Why Feedback Has Shifted From a Soft Skill to a Strategic Imperative

By Julie Chodos, Ann Marie Houghtailing
January 29, 2026 | 27-minute episode

Business of Law Attorney Talent Recruitment, Compensation, Professional Development and Retention Content Type Podcast

Communications

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Storytelling and feedback have become essential differentiators for lawyers navigating an increasingly competitive legal market. In the latest episode of the LMA Podcast, Julie Chodos sits down with Anne marie Houghtailing to discuss how intentional communication shapes the business of law — from winning work and elevating client relationships to developing talent and building healthier firm cultures.

Tune in to learn:

How storytelling strengthens business development, differentiates attorneys in crowded markets, and helps firms move beyond information‑heavy pitches.
Why consistent, real‑time feedback is a business imperative, impacting productivity, talent development, and the client experience.
Where firms lose money and momentum when communication breaks down — and how to correct it.
The myths that hold lawyers back from giving and receiving the information needed to grow.
Practical ways to integrate storytelling and feedback into pitches, training, team leadership, and day‑to‑day client service.

LMA Podcast · Why Feedback Has Shifted From a Soft Skill to a Strategic Imperative

The LMA Podcast focuses on hot topics in legal marketing and business development with conversations driven by industry professionals. Listen on SoundCloud, or find us and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Learn More About the Business of Law with the Third Edition of the LMA Body of Knowledge

The content in this feature correlates with the Business of Law domain in the LMA Body of Knowledge (BoK). Dive deeper and access the latest edition of the BoK online.

The Third Edition of the LMA BoK showcases enhanced expertise across every domain, introduces new competencies in Client Services, Communications and Technology Management, features more advanced skills across all domains and broadens coverage of competitive and business intelligence skills. Plus, it emphasizes a stronger commitment to nurturing diversity, equity, and inclusion across the entirety of the BoK. Learn more.

Julie Chodos

Julie Chodos is the chief marketing and business development officer at Axinn, where she partners with firm leadership and all stakeholders to enhance market prominence and drive revenue growth through client strategy, relationship building, and brand positioning.

Ann Marie Houghtailing

Ann Marie Houghtailing is a nationally sought-after expert in business development, narrative leadership and persuasive communication. She is the founder of Story Imprinting, which helps professionals use story as a tool of influence, trust-building and strategic differentiation.

Ann Marie works extensively with Am Law 100 law firms, global accounting firms, and technology and pharmaceutical companies, training partners, executives, and senior leaders on business development, executive presence, client relationships and high-stakes communication. She has trained thousands of professionals across the country and internationally, and regularly delivers keynotes and advanced trainings for senior audiences.