Suggestions
Deb Feder
Helping lawyers and leaders generate consistent clients through curious, confident conversations | Author of After Hello and Tell Me More | Keynote Speaker | Workshop and Retreat Facilitator
Professional Background
Deb Feder is a dedicated Business Development Strategist and Coach who has made significant strides in guiding legal professionals toward scaling their careers while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. With over 15 years of experience practicing law, Deb recognized a pressing need in the industry: the necessity for lawyers to effectively manage their time and gain the tools necessary to attract clients while enjoying their work.
Her journey into coaching emerged from a personal experience; during her mother’s illness, Deb encountered the challenge of harmonizing her professional obligations with her family responsibilities. This pivotal moment propelled her to explore ways to foster efficient work habits, empowering her to help others who find themselves overwhelmed by their professional demands.
Deb’s approach revolves around the belief that curiosity and understanding people’s narratives can open the door to better client relationships. She emphasizes that everyone’s story matters, and thus the effective management of stories can shape perceptions and business strategies. In today's fast-paced environment, Deb leverages her extensive legal background and her passion for storytelling to help lawyers connect with their clients and build sustainable relationships.
Deb is the creator of the Focus30 program, a unique offering designed to maximize professional effectiveness through strategic planning and consistency. By focusing on efficient systems and processes, she helps professionals refocus their efforts toward meaningful productivity.
Education and Achievements
Deb Feder’s strong educational foundation has played a crucial role in shaping her current expertise. She pursued a Doctor of Law (JD) with Distinction from the University of Iowa College of Law, equipping her with the knowledge and skills to excel in the legal field. Building on this, she earned an MBA from The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business, which provided her with valuable insights into business practices and client relations, further enhancing her coaching capabilities.
Additionally, Deb holds a BA in History from the University of Michigan, where her passion for storytelling was cultivated. This educational background, paired with her certification as an Integral Coach from New Ventures West, has furnished her with a unique perspective on coaching and client engagement.
Deb has contributed to various organizations, most notably as the Founder and Facilitator of The Door Project®, where she fostered community and development initiatives to support professional growth. Her role as President of the Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri, exemplified her leadership skills within the community, reinforcing her commitment to service and empowerment. Prior to her coaching career, Deb served as Senior Counsel at Husch Blackwell, honing her legal practice and managing diverse client needs.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Deb Feder has distinguished herself not only through her professional achievements but also through her dedication to helping others in leveraging their potential. Her work at Feder Development, LLC, as a Business Development Coach & Strategist, has enabled numerous legal professionals to implement effective strategies, resulting in tangible success and satisfaction in their careers. Her innovative Focus30 program has transformed the way individuals view their productivity and time management, providing a structured approach that balances career ambitions with personal well-being. By connecting lawyers to the essential tools and insights necessary for advancement, Deb is championing a new way of working that prioritizes efficiency without compromising personal fulfillment.
Deb is a true advocate for change within the legal profession, and her expert coaching has had a positive impact on the industry's landscape. Her unique blend of legal expertise, business acumen, and innate coaching ability makes her an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to elevate their career while maintaining a work-life balance. Deb encourages her clients to embrace their stories and utilize them as powerful tools for building solid client connections and achieving professional goals.
Highlights
When I started writing this article about business development, and how women partners can bring in business without just running in circles...I kept thinking about how you break down a marathon training plan.
You don't go run 26.2 miles in one day. You break it down with a daily plan, weekly goals, and measuring the wins along the way (usually with a great support team and fellow runners). A similar structure and plan works for business development.
Thank you to Bloomberg Law for inviting me to the conversation in how we can rethink business development for women in the law. #BizDeb
"I can’t let the fundamentals slip. I can’t stop working and doing the little things. That’s what makes people great.”
TIME interviewed Patrick Mahomes for an article this week on how he is already focused on the next Super Bowl. And in his planning, he shared these thoughts on going back to the basics.
This made me think about all the ways we practice the little things to support the next level of your practice:
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Showing up at a networking event with a networking plan and having the cornerstones of your conversations planned allows you to show up relaxed and authentically connect with colleagues and clients.
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Working through your keynote over and over again allows you to take a deep breath, read the room, and deliver content in a way that makes sure you are seen as the expert in the room.
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Practicing a pitch (with all sorts of twists and surprises) allows your entire team to show up and shine.
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Working through email strategy allows your conversations to progress, rather than stall.
How else do you remember to go back and practice the fundamentals into how you work and grow to the next level? #BizDeb #kansascity
