Last Friday I was a panelist at a Business Advantage Forum hosted by the Bast Amron litigation and business law firm in Miami. What a treat! The day-long program provided candid and refreshing conversations about the state of business and law in the age of #MeToo and multi-generations in the workplace. I enjoyed the opportunity to meet and dialogue with dynamic business leaders and attorneys in the Miami area, and I learned a lot — always an important criterion for a successful program.
What made this experience so unique was the recognition by firm leaders that a culture of assisting clients, collaborating with colleagues and giving back to community is a winning combination. It did not surprise me to hear that on Monday mornings the lawyers and staff at Bast Amron meet to review last week’s work and give recognition for work well done.
Bast Amron clearly knows that best practices includes building a powerful and welcoming workplace, which encourages growth and gains an edge on the competition. The folks at Bast Amron also are master marketers, who know how to engage clients and audiences on cutting edge issues.
Here are some of the subjects addressed by the panels:
- Why more women are succeeding as entrepreneurs and business leaders;
- Why hiring and advancing women in leadership roles attracts top talent and improves company and law firm cultures;
- Why inter-generational team building is valuable for recruiting and also leads to creative solutions for complex problems; and
- The importance of social responsibility and community involvement by law firms and companies and how those roles enhance business.
Although I was a panelist in the discussion about millennials and inter-generational team building, you can image that I also took a deep dive during audience participation for the panel addressing women in the workplace. The discussion of issues surrounding #MeToo and appropriate treatment of women were especially lively and lead to an improved understanding of the responsibilities of all parties, including the responsibility to call out bad behaviors. I also enjoyed the comments by panelists about how women succeed by turning disadvantages into advantages —- very valuable lessons to learn early in careers.
The program concluded with a presentation by an expert on Predictive Index Behavioral Assessment as a tool for determining behaviors and assisting in hiring. It was fascinating until I had to run to catch a plane back to DC.
Thank you, Bast Amron for a thought-provoking day and the opportunity to engage with progressive minds. Keep up the good work!
