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PODCAST · 23 AUGUST 2026

Why Great Collaborators Win (Podcast)

Mayer Brown
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Dr. Heidi Gardner, best-selling author and business advisor, explores how intentional collaboration creates competitive advantages in the legal industry. Drawing from extensive research, she examines why complex client challenges demand cross-disciplinary teamwork and reveals the performance benefits of strong internal networks. The discussion includes practical strategies for effective collaboration and insights on how collaborative cultures can drive successful AI adoption.

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Dr. Heidi Gardner, a best-selling author and business advisor, joins Jon Van Gorp to discuss why intentional collaboration provides a competitive advantage in today's legal industry. Heidi reflects on her career path—from international study and management consulting to researching collaboration in professional services firms—and explains why increasingly complex client challenges require lawyers to work across disciplines and perspectives. She also shares research demonstrating the performance benefits of strong internal networks, discusses how collaborative cultures can support successful AI adoption, and offers practical advice on proactive client service and the habits of highly effective collaborators.

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Show Notes:

1:12 – Heidi Gardner reflects on her career journey, from international study and management consulting to researching collaboration in professional services firms
3:28 – Heidi discusses how increasingly complex client challenges require lawyers to work across disciplines and perspectives
5:53 – Drawing on her research, Heidi shares evidence demonstrating the performance benefits of strong internal networks
9:30 – Heidi explores the connection between collaboration and AI adoption, explaining how collaborative cultures can support successful AI adoption
13:44 – Heidi offers practical advice on proactive client service and the habits of highly effective collaborators

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