Deborah Farone on Why Business Development Is the Skill Women Can’t Ignore Artwork

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Badass Women in Business

Deborah Farone on Why Business Development Is the Skill Women Can’t Ignore

April 28, 2026 • Aggie & Cristy • Season 5 • Episode 11

0:00 | 49:13

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There’s a point in your career where being good at your work stops being enough.

You’re experienced. You deliver. You’re trusted. But growth slows, and the path to real influence or ownership becomes less clear.

Deborah Farone has spent her career inside that reality.

As former Chief Marketing Officer of Cravath, Swaine & Moore and Debevoise & Plimpton, and now CEO of Farone Advisors LLC, she has worked alongside some of the most successful professionals in the world. What she’s seen is consistent. The people who rise are not just experts. They know how to build relationships, create visibility, and generate business.

In this conversation, Deborah shares insights from her upcoming book Breaking Ground: How Successful Women Lawyers Build Thriving Practices, based on interviews with more than 60 women who have built influential, profitable careers.

One of the biggest shifts she challenges is how we think about business development. It’s not a personality trait. It’s a skill that gets stronger with repetition and intention.

She also reframes sales in a way that removes the resistance many women feel. The most effective approach is not about pushing. It’s about understanding, supporting, and building trust over time.

We also get into:

Why women are still underrepresented at the top
How to build visibility without feeling forced
The role of authenticity, empathy, and expertise in trust
What actually changes when you step out on your own

Deborah also shares the less talked about side of success, including navigating isolation and being intentional about connection as your career evolves.

If you’re ready for more control over your growth and opportunities, this is a conversation worth sitting with.

Show Notes

Guest: Deborah Farone
CEO, Farone Advisors LLC
Former CMO, Cravath, Swaine & Moore and Debevoise & Plimpton

Deborah Farone is an internationally recognized marketing strategist who has spent decades advising top law firms and professional service organizations on growth, leadership, and client development. Through her work and her upcoming book Breaking Ground, she brings a clear perspective on what actually drives long-term success for women in high-performance careers.

Key Takeaway

Business development is not something you either have or don’t. It’s a skill you build over time and the sooner you treat it that way, the more control you have over your career.

Resources & Links

Website: https://deborahfarone.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-brightman-farone-4061655/

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