In this episode of Beyond the Books, Jessica Gonifas sits down with Melissa Shanahan, founder of Velocity Work, to unpack why so many law firm owners set ambitious goals—but struggle to execute them. Together, they explore the real barriers to strategic follow-through, including unclear vision, too many priorities, lack of focus, and missing accountability.
Melissa shares why most firms lose momentum after planning retreats, how narrowing focus to just one or two priorities per quarter creates real progress, and why “buying back your time” is essential for growth. The conversation also tackles the loneliness of leadership, the importance of having strategic partners to think alongside you, and how accountability systems turn plans into action.
The episode reframes goal-setting as a tool—not a measure of self-worth—and emphasizes that consistent execution, clarity, and momentum are what ultimately lead law firm owners to hit their goals. It’s a practical, mindset-shifting conversation for anyone ready to make 2026 the year strategy finally turns into results.