Power Up Your Practice

Ruby Powers
  • 5.0 (3)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Power Up Your Practice, the go-to law practice management podcast for law firm owners and managing attorneys working on the business, not in it. Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level.

  1. Ep. 100: Why Bigger Isn't Alway Better: Defining Your Best Era with Ryan McKeen

    1D AGO

    Ep. 100: Why Bigger Isn't Alway Better: Defining Your Best Era with Ryan McKeen

    We’ve reached a major milestone! For our 100th episode, we are diving deep into a philosophy that challenges everything you’ve been told about growing a law firm.Ruby Powers sits down with Ryan McKeen, founder of Best Era LLC, to discuss why the ultimate success isn't found in having the biggest firm, but in having the most intentional one. Ryan shares his journey from building a 40-person "machine" to finding his "Jerry Maguire moment" and intentionally scaling back to create a practice—and a life—he actually loves.This is a masterclass in professional identity, humanizing the law, and understanding that size is a choice.Together, we explore:✅ The "Eras" Concept: Why your career shouldn't be a straight line, and how to identify which era you are currently in (and which one is next).✅ Intentional Constraints: How saying "No" to more volume and more staff can actually lead to higher profitability and personal freedom.✅ Humanizing Legal Education: Why Ryan is bringing the "Yellow Napkin" exercise to law schools to teach future lawyers about hospitality and business reality.✅ The Founder's Pivot: Recognizing when you are no longer the right person to lead the machine you built, and how to design your "Best Era."📣 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:🚀 Law Firm Retreat: Design Your Future – August 2026: Are you ready to stop the grind and architect your next era? Join Ruby in Denver for an intimate, 15-firm-only strategic retreat.👉 Secure your spot: powersstrategygroup.com/law-firm-retreat-august-2026/📊 We Love Your Feedback! As we look toward the future of the podcast, we want to hear from you. Help us design our next year of content by taking this 2-minute survey: forms.gle/JvE8Bo1Xg2moD7Kr5📌 Connect with Ryan McKean:🔹 LinkedIn: Ryan McKean🔹 Website: bestera.law📌 Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community!Hosted by Ruby Powers. Learn insights from leading legal minds and expert guests on running your firm more effectively.Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on:🌐 Website: powersstrategygroup.com📺 YouTube: @powersstrategygroup💬 Join our Skool Community: skool.com/powerupyourpracticeTrusted Resources from Our Toolkit:• Stafi• Lawmatics• CandleAI• Vonage• Lawbrokr

    47 min
  2. Ep. 99: Scaling to $15M: The Waterfall Method with Anthony Karls

    FEB 3

    Ep. 99: Scaling to $15M: The Waterfall Method with Anthony Karls

    In this episode, Ruby Powers sits down with Anthony Karls (Sterling Lawyers) to break down the "Waterfall Method." Anthony explains why most firms fail to scale because they are "light in the middle"—trying to wear every business hat while practicing law. He shares his blueprint for predicting bottlenecks before they burn you out and explains why scaling actually requires more discipline and less freedom. What we explore: ✅ The Right People in the Right Seats: Why attorneys are notoriously bad at sales and how to fix the consultation room. ✅ The Waterfall Framework: How to track your value stream to stop playing "whack-a-mole" with your firm's problems. ✅ PPF Goals: Using Personal, Professional, and Financial coaching to drive elite team retention and engagement. ✅ Strategic vs. Aggressive Growth: Why scaling requires more discipline and less freedom, not the other way around. If you are ready to stop playing "whack-a-mole" and start building a predictable growth engine, this episode is for you. 📌 Connect with Anthony Carls: LinkedIn: Anthony Karls | Website: rocketclicks.com 📌 Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on: 🌐 Website: powersstrategygroup.com 📺 YouTube: @powersstrategygroup 💬 Join our Skool Community - Power Hub: https://www.skool.com/powerupyourpractice Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers: 🔹 LinkedIn: /rubypowers 🔹 Facebook: /poweruppractice 🔹 Website: rubypowers.com 🔹 Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on Amazon Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit: • Stafi • Lawmatics • Filevine • CandleAI • Vonage • Lawbrokr

    44 min
  3. Ep. 98: Trial by Fire: Finding Your Superpower in Survival with Kevin Block

    JAN 27

    Ep. 98: Trial by Fire: Finding Your Superpower in Survival with Kevin Block

    We are kicking off something huge: Welcome to Chapter #1 of the Resilience Series.In this episode, Ruby Powers sits down with Kevin Block (Maui Immigration Law) to explore the architecture of professional grit. Kevin’s life is a 40-year masterclass in survival—from a near-death cliff crash and an HIV diagnosis in the 80s, to leading his firm through the devastating Lahaina Fires.This isn't just a story; it's a blueprint for finding your Superpower when your world is on fire.What we explore: ✅ The Survivor’s Advantage: Turning your hardest life tests into your firm's greatest competitive edge. ✅ Leading Through Disaster: The reality of managing a team and community during the Maui fires. ✅ Nervous System Hygiene: Kevin’s "Soldier’s Training" (yoga and breathwork) to stay calm in high-stakes advocacy. ✅ Institutional Resilience: Building a practice that survives personal and global crises.If you are ready to stop just "surviving" and start leading with a superpower born from experience, this episode is for you.📌 Connect with Kevin Block: LinkedIn: Kevin Block | Website: mauiimmigrationlaw.com 📌 Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community!Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently.Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level.Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on:🌐 Website: powersstrategygroup.com📺 YouTube: @powersstrategygroup💬 Join our Skool Community - Power Hub: https://www.skool.com/powerupyourpracticeConnect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers:🔹 LinkedIn: /rubypowers🔹 Facebook: /poweruppractice🔹 Website: rubypowers.com🔹 Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on AmazonTrusted Resources from Our Toolkit:• Stafi• Lawmatics• Filevine• CandleAI• Vonage• Lawbrokr

    46 min
  4. Ep. 97: Breaking Legal Burnout with Reiki with Tekla Ayers

    JAN 20

    Ep. 97: Breaking Legal Burnout with Reiki with Tekla Ayers

    In this episode of Power Up Your Practice, Ruby Powers sits down with Tekla C. Ayers, founder of Be Rooted Healing Arts, to tackle the invisible crisis of the legal profession: the "Grind Culture."As attorneys, we are taught to go-go-go, but we often forget that our bodies keep the score. Tekla, a former science educator for 10 years, brings a "Grounded Woo" perspective to energy work. She explains why Reiki isn't just a mystical concept, but a vital tool for Energy Hygiene—the practice of clearing the vicarious trauma and emotional residue we absorb from our clients' most difficult stories.Ruby shares her own vulnerable journey of taking Tekla's year-long course during one of the hardest years of her life, proving that "taking a pause" is actually a strategic professional requirement.Together, they explore:✅ The Energy Hygiene Standard: Why clearing other people's energy is as necessary as brushing your teeth to prevent chronic illness and burnout.✅ From Science to Reiki: How Tekla’s background as a science teacher bridges the gap for skeptical lawyers, translating energy work into nervous system regulation.✅ The "Sacred Pause" vs. The Grind: Practical ways to shift firm culture from "emergency mode" to intentional rest, including Ruby’s "Sanity Garden" at the office.✅ Processing Professional Grief: Addressing the hidden driver of burnout: the unprocessed grief we carry from asylum cases, trauma work, and personal loss.✅ Protective Boundaries for Empaths: How to use grounding and the "Boundary Bubble" to stay compassionate with clients without absorbing their trauma.If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying the weight of the world in your chest, this conversation is the manual you need to reclaim your energy and stay in the "marathon" of law for the long haul.📌 Connect with Tekla C. Ayers:🔹 LinkedIn: Tekla C. Ayers🔹 Website: berootedhealingarts.com📌 Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers. Each week, we explore the intersection of business, law, and well-being. Watch more episodes on:🌐 Website: powersstrategygroup.com📺 YouTube: @powersstrategygroup💬 Join our Skool Community - Power HubConnect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers:🔹 LinkedIn /rubypowers🔹 Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on AmazonTrusted Resources from Our Toolkit• ⁠Stafi•⁠ Lawmatics⁠• ⁠Filevine• ⁠⁠CandleAI• Vonage• ⁠Lawbrokr

    51 min
  5. Ep. 96: Moving Beyond Billable Hours with Holly Draper

    JAN 13

    Ep. 96: Moving Beyond Billable Hours with Holly Draper

    In this episode of Power Up Your Practice, Ruby Powers sits down with Holly Draper, CEO and Managing Partner of the Draper Law Firm, to discuss the operational and financial evolution of the modern law firm. Holly, a board-certified family law and appellate attorney, reveals why the traditional hourly billing model is hitting a breaking point in the age of AI. Holly shares a jaw-dropping case study where she used AI to analyze 1,000 pages of evidence in just 10 minutes—a task that previously required 20 hours of manual reading. This efficiency doesn't just save time; it fundamentally challenges how attorneys charge for their expertise. They also explore Holly's "rebel" hiring strategy and her mission to build a firm that is a truly saleable asset. Together, they explore: ✅ The Billable Hour Crisis: Why extreme AI efficiency is making hourly billing obsolete and how to successfully transition to flat fees. ✅ 20 Hours in 10 Minutes: A deep dive into using AI to replace manual research and evidence analysis in complex litigation. ✅ Hiring for Freedom: Holly’s strategy of hiring five lawyers before her first paralegal to ensure the firm runs autonomously while she travels. ✅ The Saleable Firm Mindset: How to design your practice today so it becomes a valuable institution that can operate—and eventually be sold—without you. ✅ CliftonStrengths for Leaders: Why identifying whether you are a "strategic thinker" or an "executor" is the key to delegating effectively and scaling faster. 📌 Connect with Holly Draper:🔹 LinkedIn: Holly Draper🔹 Website: draperfirm.com 📌 Join our Skool Community: skool.com/powerupyourpracticeWatch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on:🌐 Website: powersstrategygroup.com📺 YouTube: @powersstrategygroup Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers:🔹 LinkedIn: /rubypowers🔹 Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on Amazon

    42 min
  6. Ep. 95: Why Brain Health is a Competitive Edge with Dominika Staniewicz

    JAN 6

    Ep. 95: Why Brain Health is a Competitive Edge with Dominika Staniewicz

    In this episode of Power Up Your Practice, Ruby Powers sits down with Dominika Staniewicz (known as Brain Coach D), a TEDx speaker, certified brain health coach, and award-winning entrepreneur, to explore the intersection of neuroscience and leadership. With over 5,000 hours on global stages, Dominika specializes in helping leaders rewire their brains for peak performance and mental resilience. They dive deep into how entrepreneurs and lawyers can navigate ADHD—or symptoms that look like it—and why optimizing your brain biology is the ultimate competitive advantage in a high-stress industry. Dominica challenges the traditional approach to mental focus, offering a blueprint for transitioning from a "scattered brain" to a focused, strategic leader. Together, they explore: ✅ The Biology of Performance: Why you should audit your nutrition, sleep, and habits before jumping to any diagnosis, and how simple biology determines your firm's success. ✅ The ADHD Superpower: Why you might not want to "get rid" of all your symptoms. Dominica explains how to leverage unique brain traits to scale your business while hacking the parts that don't serve you. ✅ Rewiring for Results: How to use neuroplasticity to program your brain to notice opportunities and stay calm while others are in "doomsday" mode. ✅ "Human Being" vs. "Human Doing": A deep dive into the psychological necessity of detaching your personal identity from your firm’s daily chaos to prevent burnout. ✅ Your 2026 North Star: How to align your strategic business goals with your brain’s true capacity for long-term resilience and fulfillment. If you are ready to stop operating in survival mode and start leading with biological precision to reclaim your time and focus, this conversation is your guide to mastering the engine behind your practice. 🎧 This episode is sponsored by Pipefile 📌 Connect with Dominika Staniewicz:🔹 LinkedIn: Dominika Staniewicz🔹 Website: yourbraincoachd.com 📌 Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community!Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently.Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on:🌐 Website: powersstrategygroup.com📺 YouTube: @powersstrategygroup💬 Join our Skool Community - Power Hub: Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers:🔹 LinkedIn: /rubypowers🔹 Facebook: /poweruppractice🔹 Website: rubypowers.com🔹 Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on Amazon Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit• Stafi• Lawmatics• Filevine• ⁠CandleAI

    53 min
  7. Ep. 94: PR That Pays Off: Building a Stronger Brand with Jennifer Kaplan

    12/31/2025

    Ep. 94: PR That Pays Off: Building a Stronger Brand with Jennifer Kaplan

    In this episode of Power Up Your Practice, Ruby Powers sits down with Jennifer Kaplan, President and CEO of Evolve PR and Marketing, to discuss the transformative power of Public Relations for law firms. As the leader of Arizona’s largest PR firm, Jennifer brings a wealth of knowledge on how to stop just buying attention and start earning authority. Jennifer and Ruby explore the critical difference between static advertising and the dynamic nature of Earned Media. They dive into the "Perception is Reality" principle and explain why a media interview carries far more weight than a billboard. Whether you are a solo practitioner or a large firm owner, this conversation provides the blueprint for building a brand that clients already trust before they even walk through your door. Together, they explore: ✅ Earned vs. Paid Media: Why Public Relations is the ultimate complement to your advertising budget and how it builds long-term credibility. ✅ Get Rich in Your Niche: The importance of staying in your lane to become the "go-to" expert that reporters (and clients) call first. ✅ The Trust Factor: Understanding the parasocial connection—how seeing you on the news creates an instant bond of trust with potential clients. ✅ Strategic Protection: Navigating "off the record" moments, protecting client anonymity, and managing your reputation during a crisis. ✅ PR on Any Budget: How small firms can leverage local news desks and award submissions to raise their visibility without a massive marketing spend. If you’re ready to move beyond basic lead gen and build a brand that stands out in a crowded market, this masterclass on Public Relations is for you. 📌 Connect with Jennifer Kaplan: 🔹 LinkedIn: Jennifer Kaplan 🔹 Website: evolveprandmarketing.com 📌 Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level. Watch more episodes of Power Up Your Practice on: 🌐 Website: powersstrategygroup.com 📺 YouTube: @powersstrategygroup 💬 Join our Skool Community - Power Hub: skool.com/powerupyourpractice Connect and learn more from your host, Ruby Powers: 🔹 LinkedIn: /rubypowers 🔹 Facebook: /poweruppractice 🔹 Website: rubypowers.com 🔹 Ruby's Book: Power Up Your Practice on Amazon Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit: • Stafi • Lawmatics • Filevine • CandleAI

    1h 21m
  8. Ep. 93: Elite Niche Success & the 10% Safety Rule with Jeff Goldman

    12/23/2025

    Ep. 93: Elite Niche Success & the 10% Safety Rule with Jeff Goldman

    In this episode of Power Up Your Practice, Ruby Powers sits down with Jeff Goldman, founder of Goldman and Partners Immigration Law, a veteran with over 30 years of experience who has transformed how we understand legal specialization and business resilience. Jeff shares his fascinating journey from his early days in real estate —where he felt like he "wasn't a lawyer, but a document signer"— to becoming the go-to authority for elite entrepreneurs from MIT, Harvard, and Y Combinator. He also reveals the hard-earned lesson that led him to create the "10% Safety Rule," a vital risk management strategy that every firm owner must implement to protect their practice. This conversation is a masterclass in strategy for firm owners and an inspiration for students looking for purpose in their legal careers. Together, they explore: ✅ The 10% Safety Rule: The real story of how Jeff lost 42% of his revenue in just 10 minutes, and why you must never let a single client dominate your firm's income. ✅ Elite Niche Mastery: How to capture high-level markets and why being an "expert in a niche within a niche" is the key to eliminating competition. ✅ Innovation Beyond the JD: The birth of the BUILD Fellowship and how to create synergistic businesses that solve systemic legal problems (like the H1B lottery). ✅ The Retention Secret: How Jeff has kept his senior attorneys for over 15 years through autonomy and a culture of "over-compensation." If you’re ready to stop being an administrative manager and start becoming a strategic leader in elite niches while bulletproofing your firm’s stability, this episode is for you. 📌 Connect with Jeff Goldman:  🔹 LinkedIn: Jeff Goldman (Boston)  🔹 Website: gpimmigration.com  📌 Join the conversation in our Power Up Your Practice community! Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management.  Watch more episodes on:  🌐 Website: powersstrategygroup.com  📺 YouTube: @powersstrategygroup  💬 Join our Skool Community - Power Hub: https://www.skool.com/powerupyourpractice Special thanks to our sponsor:🏛️ Lawfully: The best case management and analytics tool for immigration law. Visit lawfully.com/pro Trusted Resources from Our Toolkit• Stafi• Lawmatics• Filevine• CandleAI

    49 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to Power Up Your Practice, the go-to law practice management podcast for law firm owners and managing attorneys working on the business, not in it. Hosted by Ruby Powers, your guide into the heart of law practice management. Each week, learn insights from leading legal minds, trailblazing attorneys, and expert guests who provide you with actionable advice, out-of-the-box solutions, and a fresh perspective on running your firm more effectively and efficiently. Prepare to open your mind, be inspired, and power up your practice to the next level.

Information

  • Creator
    Ruby Powers
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ruby Powers
  • Show Website
    Power Up Your Practice