Discover how creating your own personal board of advisors can help you make better decisions and grow your practice with confidence.

On this episode of Great Practice, Great Life, Steve Riley shares a transformative approach that reshaped both his career and mindset: The Growth Council Strategy.

Early in his career, Steve realized that not everyone in his life could help him navigate the complex problems he faced, either professionally or personally. He needed something more—a space where he could problem-solve quickly, gain perspective, and clear the mental clutter. So he created his own growth council, a mental framework inspired by Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich, designed to tap into the wisdom of trusted mentors, role models, and even historical figures.

Through personal stories and practical insights, Steve reveals how building a virtual board of advisors helped him silence his inner critics and focus on the voices of those who truly understood his challenges. This internal council became a tool for creativity, accountability, and strategic thinking—one he now teaches others to build for themselves.

You’ll also hear about a chance encounter Steve had with a group of female attorneys who wore bracelets engraved with “WWSRD”—What Would Steve Riley Do? That moment sparked the realization that you can draw inspiration from someone, even if they’re not physically present, and inspired him to formalize the concept of the growth council.

If you’re looking for a way to overcome self-sabotage, make better decisions, and stay grounded as you grow, this episode is your blueprint.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The Growth Council Strategy for cultivating a thriving law practice

• Overcoming mental chaos and negative self-talk to enhance creativity and adopt a growth-oriented mindset

• Managing an inner planning committee and the influence of internal voices like the doubter and the perfectionist

• Building a virtual board of advisors inspired by Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich”

• Utilizing reflective thinking and metacognition for creative problem-solving

• Steps and exercises to create and leverage a personal growth council

• Taking action to achieve significant personal and professional growth

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

• Steve Riley: atticusadvantage.com/team/steve-riley

• Download: Growth Council Strategy atticusadvantage.com/worksheets/growth-council-strategy

• Law Firm Coaching: atticusadvantage.com/coaching

• Contact us free Practice Growth Diagnostic: atticusadvantage.com/practice-growth-diagnostic

• Mark Powers: atticusadvantage.com/team/mark-powers

• Patti Paz: atticusadvantage.com/team/patti-paz

• Think and Grow Rich: The Landmark Bestseller Now Revised and Updated for the 21st Century by Napoleon Hill: www.amazon.com/Think-Grow-Rich-Landmark-Bestseller/dp/1585424331

If there’s a topic you would like us to cover on an upcoming episode, please email us at steve.riley@atticusadvantage.com.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

On this episode of Great Practice, Great Life, Steve sits down with Chris Barron, the inspiring lead singer of the Spin Doctors, for a deep dive into his incredible journey—one marked by relentless resilience, reinvention, and raw determination.

Chris shares his story of overcoming a tough childhood, dyslexia, vocal paralysis, and the heartbreaking loss of his brother—all while forging a legendary career in music. His secret? A relentless work ethic, a sharp mind, and a unique approach to handling setbacks. He embraces what he calls “guided moping,” allowing himself time to process challenges before shifting into creative problem-solving mode.

From the Spin Doctors’ early days recording on a Tascam four-track cassette to crafting hits like “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong,” Chris has always turned adversity into art—something most business owners can relate to. He shares his unique analogy of running the band like a pirate ship, emphasizing the power of collaboration and teamwork. He also offers insights into how musicians, much like lawyers, find success when they align their personal aspirations with the broader goals of their team.

But Chris isn’t just about music, his insatiable curiosity fuels everything he does. Twice facing vocal paralysis, he adapted with resilience and ingenuity, proving that persistence beats the odds. Whether it’s photography, chess, or studying ancient Greek, he’s constantly evolving, refusing to be defined by his struggles. No matter your path—music, law, or any dream worth chasing—Chris’s story is a testament to how hard work, heart, and resilience can shape a lasting legacy.

Spin Doctors kick off their tour on April 8, 2025, and their new album drops on April 12, 2025!

In this episode, you will hear:

• Chris Barron’s creative journey and identity as a poet and performer
• The analogy of running a band like a pirate ship, emphasizing collaboration and teamwork
• The Spin Doctors’ early days and evolution, highlighting key partnerships and songwriting
• Overcoming personal and professional challenges, including vocal paralysis and loss
• Chris’s passion for diverse interests, such as photography, chess, and lifelong learning
• The importance of reputation, honesty, and balance in creative and legal careers
• Resilience and adaptability as key components of a successful artistic career

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

If there’s a topic you would like us to cover on an upcoming episode, please email us at steve.riley@atticusadvantage.com.

Supporting Resources:

• Chris Barron: thechrisbarron.com

• Spin Doctors: www.spindoctors.com

• Spin Doctors Tour Dates: www.spindoctors.com/tour

• New Album: Face Full of Cake: www.hellomerch.com/products/face-full-of-cake-cd

• New Single: Rock ‘N’ Roll Heaven: spindoctors.lnk.to/RocknRollHeaven

• Spin Doctors Merch: www.hellomerch.com/collections/spin-doctors

• Team Leader Certification Program: atticusadvantage.com/law-firm-team-leader-certification

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.