Ralph Cooper, Jr., BD Manager at Benesch

Eldin Johnston, Marketing Director at Elsberg Baker & Maruri PLLC

In this episode Kristo  sits down with Eldin Johnston, Marketing Director at Elsberg Baker & Maruri PLLC for a candid and moving conversation about authenticity in all relationships. We discuss music, motorcycles and those famous gold shoes from LMA 2026. Eldin shares his coaching philosophy of "freeing people up" by replacing the guilt of missed assignments with open-ended brainstorming that consistently unlocks new ideas. In a world where AI is pulling people further from authentic human connection, Eldin makes a compelling case that the lawyers who will win are the ones who do what most people won't: ask a simple question, listen to the answer, and let the conversation go wherever it goes.

Thomas Keller, Business Development Director at Kerr Russell

In this episode of The BD Catalyst, host Kristo Sween sits down with Thomas Keller, Business Development Director at Kerr Russell, for a wide-ranging conversation about the overlap between improv comedy and the art of attorney business development coaching and opportunity spotting. Tom reveals how he spent years quietly using improv as a "secret ninja skill" in his legal marketing career. From using a reporter's mindset and the power of intentionality to unearth hidden opportunities with attorneys, to the firm conviction that in-person connection is irreplaceable for building the kind of trust that actually moves the needle on business development, Tom provides practical wisdom and a few laughs along the way.

Emmad Awaad, MBA, Business Development Associate at Bodmin PLC

BD Catalyst host Kristo Sween sits down with Emmad Awaad, MBA, Business Development Associate at Bodman PLC, for a conversation about what it really takes to build a culture of business development inside a law firm. Emmad shares how leaning into an attorney's passions can unlock unexpected BD wins. From the simple but powerful act of picking up the phone to rekindle dormant client relationships, to the mindset shift he instills in associates that BD starts on day one, Emmad shares his practical, human-centered business development approach that law firm BDM pros can put to work immediately.

Adam Brown, Director of Marketing at FMJ

In this episode of The BD Catalyst, Kristo sits down with Adam Brown, Director of Marketing at Fafinski Mark & Johnson, for a candid conversation about what it really takes to help lawyers grow their practices. Adam draws on his background as a practicing attorney, a professional development leader and a legal marketing director, including his work teaching law students, to share what works and what doesn't when it comes to building a business development culture inside a law firm. Kristo and Adam dig into why individualized BD plans lead to better results, how marketing and business development professionals can show up as confident, valued partners, and how the non-billable nature of the marketing and BD role is actually a strategic advantage when it comes to collaborating with lawyers in meaningful ways. LMA Members, here's a link to the Associate Business Development Training webinar referenced in the episode. https://www.legalmarketing.org/Purchase/associate-business-development-programs-a-practical-approach-for-small-teams-with-limited-resources-mch Kristo and Adam were on a panel with law firm BDM leader Susan Slifer.

Ralph Cooper, Jr., BD Manager at Benesch

Today I sit down with Ralph Cooper, Jr., Business Development Manager at Benesch in Chicago. Ralph shares success stories and insights he brings to coaching lawyers from his experience as an athlete and coach of youth sports.