How to Win in the AI Era with Lawyer James Forrest
December 18, 2025
Building a scalable business without burning yourself out may seem like a dream. The latest episode of High Octane Leadership with Donald Thompson proves that it doesn’t have to be.
Tune in as we sit down with James Forrest, a renowned attorney and entrepreneur, to explore why listening to your clients matters more than talking and how building genuine relationships accelerates business growth like nothing else. Plus, the critical strategies for navigating M&A transactions, embracing AI without losing your competitive edge and creating sustainable success without burning out.
This conversation serves as a much needed reminder that balancing ambition with intentionality transforms not just your career, but your life.
Building a scalable business without burning yourself out may seem like a dream. But the latest episode of High Octane Leadership with Donald Thompson proves that it doesn’t have to be. Tune in as Donald sits down with James Forrest, a renowned attorney and entrepreneur, to explore why listening to your clients matters more than talking and how building genuine relationships accelerates business growth like nothing else.
What You'll Learn:
- The “Hungry, Humble, Smart” framework for building teams that deliver results
- How to grow sustainably in the AI era by balancing consistent business development, smart deal making and ethical leadership
- The hidden cost of chasing affirmation and how to lead a business that doesn’t come at the expense of well being
About the Guest(s)
James Forrest is an entrepreneurial leader and accomplished attorney at Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, where he brings over two decades of legal expertise combined with innovative business strategy. With a background in building and scaling boutique law firms, including founding the Forrest Firm and subsequently orchestrating its acquisition by Michael Best, James has developed deep expertise in mergers and acquisitions, business law, and client-centered legal innovation. His unique perspective bridges the gap between legal excellence and entrepreneurial growth, making him invaluable for business leaders navigating complex transactions and organizational scaling. His work has helped hundreds of business leaders minimize risk while maximizing growth, making him a leading voice in the space, and one for decision makers seeking to understand how strategic legal counsel and genuine leadership intersect.
Resources:
High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.