthrie #420 ============================ For the first time, The ABA Section of Dispute Resolution is holding a virtual PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE to support dispute resolution professionals in building and growing a successful practice at any point in their career!   This institute aims to help colleagues to build successful practices to advance the profession and dispute resolution as a whole. The better each colleague does, the better off we all are. Registration just opened for the Institute which will be fully virtual and will be held on September 12th and 13th.  Early bird pricing is happening now, be sure to take advantage of the savings – head over to ambar.org/PDI2024   ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

The Future of Arbitration: AI, Tech Innovations, and Ethical Considerations with Professor Amy Schmitz Susan Guthrie is joined by Professor Amy Schmitz, who is a renowned expert in dispute resolution and legal technology. They delve into Amy's new book, 'The Arbitration Conversation,' and discuss its insights on the intersection of arbitration and technology.  The episode covers topics such as AI's impact on legal practice, blockchain-based arbitration, the importance of technological competence, and how technology can enhance access to justice.  Tune in for an engaging discussion on the future of dispute resolution. Highlights from the Episode: The Role of Technology in Arbitration The Digital Divide in Legal Tech Ethical Considerations in AI and Data Usage The Future of Dispute Resolution ============================ More About This Week's Special Guest: Amy Schmitz Amy J. Schmitz, holding the John Deaver Drinko-Baker & Hostetler Endowed Chair in Law at Moritz, is a distinguished scholar specializing in arbitration, legal tech, and dispute resolution. She co-directs the Translational Data Analytics Institute and leads the JusticeTech Capstone Program. Author of over 75 articles and co-author of key casebooks, Schmitz has received numerous awards for her contributions to technology, law, and dispute resolution.  Her latest book, "The Arbitration Conversation," and her highly regarded podcast delve into the intersection of arbitration and technology. Before Ohio State, Schmitz taught at the University of Missouri and the University of Colorado, clerked for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit, and practiced arbitration law in Seattle and Minneapolis. Schmitz's accolades include the AALS Section Award for Technology, Law and Legal Education, and she is a Fulbright Specialist and member of the American Law Institute. Contact Amy: Amy's email is [email protected] Amy’s book: The Arbitration Conversation ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

The Cost-Benefit Analysis of Entrepreneurship. Is it Worth It? Don't miss Susan Guthrie's 4th of July special, where she breaks down the financial costs, time commitments, and personal rewards of launching a dispute resolution practice. She shares insights on balancing startup expenses with the high earnings, fulfillment, and creative freedom that entrepreneurship brings. This episode offers a thorough cost-benefit analysis of starting and running a business. Tune in to explore the true cost of entrepreneurial freedom and determine if the benefits outweigh the expenses. Highlights from the Episode: Financial Costs and Considerations The Opportunity Cost of Entrepreneurship: Time Commitment and Work-Life Balance Balancing Costs with Personal Rewards and Flexibility ============================ For the first time, The ABA Section of Dispute Resolution is holding a virtual PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE to support dispute resolution professionals in building and growing a successful practice at any point in their career!   Registration just opened for the Institute which will be fully virtual and will be held on September 12th and 13th.  Early bird pricing is happening now, be sure to take advantage of the savings – head over to ambar.org/drpdi to register! ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

Mastering SEO for Mediators: Unlocking Online Success Susan Guthrie dives deep into the importance of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and its impact on mediation practices. Susan explains how understanding and leveraging SEO can attract clients, build credibility, and provide a diversified approach to client acquisition. She also explains how AI tools like ChatGPT can mitigate SEO costs and enhance online visibility. Highlights from the Episode: Why SEO Matters for Dispute Resolution Professionals SEO Benefits for Different Types of Mediators The Cost of SEO and What to Expect Using AI Tools to Optimize SEO+ Practical Tips for DIY SEO Download AI Tools Prompts Tailored for Mediators for Each SEO Strategy Mentioned in this Episode: https://susaneguthrie.com/seo-prompts   ============================ WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.

Navigating the Transition: Top Mistakes to Avoid When Moving from Legal Practice to Dispute Resolution In this episode of Make Money Mediating, host Susan Guthrie shares invaluable insights for legal professionals contemplating a shift from traditional legal practice to the dynamic field of dispute resolution. Susan draws on her personal experiences and client feedback to uncover the most common pitfalls encountered during this transition. From necessary mindset adjustments to strategic marketing approaches, Susan provides practical advice to help you build a successful dispute resolution practice. Don't miss this episode if you're looking to avoid these common mistakes and make your transition smooth and successful. Join Susan for an enlightening discussion that will equip you with the knowledge and strategies you need to thrive in the world of dispute resolution. Tune in now!   Mentioned in this episode: Crafting a Killer Business Plan for a Great New Year on The Make Money Mediating Podcast #501 Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter   WANT MORE CONTENT? Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE!  https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal Reach out to Susan at [email protected] Susan's Coaching Services:  https://susaneguthrie.com/services Website: https://susaneguthrie.com Social Media: Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating ***************** Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.