Scaling BD Coaching: How Tech Turns Plans into Lasting Growth

In this episode of The Legal BD Corner, host Ed Lovatt sits down with Joanna Beckett, a seasoned legal consultant and coach with over two decades of experience helping firms embed sustainable BD habits, to explore how technology is reshaping business development coaching.

Their conversation examines how firms can move beyond static business plans by adopting dynamic dashboards, how CRM has evolved into a true strategic engine, and how AI and automation can extend coaching impact while preserving meaningful human connection. Joanna also shares practical tools that support accountability across teams and insights into what it takes to shift firm culture from reactive to growth-focused.

Drawing from her work at Sheppard Mullin, Joanna offers a clear view of what a modern, tech-enabled BD ecosystem looks like when people and technology work together. Her experience provides actionable guidance for BD professionals, firm leaders, and coaches seeking to strengthen culture, deepen collaboration, and build sustainable growth habits.

A must-listen for anyone looking to modernize BD operations and elevate coaching across the firm.

Meet Joanna

Joanna Beckett leads Sheppard Mullin’s business development and marketing training and coaching program designed to drive growth, innovation, and excellence for the firm and its clients.

Leveraging her 25 years of legal business development and marketing experience, she has created and launched a customized firmwide program, an on-demand resource center, and an annual internal month-long client service standards campaign.

Joanna is also a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach® (CPCC) with a passion for empowering others to reach their full potential.