Beth Cuzzone is an industry leader in professional services marketing, sales and client growth.
The founder of the Legal Sales and Service Organization, a fellow in the College of Law Practice Management, an LMA Hall of Fame recipient, a National Law Review Industry Thought Leader, a former Chapter President of LMA and editor of Strategies magazine are just among a few of Beth’s leadership roles and accolades over the years. Beth is also the author of several ABA published books covering marketing, sales and client service.
Beth is currently the Global Practice Group Leader at Intapp, where she brings technology solutions to professional services companies around the globe. Prior to joining Intapp, Beth was the Chief Strategic Growth Officer at Goulston & Storrs.
Get to know Beth in this Women Who Wow profile.
How has being a single mom impacted your career? What advice do you have for other single moms?
This is a timely question as I am dropping my daughter off at college this week. When I was a law firm executive with a newborn almost 20 years ago, we didn’t have the technology that could allow for workday flexibility as we do today. Those were the days when “dedicated” team members were at the office in the evenings and weekends to show their commitment at professional service firms.
Over the years, I chose law firm culture over law firm size and AmLaw rankings when making career decisions. It served me well. I was able to contribute at a high level, grow, learn, make mistakes and have an impact on the firm – all the while, being present as a mother. Even though technology and flexible work arrangements have advanced, my advice for other single parents is still the same – choose your organization as carefully as you chose your career. Culture matters. A culture that embraces that its employees have families can make the world of difference.
What do you wish you could tell your younger self?
The list is too long to share but my top ten lessons learned along my journey that I would share with my younger self are:
- Believe in yourself: Have confidence in your abilities and don’t underestimate your worth. Embrace your skills, knowledge and unique perspective as valuable contributions to your organization.
- Continuously improve your skills: Stay updated with industry trends and invest in developing your skills. Attend workshops, seminars or pursue further education if necessary to remain competitive.
- Build a strong network: Cultivate relationships with colleagues, mentors and industry professionals. Networking can open doors to new opportunities, provide guidance and support you throughout your career.
- Speak up and share your ideas: Don’t hesitate to voice your opinions and contribute during meetings or discussions. Your insights are valuable, and being an active participant will showcase your confidence and expertise.
- Seek and accept constructive feedback: Feedback is essential for personal and professional growth. Be open to receiving feedback and use it to improve your performance and overcome challenges.
- Learn to negotiate: Don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary, benefits or job responsibilities. Understand your value and advocating for fair treatment. Remember, the benefits that you can’t “bank” like a flexible work arrangement are as important as the other benefits.
- Manage work-life balance: Set boundaries, prioritize self-care and make time for family, hobbies and activities that rejuvenate you.
- Lift other women: Support and empower your female colleagues. Encourage a culture of inclusivity and mentor other women (and others around you) to help them reach their full potential. In other words, it’s okay to get out of the way and let others shine.
- Embrace challenges and take risks: Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and take on challenging projects. I call these “jump balls”. Jump for them. Taking calculated risks can lead to significant personal and professional growth.
- Be adaptable and resilient: The legal industry can be complicated, dynamic and challenging but change is inevitable. Develop the ability to adapt to new situations and bounce back from setbacks with resilience.
What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?
When I was in my 20’s, the CEO of a large organization offered me this simple yet powerful mantra: “Lead, and people will follow.” This short but profound statement embodies the essence of effective leadership. To lead is not merely about holding a title or a position of authority; rather, it is about inspiring and influencing others through action, vision and integrity.
A true leader leads by example, demonstrating dedication, empathy and a willingness to roll up their sleeves and tackle challenges alongside their team. While I made mistakes along the way, my intention in any position I have held was to foster an environment of collaboration and trust. This advice has served as a guiding light throughout my career, encouraging me to be proactive, forward-thinking and compassionate in my interactions with others.
As I continue to grow as a leader, I am reminded that it is not about commanding, but about inspiring and empowering those around me to reach new heights together. In doing so, I have witnessed firsthand the incredible potential that lies within the collective strength of a team. And, as luck would have it, I have worked with some of the smartest folks in the industry – at all levels. I’m fortunate.