Philip Austin
Senior Advisor
Philip Austin is a seasoned business development strategist, executive coach, and trusted advisor with more than 25 years of experience helping professional service firms accelerate growth, deepen client relationships, and win more high-value work. Over the course of his career, he has held senior business development and leadership roles at globally recognized organizations, including Ropes & Gray, Nixon Peabody, and Ernst & Young (EY), where he partnered closely with attorneys, consultants, and firm leaders to drive measurable revenue growth and strengthen market positioning.
Known for his practical relationship-centered approach, Philip works side-by-side with professionals at every stage of their careers—from emerging associates and rising managers to senior partners and C-suite executives. His coaching focuses on helping professionals bridge the gap between their current state and future goals by developing the confidence, habits, and strategic business development skills required to build lasting client relationships and sustainable books of business.
Throughout his career, Philip has formally interviewed hundreds of CEOs, general counsel, managing partners, and other senior buyers of professional services to better understand how clients make purchasing decisions, evaluate advisors, and define value. Those insights have informed his work leading thousands of pursuit opportunities and strategic growth initiatives that have collectively generated tens of millions of dollars in sustained revenue for his firms and clients.
Philip brings a unique ability to translate complex growth strategies into clear, actionable steps that professionals can immediately apply in their day-to-day interactions. When coaching individuals, facilitating partner retreats, advising leadership teams, or leading firm-wide initiatives, he is known for helping professionals move beyond theory and into meaningful action that strengthens relationships, increases visibility, and drives profitable growth.
A highly regarded speaker and facilitator, Philip is frequently invited to present at leadership meetings, partner retreats, practice group off-sites, and industry conferences. His sessions combine real-world experience, client intelligence, and practical frameworks to help professionals navigate today's increasingly competitive and relationship-driven marketplace.
At the center of Philip's work is a belief that sustainable business development is rooted in trust, consistency, curiosity, and genuine human connection. His passion for helping professionals grow—both personally and professionally—has made him a valued coach, collaborator, and strategic partner to firms across the professional services landscape.
Get to Know Philip
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Philip, if you go in there with that, you’ll scare half of them out of the building; and the other half will want you to leave with the first half.—A senior partner at EY
Early in my career, after five years of direct B2B sales for two media companies, I was asked to speak to a group of accountants about how to “work the room” at a networking event. I quickly realized that business development in the professional services arena was quite different from what I was used to. Attorneys resist being told what to do or how to do it. But they can be led and inspired when we bring our own strengths as business developers alongside their many strengths. Approaching attorneys as partners in success from the outset puts us on the road to building a valued relationship and earning “trusted advisor” status over time.
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There is only one way to eat an elephant: a bite at a time. —Desmond Tutu
Many attorneys (at all levels) view the BD “elephant” and either shudder or walk away entirely. That’s a very natural, initial reaction. But once we realistically assess where we are and set a vision for where we want to go, we can plan out SMART goals and the steps that will help us get there. Then, we execute…one bite at a time. This is among the most professionally satisfying journeys we can take. Let’s get started.
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Teaching is more than imparting knowledge; it is inspiring change. — William Arthur Ward
As a youngster in school, I felt completely stuck and hopeless. Anyone who reads my third-grade report card cannot be blamed for assuming that I would not make it to fourth grade, except perhaps by way of the Connecticut state juvenile detention system. But, then…one teacher (coach), then another, and then many more over the decades, invested themselves to see where I was and where I wanted to go. Then they showed me how, by taking certain steps, I could get there.
So I started my career by teaching high school; then I learned how to sell. My work as a business development teacher/coach for service professionals over the decades since then has synthesized my talents, skills, and passion for helping others get unstuck, overcome obstacles, and achieve success. Today, teaching/coaching and inspiring others—helping them take simple steps toward their success; to see them move from “I CAN'T do this,” to “I can do THIS,” then “I CAN do this”—is among the most rewarding investments I can make.
Coaching That Drives Measurable Growth
Jane partners with professionals at every level to clarify goals, prioritize relationships, and maintain strong momentum.
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