"Every lawyer that I've proposed this to says I'm crazy. And they're like, why would you ever cut your bill off?"

In this episode, Roger Jorns interviews Michael Ciccolone, a corporate tax attorney who is challenging the status quo of the legal industry.

Michael breaks down his unique "Fractional General Counsel" model, which offers businesses a dedicated Chief Legal Officer on a subscription basis...saving them from the skyrocketing $1,000+ hourly rates of big firms!

We discuss the critical importance of building long-term relationships with legal counsel rather than just treating them as a transactional service.

Michael also gives his expert take on Artificial Intelligence in the legal field, warning about the dangers of relying too heavily on AI for contracts and why the industry may be heading toward a new apprenticeship era.

If you are a business owner wondering how to get high-level legal strategy without the high-level price tag, this episode is for you.

00:00 – Intro: Why other lawyers think Michael is crazy

01:38 – Michael’s background as a corporate tax attorney

03:13 – The problem with $1000/hour legal fees

05:58 – Explaining the Fractional General Counsel subscription model

11:15 – The value of long-term relationships over transactions

14:38 – Will AI replace lawyers? (The apprenticeship model)

18:56 – The pitfalls of using AI for legal work (Hallucinations & Bias)

24:08 – When should a business hire a lawyer?

---------------

Chat with Michael: https://calendly.com/michael-blacklinegc/30min

Connect with Michael LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-beltran-b39b3b180/

---------------

About Reanimated Stories: Hosted by Roger Jorns, I talk with awesome business leaders about their story and we explore how to reimagine work, life, and design.

Connect with Roger: linkedin.com/in/roger-jorns

Check out my website: reanimationdesign.com

---------------

"The money isn't in the list... the money is in your RELATIONSHIP with the list."

Most people think email marketing is just spamming "buy now" buttons until someone clicks.

In this episode of Reanimated Stories, Roger sits down with email strategist Ely Delaney to debunk the myth that "email is dead."

Ely shares his proven system for nurturing leads that allowed him to close a deal 10 years after first meeting a prospect!

We dive deep into why your "Call to Action" shouldn't always be "Buy My Stuff," how to start real conversations that lead to sales, and the exact strategy Ely uses to automate his follow-up so he can keep selling...even if he gets hit by a bus!

We discuss the critical difference between "pitching" and "conversing," why you should stop doing Black Friday sales, and how a simple book recommendation saved a client's business six years after Ely wrote the email.

This isn't just an interview; it's a masterclass in building trust. Learn why your emails should add value to someone's life regardless of whether they buy from you.

If you're ready to stop shouting at your list and start building relationships that pay off for years, this episode is for you!

00:00 Introduction to the Guest: Ely Delaney

01:55 Ely Delaney's Background and Expertise

03:03 The Importance of Consistent Communication

09:10 Building Relationships Through Conversations

17:06 Ely Delaney's Journey into Email Marketing

19:10 The Beginnings of Lead Generation

19:43 Building Automated Follow-Up Campaigns

20:49 The Power of Evergreen Systems

21:33 Real-Life Success Stories

24:06 The Importance of Value in Email Marketing

25:44 Maximizing Close Rates Through Follow-Up

27:12 Nurturing Relationships with Your List

31:57 Effective Lead Generation Strategies

34:27 Conclusion

---------------

Connect with Ely:

Website: ConnectWithEly.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elydelaney/

---------------

About Reanimated Stories: Hosted by Roger Jorns, I talk with awesome business leaders about their story and we explore how to reimagine work, life, and design.

Connect with Roger: linkedin.com/in/roger-jorns

Want a website checkup?

https://www.reanimationdesign.com/free-website-audit/

---------------

"I love to have fun. I think that it's important and adults have stopped playing."

Roger is joined by Melinda Stallings, known widely as "The Positive Consultant." Melinda is on a mission to impact the world one individual at a time by helping people rediscover their internal greatness.

Together, they dive into:

• The Power of Reframing: How to look for the "gifts" even in difficult business climates.
• Disrupt HR Austin: What makes this event an "experience" rather than a conference, and how it connects professionals through high-energy storytelling.
• The Leadership Gap: Why leaders and employees often lack a "shared language" after training, and how Melinda’s "PAL" (Positive Approach to Leadership) gamified course solves this.
• Self-Reflection: The critical question every leader must ask themselves: "Would I follow me?".

Whether you are looking to bring a spark back to your organization or simply need a dose of encouragement, this episode is packed with wisdom, laughter, and positive energy.

00:00 - Intro: "Adults have stopped playing" & Rediscovering greatness.

01:28 - Meet "The Positive Consultant": Impacting the world one person at a time.

02:40 - The "PAL" Course: Why gamified learning releases dopamine.

04:25 - The Story of Disrupt HR Austin: How Roger & Melinda met.

05:58 - What makes Disrupt HR different? (5 minutes, 20 slides, auto-advance).

11:42 - How to walk into a negative room and bring positive energy.

13:42 - We are "Human Beings," not "Human Doings".

15:37 - The power of reframing: "Look for the gifts".

17:50 - The Leadership Gap: Creating a "Shared Language" between managers and employees.

22:15 - "Everybody Needs a PAL" (Positive Approach to Leadership).

24:43 - Recognizing pain points: When an organization needs a consultant.

29:05 - The ultimate leadership question: "Would you follow you?".

30:22 - Outro: You are worth it.

---------------

Melinda Website: https://www.thepositiveconsultant.com/

Connect with Melinda LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melindastallings/

---------------

About Reanimated Stories: Hosted by Roger Jorns, I talk with awesome business leaders about their story and we explore how to reimagine work, life, and design.

Connect with Roger: linkedin.com/in/roger-jorns

Want a website checkup? https://www.reanimationdesign.com/free-website-audit/

---------------