Business Development Can’t Happen If You’re Miserable (Minis with Megan)

Business development doesn't happen in a vacuum - it happens inside a culture. In this mini episode of So Much To Say: A Legal Podcast For People, Megan Senese, shares a deeply personal story about interviewing for a new job just weeks after becoming a first time mother and how this is actually a larger conversation about workplace culture, drive and ambition. Megan explores why talented people don't stop caring in unhealthy environments - they often care even more. But when people don't feel valued, trusted, or safe to contribute, even the strongest business development strategies begin to break down. **Who this episode is for:** - Lawyers working in environments where they don't feel valued - Firm leaders looking to build stronger cultures and stronger business development - Professionals wondering whether their workplace is limiting their growth - Anyone trying to reconcile ambition with well-being **Episode takeaways:** - Whether you believe it or not, workplace culture directly impacts business development - Feeling undervalued often causes people to become more guarded NOT less ambitious - Creativity, collaboration, and relationship-building require psychological safety - Sometimes ambition looks like leaving somewhere or something - Sustainable business development begins with environments where people feel seen, trusted, and supported **What to do if your environment is holding you back:** - Pay attention to how your workplace makes you feel: Your environment shapes how confidently you show up. - Recognize that culture affects business development: People build relationships more naturally when they feel valued. - Stop mistaking survival for success: Working harder isn't always the answer. - Choose environments where you can contribute fully: Your best work happens where your voice is welcomed. - Remember that leaving isn't giving up: Sometimes it's the first step toward building the career you actually want. **Bring this conversation to your firm:** At stage, we believe business development isn't just about teaching lawyers what to do, it's about helping firms create cultures where people feel confident enough to do it. Because relationships grow where people feel valued. If you or your firm are looking for guidance when it comes to integrating effective business development strategies for your team, we’d love to hear from you. - Learn more about stage - Connect with Megan Senese - Connect with Jennifer Ramsey Love So Much To Say? Let us know! Drop a review, give us 5 stars in your favorite podcast app, and tell us what made you laugh, think, or just go “yep, that’s me.” Every review helps us reach more awesome humans who want to make legal…well, human.