The Rainmaking Podcast

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Todd Cherches, leadership expert, TEDx speaker, and author of Visual Leadership: Leveraging the Power of Visual Thinking in Leadership and Life, about how professionals can use visual thinking to communicate more effectively. Todd explains that people remember visuals far better than words alone, and by leveraging imagery, metaphors, and storytelling, professionals can enhance their influence, engagement, and clarity in sales and leadership.

Key topics include using visuals to capture attention and improve retention, the power of storytelling to make complex ideas memorable, and practical strategies such as mind maps, flowcharts, and metaphors to simplify communication. Todd shares how professionals can structure their messaging visually to engage clients, make stronger impressions, and drive action. He also emphasizes the importance of being intentional with visual tools, tailoring them to the audience, and making communication more engaging and persuasive. This episode provides actionable insights for anyone looking to elevate their communication skills and become a more effective leader or salesperson.

Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

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Todd Cherches is the CEO and Co-founder of BigBlueGumball, an innovative New York City-based consulting firm specializing in leadership development, public speaking, and executive coaching. He is also a three-time award-winning Adjunct Professor of leadership at NYU, a Lecturer on leadership at Columbia University, a TEDx speaker (“The Power of Visual Thinking”), and the author of VisuaLeadership: Leveraging the Power of Visual Thinking in Leadership and in Life (Post Hill Press/Simon & Schuster, 2020). For more information, go to www.toddcherches.com.

This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:

https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/

Links

www.toddcherches.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddcherches/

Todd’s book information: https://www.toddcherches.com/book

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In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Jeff Ifrah, founding partner of Ifrah Law and a recognized leader in gaming law, about how he built a niche practice and established himself as a go-to attorney in his field. Jeff shares his journey from government service to Big Law and eventually launching his own firm in 2009. He explains how he cultivated relationships, leveraged industry expertise, and positioned himself as a trusted resource in the online gaming and sports betting sector.

Key topics include the importance of building a strong network, nurturing long-term client relationships, and delivering results that lead to organic referrals. Jeff discusses how attending industry conferences, staying connected with past clients, and consistently providing value helped him expand his firm’s reputation. He also highlights the role of trust, responsiveness, and being a "giver" in sustaining a thriving practice. Whether you're in law, professional services, or sales, this episode offers valuable lessons on developing a niche, earning credibility, and growing a business through meaningful relationships.

Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

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Jeff Ifrah advises online gaming and sports betting companies, digital advertising affiliates, and investors on their transactional, compliance, and licensing needs across the country, as well as in regulatory enforcement actions and white-collar litigation. He is a trusted advisor not only at the moment of crisis but all throughout the business cycle - from the beginning of a product launch, the formation of a corporation or licensing relationship, through the development of a marketing campaign, to a profitable exit.

The growing online sports betting industry is spawning multiple public companies valued in the hundreds of billions of dollars. The valuable data assets collected by these electronic platforms offer ripe opportunities for M&A, so long as investors comply with the complex maze of gambling, privacy, and financial rules that may apply under state, federal, and foreign regulations. Jeff is the go-to lawyer for anyone wanting to mitigate these risks.

Jeff represents companies in all areas of this rapidly expanding ecosystem, including startups seeking compliance counsel, investors looking for opportunities, government entities needing rule-making advice, and operators facing governmental actions. Founder of the Internet Development and Economic Association (iDEA), the non-profit association that advocates for the interests of the online interactive entertainment business, Jeff has wide experience and knowledge of the business and legal issues involved with sports betting, daily fantasy sports, social gaming, esports, iGaming, and mobile gaming, as well as cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.

For companies that become targets for government scrutiny, Jeff’s litigation skills are without peer. He has been at the center of most of the important prosecutions and lawsuits in the online gaming industry, including the seminal Supreme Court case permitting states to legalize sports betting. His record of success has earned him international recognition as a white-collar criminal defense lawyer and litigator. Jeff has been recognized by Chambers USA for eleven years in a row. He is ranked in Band 1 nationally for Gaming and Licensing Law and is also recognized in the area of White Collar Crime and Government Investigations in the District of Columbia.

This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:

https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/

Links:

https://www.ifrahlaw.com/attorneys/a-jeff-ifrah/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffifrah/

Scott’s keynote speaking brand:

www.thesalescasino.com

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In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Janice Litvin, workplace wellness expert and author of Banish Burnout: Move from Stress to Success, about strategies to prevent and manage burnout. Janice explains that high-performing professionals often push themselves to exhaustion, failing to recognize the early signs of stress. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and daily rituals to maintain mental and physical well-being, allowing individuals to sustain high performance without sacrificing their health.

Key topics include identifying "micro clues" that signal stress, such as disrupted sleep, changes in eating habits, or emotional exhaustion, and proactively incorporating habits like journaling, meditation, exercise, and meaningful social connections to prevent burnout. Janice also introduces the STOP Method—a simple framework for recognizing stress, pausing, and reframing negative thoughts. She highlights the importance of workplace cultures that support emotional intelligence and well-being, ensuring professionals can thrive in demanding environments. This episode provides practical tools for managing stress, fostering resilience, and sustaining long-term success.

Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

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Janice Litvin is on a mission to help leaders and teams banish burnout in their organizations so they can come to work healthy, happy, and ready to work. She does this through keynote speeches, workshops, and accountability groups.

She is president-elect of the National Speakers Association, Nor Cal chapter, recertification provider for SHRM and WELCOA, and a member of MPI (Meeting Planners International).

This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:

https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/

Links:

https://www.JaniceLitvin.com 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/janicelitvin/

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In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with John Livesay, sales keynote speaker and author of The Sale is in the Tale, about the power of storytelling in sales. John explains how professionals can transform dry facts and figures into compelling narratives that build trust, engage prospects, and ultimately close more deals. He shares how storytelling activates the brain differently than traditional sales pitches, making messages more memorable and persuasive.

Key topics include the four-part structure of a compelling sales story: exposition (setting the stage), problem (creating emotional stakes), solution (introducing the product or service), and resolution (demonstrating the transformation). John also introduces the concept of “case stories” instead of case studies, showing how professionals can create emotional connections that help prospects see themselves in the story. He discusses the 5-5-5 Rule for overcoming rejection and building resilience, as well as techniques for refining a personal "origin story" to create rapport. Whether you're in sales, recruiting, or professional services, this episode provides actionable strategies to elevate your business development approach through storytelling.

Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

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John Livesay, aka The Pitch Whisperer, is a sales keynote speaker where he shows companies’ sales teams how to turn mundane case studies into compelling case stories so they win more new business. From John’s award-winning career at Conde Nast, he shares the lessons he learned that turn sales teams into revenue rockstars. His TEDx talk: "Be The Lifeguard of Your Own Life" has over 1,000,000 views.

Clients love working with John because of his ongoing support after his talk which includes implementing the storytelling skills from his best-selling book Better Selling Through Storytelling and online course "Revenue Rockstar Mastery." His new book, The Sale Is in the Tale, is a business fable set in Austin, TX, and is about a sales representative whose old ways of selling are not working anymore. The reader accompanies the rep on his journey and learns how to use storytelling and strengthen their soft skills to improve their professional and personal relationships.

John is a guest lecturer on how to leverage the power of storytelling in sales at multiple universities including the University of Texas at Austin (UTLA), Pepperdine Graziadio Business school, and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and his book is now required reading for the UTLA course on Entertainment and Media studies.

He is the co-creator of The Superhero U which is a community to help people discover their superhero power and live a life full of confidence and creativity.

This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:

https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/

Links:

Text the word pitch to 66866 and get the book's first chapter for free.

https://johnlivesay.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlivesay/

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In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Meridith Elliott Powell, business strategist, keynote speaker, and author of Thrive: Turning Uncertainty to Competitive Advantage. Meridith shares her research-backed insights on how professionals and organizations can not only navigate uncertainty but use it as a catalyst for growth. Drawing from her study of businesses that have thrived for over 250 years, she presents a structured approach to embracing change and transforming challenges into opportunities.

Key topics include the importance of adopting a mindset that sees uncertainty as opportunity, making decisions based on core values, and listening to clients to understand shifting needs. Meridith highlights strategies such as leveraging collaboration over competition, anticipating change before it happens, and using proactive planning to stay ahead of industry shifts. She also shares real-world examples of businesses that successfully adapted to market disruptions and outlines three actionable steps for professionals looking to strengthen their resilience and position themselves for long-term success.

Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

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Meridith Elliott Powell is a business motivational keynote speaker who gets her audiences to do the impossible – take action! Voted one of the Top 15 Business Growth Experts to watch by Currency Fair, highly engaging corporate motivational keynote speaker Meridith Elliott Powell delivers a cutting-edge message, rooted in real-life examples and real-world knowledge.

Meridith’s presentations are full of powerful content, highly interactive, and fun. She helps her clients learn leadership development, sales, and business growth strategies to turn uncertainty to competitive advantage.

This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:

https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/

Links:

https://www.meridithelliottpowell.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/meridithelliottpowell/

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In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Stephan Schiffman, legendary sales trainer and author of Cold Calling Techniques That Really Work, about how professionals can differentiate themselves in a competitive marketplace. With over 70 books on sales and decades of experience training over 500,000 professionals, Stephan shares his insights on effective prospecting, building trust, and positioning yourself as an expert rather than just another salesperson.

Key topics include understanding that every business is a commodity and how to separate yourself by focusing on helping clients improve what they already do. Stephan emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions to uncover client goals, shifting from a “proposal” mindset to making a “recommendation,” and handling objections with confidence. He also shares how to navigate the modern sales landscape, including leveraging virtual meetings while still prioritizing personal connections. Whether you’re in sales, consulting, or professional services, this episode provides practical techniques to enhance your business development approach and close more deals.

Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

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Stephan Schiffman has been a leader in motivational and sales training since 1979. He is a Certified Management Consultant and has trained and consulted to a wide range of corporations including IBM, AT&T, Motorola, Sprint, CIGNA, and a host of other organizations throughout the world. He has trained over 500,000 professionals in over 9,000 companies.

Steve is the author of over 70 best-selling sales books: Cold Calling Techniques (That Really Work!), Stephan Schiffman's Telemarketing, The 25 Sales Skills they don’t Teach at Business School, The 25 Sales Strategies that will Boost your Sales Today, The 25 Most Common Sales Mistakes, The 25 Sales Habits of Highly Effective Salespeople, Closing Techniques (That Really Work!), Asking Questions, Winning Sales, Getting to “CLOSED,” Sales Just Don’t Happen and The Big Bang.

This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:

https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/

Links:

https://steveschiffman.com/

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In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Phil Flora, VP of Sales and Marketing at Leopard Solutions, about building trust and rapport with client prospects. Phil shares insights from his 20+ years in professional sales, emphasizing that people do business with those they trust. He highlights the importance of authenticity, asking the right questions, and setting clear expectations to create long-term client relationships.

Key topics include developing a client-centric sales approach, understanding the “buying journey” to align with client needs, and overcoming objections by positioning yourself as a trusted advisor. Phil also discusses how COVID-19 reshaped B2B sales, making virtual communication a key tool for building relationships. He shares actionable strategies for setting proper expectations, leveraging insights to add value, and maintaining consistent follow-up to strengthen client connections. Whether you’re in legal sales, consulting, or professional services, this episode offers practical guidance on fostering trust and driving business growth.

Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

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Phil Flora, VP of Sales & Marketing, Leopard Solutions – Phil has been with Leopard Solutions since March 2020 and oversees all sales, marketing, and client support functions for Leopard Solutions. He has over 20 years of legal industry experience, working previously for ALM, Acritas, and Leadership Connect in a variety of roles but specifically focused on client development, retention, and satisfaction with law firms, legal recruiters, law schools, and legal technology providers. 

This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:

https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/

Links:

[email protected]

www.leopardsolutions.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/philflora/

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In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Amber Hurdle, branding expert and CEO of Employer Brand Central, about how professionals can build a strong personal brand within a larger institutional brand. Amber explains that personal branding is not about self-promotion but about intentionally shaping how others perceive your value. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, strategic positioning, and leveraging branding to attract the right opportunities and business growth.

Key topics include identifying your unique strengths through self-assessment and feedback, developing a subject matter expertise (SME) niche, and using content to establish authority in your industry. Amber also highlights the importance of LinkedIn as a branding tool, offering practical tips on posting consistently and engaging with your network. Whether you're in a law firm, consulting firm, or corporate environment, this episode provides actionable strategies to help professionals differentiate themselves and elevate their brand.

Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

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Amber Erickson-Hurdle helps organizations build reputations that attract, retain, and inspire top talent. As CEO of Employer Brand Central, Amber helps professionals connect the combined value of personal brands, employer brands, and business brands to increase market share and profitability, reduce turnover, and amplify satisfaction among customers and employees alike. Amber was recognized by Global Gurus for being among the top 30 brand professionals in 2020-2022, ranking #8 in the world for 2022. Although she is an in-demand keynote speaker, multi-award-winning consultant, and coach, she always finds time for her two adult kids, her Cavapoo Gibbs, and all of the outdoor activities she can squeeze in at home or on the road. 

This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:

https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/

Links:

[email protected]

employerbrandcentral.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theamberhurdle/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/employer-brand-central/

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In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Eric Fletcher, marketing strategist and business development expert, about the importance of defining a clear target in professional services. Eric explains that many professionals fail to attract ideal clients because they don’t have a well-defined target, leading them to rely on chance rather than strategy. He emphasizes the need to develop a specific client profile and align business development efforts with clear goals.

Key topics include how to create an ideal client profile by focusing on industry, revenue size, and key decision-makers, as well as identifying "allies"—trusted professionals who already have relationships with potential clients. Eric also discusses the benefits of refining a target over time, mapping out business development plans in six-month increments, and leveraging strategic networking to build valuable connections. This episode provides practical steps for professionals looking to enhance their client acquisition strategy and achieve sustainable growth.

Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

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As a former Chief Marketing Officer, advertising agency Director and broadcaster, Eric Fletcher has more than 35 years of experience designing and implementing communication and go-to-market strategies for global accounting, consulting, law, and other professional service firms. His communication has been recognized with national awards from the advertising, marketing, and broadcast production communities.

In the business development and sales arena he has designed and led successful individual pursuits for as much as $500 million in new business. And he has trained and coached more than 2000 professional service providers.

Today he advises leadership teams as well as individual professional service providers in the creation of frameworks for marketing and sales strategies that align with values and mission, and instigate measurable organic growth. Eric is a TEDx speaker, a forbes.com contributor, the co-author of two books, a blogger on marketing, business development, and leadership (since 2002), and keynotes on leadership, the dynamism of vision, and conversations that matter. He is a former member of the CMO Advisory Board for Thomson Reuters and the Advisory Board for the SNHU Masters in Marketing program. He and his family reside in the Austin, Texas area.

This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:

https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/

Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericfletcher/

https://twitter.com/ericfletcher

https://ericfletcherconsulting.com/

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In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Lee Coffee, executive coach, professional speaker, and former senior military leader, about building high-performance teams. Lee shares his leadership insights from his experience in the military and corporate environments, emphasizing the importance of trust, communication, and emotional intelligence in driving team success. He explains how leaders can create a psychologically safe environment where team members feel valued, motivated, and empowered to perform at their highest potential.

Key topics include fostering trust as the foundation of leadership, managing ego to encourage collaboration, and leading with emotional intelligence to navigate difficult conversations effectively. Lee introduces the concept of putting stress between the person and the task—not between the leader and the person—when addressing performance issues. He also shares strategies for managing uncertainty, holding difficult conversations, and coaching team members to maximize their potential. This episode provides actionable steps for leaders looking to cultivate stronger, more engaged, and high-performing teams.

Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

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Lee N. Coffee, Jr. is an expert at Maximizing Human Potential. He held multiple positions of increasing responsibility during 24 years of Active Federal Service (AFS) in the U.S. Army, ultimately serving as the advisor to a Two-Star General. His talents have contributed to various industries, including Executives in Healthcare, the Department of Justice, Financial, Insurance, Prisons, Museums, and Police Organizations. Lee coaches to the human soul.

The focal point in a coaching relationship is the well-being of the client. To achieve the best outcomes, Lee and his clients co-create a safe space based on trust, open communication, and mutual respect. He combines the creativity of storytelling with the analysis of philosophy, psychology, nursing, and leadership best practices to offer a multidisciplinary coaching synthesis. The central focus of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion workshop are for participants to recognize the humanity of others.

This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:

https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/

Links:

www.torescue.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-coffee/

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