In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Pat Gillette, renowned attorney, speaker, and author of Rainmakers: Born or Bred, about what truly makes a successful rainmaker. Pat shares insights from her extensive 40-year legal career and a groundbreaking study she co-conducted with Professor Bill Henderson, exploring whether rainmakers are born or developed. The study, involving 300 law firm partners, revealed that successful rainmakers share four key characteristics—regardless of gender—and these traits can be learned and cultivated. Pat also discusses her unique journey from aspiring politician to a top employment litigator, emphasizing how building strong relationships, understanding clients' businesses, and taking calculated risks contributed to her rainmaking success.

Key topics include the four critical characteristics of successful rainmakers: engagement (active listening and building authentic relationships), dominance (persuasion through business insight and understanding client goals), motivation (collaborating as a team with clients), and risk-taking (developing resilience and overcoming the fear of rejection). Pat debunks myths surrounding gender differences in business development and offers practical advice for professionals looking to develop these essential skills. She highlights the importance of curiosity, empathy, and consistent effort in building a thriving book of business. This episode is packed with actionable insights for professionals eager to elevate their business development game and become trusted advisors in their industries.

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Pat Gillette is one of the country's leading experts and most sought-after speakers on gender diversity and equality. Rated as a top employment litigator and trial lawyer by Chambers and other organizations for 40 years and as a leader and rainmaker in her firms, Pat decided to resign from her firm to pursue her passion for empowering women through keynote speaking and writing. She was also invited to join JAMS in San Francisco.

Pat is the 2018 recipient of the AB Margaret Brent Award, the highest honor given to women lawyers for their professional achievements and for advancing the interest of women lawyers. She has also received many other awards for her work toward gender equality. Among Pat's many achievements that have influenced the advancement of women in the legal profession are the 2007 Opt In Project, which was a nationwide initiative to change the structure of law firms, The Rainmaker Study, which is the focus of her book "Rainmakers: Born or Bred", and the Mansfield Rule, which as the brainchild of the team she co-led at the 2016 Diversity Lab Hackathon. 

www.patriciagillette.com/

www.patriciagillette.com/article/rainmakers-born-or-bred

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