
Hosted by Megan Senese & Jennifer Ramsey · EN

In case no one else tells you, it’s important to understand that hoping to be discovered is not a business development strategy - choosing yourself is.In this episode of So Much To Say: A Legal Podcast For People, Minis with Megan, she talks about the exhausting reality that the same people are often given the same opportunities in law firms, conferences, and leadership spaces while others are left wondering, ‘why not me?’. But instead of waiting to be picked, Megan shares why choosing yourself and advocating for yourself while making yourself visible is one of the most important business development skills you can build.Who this episode is for:Lawyers feeling overlooked or stuck in their visibility efforts (online or in-person)Professionals waiting for opportunities, visibility, or leadership invitationsAnyone frustrated by inequity in networking, speaking, or business development opportunitiesPeople struggling to advocate for themselves and their workEpisode takeaways:Hoping to be discovered is not a business development strategyVisibility often comes from advocating for yourself, not waiting for permissionMany talented professionals stay invisible because they believe they need to be chosen firstRejection, silence, and unanswered pitches are part of the process, NOT proof you aren’t worthyBuilding your own path and community is often more powerful than trying to force your way into rooms that don’t want you there in the first placeBusiness development tips for building visibility: Stop waiting to be noticed: Tell people what you wantPitch yourself for opportunities: Speaking, writing, leadership, and visibility all require action (write it, publish it, send the email)Get comfortable being uncomfortable: Confidence often comes after repetitionPivot instead of stopping: If one door closes, try a different roomFind your people: Focus on relationships with those who genuinely want to support youChoose yourself first: You do not need permission to advocate for your valueStay Connected:You do not need to wait for someone else to choose you. Advocate for yourself, build your path, and find your people.stage helps lawyers and legal teams build visibility, business development confidence, and relationship-first growth strategies that feel authentic, not tiring and performative.Learn more about stageConnect with Megan Senese Connect with Jennifer RamseyLove So Much To Say? Let us know! Drop a review, give us 5 stars in your favorite podcast app, and tell us what made you laugh, think, or just go “yep, that’s me.” Every review helps us reach more awesome humans who want to make legal…well, human.

“You don't have to craft your resume to make it look like you've wanted to be a lawyer since kindergarten. Just show your authentic self.” - Albert TawilWhat actually makes someone stand out in the legal industry?In this episode of So Much To Say: A Legal Podcast For People, Megan Senese and Jennifer Ramsey sit down with Albert Tawil, Founder and CEO of Lateral Hub, to talk about entrepreneurship, authenticity, legal recruiting, and why the most interesting thing about you might have absolutely nothing to do with the law.From starting a Costco delivery business before Instacart, to disrupting the traditional lateral recruiting model, to helping law students learn how to share the parts of themselves that make them memorable, this conversation is packed with practical insights and refreshing honesty.You’ll hear about:Why authenticity matters more than a perfectly curated legal resumeThe Costco delivery business that unexpectedly made Albert a standout candidateHow entrepreneurship shaped the way Albert approaches recruiting and businessThe origin story behind Lateral Hub and the inefficiencies it set out to solveWhy traditional legal recruiting can feel outdated and expensiveThe changing landscape of lateral hiringWhat firms are actually looking for in interviewsWhy being “well-rounded” is often more valuable than looking traditionally impressiveThe role creativity and adaptability play in legal careersWhat COVID changed about lateral hiring, remote work, and law firm cultureWhy some industries are ripe for disruption, and where legal may be headed nextAbout Albert Tawil:Albert Tawil is the Founder & CEO of Lateral Hub, a legal recruiting platform helping attorneys take a more transparent and efficient approach to lateral hiring. A former IP and Tech Transactions associate at Cleary Gottlieb and Fenwick & West, Albert launched Lateral Hub in 2022 after experiencing the lateral recruiting process firsthand and recognizing an opportunity to modernize it for both candidates and law firms.Since launching, Lateral Hub has become a growing resource for BigLaw laterals, law students, and recruiting teams navigating an increasingly competitive hiring landscape. Albert received his J.D. from New York University School of Law and lives in New Jersey with his wife and three children.Learn More:Check out Lateral HubStay Connected:Love So Much To Say? Let us know! Drop a review, give us 5 stars in your favorite podcast app, and tell us what made you laugh, think, or just go “yep, that’s me.” Every review helps us reach more awesome humans who want to make legal…well, human. Want to go deeper? Curious about 1:1 coaching with Megan or Jen? Or want the inside scoop on stage? Hit us up below, we’d love to chat!Learn more about stageConnect with Megan Senese Connect with Jennifer Ramsey

Listener note: If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the previous episode, You’re Not Bad at Networking. You Were Only Taught One Way! on Apple or Spotify.You’ve just come back from a big conference, energized, exhausted, and you’re ready to take action. You had great conversations, made meaningful connections, and now you want to keep that momentum going but aren’t totally sure of where to begin.In this episode of Minis with Megan on So Much To Say: A Legal Podcast For People, Megan Senese offers 5 tips that help people focus on the part most people skip: the follow-up. Because the value of any conference isn’t just in who you meet, it’s in what you do next.Who this episode is for:Lawyers, legal marketers, and professionals returning from conferences or networking eventsAnyone struggling to keep momentum after meaningful in-person connectionsPeople overwhelmed by follow-up and unsure where to startHigh performers who want to turn conversations into lasting relationshipsEpisode takeaways:The real value of networking happens after the eventFollow-up often gets skipped—not from lack of intention, but lack of timeThere is no one “right” way to follow up—what matters is that you do itSmall, timely actions build trust and strengthen relationshipsMomentum fades quickly if you don’t capture and act on it5 things to do when you get home from a conference:Write a list of everyone you met: Names, companies, refer back to your photos, notebook, or notes appFollow through on what you promised: Referrals, intros, or simple check-ins build trustShare something valuable: Pass along insights, ideas, or “aha” moments from the event to colleagues or clientsKeep the conversation going: Set follow-up meetings, even if they’re weeks or months out to ensure nothing slips through the cracksReach out to missed connections: Follow up with people you didn’t meet or who couldn’t attend the eventStay Connected:Looking to build a more intentional, relationship-first approach to business development?stage helps lawyers and legal teams turn conversations into meaningful, long-term connections that actually drive growth.Learn more about stageConnect with Megan Senese Connect with Jennifer RamseyLove So Much To Say? Let us know! Drop a review, give us 5 stars in your favorite podcast app, and tell us what made you laugh, think, or just go “yep, that’s me.” Every review helps us reach more awesome humans who want to make legal…well, human.

“ For all of us, which is the hardest thing to do, is to really try to reach your true self.” - Vivek JayaramWhat if the problem isn’t the law…but how we talk about it?In this episode of So Much To Say: A Legal Podcast For People, Megan Senese and Jennifer Ramsey sit down with Vivek Jayaram, an IP attorney who’s rethinking what it means to be a lawyer, not just in how he practices, but in how he shows up, communicates, and builds relationships.From turning complex legal concepts into engaging Instagram content, to teaching intellectual property law through Taylor Swift (affectionately named “Blank Space”), to sitting in the room before the legal work even begins, this conversation challenges the traditional idea of what a “successful lawyer” looks like.It’s a conversation about creativity, courage, and choosing to do things differently, even when the industry as a whole tells you not to.You’ll hear about:Why law feels boring, and how storytelling changes everythingBuilding a platform by making legal concepts relatable (and actually interesting)The reality of getting comfortable on cameraWhy authenticity isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a competitive advantageTips for helping clients get to yesWhy many lawyers think too small about their role The long game of business development, and why most people quit too earlyWhy consistency matters more than talent when building visibilityThe impact of teaching law through pop cultureHow creativity shows up in unexpected places Redefining what success looks like for lawyersAbout Vivek Jayaram: Vivek Jayaram is an attorney. But as Founder of Jayaram Law, he’s also a successful entrepreneur, which gives him a sound base for advising other entrepreneurs, creatives, and the companies they run. From groundbreaking artists and Web 3.0 innovators, to unique international brands in fashion and new media, Vivek handles their intellectual property transactions and disputes, corporate deals, and acts as an outside general counsel. Alongside the day job, Vivek teaches intellectual property and entertainment law courses at the University of Miami Law School. Before Jayaram Law happened, he was an associate at Greenberg Traurig, as well as a law clerk to the Honorable Adalberto Jordan of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Beyond work, Vivek plays and records music, collects contemporary art, and loves to get lost in great cities.Learn More:Check out Jayaram LawThis episode is brought to you by Dealmakers Forums: Dealmakers Forums is a premier platform for high-impact networking and strategic deal-making in complex markets. Through flagship events across the U.S. and Europe, they convene a curated, senior-level community of investors, corporate leaders, funders, and counsel. Their focus is on delivering meaningful connections, market insight, and real business outcomes in litigation finance and intellectual property.For more information, visit Dealmakers Forums and view their upcoming event calendar.Stay Connected:Love So Much To Say? Let us know! Drop a review, give us 5 stars in your favorite podcast app, and tell us what made you laugh, think, or just go “yep, that’s me.” Every review helps us reach more awesome humans who want to make legal…well, human. Want to go deeper? Curious about 1:1 coaching with Megan or Jen? Or want the inside scoop on stage? Hit us up below, we’d love to chat!Learn more about stageConnect with Megan Senese Connect with Jennifer Ramsey

If networking feels awkward, even at a senior level, you’re not the problem. Most lawyers and legal marketers have been taught a version that actually makes real connection harder.In this mini episode of So Much To Say: A Legal Podcast For People, Megan Senese challenges the way networking is typically framed in the legal industry. The version that says you need to work the room, prove your value, and leave with something to show for it.That version doesn’t just feel uncomfortable. It makes real connection harder.This episode offers a different approach. One rooted in curiosity, generosity, and the understanding that networking isn’t about what you get. It’s about how you show up and how you make people feel.Who this is for:Lawyers and legal marketers who feel awkward or drained at networking eventsProfessionals who leave conferences feeling like they didn’t “do enough”Anyone who believes they’re bad at networkingPeople under pressure to turn every interaction into ROIWhat you’ll take away:You’re not bad at networking. You’ve been taught a version that doesn’t workWhy even experienced professionals still feel uncomfortable at eventsHow the pressure to “get something” undermines connectionWhat shifts when you approach networking with curiosity instead of expectationWhy people remember how you made them feel, not what you saidA different way to approach your next event:Reach out to people you know will be there before you arriveLet people know you’re attending and invite connection in advanceFocus on meeting people, not making something happen Want more tips and insights? Connect with us!You don’t need to be someone else to be good at networking. You just need to connect.stage helps lawyers and legal teams rethink business development through a relationship-first approach: one that feels natural, sustainable, and effective over time.Learn more about stageConnect with Megan Senese Connect with Jennifer RamseyLove So Much To Say? Let us know! Drop a review, give us 5 stars in your favorite podcast app, and tell us what made you laugh, think, or just go “yep, that’s me.” Every review helps us reach more awesome humans who want to make legal…well, human.

“I am redefining what success means to me.” - Ashley HerdWhat if the way we think about careers, leadership, and success is completely wrong?In this episode of So Much To Say: A Legal Podcast For People, Megan Senese and Jennifer Ramsey sit down with Ashley Herd, Founder of Manager Method, workplace expert, content creator, and author, to unpack what it actually means to lead, build a career, and show up as a human at work.Ashley shares her journey from employment lawyer to in-house counsel to entrepreneur, and how a non-linear “career quilt” ultimately led her to building a platform that’s reshaping how people think about management. Along the way, she gets real about burnout, identity shifts, and the uncomfortable truth that many workplace norms still prioritize speed over thoughtfulness, and hierarchy over humanity.This conversation is equal parts practical and perspective-shifting, especially for anyone working inside law firms, where influence often exists without authority.You’ll hear about:Why Ashley left law to build Manager MethodThe concept of a “career quilt” vs. a traditional career pathHow to lead and influence when you don’t have formal authorityThe Pause, Consider, Act framework — and why it matters more than everWhat legal marketers and lawyers can learn from in-house client perspectivesWhy asking your clients questions is still wildly underutilized (and powerful)The reality of workplace culture — and how it shows up when people resign“Luke” — the fictional (but very real) bad manager we’ve all worked withHow Ashley built her platform (and podcast) through simple, human outreachWhy redefining success might be the most important work you doAbout Ashley Herd:Ashley Herd is the founder of Manager Method, where she helps leaders become better managers through practical, human-centered approaches. A former employment lawyer and in-house counsel, Ashley now creates widely recognized workplace content across LinkedIn and social media, teaches leadership through her courses, and is the author of her recent book on modern management.Learn More:Check out Manager MethodBuy Ashley’s book, The Manager Method: A Practical Framework to Lead, Support, and Get ResultsThis episode is brought to you by HeyCounsel Starting and running your own law firm can be scary, and honestly, pretty lonely. But it doesn’t have to be. After nine years in-house, Brian Scherer set out on his own and realized something: lawyers at big firms have access to resources, connections, and support systems that solo and small firm lawyers often don’t. So he built HeyCounsel to change that. When you join the HeyCounsel community, you get immediate access to an insane amount of resources, templates, free CLEs, masterminds, exclusive events and discounts to tech and tools to run your practice. It's like having big-firm power without having to join a big firm. You can join HeyCounsel for less than $65/mo with our discount code "SOMUCH". To learn more about HeyCounsel, visit them at heycounsel.com.Stay Connected:Love So Much To Say? Let us know! Drop a review, give us 5 stars in your favorite podcast app, and tell us what made you laugh, think, or just go “yep, that’s me.” Every review helps us reach more awesome humans who want to make legal…well, human. Want to go deeper? Curious about 1:1 coaching with Megan or Jen? Or want the inside scoop on stage? Hit us up below, we’d love to chat!Learn more about stageConnect with Megan Senese Connect with Jennifer Ramsey

If your workday keeps you mentally “on” long after you close your laptop, this mini episode offers a moment to reset. Most lawyers or legal marketers never allow themselves to come out of “on mode.” They’ve only been trained how to push through it.This episode of So Much To Say: A Legal Podcast For People, Minis with Megan is intentionally different. It creates space to step out of constant responsiveness and notice what is happening in your body while you work.Many lawyers and legal marketing professionals move through their days holding everything. Shoulders stay tight. Breathing becomes shallow. The nervous system remains quietly activated and mistakes increase.This episode is permission for a brief pause. A chance to slow down, take a breath, and experience what even a few intentional minutes of reset can feel like so you can go back to your work refreshed and recharged and with a moment to catch your breath.If this moment resonates, a longer guided session is available on 4/16 for those who want to go deeper. Details for registration are below.Who this episode is for:Lawyers and professionals who feel constantly “on” during the workdayAnyone overwhelmed by email, notifications, and nonstop screen timePeople noticing physical stress (tight shoulders, shallow breathing, fatigue)High performers who struggle to give themselves permission to take a breakEpisode takeaways:“Email apnea” and “screen apnea” are real: Holding your breath while working is more common than you thinkConstant screen time and stress can physically impact your breathing, focus, and energyYou cannot do your best work (legal, strategic, or creative) if your body is in a state of tensionTaking a break isn’t indulgent, it’s necessary for sustainable performanceEven small, intentional pauses (like breathing) can reset your entire systemSmall steps you can take to invite awareness:Notice your body: Are you holding your breath, clenching, or bracing?Pause and take a breath: Even one intentional inhale and exhale can interrupt the stress cycleGive yourself permission to step away: You don’t need to “earn” a break. You deserve a break.Create space for reset: Short, structured breaks can help you return more focusedPrioritize sustainability: Your performance depends on your ability to regulate, not just push throughJoin us for Off the Mat on 4/16 at 1 pm ET / 10 am PTA 30-minute guided breathing session led by a certified yoga instructor, our very own Jen Ramsey!*No camera required*No experience needed*Join directly from your desk*Email us at info@stage.guide or register hereStay Connected:Learn more about stageConnect with Megan Senese Connect with Jennifer RamseyLove So Much To Say? Let us know! Drop a review, give us 5 stars in your favorite podcast app, and tell us what made you laugh, think, or just go “yep, that’s me.” Every review helps us reach more awesome humans who want to make legal…well, human.

NOTE: This episode contains language around infant loss and miscarriage. Take care while you listen.Most law firms treat returning from parental leave as a routine transition. For many lawyers, it’s one of the most destabilizing periods of their careers.In this episode of So Much To Say: A Legal Podcast For People, Megan Senese and Jennifer Ramsey are joined by Lori Mihalich-Levin, CEO and Founder of Mindful Return, author of Back to Work After Baby, co-host of the Parents at Work podcast, and a healthcare lawyer at The GME Group. Lori shares why returning to work after having a child is one of the most professionally disruptive transitions lawyers face—and what a more sustainable, intentional transition can look like.What began as a moment of desperation, crying while washing bottles and caring for two young children, led to a critical realization: most workplaces treat return-to-work as a logistical event, not a human transition. In response, she built Mindful Return, a national platform supporting working parents through this exact inflection point. Lori shares what’s often left unspoken: postpartum anxiety, identity disruption, the invisible labor of reentry, and the pressure to perform as if nothing has changed. She also breaks down what a “mindful return” requires from both individuals and organizations and why community plays a central role in recovery and retention.This episode is essential for anyone navigating parenthood and career and for leaders responsible for whether working parents thrive, struggle, or leave.You’ll hear about:Why Lori created Mindful Return after her own painful return-to-work experienceThe personal and professional identity crisis that can come after parental leaveWhat working parents actually need during the transition back to workHow Mindful Return’s cohort model helps moms AND dads feel less aloneWhy parenthood builds leadership skills we still don’t talk about enoughThe case for better workplace support around miscarriage, infant loss, and mental healthHow mindfulness, yoga, and community have helped Lori navigate both work and family lifeAbout Lori Mihalich-Levin:Lori Mihalich-Levin is the CEO & Founder of Mindful Return, a nationally recognized platform supporting working parents through parental leave and the transition back to work. She is the author of Back to Work After Baby, co-host (with her husband) of the Parents at Work podcast, and a healthcare lawyer at The GME Group. Her work has been featured in Forbes, The Washington Post, The New York Times Parenting, and more.Learn More:Learn more about Mindful ReturnCheck out Insight TimerListen to the Parents at Work podcastCheck out Lori’s book, Back to Work After BabyThis episode is brought to you by: Latitude LegalIn partnership with Latitude Legal, stage offers four free business development sessions for any lawyer returning from parental leave. We call it Corduroy. It is open to any lawyer. We know how challenging it can be to be a working parent, and this is our way of giving back to the legal community through business development support. If you are interested in learning more about Corduroy for yourself or your team, you can email us at info@stage.guide. Thank you to Latitude Legal and Kyle Robisch for being the sole partner supporting our Corduroy initiative. They recognize the importance of supporting working parents in the legal industry and are generously underwriting this program. To learn more, visit www.latitudelegal.com or contact Kyle directly at KRobisch@latitudelegal.com.Stay Connected:Love So Much To Say? Let us know! Drop a review, give us 5 stars in your favorite podcast app, and tell us what made you laugh, think, or just go “yep, that’s me.” Every review helps us reach more awesome humans who want to make legal…well, human. Want to go deeper? Curious about 1:1 coaching with Megan or Jen? Or want the inside scoop on stage? Hit us up below, we’d love to chat!Learn more about stageConnect with Megan Senese Connect with Jennifer Ramsey

If your workday keeps you mentally “on” long after you close your laptop, this mini episode offers a moment to reset. Most lawyers or legal marketers never allow themselves to come out of “on mode.” They’ve only been trained how to push through it. This episode of So Much To Say: A Legal Podcast For People, Minis with Megan is intentionally different. It creates space to step out of constant responsiveness and notice what is happening in your body while you work.Many lawyers and legal marketing professionals move through their days holding everything. Shoulders stay tight. Breathing becomes shallow. The nervous system remains quietly activated and mistakes increase. This episode is permission for a brief pause. A chance to slow down, take a breath, and experience what even a few intentional minutes of reset can feel like so you can go back to your work refreshed and recharged and with a moment to catch your breath. If this moment resonates, a longer guided session is available on 4/16 for those who want to go deeper. Details for registration are below.Who this episode is for:Lawyers and professionals who feel constantly “on” during the workdayAnyone overwhelmed by email, notifications, and nonstop screen timePeople noticing physical stress (tight shoulders, shallow breathing, fatigue)High performers who struggle to give themselves permission to take a breakEpisode takeaways:“Email apnea” and “screen apnea” are real: Holding your breath while working is more common than you thinkConstant screen time and stress can physically impact your breathing, focus, and energyYou cannot do your best work (legal, strategic, or creative) if your body is in a state of tensionTaking a break isn’t indulgent, it’s necessary for sustainable performanceEven small, intentional pauses (like breathing) can reset your entire systemSmall steps you can take to invite awareness:Notice your body: Are you holding your breath, clenching, or bracing?Pause and take a breath: Even one intentional inhale and exhale can interrupt the stress cycleGive yourself permission to step away: You don’t need to “earn” a break. You deserve a break.Create space for reset: Short, structured breaks can help you return more focusedPrioritize sustainability: Your performance depends on your ability to regulate, not just push throughJoin us for Off the Mat:A 30-minute guided breathing session led by a certified yoga instructor, our very own Jen Ramsey!*No camera required*No experience needed*Join directly from your desk* April 16 @ 1pm ET / 10 am PTEmail us at info@stage.guide or register hereStay Connected:Learn more about stageConnect with Megan Senese Connect with Jennifer RamseyLove So Much To Say? Let us know! Drop a review, give us 5 stars in your favorite podcast app, and tell us what made you laugh, think, or just go “yep, that’s me.” Every review helps us reach more awesome humans who want to make legal…well, human.

“ The motivation that got me going was thinking about the moms behind me, and not wanting them to have that same experience if we could do something to avoid it.” - Lindsay AggarwalWhat happens when a successful Big Law partner does everything “right” and still finds herself struggling? In this episode of So Much To Say: A Legal Podcast for People, Megan Senese and Jennifer Ramsey speak with financial services litigator and partner Lindsay Aggarwal about the realities of returning to practice after parental leave, the risks of mental health invisibility in high-performance environments, and how one person’s experience became a catalyst for institutional change.After returning from her second parental leave, Lindsay found herself facing a reality she hadn’t experienced the first time around. What began as anxiety and overwhelm eventually led to a diagnosis of postpartum depression: a moment that forced her to step back, seek help, and rethink what support for working parents in Big Law could look like.Instead of navigating the experience quietly, Lindsay helped lead the development of a structured parental leave coaching initiative at her law firm that was designed to support lawyers before, during, and after leave — an effort that reflects evolving expectations around leadership sustainability, talent retention, and modern career trajectories in Big Law.You’ll hear about:How to navigate postpartum depression while sustaining the visibility and performance demands of Big Law partnershipThe inflection point that led Lindsay to translate personal experience into firm-level supportHow she helped launch a structured parental leave coaching initiative within a global law firmWhat the BCLP program signals about retention, leadership pipelines, and culture evolutionHow peer groups and individualized support models strengthen working parent outcomes in lawHow caregiving realities intersect with client relationships, business development, and differentiationWhy the traditional Big Law model may no longer fit modern working families — and what offers hope for the futureAbout Lindsay Aggarwal:Lindsay Aggarwal is a partner at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) and a financial services litigator with more than a decade of experience in complex litigation. She also leads BCLP’s Parental Leave Coaching Program, an initiative designed to support lawyers navigating parental leave and returning to practice.Through her advocacy and writing, Lindsay is helping spark broader conversations about parental leave, mental health, and sustainable career paths in the legal profession.Stay Connected:Love So Much To Say? Let us know! Drop a review, give us 5 stars in your favorite podcast app, and tell us what made you laugh, think, or just go “yep, that’s me.” Every review helps us reach more awesome humans who want to make legal…well, human. Want to go deeper? Curious about 1:1 coaching with Megan or Jen? Or want the inside scoop on stage? Hit us up below, we’d love to chat!Learn more about stage, helping lawyers make business development human Connect with Megan Senese Connect with Jennifer RamseyEmail us at info@stage.guide