Why Small Talk Should be Part of Your Business Development Strategy

By Deb Feder, Joy Sperling, Chantal Williams
October 23, 2025 | 40-minute episode

Business Development Content Type Podcast

Client Services

Share this story

LMA Podcast · Why Small Talk Should Be Part of Your Business Development Strategy

Episode: 127

In this episode of the LMA Podcast, business development growth coach and strategist Deb Feder moderates a panel with Chantal Williams and Joy Sperling, exploring the underestimated role of small talk in professional growth and relationship-building.

From favorite TV shows to brisket recipes, the panelists illustrate how everyday banter can lead to lasting business opportunities. Whether you're a natural conversationalist or a recovering small talk skeptic, this episode shows how small talk can be the spark that builds trust, deepens rapport and opens unexpected doors.

Speakers:

Deb Feder, Founder and CEO, Feder Development
Joy Sperling, Retired Law Partner, Day Pitney
Chantal Williams, BD and Marketing Senior Manager, White & Case

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 Business Development with the Third Edition of the LMA Body of Knowledge

The content in this feature correlates with the Business Development 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.

Deb Feder
Feder Development

Deb Feder is a business development and practice growth coach and strategist focused on helping lawyers bring in consistent clients through curious, confident conversations. Feder manages a thriving community of professionals and is the author of three books on the conversations that build and grow incredible client relationships. Feder practiced corporate law for 15 years. She holds a history degree from the University of Michigan and her JD/MBA from the University of Iowa.

Joy Sperling
Day Pitney

Sperling is a retired law partner who practiced at the same firm, Day Pitney, for 37 years. During that time, she primarily handled creditors' rights matters. As part of her practice, she needed to develop business. Over the years, she was successful in doing so. Sperling retired in 2023.

Chantal Williams
White & Case

Chantal Williams Orozco is BD and marketing senior manager at White & Case, with 18+ years of experience in business development, marketing, communications and PR. She oversees strategy, client engagement and growth. Williams holds a Bachelor’s in Communications from The George Washington University and a Master’s in Marketing & Advertising from Universidad Anáhuac del Norte. She mentors through Abogadas MX, teaches at LexLatin and advises at Opinno. Fluent in English and Spanish, proficient in French, she holds credentials from Harvard, Fordham Law, IE and ThePowerMBA.