Ep.91 - Navigating Constructive Pushback: Strategies for Legal Business Development with Robin Davidson and Matt Plavnick

Join David Ackert in this episode of the Market Leader’s Podcast as he welcomes special guests Robin D. Davidson, Head of Business Development and Communications at Boies Schiller, and Matt Plavnick, Director of Client Development at Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell. They engage in a conversation centered around the concept of “constructive pushback” in legal business development and its challenges.

David explores Robin and Matt’s experiences with past leaders and how their leadership styles have shaped their approach to navigating constructive pushback in the legal industry. They discuss the critical components of authentic leadership, emphasizing the importance of framing pushback as a collaborative conversation to improve outcomes rather than opposing ideas.

Moreover, they delve into the increasingly blurred lines between personal and work lives and the significance of forging genuine human connections in a digitized economy. The conversation also covers strategies for training and developing junior professionals to handle such interactions effectively, including encouraging observation, modeling, and feedback.

Tune in to learn about the power of saying “No” to create space for “Yes” in client interactions, the why behind actions, and the consistent delivery of excellent service. Discover how to empower teams and employees through authentic leadership and gracefully navigate the complexities of legal business development.