In this episode of So Many Questions, host Rebecca Goodman-Stephens, CEO of Moses Singer, speaks with Shireen Hilal, CEO of Maior Consultants, about culture and leadership in professional services. They explore how empowering people, building trust, and shaping authentic culture drives firm performance and client success.

00:28 – Guest Introduction 01:18 – Career Journey: From Law to Consulting 07:06 – Thought Leadership as a Growth Strategy 10:22 – Obsess About Clients, Not Competitors 14:41 – Leadership Traits that Drive Change 19:59 – Dream Clients and Long-Term Engagements 24:11 – Alternative Fee Arrangements 27:23 – Innovation in Mid-Sized Firms 29:06 – Advice for Managing Partners 32:36 – Building Engaged, Empowered Teams 36:31 – Business Development Success Stories 42:55 – Leadership Lessons for Her Younger Self

Moses Singer: www.mosessinger.com Maior Consultants: https://www.maiorconsultants.com/ Rebecca Goodman-Stephens on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-goodman-stephens-b702665/

In this episode of So Many Questions, host Rebecca Goodman-Stephens, CEO of Moses Singer, speaks with Jacqueline Newman, Managing Partner of Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein, LLP, about women leading change in law and the power of building impact beyond the practice. They explore her journey as a leader in a male-dominated industry, the creation of the 2181 Group to accelerate gender parity in law, and her philanthropic projects including the Gift of Giving Store for domestic violence shelters and the entrepreneurial venture Muffin Crumbles.

(00:00) Intro & podcast mission (00:29) Introduction: Jacqueline and Rebecca’s kickoff (00:45) Jacqueline’s early inspiration & law interest (01:12) Unexpected path to matrimonial law (03:32) First job in matrimonial practice (04:18) Evolving role into leadership & partnership (06:04) Defining firm culture & intentional leadership (08:21) Culture rituals: surprise events, spa, scavenger hunts (11:59) Hiring: "Will you annoy me?" and people fit (13:35) Introducing the Culture Index tool (17:30) Giving back: Gift of Giving Store (pop-ups in shelters) (22:52) The “Muffin Crumbles” venture with her daughter (26:32) Vision for growth: preserving relationships and culture (29:44) Milestone “gifts to myself” & setting boundaries (33:40) Women in leadership & launching the 2181 Group (38:49) Advice to younger self: relax, have fun, smile (39:45) Closing remarks & podcast outro

Learn More

Moses Singer: www.mosessinger.com

Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein, LLP: https://www.berkbot.com

Rebecca Goodman-Stephens on LinkedIn

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