1096: From Associate to Ambassador: Connect, Build Trust and Lead Others with President and Executive ESG Strategist of Labeling Sustainability Jeff Baldassari

Are your people skills holding you back from career success? Struggling to build strong professional relationships? Whatever we do in life, interactions with other people are necessary. Especially if you want to boost your career in life, developing the right people skills will make you the invaluable leader others will come to for help.

Jeff Baldassari is the Founder and CEO of The Competitive Edge Group and the author of "From Associate to Ambassador: The Distinctive Skills Every Law Firm Associate Must Master to Enjoy an Exceptional Career." He practiced law for five years at the national law firm BakerHostetler and served as president and CEO of two manufacturers for 21 years. Today, Jeff shares his unique insights on the importance of people skills, mentorship, networking, and interpersonal skills in the legal profession and beyond.

Quotes

“Everything in life is easy until people get involved.” – Jeff Baldassari

"You can't be a one-dimensional person; you have to be multifaceted. You need to develop a personality, something outside the practice of law, because that helps you connect with people on a deeper level." – Jeff Baldassari

“Go where the clients are, go where the customers go, and network. They won’t always be in your immediate world, so connect with spaces that are adjacent to what you do.” – Jeff Baldassari

Takeaways

07:09 Developing strong people skills, such as the ability to motivate, manage, inspire, and influence, is crucial for success in both legal and business careers.

08:46 Consistent practice and reflection are necessary to improve interpersonal skills, regardless of one's natural inclination, as these skills are not typically taught in formal education.

15:10 Networking should focus on adding value to others and building genuine relationships, rather than a direct approach of self-promotion.

17:39 Becoming a well-rounded professional, with interests and knowledge beyond one's specific role or expertise, can help differentiate oneself and foster better connections with clients and colleagues.

28:32 Prioritizing the needs and growth of others, rather than solely focusing on one's own success, can lead to greater fulfillment and career advancement.

Resources

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:15 — 43.1MB) | Embed

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