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Welcome to The Practice Playbook Podcast, the go-to show for legal and dispute resolution professionals who want more than just survival in their practices; they want strategy, sustainability, and success.
Hosted by best-selling author, attorney, mediator, and practice development expert Susan E. Guthrie, this podcast brings you straight-talking insights, actionable tips, and real-world advice on what it takes to thrive in today’s evolving professional landscape. Whether you're a lawyer, mediator, coach, or consultant, you'll learn how to build a business that reflects your values, supports your lifestyle, and positions you as a trusted expert.
Each episode pulls from the strategies in The Practice Playbook book series, featuring topics like:
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Ditching the billable hour and implementing flat fees with confidence
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Building a thought leadership brand that attracts ideal clients
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Using AI and technology to streamline your workflow and boost productivity
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Mastering client experience, referrals, and pricing strategy
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Real-world case studies, expert interviews, and practice-building stories
From the creator of The Flat Fee Playbook, The Thought Leadership Playbook, and The Practice Accelerator membership community - this is your weekly shot of clarity, confidence, and momentum.
Your practice doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It just needs a better playbook.
Episodes
Thursday Sep 25, 2025
Thursday Sep 25, 2025
Susan Guthrie welcomes you back to The Practice Playbook Podcast with a focus on one of the most important shifts you can make in your business: moving from chasing clients to attracting your perfect clients.
When you’re chasing, you’re hustling, discounting, and saying yes to everyone. It keeps you stuck in scarcity and often leads to burnout. Attracting, on the other hand, is about clarity, alignment, and building a practice that feels lighter, more intentional, and more successful.
In this episode, Susan lays out the step-by-step process to help you research, define, and validate your perfect client profile and then put that information to work so that the right people naturally find you.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- Why chasing doesn’t work long-term and how it keeps you in scarcity
- How to define your perfect client using both demographics and psychographics
- The key questions to ask yourself: Who brings out my best work? Who leaves me fulfilled? Who values what I bring?
- Practical tools for validating your perfect client profile through market research, from AI prompts to social listening to direct conversations
- Ways to put your research into action by refining your messaging, shaping your offers, and positioning yourself where your perfect clients already are
➡ Grab Your Copy of the Perfect Client Worksheet referenced in the episode: https://susan-s-site-47d7.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/ai-placeholder
==================
This Episode is Sponsored by Fourth Party
Build your practice like a CEO with Fourth Party, the all-in-one platform for dispute resolution professionals. Manage intake, scheduling, files, and payments in one place.
As a listener of The Practice Playbook Podcast, you can get 20% off your first three months. Just visit fourthparty.app and use the code SUSAN20 at checkout.
Take control of your business and start building it like a CEO with Fourth Party.
============================
WANT MORE CONTENT?
Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan
Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter
Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE! https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal
Reach out to Susan at susan@susaneguthrie.com
Susan's Coaching Services: https://susaneguthrie.com/services
Website: https://susaneguthrie.com
Social Media:
Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq
Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie
Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating
*****************
Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie
Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.
Thursday Sep 11, 2025
Thursday Sep 11, 2025
Have you noticed something strange happening on LinkedIn lately? Old videos from months ago are suddenly resurfacing and getting traction? That’s not a glitch, it’s the algorithm talking to you. And if you’re not paying attention, you could be missing one of the biggest visibility opportunities available right now.
In this episode, Susan shares how a nine-month-old video suddenly went viral and what that means for your own content strategy. LinkedIn has shifted its priorities in favor of short-form video, at least for now. Susan helps break down the best practices you can use to ride the wave of this (and future) algorithm changes.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- A quick checklist to optimize content for the LinkedIn algorithm
- Why short, direct, personal, educational, or emotionally resonant content performs best
- The importance of captions, attention-grabbing openers, and calls to action in video posts
- Why your LinkedIn profile is not a static brochure and how to use analytics to adjust what’s working and what’s not
- The bigger lesson: stay engaged with the platforms that work for you and repurpose content strategically
If a nine-month-old ChatGPT joke can resurface and go viral, just imagine what your next post might do. Visibility is a moving target, but if you pay attention, you’ll stop guessing about what and how to post and start growing with intention.
==================
Get Real, Actionable Strategies
Join the free Profitable Practice Strategies webinar on Thursday, September 18th at 12 noon ET.
In 60 minutes, Susan will walk you through practical, real-world tips that have helped hundreds of professionals raise their revenue, improve their systems, and finally feel in control of their practice.
We’ll cover:
* How to transition away from the billable hour
* A consult framework that actually converts
* How to position yourself to attract premium clients
* Simple ways to use AI to save time and increase profit
* Your next steps with a profitability checklist
Whether you’re a solo, firm leader, or neutral in transition, this one’s for you.
➡️ Save your seat at susaneguthrie.com
============================
WANT MORE CONTENT?
Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan
Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter
Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE! https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal
Reach out to Susan at susan@susaneguthrie.com
Susan's Coaching Services: https://susaneguthrie.com/services
Website: https://susaneguthrie.com
Social Media:
Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq
Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie
Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating
*****************
Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie
Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.
Thursday Aug 28, 2025
Thursday Aug 28, 2025
Susan Guthrie is back with some big news: the podcast has a new name! Welcome to The Practice Playbook Podcast, your hub for building a smart, sustainable, and fulfilling practice. And what better way to kick things off than by tackling one of the most powerful (and most avoided) topics out there: finding your niche.
Niching can feel scary. Maybe you’ve worried about turning people away, missing opportunities, or “leaving money on the table.” But the truth is, your niche is not a limitation, it’s the key to standing out, attracting the right clients, and building a business that feels aligned with who you are.
In this episode, Susan shares a simple, step-by-step playbook to help you get clear on your niche and shows you how to put it to work in your practice.
This is a conversation full of “aha” moments and golden nuggets that will inspire you to focus your energy where it matters most: on the clients and work that light you up.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why so many professionals resist choosing a niche (and why that fear is holding you back).
- The difference between a job title and a niche and why the latter is where your power lies.
- A step-by-step process to reflect, refine, and test your niche so it feels authentic to you.
- Practical ways to leverage your niche, from your messaging and pricing to building authority in your field.
- Golden nuggets to remember, including: why a well-defined niche builds trust, credibility, and income faster.
Resources and Next Steps:
Grab your copy of The Flat Fee Playbook: https://amzn.to/4213I22
Download the Find Your Niche Worksheet: LINK https://bit.ly/PPP-Niche-Worksheet
Join the waitlist for The Practice Accelerator, Susan’s brand-new subscription program packed with resources, tools, and community support to help you grow smarter.
Inside The Practice Accelerator, you’ll get exclusive access to:
- Ad-free episodes
- A monthly behind-the-scenes email from Susan with insights, updates, and the real story of what she’s seeing in the industry
- Quick tip downloads like pricing tools, client scripts, checklists, and strategy sheets you can use in your practice right away
- And if you choose the higher tiers, you’ll even get live Q&A sessions with Susan, monthly office hours, practical, step-by-step action plans, access to our growing resource library, and discounts on courses and books.
This is not just extra content, it’s structured support to help you implement what you’re learning here and accelerate your growth. It was created because it’s time we stop just talking about what works and start giving you the tools to build it.
So if you want to be the first to know when we open the doors and get access to exclusive founding member perks, sign up for the early access list here!
====================
This Episode is Sponsored by Fourth Party
Ready to streamline your practice? Fourth Party is the all-in-one platform built just for dispute resolution professionals, handling your intake, scheduling, file management, payments, and more.
As a listener of The Practice Playbook Podcast, you’ll get 20% off your first three months. Visit FourthParty.app and use code SUSAN20 at checkout to start building your practice like a CEO.
============================
CHECK OUT THE PRACTICE PLAYBOOK SERIES:
Susan's growing collection of practical, no-fluff guides designed for legal, mediation, and service-based professionals who want to build modern, profitable, and purpose-driven practices. Each book is a focused “playbook” packed with actionable strategies, tools, and templates to help you grow with clarity and confidence—one smart step at a time.
The first title, The Flat Fee Playbook, launched as a #1 New Release on Amazon. The next book, The Thought Leadership Playbook, arrives October 1st— with more to follow covering branding, business planning, launching your practice, and more.
Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter
Reach out to Susan at susan@susaneguthrie.com
Susan's Coaching Services: https://susaneguthrie.com/services
Website: https://susaneguthrie.com
Social Media:
Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susaneguthrie
Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie
Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/practiceplaybookpod
*****************
Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie
Susan Guthrie is a top 1% attorney, mediator, coach, keynote speaker, trainer and #1 Amazon bestselling author with over 35 years of experience, now helping professionals build modern, profitable, and purpose-driven practices. A leader in the legal and dispute resolution fields, Susan is the former Chair of the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution and the creator of The Practice Playbook Series and Podcast and The Practice Accelerator. Through her books, podcast, and coaching, she empowers legal and entrepreneurial professionals to grow with clarity, confidence, and impact.
Thursday Aug 14, 2025
Thursday Aug 14, 2025
Melissa Brogdon, CEO and co-founder of Fourth Party, joins me today for a must-listen conversation on the backbone of every successful mediation practice: your backend systems. Whether you're launching your practice or trying to fix one that's stalled, chances are the issue isn’t with your logo or your website colors—it’s in your operations.
Melissa and I go deep into why building a strong business structure is make-or-break, what most mediators get wrong (spoiler: it’s not your branding), and how Fourth Party is transforming the way dispute resolution professionals run their practices.
Here’s what else you’ll hear in this episode:
- Why the backend of your business matters more than your brand colors
- How Fourth Party helps practitioners go from booking to billing seamlessly
- The role of onboarding and client experience in sustainable growth
- Why ease of use and thoughtful tech matter more than flashy tools
- What to audit right now in your intake process to avoid losing clients
More About This Week's Special Guest, Melissa Brogdon: Melissa leverages a career in operations management as a law firm administrator and as a nonprofit executive. She has been recognized as one of Georgia’s top 40 under 40 business leaders and secured key partnerships with Google for Startups, SAP/Pyxera Global, and Georgia Tech’s Advanced Technology Development Center, Georgia’s oldest tech incubator.
Melissa is a graduate of Spelman College and The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education.
Website:
https://www.fourthpartyapp.com
Social Media:
http://instagram.com/4thpartyapp
====================
This Episode is Sponsored by Smith.ai
Never miss a client call again. Smith.ai’s 24/7 virtual receptionists combine live agents + AI to answer calls, chats, and texts — helping you capture more leads and boost client satisfaction.
MMMP Listeners Get:
- $100 off first month (Code: GUTHRIE)
- 5% off bundled reception + chat
- 10% off annual plans
🔗 Learn more: bit.ly/MMMP-SmithAI
============================
WANT MORE CONTENT?
Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan
Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter
Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE! https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal
Reach out to Susan at susan@susaneguthrie.com
Susan's Coaching Services: https://susaneguthrie.com/services
Website: https://susaneguthrie.com
Social Media:
Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq
Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie
Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating
*****************
Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie
Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Susan Guthrie brings a solo episode that challenges one of the most common mindset traps among mediators, coaches, and conflict resolution professionals: waiting for the “right time.” If you’ve been circling the runway, stuck in planning mode while telling yourself you just need one more training, a better schedule, or a sign from the universe, this conversation offers the clarity and push you’ve been needing.
Waiting feels responsible, but in reality, it’s a form of self-sabotage. Susan breaks down how this delay is costing you revenue, momentum, and confidence and how to shift into action now, without needing perfection.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Why “the right time” is a myth and how waiting is holding your business back
- The hidden fears that keep you in the waiting room
- How to reframe readiness and start small instead of not at all
- A simple 3-step action plan to move you forward in 48 hours
- The power of accountability and why telling someone your next step can make all the difference
Announcing the upcoming launch of The Practice Accelerator with Susan Guthrie: a brand-new subscription for professionals who are serious about building a profitable, modern mediation or legal practice.
Inside The Practice Accelerator, you’ll get exclusive access to:
- Ad-free episodes
- A monthly behind-the-scenes email from Susan with insights, updates, and the real story of what she’s seeing in the industry
- Quick tip downloads like pricing tools, client scripts, checklists, and strategy sheets you can use in your practice right away
- And if you choose the higher tiers, you’ll even get live Q&A sessions with Susan, monthly office hours, practical, step-by-step action plans, access to our growing resource library, and discounts on courses and books.
This is not just extra content, it’s structured support to help you implement what you’re learning here and accelerate your growth. It was created because it’s time we stop just talking about what works and start giving you the tools to build it.
So if you want to be the first to know when we open the doors and get access to exclusive founding member perks, sign up for the early access list here!
====================
This Episode is Sponsored by Smith.ai
Never miss a client call again. Smith.ai’s 24/7 virtual receptionists combine live agents + AI to answer calls, chats, and texts — helping you capture more leads and boost client satisfaction.
MMMP Listeners Get:
- $100 off first month (Code: GUTHRIE)
- 5% off bundled reception + chat
- 10% off annual plans
🔗 Learn more: bit.ly/MMMP-SmithAI
============================
WANT MORE CONTENT?
Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan
Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter
Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE! https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal
Reach out to Susan at susan@susaneguthrie.com
Susan's Coaching Services: https://susaneguthrie.com/services
Website: https://susaneguthrie.com
Social Media:
Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq
Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie
Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating
*****************
Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie
Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.
Thursday Jul 17, 2025
Thursday Jul 17, 2025
Susan Guthrie brings a power-packed solo episode, sharing five quick but impactful upgrades you can implement this week to elevate your practice. From sharpening your client intake process to enhancing your digital presence, these high-leverage, low-lift shifts are designed to boost visibility, streamline your workflow, and yes, improve your bottom line.
Whether you’re just getting started or refining a well-established practice, you’ll walk away with clear, actionable tips—from what to include in a client follow-up email to how to record a simple welcome video that builds instant trust. Plus, Susan shares how AI can be your secret weapon in getting it all done faster.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Why adding an online booking system is a no-brainer and how to start today
- How to craft a more compelling LinkedIn headline that actually attracts clients
- The follow-up email template that saves you time and seals the deal
- What to say in a 60-second welcome video
- How to start using AI as your daily practice assistant: yes, even if you're tech-averse
Resources and tools mentioned in this episode:
Calendly
Acuity
CalendarHero
ChatGPT
Claude AI
Co-pilot AI
Gemini AI
Announcing the upcoming launch of The Practice Accelerator with Susan Guthrie: a brand-new subscription for professionals who are serious about building a profitable, modern mediation or legal practice.
Inside The Practice Accelerator, you’ll get exclusive access to:
- Ad-free episodes
- A monthly behind-the-scenes email from Susan with insights, updates, and the real story of what she’s seeing in the industry
- Quick tip downloads like pricing tools, client scripts, checklists, and strategy sheets you can use in your practice right away
- And if you choose the higher tiers, you’ll even get live Q&A sessions with Susan, monthly office hours, practical, step-by-step action plans, access to our growing resource library, and discounts on courses and books.
This is not just extra content, it’s structured support to help you implement what you’re learning here and accelerate your growth. It was created because it’s time we stop just talking about what works and start giving you the tools to build it.
So if you want to be the first to know when we open the doors and get access to exclusive founding member perks, sign up for the early access list here!
====================
This Episode is Sponsored by Smith.ai
Never miss a client call again. Smith.ai’s 24/7 virtual receptionists combine live agents + AI to answer calls, chats, and texts — helping you capture more leads and boost client satisfaction.
MMMP Listeners Get:
- $100 off first month (Code: GUTHRIE)
- 5% off bundled reception + chat
- 10% off annual plans
🔗 Learn more: bit.ly/MMMP-SmithAI
============================
WANT MORE CONTENT?
Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan
Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter
Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE! https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal
Reach out to Susan at susan@susaneguthrie.com
Susan's Coaching Services: https://susaneguthrie.com/services
Website: https://susaneguthrie.com
Social Media:
Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq
Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie
Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating
*****************
Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie
Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.
Thursday Jul 03, 2025
Thursday Jul 03, 2025
If you're out there posting on social media, giving workshops, and networking like crazy, but still struggling to convert leads into paying clients - or if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by client inquiries or assumed your intake system is “good enough,” this conversation will completely shift how you think about client communication and conversion.
Susan Guthrie welcomes Maddy Martin, the SVP of Growth at Smith.ai to this week’s episode of Make Money Mediating. Maddy has helped thousands of small businesses fix their growth problems by solving what she calls their “leaky bucket” — their broken intake and client communication process.
From secret shopper strategies to using AI tools like ChatGPT to summarize intake calls, Maddy shares practical, tech-forward ways to attract better clients, streamline your systems, and reclaim your time.
Here’s what else you’ll hear in this episode:
- How to secret shop your own practice and uncover what’s really happening when someone calls you
- Why the first to respond gets the client (and how to be that first responder)
- How to delegate your intake without sacrificing quality or control
- Using tools like ChatGPT to turn intake chaos into a streamlined system
More About This Week's Special Guest, Maddy Martin: Maddy Martin is a revenue and marketing leader with deep expertise in scaling technology businesses that serve small businesses. As the SVP of Growth at Smith.ai, she helps small business owners grow faster with the support of 24/7 AI and human receptionists. Maddy’s work sits at the intersection of marketing, sales, automation, and client service — areas she’s helped optimize for thousands of companies. A sought-after speaker and strategist, she’s known for making complex growth tactics approachable, especially for time-strapped business owners and operators. When she’s not at her desk, Maddy can be found competing in dog sports with her two Brittanys, skiing, and gardening around her Western NY home, which she shares with her husband.
Website:
https://smith.ai
Use code GUTHRIE for $100 off first month
Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/virtualreceptionists
https://www.instagram.com/smith.ai/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/smith-ai
====================
This Episode is Sponsored by Smith.ai
Never miss a client call again. Smith.ai’s 24/7 virtual receptionists combine live agents + AI to answer calls, chats, and texts — helping you capture more leads and boost client satisfaction.
MMMP Listeners Get:
- $100 off first month (Code: GUTHRIE)
- 5% off bundled reception + chat
- 10% off annual plans
🔗 Learn more: bit.ly/MMMP-SmithAI
============================
WANT MORE CONTENT?
Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan
Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter
Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE! https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal
Reach out to Susan at susan@susaneguthrie.com
Susan's Coaching Services: https://susaneguthrie.com/services
Website: https://susaneguthrie.com
Social Media:
Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq
Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie
Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating
*****************
Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie
Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.
Thursday Jun 26, 2025
Thursday Jun 26, 2025
Susan Guthrie welcomes Dr. Clare Fowler to discuss the many ways that dispute resolution professionals, and professionals of all kinds, can get their ideas out into the world through writing and publishing.
Susan and Clare recently co-presented a popular program for the ABA Dispute Resolution Section on this topic, and they’re continuing that conversation here. Together they break down the options for getting published: from traditional books to articles to blog posts to podcasts, and how each approach can be tailored to both your goals and your audience.
You will also hear about some mindset blocks that often stop professionals from writing in the first place. Whether it’s imposter syndrome, fear of sounding “braggy,” or writer’s block, Clare and Susan offer real-world, relatable ways to overcome those challenges.
If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to take your idea from “I have something to say” to “I want to share this publicly,” this conversation is packed with golden nuggets to help you get started, and keep going.
Remember, your voice is needed. And as Clare reminds us in this episode, the ripple effects of your work go far beyond what you see.
Here’s what else you’ll hear in this episode:
- Why writing matters more than ever in our field
- How to choose the right publishing path for your goals
- Why your work doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful
- How to use your writing to actually grow your practice and build your reputation.
More About This Week's Special Guest, Dr. Clare Fowler: Dr. Clare Fowler is the Executive Vice President at Mediate.com, Managing Editor of Mediate.com’s publishing platform, and author of the 2023 book, Rising Above Office Conflict: The Light-Hearted Guide for the Heavy-Hearted Employee. She holds a doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine and was recently honored with the 2024 International Woman of Peace Award. Her experience includes roles at the United Nations, the Supreme Court of Hawai'i, and extensive work designing dispute resolution systems for small businesses.
Website links:
Mediate.com
Mediate.com Mentor Program
Mediate.com Article Submission
Rising Above Office Conflict: A Light-Hearted Guide for the Heavy-Hearted Employee
ABA DR Conference Program:
https://www.americanbar.org/events-cle/ecd/ondemand/449302359/
Social Media:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarefowler/
====================
This Episode is Sponsored by Smith.ai
Never miss a client call again. Smith.ai’s 24/7 virtual receptionists combine live agents + AI to answer calls, chats, and texts — helping you capture more leads and boost client satisfaction.
MMMP Listeners Get:
- $100 off first month (Code: GUTHRIE)
- 5% off bundled reception + chat
- 10% off annual plans
🔗 Learn more: bit.ly/MMMP-SmithAI
============================
WANT MORE CONTENT?
Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan
Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter
Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE! https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal
Reach out to Susan at susan@susaneguthrie.com
Susan's Coaching Services: https://susaneguthrie.com/services
Website: https://susaneguthrie.com
Social Media:
Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq
Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie
Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating
*****************
Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie
Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
In this powerful episode, Susan Guthrie is joined by Michael Holmes, Chief Product Officer at FourthParty, for a conversation every mediator and ADR professional needs to hear. Michael, a legal mind with an entrepreneurial edge, has worked with hundreds of mediators to build thriving practices, and he’s here to share the client-first strategy that top-performing professionals never overlook.
While many mediators focus on honing their skills in the room, Michael makes a compelling case that what really sets the best apart is their commitment to the entire client experience, from first click to final invoice. With industry growth projected at 7.3% annually (the highest of any profession, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), it’s more important than ever to stand out with smart systems, seamless communication, and true operational elegance.
Plus, Michael shares a free downloadable resource: the Client Experience Scorecard, a self-audit tool to help you identify gaps in your intake, communication, and billing workflows.
Here’s what else you’ll hear in this episode:
- Why “side hustle” mediators struggle to gain traction
- How top pros treat their practice like a business from day one
- The traps ADR professionals fall into when overthinking or underinvesting in marketing
- What “smart visibility” really looks like in the golden age of convenience
- The Four Cs of client experience: convenience, consistency, competency, and care
More About This Week's Special Guest, Michael Holmes: Michael Holmes is a creative strategist with a strong legal background, entrepreneurial spirit, and a knack for technological innovation. He is the Chief Product Officer at FourthParty, an ADR tech and practice development company, where he helps mediators launch, manage and grow their businesses through smarter, client-centric systems and methods.
Website: http://fourthparty.app. Be sure to grab your copy of the Client Experience Scorecard at FourthParty.app.
Email: michael(at)fourthparty.app
Social Media:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-holmes-5b940391/
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WANT MORE CONTENT?
Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan
Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter
Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE! https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal
Reach out to Susan at susan@susaneguthrie.com
Susan's Coaching Services: https://susaneguthrie.com/services
Website: https://susaneguthrie.com
Social Media:
Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq
Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie
Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating
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Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie
Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law Attorneys and Mediators in the United States, has transitioned from a successful legal and mediation practice to become one of the foremost trainers and consultants for professionals in the field. As Chair-Elect of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, Susan is dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of dispute resolution worldwide. Through her Top 1% in the World podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie," she continues to share her expertise, reaching millions of listeners globally.
Friday May 23, 2025
Friday May 23, 2025
Susan Guthrie shares the one negotiation skill that works every time—no matter the context—and how you can use it to build both resolution and rapport. In this solo episode, she introduces the powerful concept of framing: the art of shaping how information is presented to influence how it is received.
Framing is not about manipulation—it’s about clarity. When used ethically, framing helps emphasize what matters most, creating a path for people to hear each other differently and move forward more constructively. It’s a tool that can completely shift the tone of any mediation or negotiation.
Importantly, this episode also includes a correction to a previously shared example involving Nurofen’s marketing in Australia. After learning the campaign had been found to be misleading by Australian courts, Susan sets the record straight and uses the opportunity to explore the difference between effective framing and deceptive messaging—a must-know distinction for all professionals. (Correction starts at 7:14)
You’ll hear practical ways to refine your framing skills, from AI-powered prompts to marketing messaging that better communicates your impact. Whether you're guiding high-conflict clients through a tough negotiation or introducing your services at a networking event, framing helps you lead with confidence, connection, and credibility.
Here’s what else you’ll hear in this episode:
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How strong negotiators use framing to drive outcomes and build agreement
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Ethical ways to reframe messaging in mediation to help parties truly hear each other
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How framing can reduce conflict and position you as a narrative guide in the room
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Smart ways to use AI tools to reframe challenging client statements and practice scripts
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Why framing is not just a skill—it’s a strategy for growth, trust, and leadership
Be sure to grab your copy of Susan’s free downloadable Framing Toolkit, including real life reframing phrases and AI prompts you can use right away.
Want to Go Deeper?
Each week, I publish two companion articles that expand on the episode’s key themes—one on the Practice Building Blog and one in my Practice Building Tip of the Day newsletter on LinkedIn. If you’re looking for practical takeaways you can implement right away, don’t miss this week’s articles, which dive into how better framing can transform your messaging, your website, and your client outcomes.
👉 Link to Blog Article
👉 Link to LinkedIn Newsletter
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This Episode is Sponsored by Thinkific!
If you're ready to turn your expertise into scalable income, Thinkific is the platform to make it happen. I’m currently using Thinkific to build out my own suite of on-demand programs, and it’s become a key part of how I’m diversifying my business.
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Get started with a free 30-day trial using my link: https://bit.ly/MMMP-thinkific
Be sure to check out my recent episode on diversifying your income as a legal or dispute resolution professional, and the companion article on monetizing your expertise with downloadable programs—both linked below to help you get inspired and started.
Article: The Fast-Track Guide to Creating a Profitable Downloadable Course
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WANT MORE CONTENT?
Get SUSAN'S FREE BOOK: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tFTeMJf/SuccesswithSusan
Get the FREE LinkedIn Newsletter from Susan, "Practice Building Tip of the Day": Weekly Practice Building Tips Newsletter
Susan's New Weekly Business Journal is NOW AVAILABLE! https://susaneguthrie.com/the-journal
Reach out to Susan at susan@susaneguthrie.com
Susan's Coaching Services: https://susaneguthrie.com/services
Website: https://susaneguthrie.com
Social Media:
Susan on Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanguthrieesq
Susan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie
Make Money Mediating on Instagram: https://instagram.com/makemoneymediating
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Meet Our Creator and Host: Susan Guthrie
Susan Guthrie is one of the leading voices in dispute resolution today. A nationally recognized Top Family Law Attorney and Mediator, Susan has evolved from a successful legal and mediation practice into a sought-after trainer, coach, and consultant for professionals who want to build impactful, future-ready practices.
As Chair of the American Bar Association’s Section of Dispute Resolution, she is at the forefront of innovation and leadership in the field—championing new approaches to practice building, technology integration, and client-centered service models.
Susan is the author of the upcoming book, Future-Proofing Your Practice: AI, Tech and Strategies for Lawyers, Mediators, and Legal Entrepreneurs (ABA Publishing, 2025), which offers practical tools for professionals navigating the evolving demands of modern practice.
Through her coaching and consulting work, Susan empowers legal and dispute resolution professionals to expand their reach, grow their businesses, and lead with clarity, credibility, and confidence.
She also hosts the Top 1% globally ranked Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie, reaching millions of listeners with insights on conflict, communication, and creating a thriving life beyond divorce.
To learn more about Susan’s speaking, consulting, or coaching services, visit https://susaneguthrie.com