Deborah B. Farone is the founder of Farone Advisors, where she helps professional services organizations strengthen their business development and marketing strategies. She is also an accomplished author, most recently publishing Breaking Ground: How Successful Women Lawyers Build Thriving Businesses. In this episode of The Playbook: Conversations With Craig Budner, Deborah joins Craig to discuss how lawyers—particularly women—can intentionally build sustainable, successful practices. Drawing on research and decades of industry experience, Deborah shares practical insights that resonate with women lawyers growing their books of business, firm leaders focused on long-term sustainability, and marketing and business development professionals shaping firm strategy.

Alok Sama is an accomplished investor, advisor, and best-selling author with more than 40 years of global experience in the financial industry. Known for his work as the president and chief financial officer at SoftBank Group International, Alok has shaped some of the most significant corporate transactions in recent history—including leading the US$59 billion merger of Sprint and T-Mobile in 2020. Alongside his endless corporate accomplishments, Alok is the author of the best-selling literary memoir The Money Trap: Lost Illusions Inside the Tech Bubble, which gives readers unique insight into the world of finance and venture capitalists. In this episode of The Playbook: Conversations With Craig Budner, Alok dives into his upbringing in India, the powerful impact of having a mentor, and what led him to the world of finance—forever changing the trajectory of his life. Craig and Alok discuss Alok's interesting career path, including his time with Masayoshi Son, the Japanese founder of SoftBank and notorious startup investor, his observations on the future of artificial intelligence, and what financial freedom looks like to him.

Sheila Murphy is a certified executive and legal coach who helps professionals accelerate career growth, strengthen leadership skills, and drive business development. She is also the author of Rainmaker Power Moves: The Attorney's Playbook to Building a Book of Business. In this episode of Client Conversations With Craig Budner, Sheila shares her career journey and how she transformed her natural introversion into a strength as both a lawyer and a leader. She and Craig discuss actionable strategies from her book, the resources that shaped her path, and practical advice for thriving in today's professional landscape—whether you're in law or any other industry.