Passle CMO Series Podcast

CMO Series Rainmakers: EP3 - Brinsley Dresden and Geraint Lloyd-Taylor of Lewis Silkin on Leveraging Thought Leadership to Build Personal and Practice Brands

Thought leadership has become an essential strategy for professional services marketers, and it's even more powerful when driven by the experts and lawyers themselves.

In today's episode of CMO Series Rainmakers, Olivia Backon is joined by two of the foremost voices in advertising and marketing law - Brinsley Dresden and Geraint Lloyd-Taylor, Partners and Co-Heads of Advertising & Marketing at Lewis Silkin.

Brinsley and Geraint are renowned for their engaging and insightful thought leadership. With a blend of wit and humour, they tackle key issues in the advertising world, from ASA decisions to new legislation. Through their writing and expertise, they’ve shaped industry conversations and built strong reputations within the legal community and with their clients by strategically leveraging thought leadership to enhance their personal and practice brands.

Brinsley, Geraint and Olivia discuss:

• How Brinsley and Geraint have built their reputations in the advertising and marketing law space, and the moment they realised the power of thought leadership in shaping professional reputations
• How writing and publishing regular insights helps establish authority and credibility in a competitive industry
• How they developed their witty writing style, and why this approach is essential for connecting with clients
• How to integrate thought leadership with other marketing strategies to enhance the client experience and broaden reach
• Examples of how thought leadership content has delivered tangible value to clients and generated new business
• The AdLaw Podcast Brinsley and Geraint host, and how that is contributing to the practice group’s credibility in the advertising law space
• Advice for others looking to build their personal, practice and firm brands through thought leadership

You can catch all the insights from Brinsley, Geraint and the team at Lewis Silkin, here. 

CMO Series Live 2025: An Exclusive Preview with Natasha Sandamas

CMO Series Live is back! After a hugely successful sell-out CMO Series Live last year in New York, we have decided to return for a second year running.

This year, CMO Series Live is set to be bigger and better, with another stellar lineup of speakers covering the hottest topics in legal marketing, from AI to cross-selling. 

On today’s episode of the CMO Series Podcast, Natsaha Sandamas joins us to share an exclusive look at what to expect from CMO Series Live 2025.

Natasha and Charlie cover: 

• An overview of what CMO Series Live is and highlights from last year
• This year’s line-up and the agenda
• Why CMO Series Live is a must-attend for Chief Marketing and BD professionals 
• How to register to attend

Episode 169 - Ian Ribald of Ballard Spahr on Taking a Holistic Approach to Client Development in Legal Marketing

Creating deep connections with clients can lead to new opportunities for law firms to gain a greater understanding of client goals.

In today’s episode of the CMO Series Podcast, Will Eke is joined by Ian Ribald, Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer at Ballard Spahr, to discuss how legal teams can benefit hugely from taking a more holistic approach to their marketing and business development efforts. 

Ian and Will cover: 

• What Ian hopes to bring to his role and the surprises he's faced 
• How Ian’s approach to marketing and business development shifted after running previous client programs
• The importance of legal teams seeing clients from multiple perspectives
• Ian’s strategies for keeping everyone on the same page and motivated when taking a new approach, especially when it comes to buy-in
• How Ian encourages his team to understand the pressures of the different areas of the business as a way to build empathy and improve the client experience
• Advice for others looking to take a more holistic approach to legal marking and get their team on board

CMO Series REPRESENTS - Part 2: Accelerating Gender Equality in Professional Services Marketing

In our second special episode to mark International Women's Day 2025, we catch up with inspiring women who are paving the way in professional services marketing and business development. They share their top tips for firms looking to accelerate action and promote equality within their organizations.

Our incredible guests discuss the importance of transparent paths to promotion, the significant impact of leading by example, and why creating a safe space for authenticity is crucial to fostering equality in the industry.

A big thanks to all of our guests for their generous contributions to this important conversation:

Amelia Calloway, Director of Marketing and Business Development, Morris Manning & Martin

Amanda Lindley, Director of Business Development, Thompson Coburn

Ashley Horne, Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer, Womble Bond Dickinson, US

Bonnelle Martin, Associate Director - Marketing and Brand, Baker Botts

Heather Reid, Chief Business Development & Marketing Officer, Miles & Stockbridge

Kim Lansdown, Director of Strategy and Marketing, Fladgate

Kelby Luther, Chief Business Development and Marketing Officer, Allen Matkins

Michelle Powell, Sr. Manager of Marketing and Business Development, Axinn

Rachel Watson, Director of Business Development, Client Development and Campaigns, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld 

Savannah Kirk, Public Relations and Communications Coordinator, Jones Walker

Stefanie Nastou, Chief Marketing Officer, AMS

CMO Series REPRESENTS - Part 1: Accelerating Gender Equality in Professional Services Marketing

To celebrate International Women's Day 2025, we’re proud to present a special two-part edition of CMO Series REPRESENTS, where we spotlight the women at the forefront of driving gender equality in professional services marketing and business development.

We’re privileged to feature insights from influential women who share their personal journeys, the challenges they've faced, and the steps needed to accelerate gender equality in the industry.

In part one, our guests delve into the significance of female representation, the role of authenticity in leadership, and the profound impact women have in shaping change. Through their stories, we explore how women are not only excelling in their roles but also paving the way for future generations.

Thank you to all of our guests for their generous contributions to this conversation:

Emma Sosner, Head of Marketing at Spencer West
Jeanne Hammerstrom, Chief Marketing Officer at Benesch
Kate Fairweather, Director of Marketing & BD at Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle
Lydia Martin, Director of Marketing & BD at Stewarts
Margie Hinckley, Chief Marketing Officer Americas at A&O Shearman
Mercedes Galindez, Head of Marketing at Slaughter & May
Rachel Smith, Director of BD and Marketing at Cripps
Laura Ottley, Chief Marketing Officer at Addleshaw Goddard

Stay tuned to hear more in part two of this special series.

RE-RELEASE: Terra Davis of Knobbe Martens on Fostering Psychological Safety, Inclusion and Belonging

In celebration of Black History Month, we’re revisiting powerful conversations with Black professionals in legal marketing to honor their expertise, contributions, and the lasting impact they've made on the industry. 

In this episode of the CMO Series REPRESENTS Podcast, Yasmin Zand chats with Terra Davis, Chief Diversity & Talent Development Officer at Knobbe Martens. Terra joins the series to share her journey, why she started advocating for diversity, equity and inclusion, and the critical role of psychological safety in law firms.

Terra discusses the strategies and programs she is working on to drive change and innovation to create a safe and inclusive workplace where everyone belongs, as well as advice for others looking to promote psychological safety within their firms. 

Episode 168 - Joe Palermo and Greg Fleischmann on The Evolving Role of Marketing: What CMOs Need to Know in 2025

The world of business development and marketing in law firms is constantly changing as professionals work to adapt to new challenges, integrate technology, and redefine the ways to meet client needs. 

Today on the CMO Series Podcast, James Barclay is joined by Joe Palermo, Chief Operating Officer at Crowell & Moring, and Greg Fleischmann, Director of Client Development at WilmerHale, to discuss the major shifts that are shaping the legal marketing profession for the next few years.

Joe, Greg and James cover: 

• The last 5 years in legal marketing and the biggest shift within the profession
• How the role of marketing is changing in law firms
• The challenges and opportunities of taking on more client-facing roles 
• How the role of CMO will potentially evolve in law firms in the next few years
• The key skills necessary for CMOs to thrive in 2025 and beyond
• How integrating AI tools can enhance client services and operational efficiency in legal marketing
• Advice for law firm leaders looking to adapt and equip their marketing and BD functions in the future

RE-RELEASE: Lynnette Espy-Williams of Cozen O’Connor on Thriving Together: Cultivating Allyship, Safety & Diversity in Law Firm Culture

In celebration of Black History Month, we're revisiting impactful conversations with Black professionals in legal marketing to honor their expertise, contributions, and the lasting impact they've had on the industry. 

In this episode of CMO Series REPRESENTS, Yasmin Zand sits down Lynnette Espy-Williams, an Equity Partner and the Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer at Cozen O'Connor. Lynnette, recognized as one of the Top 10 Most Influential Women in Diversity & Inclusion by The Chief Navigators Magazine, joins the series to share her journey as a diverse lawyer and the transformative experiences that have influenced her career.

The conversation explores the influential role of innovative marketing and mentorship and uncovers Lynnette's invaluable insights and practical advice on how to bring allies together to shape a future where inclusivity not only exists but thrives.

RE-RELEASE: Diana Lauritson of Hogan Lovells on Color, Culture, and Leadership: Raising the Next Generation of Marketing Leaders

In honor of Black History Month, we’re revisiting meaningful conversations with Black professionals in legal marketing to celebrate their expertise, contributions, and the lasting impact they've made on the industry. We hope that these stories inspire others to embrace change and continue to build a more inclusive and equitable future.

In this episode of CMO Series REPRESENTS, Yasmin Zand welcomes a leading role model who is paving the way in professional services marketing by highlighting issues related to color, culture, and leadership in law firms. 

Yasmin chats with Diana Lauritson, Senior Marketing and Business Development Manager at Hogan Lovells, to share her lived experiences, the role race has played in her career and how to raise the next generation of marketing leaders.

Diana and Yasmin discuss: 

• How Diana came to her career in legal marketing and her current role at Hogan Lovells
• How being a woman of color impacted the way Diana moved forward as a Legal Marketer
• The pressures related to being one of the few women of color in senior marketing roles in law firms
• Programs that supported Diana and recommendations for the next generation of women of color in legal marketing to find support
• Advice for up-and-comers in the industry

Episode 167 - Kim Lansdown of Fladgate on How Legal Marketers Can Use Advertising to Build Stronger Brands

Advertising plays a crucial role in the marketing mix and offers law firms a powerful tool to build stronger, more recognisable brands.

In today’s episode of the CMO Series Podcast, Will Eke speaks with Kim Lansdown, Director of Strategy and Marketing at Fladgate, about how her unique journey from barrister to advertising professional informs her approach to legal marketing. 

Kim shares insights on Fladgate’s standout campaign with The Financial Times, the challenges of driving creative marketing within a law firm, and offers valuable advice for others aiming to leverage advertising strategies to strengthen their legal brands.

Kim and Will explore: 

• Kim’s unconventional career journey, from barrister to advertising and now heading up strategy and marketing at Fladgate
• The main differences she found coming into a law firm compared to working in advertising, and the immediate things Kim wanted to bring in and start working on
• Fladgate’s campaign with The Financial Times, and how Kim used her advertising skills to deliver it effectively 
• How to bring advertising to internal events to promote marketing’s work and vision for the firm
• The key principles or strategies from advertising that law firms could benefit from
• The main challenges to implementing more creative campaigns in law firms and how to overcome them
• Advice for others looking to use advertising strategies to build their law firm brands