Passle CMO Series Podcast

Creating impactful thought leadership content in a high-pressure, client-driven industry is no small feat, especially when time is tight. But done right, it can unlock career-defining opportunities, from keynote invitations to game-changing client wins.

In this episode of CMO Series Rainmakers, Yasmin Zand sits down with Carl Kennedy, Co-chair of Financial Markets and Regulation at Katten, to unpack how he’s built a standout reputation by consistently delivering timely, authentic thought leadership. 

Carl shares the mindset and strategy behind his thought leadership success, including how he balances content creation with client demands and how that effort has led to major speaking engagements, high-profile matters, and a strong personal brand in a crowded market.

Carl and Yasmin discuss:

On this episode of CMO Series Represents, Yasmin Zand is joined by Ioana Good, founder of Promova, for a conversation that’s as inspiring as it is insightful.

Ioana’s journey began when she left Romania for the U.S. with just two suitcases and limited English. What followed was a path defined by resilience, self-education, and an unwavering commitment to growth. From navigating the challenges of a new culture to transitioning from the newsroom to the boardroom, Ioana shares how each experience helped shape her into the leader and communicator she is today.

In this episode, Ioana discusses:

Whether you're early in your career, building your own business, or simply seeking inspiration to take your next big step, Ioana’s story offers valuable lessons in owning your narrative and leading with authenticity.

As major infrastructure initiatives like CRM become more essential, many firms find themselves struggling to get projects off the ground. From securing stakeholder buy-in to selecting the right technology and navigating complex security requirements, launching a CRM can feel overwhelming. But with the right strategic approach, it doesn’t have to be.

In today’s episode, Charles Cousins is joined by Julie Mortimer, Director of Marketing at Mills & Reeve, for a practical deep dive into how to launch a CRM project successfully. Julie shares expert insights on overcoming common challenges, choosing the right vendors, and securing lasting buy-in from stakeholders.

In this episode, Julie and Charles discuss:

On Thursday, June 5th, we hosted CMO Series Live 2025 in New York. Throughout the day, we witnessed sessions led by senior marketing leaders and managing partners. Today, we are revisiting one of the standout sessions of the day, which explored the way AI is reshaping the landscape for legal marketing and business development. 

Moderated by Sam Page, we heard from:

Jen, Darth, Bridget, and Jim addressed how CMOs can adapt to recognize and meet their clients' needs and expectations, and how to make internal strategic investments in having AI-driven legal services.

This special episode covers: 

Content has become a powerful driver of visibility and growth in the legal industry. But with so many approaches to creating and delivering content, how can firms foster a culture that not only encourages contribution but also supports business development and client engagement?

On this episode of the CMO Series Podcast, James Barclay is joined by Richard Meneghello, Chief Content Officer at Fisher Phillips, to explore what it takes to get lawyers writing, and why close collaboration with marketing and BD teams is essential to making it work.

Richard also shares his perspective on the role of technology, particularly AI, in helping lawyers write more effectively and deliver content that resonates. Plus, he offers thoughtful advice on how firms can embrace AI while protecting their brand integrity and maintaining trust.

James and Richard cover:

Cross-selling is becoming an essential part of how law firms can boost their revenue and create long-lasting relationships with their clients. Yet, CMOs and BD leaders have recognized that their lawyers are struggling to cross-sell effectively, leaving them wondering how they can get their lawyers over the cross-selling barriers. The key to that is building real human connection. 

On today's episode of the CMO Series Podcast, Charlie Knight is joined by Jason Levin, Founder of Ready Set Launch and author of Relationships to Infinity, former brand marketer of Unilever, and a business development coach to law firms across the US. Jason shares his insights on how CMOs can help their lawyers be more authentic and in-tune with their clients to help unlock unlimited opportunities to cross-sell and establish long-lasting relationships.

Charlie and Jason cover: 

In this special edition of the CMO Series Podcast, we revisit one of the standout sessions from last week’s CMO Series Live in New York. This episode explores how managing partners and senior leaders are using thought leadership to strengthen client relationships, drive business development, and leave a lasting impact in the digital space.

This session was moderated by our very own Alistair Bone, who was joined on stage by:

Jeff, Simon, Meredith, and Carl shared how effectively leveraging thought leadership has fueled their firm’s growth, elevated their personal brands, and empowered their lawyers to become thought leaders themselves.

This special episode covers: 

AI is quickly being adopted and used to keep firms ahead of the curve, yet many firms struggle to do this effectively and get the most out of AI. However, the key question many firms ask is ‘How do we bring the whole firm along the journey of using AI?’

In today’s re-release episode, Gina Connell, Chief Marketing Officer at B P Collins, discusses the practical and strategic approaches to navigating the journey of AI within a firm. Gina breaks down how she led the charge of the firm’s AI policy, how firms can collaborate and use AI, and how to encourage people across the firm to engage with AI effectively. 

This episode covers: 

For law firms to truly stand out, creativity in storytelling is essential. It’s what humanises the brand and helps build stronger, more meaningful relationships with clients and prospects.

On today’s episode of the CMO Series Podcast, Alistair Bone is joined by Laura Klysz, Chief Marketing Officer at Simmons & Simmons, who recently led the firm to a Drum Award nomination for their standout campaign, The Year Ahead 2025.

Laura shares how storytelling has become a powerful foundation of her legal marketing strategy - and how looking beyond the legal sector for inspiration can unlock new levels of creativity and thought leadership.

In this conversation, Laura takes us behind the scenes of The Year Ahead campaign, discussing the concept, the creative process, and the challenges faced along the way, including some surprising results. She also offers a sneak peek at what’s next and how she plans to sustain the momentum.

Laura and Ali explore:

AI and automation are reshaping how professionals engage with their clients and promote their services, but is there any room left for human creativity? 

In today’s episode of the CMO Series Podcast, Charles Cousins is joined by Nicholas Barrows, Director of Marketing at Trowers & Hamlins, to discuss the evolution of AI, data and creativity in marketing and business development.

Nicholas shares his insights on how AI is transforming the professional industry, the journey of their data-driven campaigns like ‘Rethinking Regeneration’, and how professionals can blend AI, data, and human creativity to promote greater client engagement.

Nicholas and Charles cover: