The Resolution Room

Damien Van Brunschot
  • 5.0 (2)
  • MANAGEMENT

As someone who's always had a keen interest in the dynamics of leadership and the intricacies of mediation and negotiation, I found myself at a crossroads where I wanted to connect the dots between these passions and my professional journey. This is how "The Resolution Room" was born. A podcast designed to discuss topics around leadership, mediation, negotiation and team building. You might wonder, why the name "The Resolution Room"? This title encapsulates the dual purpose of my mission at Evolve Resolve: resolving claims and elevating leadership. I've found that in professional services, many people overlook the transition required to move from being a skilled technician to becoming an effective people leader. This transition is both a challenge and an opportunity - one I intend to explore through my podcast, with insights from my own experiences and conversations with insightful guests. The podcast is an avenue not only for me to share my insights and learnings but also to engage with like-minded individuals who are curious about leadership and resolution. I hope you'll find value in the conversations that unfold in The Resolution Room. Thank you for joining me on this journey. Links: Website: https://www.evolveresolve.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damien-van-brunschot-95b05755/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@evolveresolve

  1. Be Distinctive, Not Different: Law Firm Marketing with Dan Toombs

    10 FEB

    Be Distinctive, Not Different: Law Firm Marketing with Dan Toombs

    In this episode, I sit down with Dan Toombs, founder of law firm marketing agency Practice Proof, who took an unorthodox path from his early days at St Mary’s in Toowoomba into law, social justice work and eventually two decades at the forefront of digital strategy for lawyers. Dan understands the legal profession from the inside, which is exactly why his take on marketing feels both practical and grounded. We talk about what most law firms get wrong about “being different” and why the real goal is being distinctive. Dan unpacks brand salience and the long game of staying top of mind, plus we discuss a standout example from Shine Lawyers and how memorable branding can cut through a crowded market without relying on the usual legal clichés. We also explore StoryBrand and why positioning the client as the hero matters in professional services, particularly when clients are stressed, time poor and trying to make sense of a complex process. Finally, Dan shares his candid view on how AI is starting to reshape SEO and legal marketing, what is still unclear, and what firms should be paying attention to right now. Links: https://www.practiceproof.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/marketinglawfirms/ Website | LinkedIn | YouTube

    26 min
  2. Travis Schultz on Growing a Law Firm from 8 to 80 Employees Without Marketing

    27 JAN

    Travis Schultz on Growing a Law Firm from 8 to 80 Employees Without Marketing

    I recently sat down with Travis Schultz, a name deeply respected in the Queensland legal market and the founder of Travis Schultz and Partners. This episode is about leadership in personal injury law, what it takes to build a firm with a strong culture, and how to stay commercially sound without defaulting to the usual corporatised playbook. Travis and I go back to 1988 when we finished school, and we start by tracing his path from going straight into articles to stepping into partnership and management early, and what that hands on start taught him about both law and the business of law. We then unpack the origin story of Travis Schultz & Partners, including the market context in Queensland and the events that led Travis to start again after the Slater and Gordon acquisition of Schultz O’Brien. Travis shares what he set out to build, how the firm evolved, and why relationships and reputation still matter more than most people admit. Finally, we talk culture and leadership. Travis reflects on the choices he has made around how the firm operates, the behaviours he has tried to leave behind, and the practical lessons he has learned about autonomy, accountability, and addressing issues early. If you’re interested in the realities of running a modern law firm, this conversation is a grounded look at what that actually involves. Links: https://www.schultzlaw.com.au/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/travis-schultz-law/ Website | LinkedIn | YouTube

    26 min

  3. 13 JAN

    The Legal Profession’s Changing Attitude Toward Coaching with Lara Wentworth

    Sitting down with Lara Wentworth, former lawyer turned coach and founder of Coaching Advocates, was a timely reminder that many in the legal profession spend years occupying a chair that doesn’t quite fit. Lara’s journey from legal practice to coaching is a testament to the value of self-discovery and the courage to carve out a new path. Through Coaching Advocates, she has created a space where lawyers can seek clarity, direction and genuine growth, guided by coaches who have walked the same path and understand the unique challenges of the profession. Our conversation explores the real difference between mentoring and coaching. While mentoring is often about offering advice, coaching is about facilitating self-reflection and unlocking potential. Lara emphasises the importance of accredited coaching, ensuring that lawyers receive support from those who not only understand the law but are also trained to guide meaningful change. We discussed the perfectionism that is so common among lawyers and how coaching can help address the deep-seated beliefs and behaviours that hold people back, fostering resilience and a healthier approach to both career and life. What resonated most was the growing recognition that well-being and professional success go hand in hand. Lara’s work, including her podcast The Speed Coach, is helping to demystify coaching for lawyers and encourage the profession to embrace new ways of working and thinking. In a legal world where career paths are no longer linear, finding your own chair and having the right support to do so has never been more important. If you are feeling out of place in your current role, perhaps it is time to consider what coaching could unlock for you. Links: https://www.larawentworth.com.au/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lara-wentworth-265864b5/  https://coachingadvocates.com/legal-career-accelerator/  Website | LinkedIn | YouTube

    32 min

  4. 30/12/2025

    Purpose, Progress and Policy with Former Queensland Attorney-General Hon. Shannon Fentiman

    I recently sat down with Shannon Fentiman, Former Queensland Attorney-General, Queensland’s Shadow Treasurer, Shadow Minister for Women and Member for Waterford since 2015. Shannon’s journey from employment lawyer and community advocate to holding some of the state’s most significant ministerial portfolios is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership. Raised on the Gold Coast and deeply committed to social justice, Shannon has always called Queensland home. Her early influences, a family of strong women and a pioneering aunt in the legal field, set her on a path to fight discrimination and unfairness, both in the workplace and the wider community. Shannon’s legal background, with degrees from QUT and the University of Melbourne, provided a strong foundation for her political career. Before entering Parliament, she worked as an employment lawyer and volunteered with organisations such as the Centre Against Sexual Violence and the Centre for Women in Logan. Her ministerial experience is extensive, having served as Attorney General, Minister for Child Safety, Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Small Business, Employment and Training and Health. Throughout, Shannon has been at the forefront of major reforms, including the Women’s Safety and Justice Task Force and voluntary assisted dying legislation. She spoke candidly about how her legal training sharpened her negotiation skills and ability to navigate the emotional and practical complexities of policy reform. Empathy, she noted, is central to her leadership, an approach shaped by her years of community work and her commitment to visibility and compassion in public life. Now serving in opposition, Shannon reflected on the transition from government to holding government to account. While the pace may be different, she’s found space for reflection, critical thinking and personal renewal, balancing family time and personal pursuits with her ongoing passion for policy and reform. Our conversation was a powerful reminder of the impact empathetic, principled leadership can have on both legal and political landscapes and left me inspired by Shannon’s clarity of purpose and optimism for the future. Links: https://www.shannonfentiman.com/ Website | LinkedIn | YouTube

    33 min

  5. 16/12/2025

    From Lawyer to Mediator: Reflections on My First Two Years in the Chair

    As my second Christmas as a mediator approaches, I’ve found myself reflecting on the lessons and surprises this role has brought. Transitioning from lawyer to mediator has required new skills, a different mindset and a willingness to keep learning. Today I’m sharing some of my key reflections so far. The most striking realisation has been that mediation is its own discipline, distinct from legal practice. Even after years of acting as an advocate in mediations, stepping into the mediator’s chair revealed how much dedicated training and feedback matter. Building trust and rapport is at the heart of the process. Credibility helps but it’s the relationships formed with lawyers and clients, often during those quieter moments, that make the work meaningful and productive. Patience and optimism are indispensable, especially when negotiations stall or doubts creep in. I’ve learned that maintaining a positive, solution-focused mindset can keep everyone moving forward, even when energy in the room is flagging. Emotional intelligence sits at the core of effective mediation and recognising the emotional currents that run beneath the surface is essential. It’s about helping participants acknowledge these feelings of fear, frustration and uncertainty without letting them derail the process. Preparation is also vital, though it looks different from advocacy. Mediators must know the issues and the people but also remain flexible and ready to adapt as dynamics shift.  Three common mistakes I see in approaching negotiations include insufficient preparation, an over-formal approach that misses the more collaborative tone of mediation and treating negotiation as a mere platform for argument rather than a process of mutual discovery. I’m grateful to the legal community for the encouragement and support during this career transition and I look forward to more opportunities to learn and collaborate in the coming year. Wishing everyone a restful Christmas and a positive start to the new year. Links: Website | LinkedIn | YouTube

    9 min

  6. 02/12/2025

    The Future of Australian Law Firms: Market Insights with Joel Barolsky

    My conversation with Joel Barolsky, a strategic advisor with over 30 years of experience at the intersection of law and business, reveals why understanding market dynamics matters more than ever for legal professionals. Joel is the driving force behind Barolsky Advisors, a fellow at Melbourne Law School teaching the business of law and works internationally through Edge Consultancy while contributing to Thomson Reuters reports on the Australian legal market. His journey into the legal industry began unexpectedly through Melbourne Business School and consultancy rather than legal practice, proving that the most valuable industry perspectives often come from unconventional paths. In this episode, we explore the current state of the Australian legal services market, including the rise of mega firms, the resilience of mid-tier players and whether the narrative of global firms infiltrating our market holds true. Joel's analysis challenges common assumptions, characterising market changes as more ebb and flow than widespread takeover. Our discussion ventures into private equity's potential role in Australian law firms and whether mid-tier firms might follow the UK model, the nuanced territory where law firms are competing with consulting services, and Joel's framework for understanding why some firms flourish whilst others flounder. Key factors like clear strategy, strong culture and effective leadership emerged as the differentiators between high performers and those struggling to find their footing. Our conversation also tackled generative AI's potential to reshape the industry through pricing disruptions and efficiency improvements. Joel remains cautiously optimistic, suggesting that whilst commoditisation might affect some areas, the nuanced human elements of law remain irreplaceable. His forecasts for 2030 and insights into why Australian law firms' agility and leadership position them favourably on the global stage offer encouraging perspectives for the profession's future. For anyone interested in the business of law and where the profession is heading, this conversation provides essential strategic insights. Links: https://www.barolskyadvisors.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelbarolsky/  Website | LinkedIn | YouTube

    34 min

  7. 18/11/2025

    The Art of Persuasion: Dee Madigan on Advertising, Politics and Legal Strategy

    My conversation with Dee Madigan, co-founder of Campaign Edge and a recognised force in advertising and political campaigns, revealed fascinating parallels between persuasion in advertising, politics, and legal practice. After teaching and stint in property, a chance pub encounter with advertising professionals pivoted her career entirely. She initially viewed advertising as "artistic prostitution," a characteristically candid assessment that captures her humorous, no-nonsense approach. What transformed her perspective was the realisation that advertising, particularly political campaigning, could serve purposes beyond selling products.  The gender dynamics in creative industries formed a compelling part of our discussion. While Dee acknowledges the industry has changed, she remains concerned about women's long-term career prospects, particularly regarding flexible work arrangements that may inadvertently impact visibility and advancement.  We explored why negative political advertisements remain effective despite public aversion. These ads stick in voters' minds longer and stimulate emotional responses crucial for engaging disengaged swing voters. This insight resonates deeply with litigation strategy, where framing arguments around what clients stand to lose often proves more compelling than emphasising what they might gain. Our discussion of modern work practices revealed Dee's nuanced perspective on remote working. She points out the visibility issue that comes with working from home, particularly for women and how it affects career progression. While acknowledging the work-life balance benefits today's workforce enjoys, Dee warns of potential long-term career impacts and emphasises the importance of in-office collaboration for skill development.  I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation with Dee. Whether it’s in advertising, politics, or law, we agreed that success hinges on understanding human emotion, making persuasive cases and maintaining integrity while pursuing ambitious goals. Links: https://campaignedge.com.au/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dee-madigan-73521318/ Website | LinkedIn | YouTube

    24 min

  8. 04/11/2025

    Tendering is an Exercise in Empathy: Tender Plus' Deborah Mazoudier on Winning Bids

    My conversation with Deborah Mazoudier, a tendering expert I've worked alongside for over two decades, revealed why so many organisations struggle with competitive bids: they fundamentally misunderstand what tendering requires. Deb's transition from legal career to tender specialist began in 2000 within international aid, where she discovered her talent for winning bids and eventually built Tender Plus into a national enterprise. What strikes me most about Deb's approach is her belief that tendering is fundamentally an exercise in empathy, requiring deep understanding of client needs rather than reliance on broad statements or generic value propositions. One critical insight from our discussion was the persistent misconception that tendering is merely administrative work. Deb advocates passionately for recognising tender specialists as strategic assets whose skillsets encompass strategic planning, project management, and persuasive communication. The most common failing in tender responses is lack of specificity, when organisations articulate what they do rather than demonstrating the actual benefits clients will receive. While acknowledging technological advancements in AI, Deb maintains that the human element remains irreplaceable in tendering. AI can support the process but it cannot replicate the nuanced understanding and relational dynamics that human specialists bring to aligning responses with client objectives. Working with Deb has fundamentally shaped my understanding of client engagement and strategic communication. Her guidance taught me that success in competitive bidding requires the same discipline we apply to legal practice. This means meticulous attention to client needs, precise articulation of value and strategic positioning that differentiates rather than homogenises. For professionals in legal services and beyond, these insights are increasingly crucial as tendering becomes standard practice for securing significant engagements. Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-mazoudier https://www.tenderplusconsulting.com.au/ Website | LinkedIn | YouTube

    29 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

As someone who's always had a keen interest in the dynamics of leadership and the intricacies of mediation and negotiation, I found myself at a crossroads where I wanted to connect the dots between these passions and my professional journey. This is how "The Resolution Room" was born. A podcast designed to discuss topics around leadership, mediation, negotiation and team building. You might wonder, why the name "The Resolution Room"? This title encapsulates the dual purpose of my mission at Evolve Resolve: resolving claims and elevating leadership. I've found that in professional services, many people overlook the transition required to move from being a skilled technician to becoming an effective people leader. This transition is both a challenge and an opportunity - one I intend to explore through my podcast, with insights from my own experiences and conversations with insightful guests. The podcast is an avenue not only for me to share my insights and learnings but also to engage with like-minded individuals who are curious about leadership and resolution. I hope you'll find value in the conversations that unfold in The Resolution Room. Thank you for joining me on this journey. Links: Website: https://www.evolveresolve.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damien-van-brunschot-95b05755/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@evolveresolve

Information

  • Creator
    Damien Van Brunschot
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Evolve Resolve
  • Show Website
    The Resolution Room