Life After Success Tom Smith on Reinvention, Music, Friendship, and Building a Meaningful Life

Life After Success Tom Smith on Reinvention, Music, Friendship, and Building a Meaningful Life

Many professionals spend decades building successful careers. Far fewer successfully build lives they don't want to retire from. In this episode, Dave Gold sits down with his friend Tom Smith—publisher, entrepreneur, musician, and community builder—for a conversation that begins with Tom's publishing career but quickly turns toward the deeper questions that shape a meaningful life. Together they explore reinvention, creativity, friendship, music, community, and the surprising freedom that can come after professional success. Tom shares the lessons he learned through multiple careers, why music has remained a constant throughout his life, and how intentionally creating spaces where people connect can become one of life's greatest accomplishments. At its heart, this episode asks: What if success isn't the destination—but simply one chapter in building a life filled with purpose, creativity, and connection? Whether you're contemplating a career transition, searching for greater fulfillment, or simply wondering what comes after success, this conversation offers both practical wisdom and quiet encouragement that some of life's richest chapters may still lie ahead. Check out photos and songs from  Tom and The Song Circle here [https://www.davegold.com/songcircle] About Tom Smith Tom Smith is an entrepreneur, publisher, publishing consultant, musician, and lifelong community builder. After a successful career in publishing, Tom chose not simply to retire but to reinvent himself. Today he continues to bring people together through his monthly music circle at Merry Band  Farm, where musicians of every level gather to create music, friendship, and community in an atmosphere that reflects his philosophy of "organic, curated creation." Contact Information Tom Smith olecowboy@gmail.com Dave Gold dave@davegold.com For information about Consultants2Lawyers, contact Rees Morrison at rees@reesmorrison.com. To learn more about Consultants2Lawyers or to contact any of our guests email rees@reesmorrison.com. If you want to contact the host Dave Gold email dave@davegold.com

Why “Just Being Yourself” Is a Lawyer’s Superpower in Marketing with Michelle Calcote King

Most lawyers assume their expertise should speak for itself. But today, it has to be seen, understood, and trusted. In this episode, Dave Gold speaks with Michelle Calcote King, founder of Reputation Ink, about how lawyers can turn expertise into influence through authentic marketing and storytelling. Michelle explains why many attorneys struggle to communicate their value, how fear shapes their messaging, and why effective marketing isn’t about polish—it’s about clarity and being human.  At its core, this episode asks: What happens when you stop trying to sound impressive—and start being yourself? If you’re looking to grow your practice or connect more meaningfully with clients, this episode offers both practical insight and a shift in perspective. About Michelle Calcote King Michelle Calcote King is the founder and president of Reputation Ink, a marketing and PR agency she launched in 2011 to help professional services firms turn expertise into influence. Her career spans London’s tech PR scene during the dotcom era and senior roles advising law firms across the U.S. Today, she leads a team serving law firms and B2B consultancies, helping them build visibility and credibility through strategic storytelling. Michelle has been named to Lawdragon Global’s 100 Leaders in Legal Strategy & Consulting for three consecutive years and hosts the Spill the Ink podcast. You can reach Michelle at michelle@rep-ink.com To learn more about Consultants2Lawyers or to contact any of our guests email rees@reesmorrison.com. If you want to contact the host Dave Gold email dave@davegold.com

Law Firm Succession, Culture, and the Challenge of Letting Go with Steve Daitch

Description Lawyers are trained to plan and control—yet many struggle to plan their own transition. In this episode, Dave Gold speaks with legal industry consultant Steve Daitch about why succession is so often delayed, and what it really takes for law firms to navigate it successfully. Steve shares insights on the fears that drive resistance—loss of identity, control, and financial security—and why culture plays a central role in whether a firm can transition effectively. The conversation highlights how leadership, mentoring, and long-term sustainability are all shaped by the firm’s underlying culture. At its core, this episode explores a deeper question: What remains when the role you’ve built your life around begins to change? If you’re thinking about succession, leadership transition, or the future of your firm, this episode offers both practical insight and a broader perspective. About Steve Daitch Steve Daitch is a consultant to the legal industry who has spent many years advising law firms, legal publishers, and law schools on strategy, growth, culture, and succession-related issues. His work focuses especially on helping firms assess culture, prepare for leadership transition, and navigate the complex emotional and operational realities of succession planning. Resources & Links For Steve Daitch: spdaitch@daitchconsulting.com  //www.evolve-law.com/bios/steve-daitch [https://www.evolve-law.com/bios/steve-daitch] For Dave Gold: dave@davegold.com     https://www.davegold.com/unstuck [https://www.davegold.com/unstuck] To learn more about Consultants2Lawyers or to contact any of our guests email rees@reesmorrison.com To learn more about Consultants2Lawyers or to contact any of our guests email rees@reesmorrison.com. If you want to contact the host Dave Gold email dave@davegold.com

Authentic Legal Marketing: Helping Lawyers Find Their Voice with Jeff Lantz

Most lawyers were never taught marketing — yet today it’s an essential part of building a successful law practice. In this conversation, Dave Gold sits down with attorney and marketing strategist Jeff Lantz, founder of Esquire Interactive, to talk about what authentic legal marketing actually looks like. Jeff shares how lawyers can move beyond generic marketing tactics and instead communicate who they truly are, what they care about, and the kinds of clients they want to serve. The discussion also explores why many lawyers struggle with marketing, the power of video, and how law firms can build sustainable practices without trying to do everything themselves. The conversation also turns toward a deeper question many lawyers quietly face: What do you really want your practice — and your life — to look like? If you're a lawyer trying to grow your practice, refine your voice, or rethink your relationship with marketing, this episode offers practical insights and a refreshing perspective. eff Lantz is an attorney and the founder of Esquire Interactive, a digital marketing company that helps law firms grow through strategic websites, SEO, video, and online marketing. His work combines legal experience with marketing strategy to help attorneys attract the types of clients and cases they truly want. Resources & Links For Jeff Lantz: Website: https://www.esquireinteractive.com [https://www.esquireinteractive.com/] Email: jeff@esquireinteractive.com For Dave Gold https://www.davegold.com/unstuck dave@davegold.com To learn more about Consultants2Lawyers or to contact any of our guests email rees@reesmorrison.com. If you want to contact the host Dave Gold email dave@davegold.com

The 5-Year Handoff: Design Your Exit Before It Designs You

In this episode, Dave Gold and international legal succession consultant Norman K. Clark discuss why law firm succession should never be left to improvisation. Drawing on decades of global advisory experience, they outline the cornerstones of an effective transition: * Early, deliberate planning * Clear leadership decisions * Preparation of the next generation * Structured client transfer * Breaking down silos before they fracture the firm Without a defined succession plan, firms often lose up to half of transitioned client relationships within 18–24 months of a senior partner’s departure. The conversation also previews their upcoming live session: The 5-Year Handoff: Designing Your Exit Before It Designs You A free 30-minute webinar introducing a practical five-year framework for succession planning — before urgency limits your options. Registration details: [https://www.davegold.com/post/the-5-year-handoff-designing-your-exit-before-it-designs-you] Connect with Norman Clark  https://www.walkerclark.com/norman-clark [https://www.walkerclark.com/norman-clark] norman.clark@walkerclark.com Connect with Dave Gold https://www.davegold.com [https://www.davegold.com/] dave@davegold.com Connect with Consultants2Lawyers   rees@reesmorrison.com To learn more about Consultants2Lawyers or to contact any of our guests email rees@reesmorrison.com. If you want to contact the host Dave Gold email dave@davegold.com