Kathleen
Flynn
Senior Advisor
Kathleen Flynn is a seasoned business development and marketing strategist with decades of experience helping professional service firms grow their client base, elevate their brand, and drive revenue.
As a Senior Advisor with PipelinePlus, she works with professionals across industries to build client-focused business development programs and strengthen market presence.
Previously, Kathleen served as Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, where she led the firm’s global strategy across branding, sales enablement, and client development. She also spearheaded several client feedback programs, embedding the client’s perspective into the firm’s growth efforts.
In addition to her in-house leadership, Kathleen has served as interim CMO for firms like Steptoe, Littler, and Fenwick, guiding departments through audits, strategic enhancements, team restructuring, and operational improvements.
Known for her pragmatic and collaborative style, Kathleen brings deep expertise in sales, marketing leadership, brand strategy, and client service.
Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, exploring great wines (including working part-time at a winery), traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Get to Know Kathleen
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I love helping professionals find their unique BD spark. Everyone’s different, so I focus on discovering what you enjoy and where your strengths lie, then building a plan that feels natural. Whether it’s deepening your network or turning leads into clients, I’m here to guide you toward a book of business you’re excited about. It’s about small, smart moves that add up to big results.
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It’s all about authentic, thoughtful touchpoints. A recent survey showed in-house counsel respond to relevant, substantive content—so I help you craft personalized messages that show you care. One lawyer I coached sent a holiday card that landed a multimillion-dollar client. It’s not about grand gestures; it’s about consistent, genuine outreach that keeps you memorable when work is being allocated.
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One of my favorite moments was coaching an attorney who already got BD but wanted more. We set clear goals, explored new approaches, and built accountability. Over four years, his book of business grew beyond what he thought possible. Another time, a lawyer skeptical of BD embraced our PipelinePlus videos and coaching, later thanking me for pushing him just enough to try new strategies that worked. It’s thrilling to see those breakthroughs.
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Client feedback is a game-changer. Most clients won’t tell you they’re unhappy—they’ll just send less work. I’ve seen firms turn relationships around by simply asking what’s going on. As a fractional CMO, I’ve led feedback programs that uncovered fixable issues, strengthening client ties. If you’re not asking, you’re missing chances to grow—or worse, someone else is. It’s a win-win when you listen and act.
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Having served as a fractional CMO for large law firms, I jump in ready to go—no learning curve. I’ve built and led marketing and BD teams globally, so I know what works. I bring a network of designers, developers, and coaches to amplify a firm’s efforts. My strength is auditing what’s working, spotting gaps, and building A-teams that thrive by playing to everyone’s strengths.
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I’m all about bringing people together. I love hosting friends and family, cooking up a feast paired with beautiful wines—I even work part-time at a winery, which keeps things fresh. Traveling, reading, hitting the theater, or catching a concert with loved ones recharge me. It’s a perfect blend that fuels my energy for coaching.
What Clients Say
Coaching That Drives Measurable Growth
Kathleen partners with professionals at every level to clarify goals, prioritize relationships, and maintain strong momentum.
Let us know what you’d like to explore, and we’ll connect you with the next step.