Along the way, they share stories from the growth of Best Era, lessons from law firm leaders they admire, and why “letting go to grow” might be the hardest but most important shift a founder can make. Whether you’re building a law firm, scaling a business, or just trying to become a stronger leader, this conversation is packed with practical insight and honest perspective.

Plus, tickets are now LIVE for Revolutionary Era on July 21 at Suffolk University in Boston, where Ryan will spend the day teaching the systems, leadership principles, and business strategies behind scaling a successful law firm. Grab your ticket here: https://bestera.zohobackstage.com/RevolutionaryEra

And if you’re looking to connect with other growth-minded legal professionals, join the Best Era community here: https://bestera.com

In this episode of The Way, Ryan and Brittany break down why the best firms aren’t built by one “brilliant” lawyer—they’re built by trusted voices, honest feedback, and a team that actually challenges you to be better. From ditching ego to building a leadership team that tells you the truth (even when it stings), this one’s a masterclass in scaling without losing your sanity.

If you’ve ever felt like everything depends on you… this is your sign to rethink that. 🎯

🚀 Join our community:
https://bestera.com

🎟️ Tickets are LIVE for Revolutionary Era:
https://bestera.zohobackstage.com/RevolutionaryEra

In this episode of The Way, Ryan McKeen and Brittany Green break down how community engagement, authenticity, and strategic focus can drive real growth across industries. From the rise of Noah Kahan to lessons in law firm marketing and business development, they highlight a simple truth: genuine connection and value-driven content will always outperform noise.

They explore how small moves build momentum, why showing up consistently matters more than chasing perfection, and how to stay true to your message while still evolving your strategy. Whether you’re growing a firm, a brand, or a platform, this episode is all about doing the right things, over and over again.

And if you’re ready to take that mindset into action, join us live on July 21, 2026, at Suffolk University for The Revolutionary Era—a full-day, hands-on experience led by Ryan McKeen, designed to teach lawyers how to actually build and scale a law firm as a business. With only 65 seats available, this is an opportunity to dive deep into the systems, strategy, and structure behind real growth. Grab your ticket here: https://bestera.zohobackstage.com/RevolutionaryEra and learn more about joining our community at https://bestera.co/best-era-community

This is not about the distant future; it's about how leading firms are leveraging AI in their everyday workflows, with surprising choices that bypass traditional legal tech ecosystems for faster, more flexible solutions.

You’ll uncover:

• The top AI tools law firms are buying directly from OpenAI, Google, and others—often outside the strict legal sector.
• How boutique startups and pioneering firms are using ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude to supercharge legal research, client communication, and document automation.
• Why the “middle market” of legal tech is being squeezed—and what that means for small firms, startups, and ambitious law firm owners.
• The strategic advantage of small firms embracing full AI integration, building lean and scalable operations that challenge traditional players.
• The importance of establishing a single source of truth, like HubSpot, to harness AI effectively and unlock latent market opportunities.

With AI rapidly blurring the lines between enterprise and solo practice, the stakes couldn't be higher. Firms that understand how to integrate these tools now will win out in efficiency, client access, and growth potential while those slow to adapt risk being left behind. This episode is perfect for law firm owners ready to think differently about technology and growth in an era of unprecedented opportunity.

Learn more at bestera.com

Grab your tickets: https://bestera.zohobackstage.com/AIEra2o

Contact Darren Wurz: https://www.lawyermillionaire.com/

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Background of Darren Wurz
• 17:31 Implementing Profit First and Managing Business Finances
• 28:31 Common Misconceptions and Financial Team Building

Takeaways

• In-person consulting is crucial for building relationships and delivering impactful results.
• Values and branding play a significant role in business success and client relationships. Navigating legal cases requires managing client expectations and adding value to clients.
• Authenticity in law firm marketing is crucial for building trust and connection with clients.
• The impact of capitalism on authenticity highlights the pressure to maintain a certain image and the importance of being genuine in business.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Life of a Traveling Consultant
• 05:59 In-Person Consulting and Impactful Results
• 17:00 Marketing Challenges and Strategies
• 25:46 Values and Branding in Business
• 33:03 Navigating Legal Cases
• 37:56 The Impact of Capitalism on Authenticity
• 51:01 Marketing Lessons from Music Industry

Takeaways

• Importance of empathy and human connection in legal practice
• Promoting a positive work culture and investing in employee development

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Community Engagement
• 06:24 Lessons from Healthcare Consulting
• 11:49 Importance of Personal Interaction
• 17:27 Employee Retention and Firm Culture
• 22:36 Networking and Seeking Advice
• 28:24 Investing in New Practitioners
• 33:40 Promoting a Positive Work Culture

Takeaways

• Preparation for success
• Authentic connections
• Human value in the age of AI

Chapters

• 00:00 Impact of Best Era on Practice and Marketing Success

Takeaways

• AI Era 2.0 tickets on sale: https://bestera.zohobackstage.com/AIEra2o
• Value of AI in legal operations

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to AI Era 2.0
• 06:05 Adapting to Change and Virtual Component
• 12:10 Resistance to AI and Ethical Concerns
• 18:00 Value-Driven Approach to AI Era 2.0
• 24:01 Technical Tools and Human Connection

Whether you're a law firm owner or a legal professional, this episode is packed with valuable tips on building a strong, capable team from the ground up.

Learn all about our upcoming offerings at Best Era from our planners and card decks to our consulting subscriptions!

If you're interested in joining our Slack Community it's cheaper than a cup of coffee a day! You can join for $3 a day by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Want your own Bluebird Cafe listening experience? Check out Brittany's Spotify playlist from her night at The Bluebird Cafe ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

They also share insights into how these steps will ultimately lead to greater success and profitability.

Learn all about our upcoming offerings at Best Era from our planners and card decks to our consulting subscriptions!

If you're interested in joining our Slack Community it's cheaper than a cup of coffee a day! You can join for $3 a day by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Want your own Bluebird Cafe listening experience? Check out Brittany's Spotify playlist from her night at The Bluebird Cafe ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The discussion also explores the significance of vulnerability in entrepreneurship and leadership. Ryan and Brittany emphasize the importance of seeking support—whether from mentors, coaches, or mental health professionals—reminding listeners that no one has to face these challenges alone. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation on embracing authenticity, overcoming obstacles, and finding the resources to succeed in both business and life.

If you're interested in joining our Slack Community it's cheaper than a cup of coffee a day! You can join for $3 a day by visiting ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

Want your own Bluebird Cafe listening experience? Check out Brittany's Spotify playlist from her night at The Bluebird Cafe ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

Ryan and Brittany also share real experiences from members of the Best Era Slack community, highlighting the impact of effective marketing strategies in real firms.

Want to be part of the conversation? Join Best Era for just $1 a day at bestera.io, where you’ll get access to expert insights, valuable resources, and a network of like-minded professionals. Plus, when you join, you’ll receive a free copy of The Way—our guide to running a better, more efficient law firm.

Tune in to learn how to market your firm the right way and start building a brand that truly stands out!

Ryan and Brittany share personal insights on what it means to genuinely see your clients, show up for them, and build trust through attention to the little things—the things that matter most. This kind of hospitality isn’t just for restaurants or hotels; it’s for anyone running a business who wants to lead with heart.

Want to join more conversations like this? Become a part of our Best Era community at bestera.io for access to live events, expert support, and tools that help you build a business where hospitality and humanity lead the way.

They also discuss Para Era, Best Era’s dedicated Slack-based community for paralegals, and how it’s helping legal professionals grow through coaching, collaboration, and expert-led learning. Marisa shares how her coaching program through Para Era is helping paralegals build confidence, increase efficiency, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.

🔗 Join Para Era today at slack.bestera.io/para-era

📬 To connect with Marisa Rua directly, email her at marisa@bestera.io or find her on LinkedIn as Marisa Rua.

They also touch on the current decline in law school enrollment, but share reasons to be optimistic about the direction things are headed.

Whether you're growing your firm or just want to stay ready, this episode is packed with smart, forward-thinking advice for keeping your talent pipeline strong.

Join the conversation in our Best Era community at bestera.io and connect with others who are building law firms that last.

Your clients want to hire you, not a generic robot version of you. Brittany and Ryan share why it's critical to show your real voice, personality, and values online — especially if you're trying to build a brand that lasts. AI can be a helpful tool for ideas or polishing copy, but it shouldn't replace your true self.

Because at the end of the day, people choose to work with people they feel connected to. And if your marketing doesn’t reflect the real you, it might be doing more harm than good.

Ryan and Brittany emphasize the benefits of hiring in-house marketing professionals to develop tailored strategies that align with a firm’s values and goals.

They also delve into how law firms can adapt to change by focusing on branding—establishing a reputation that ensures their firm is the first choice when clients need legal help. They highlight the importance of adding value through marketing, showcasing not just good work but also who you are as a firm.

Additionally, Ryan recommends They Ask, You Answer by Marcus Sheridan, a valuable resource for understanding modern marketing strategies. You can check out the book here: They Ask, You Answer on Amazon. This episode offers actionable insights on creating lasting connections and thriving in a diversified digital world.

If you're interested in joining our Slack Community it's cheaper than a cup of coffee a day! You can join for $3 a day by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

They also discuss exclusive perks from their services—like a trip to Cabo San Lucas—and share how these resources can help firms build momentum and achieve lasting success.

Grab your own deck here and discover new ways to empower your team and grow your firm!

If you're interested in joining our Slack Community it's cheaper than a cup of coffee a day! You can join for $3 a day by visiting ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

Want your own Bluebird Cafe listening experience? Check out Brittany's Spotify playlist from her night at The Bluebird Cafe ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

Additionally, Ryan shares insights from his work as an adjunct professor at UConn, where he integrates real-world experience into his teaching by inviting industry speakers and providing practical resources to his students. This episode is a blend of actionable advice for law firms and a glimpse into shaping the future of legal education.

If you're interested in joining our Slack Community it's cheaper than a cup of coffee a day! You can join for $3 a day by visiting ⁠here⁠.

Want your own Bluebird Cafe listening experience? Check out Brittany's Spotify playlist from her night at The Bluebird Cafe ⁠here⁠.

But we couldn't start there without deciding on a name for our podcast first. So, join us as we brainstorm and decide on a name. (Spoiler alert: it's not hard to figure out what we went with.)

Then we dive into who and what Best Era is, and how you can join us on this journey. Our first offering has been a thriving Slack Community that also happens to have a big Wordle following. And learn what else Best Era has in store.

If you're interested in joining our Slack Community it's cheaper than a cup of coffee a day! You can join for $3 a day by visiting https://mailchi.mp/bestera/welcome-to-your-best-era.

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Links to mentions in our episode:

• Marketing Superpowers by Jon Davids

This week we're digging into why law firm owners are often their own worst enemies when marketing their firm.

Learn all about our upcoming offerings at Best Era from our planners and card decks to our consulting subscriptions!

If you're interested in joining our Slack Community it's cheaper than a cup of coffee a day! You can join for $3 a day by visiting ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Want your own Bluebird Cafe listening experience? Check out Brittany's Spotify playlist from her night at The Bluebird Cafe ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Ryan and Marisa also discuss David Ball on Damages and Damages 3, influential books by trial consultant David Ball. These books provide strategies for attorneys to effectively present damages in personal injury and wrongful death cases, helping juries understand the full impact of a client’s suffering.

To further support paralegals, they introduce Para Era, a specialized Slack subscription service led by Marisa. This platform provides access to a community of experts, continuous learning opportunities, and professional support to help paralegals excel in their careers. Joining Para Era is a great way for law firms to invest in their team’s growth.

For more details and to subscribe, visit Para Era.

And for those who made it through the entire episode—you're in on the inside joke. If you want to check out what Ryan has been watching lately, take a look at Funny or Die on YouTube. Enjoy!

They also highlight the importance of gratitude and appreciation — because every role, every effort, and every person is a key piece of the puzzle. When leaders train with intention and recognize the value of their people, firms don’t just function better — they thrive.

Want more insights like this? 🎯 Join our community of experts, Best Era, for exclusive resources, conversations, and support to help you grow your firm. Become a member today at bestera.io

They remind listeners that marketing isn’t just about competing with other law firms — you’re competing with whatever is trending today. That means your audience’s attention is divided between you, their favorite brands, their TikTok feeds, and yes, even the latest Taylor Swift buzz. To stay relevant, your business has to show personality, flexibility, and creativity.

Brittany and Ryan share tips on how to keep your branding fresh and fun, while still staying true to your identity. Because marketing isn’t only about being visible — it’s about being memorable.

✨ Want more resources, insights, and inspiration like this? Join our community of experts at bestera.io, where we share tools and conversations to help firms of every size grow smarter.

• Rob Coleman's Expertise – With a background in SEO, PPC, and website design, Rob specializes in driving business growth through digital marketing strategies.
• Allocating Marketing Budgets – How much of your firm's revenue should be dedicated to marketing? Industry benchmarks suggest law firms typically invest between 2% to 10% of their gross revenue, depending on their size and growth objectives.
• Strategic Planning – The importance of aligning marketing investments with specific business goals, whether maintaining a steady client base or aggressively expanding your firm.

Marketing isn’t just an expense—it’s an investment in your firm’s future. Tune in to gain valuable insights on optimizing your firm’s marketing strategies and ensuring your budget is working for you.

Looking to continue the conversation? Join our Best Era Slack community to connect with like-minded legal professionals, get exclusive insights, and share ideas to help your firm grow. Sign up now in bestera.io!

As generative video technology rapidly evolves, the barrier to entry for high-quality content is disappearing—but that raises big questions. Should law firms use AI avatars as the face of their brand? Can AI-generated videos build trust the same way humans do? And where do ethics, authenticity, and creativity fit in as technology accelerates?

Brittany and Ryan unpack the real opportunities AI presents for small and mid-sized firms—especially those without massive marketing budgets—while also wrestling with the moral, environmental, and artistic concerns surrounding AI. From branding strategy and social media algorithms to trust, judgment, and access to justice, this episode explores what law firm marketing might look like in the next 1–5 years.

If you’re thinking about growth, branding, or how AI could (or should) fit into your firm’s future, this conversation is a must-listen.

Join the Best Era community at bestera.com to connect with legal and business experts, stay ahead of industry trends, and continue conversations like this with professionals navigating the same challenges and opportunities.

Whether you're just starting out or reassessing your current marketing strategy, this conversation offers grounded advice on how to make intentional, impactful investments—especially when it comes to SEO and long-term brand visibility.

🎧 Join the conversation and explore more helpful resources by becoming a part of the Best Era community at bestera.io.

The conversation also highlights Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara, a book that has recently inspired them. Guidara, former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park, shares insights on transforming ordinary transactions into extraordinary experiences through exceptional hospitality.

Inspired by these principles, Brittany and Ryan introduce their upcoming event, Unreasonable Era, designed to help businesses rethink and enhance their customer interactions. More information about this event can be found here.

Tune in to discover how integrating these concepts can provide a fresh perspective on business operations and customer engagement.

Ryan and Brittany also dive into their experience working with Get Staffed Up, a company that helps law firms hire highly skilled virtual paralegals and assistants from outside the U.S. If you're looking to build a cost-effective, reliable team, Get Staffed Up could be the solution you need. Check out more about their services here and start delegating your way to freedom! Learn all about our upcoming offerings at Best Era from our planners and card decks to our consulting subscriptions!

If you're interested in joining our Slack Community it's cheaper than a cup of coffee a day! You can join for $3 a day by visiting here.

Want your own Bluebird Cafe listening experience? Check out Brittany's Spotify playlist from her night at The Bluebird Cafe here.

If you want access to more exclusive content like this you can join our Slack Community for $3 a day. You can sign up at bestera.io.

The Futurists Team discussed some of the cool things they are working on right now for Filevine users, and teased what they have planned for the future.

We talked about real-life applications that lawyers are dealing with in their firms right now, and the implications of using AI vs. not using AI in your practice.

The Futurists help us understand how AI works and explain it in a way that gives us more context into the meaningful ways we should be incorporating it into our businesses while emphasizing why the importance of human contact is never going to go away.

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Hosted by Ryan McKeen of Best Era, LLC

Learn more at bestera.io

Marisa also shares more about Para Era, a Slack-based subscription community for paralegals at all levels. From expert guidance to helpful resources and support, it’s a space built to elevate paralegal work.🔗 Join Para Era today at ⁠slack.bestera.io/para-era⁠