Lead Like a Founder – The Legal CEO Mindset

Episode Summary

In this episode of Obsessed with Success, attorney and entrepreneur Russell Morgan, founder and CEO of Morgan Legal Group, explores what it really takes to lead a law firm in today’s economy. From owning your team’s wins and losses to scaling operations while maintaining culture, Russell unpacks how leadership, accountability, and passion are essential ingredients to building a lasting legal business. Whether you’re a solo practitioner or managing a growing team, this episode will challenge your definition of success and leadership.

Key Timestamps
00:01 – Welcome to Obsessed with Success
01:35 – The Hardest Leadership Lesson: Accountability for Everything
04:20 – Why Law Firm Culture Starts with the Founder
06:05 – What It Means to Lead Like a Founder, Not Just a Manager
09:00 – Russel’s Philosophy: “Stagnation is Death”
10:40 – How to Keep Your Leadership Energy Consistent
12:55 – When Expansion Hurts Quality—and How to Prevent It
14:30 – Listening to Negative Feedback: The Path to Growth
17:05 – Balancing Skill and Passion When Hiring
19:15 – Why Passion Matters More Than Perfect Resumes
21:20 – Diagnosing Team Issues: Is It People, Systems, or Leadership?
23:10 – The Top-Down Approach to Solving Firm Problems
25:40 – Maintaining Open Communication at Every Level
27:00 – For Lawyers Who “Just Want to Practice Law”—Here’s the Truth
29:40 – The Real Cost of Private Practice (And What Most Don’t Understand)
31:30 – Learning from Peers, Mentors, and Trial-and-Error
33:00 – Leading by Example: What It Means Day-to-Day
35:05 – Culture, Integrity, and Keeping Your Team Invested
36:55 – Final Thoughts: Leadership Is the Backbone of Firm Success

About The Show
Obsessed with Success features conversations with law firm founders, legal entrepreneurs, and business visionaries. The podcast delivers straight talk on what it really takes to scale a firm, lead with impact, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.