You can’t manage what you’re not measuring.
In this episode, Robert Sartin, chairman of Frost Brown Todd, shares how his background in economics, finance, and distressed M&A led him to champion a data-forward strategy long before it became industry standard. He talks about why law firms can’t afford to delay their data journeys, what it takes to turn firm-wide strategy into execution, and how he built alignment around change in a partnership environment.
Robert also discusses the unexpected power of gamification in building a data culture, and how AI will reshape pricing, talent management, and long-term firm viability.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro
(01:09) From banking and M&A to law firm leadership
(04:33) Why Frost Brown Todd leaned into data
(07:47) Building a value proposition with data
(10:20) Why strategy without data won’t work
(13:12) AI’s impact on pricing and firm structure
(16:21) Building buy-in inside a law firm
(20:29) What Robert would do differently
(23:15) Leading cultural change with early wins
(25:56) Gamifying historical data entry
(28:06) Using data to integrate and grow teams
(33:20) The future of Frost Brown Todd
(34:44) Advice for law firm leaders just starting
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