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What Leadership Really Looks Like LESSONS FROM THE CORNER OFFICE October 2025 720 Goodlette Rd. N, Suite 304, Naples, FL 34102 • AttorneyShapiro.com
Running a law firm has taught me a lot about leadership — and not always in the ways I expected. People often think being “the boss” means calling the shots. But in my experience, it’s more about taking the hits, solving problems, and making sure your team feels valued, supported, and unstoppable. Oct. 16 is National Boss’s Day, so I want to pull back the curtain on what leadership really means at The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A. When I started this firm, I thought I had to do it all. I drafted demand letters at midnight, answered intake calls on weekends, and put out every fire myself. One Friday afternoon, I answered the phone and talked a new client through what to do after getting rear-ended. I hung up the call, looked around, and realized the office was empty. Everyone else had gone home. That moment hit me: I’d built a bottleneck instead of a business.
intensity. Yes, I still set high standards but try to lead with empathy, curiosity, and flexibility.
There was a time when one of our newer team members, who had tons of potential, started falling behind. Instead of calling her out, I sat down with her and asked, “What’s getting in your way?” She admitted she felt overwhelmed, but didn’t want to ask for help. That conversation stuck with me. Leadership isn’t just about managing work. It’s about helping people grow. Today, she’s one of our most reliable team members and now mentors others. I used to think I needed to have all the answers. These days, I’ve learned to ask better questions and actually listen. One of my proudest moments as a leader didn’t come from something I said. It came from what someone said to me. After a difficult case that had taken an emotional toll on everyone, I called a team huddle to debrief. One paralegal looked me in the eye and said, “ Thanks for not just noticing how hard we worked but for seeing how we felt.”That’s a moment I’ll never forget. Leadership at our firm isn’t about titles or hierarchy. It’s about creating a culture where people want to do their best work, not out of obligation, but because they believe in what we do. Our clients trust us during some of the hardest moments of their lives. I see it as my responsibility to make sure our team is ready to meet those moments with heart and excellence. Here, we don’t just talk about culture. We live it. We celebrate wins, problem-solve together, and never forget why we do what we do.
So, I’m not patting myself on the back this National Boss’s Day. I’m tipping my hat to my team for helping me grow into the leader I want to be. I’m
also saying thanks to the clients who remind us daily that justice is always worth fighting for. If you or someone you love ever needs a team that leads with purpose and delivers with heart, we’re here. Always. -Marc L. Shapiro
Something had to change, so I started hiring smart, capable people who cared as much about our clients as I did. But bringing on great people also meant I had to let go of trying to do everything myself. I had to lead. Early on, I thought leadership meant being the toughest person in the room. But I’ve learned it’s more about consistency than
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Kid-Approved Halloween Movies for Cozy Nights It’s that boo-tiful time of year when jack-o’- lanterns line every porch, costumes come out of hiding, and the witching hour is for scary movie nights! Whether you’re in the mood to giggle over ghouls or spot some not-so-spooky specters, your Halloween film fests don’t have to scare your little ones to deliver family-friendly chills this season. We’ve conjured up the best kid-approved holiday horror movies that are more treat than trick — perfect for popcorn, blankets, and fun-filled evenings with your little monsters! souls so they can stay beautiful forever. Filled with fun characters, a spooky atmosphere that’s more silly than scary, and even a catchy musical number, this movie remains a favorite for goblins of all ages. ‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ For generations, families have watched alongside the Peanuts gang as they carefully waited for the Great Pumpkin to arrive. The Charlie Brown Halloween special is a cute, FRIGHT LITE
‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ “Nightmare Before Christmas” combines creepy charm with the warmth of Christmas as two very different worlds collide. Using impressive stop motion, the story follows Jack Skellington of Halloween Town as he tries to bring Santa and Christmas traditions to his community. Though it has plenty of spookiness, it has enough humor and whimsy to keep it lighthearted. The character design, infectious songs, and overall theme of staying true to yourself make this an excellent watch for either holiday. So, grab your candy corn, dim the lights, and let these not-too-scary classics bring frightful fun to your family! “I am writing this letter to express my most sincere thanks for the most professional representation of the Marc Shapiro law firm. I especially would like to recommend C. Randall Austin for his thoughtful approach to my situation. It has been a very difficult time for me, and he has remained composed, shown empathy, and patience to explain and take all the time I needed to get through this.” –Barbara W.
scare-free option that’s sweet and full of heart. Appropriate for even the youngest ghouls, this short movie captures the festive spirit of fall without giving anyone nightmares (unless you have bad dreams about Lucy pulling the football away just as Charlie Brown is about to kick it). This is the perfect option for little ones who might not be ready for scary stuff.
‘Hocus Pocus’ If you like your witchy watches to be the perfect potion of comedy and nostalgia, 1993’s “Hocus Pocus” will leave your kids spellbound. This Halloween classic follows a group of local kids who accidentally awaken the Sanderson Sisters, a trio of witches out to steal children’s
“Very professional place, talked to Kailyn at the front. She was very smart. Explained what I needed to her, and she got me to the right person promptly. Joe was very smart, answered my questions, and took a lot of time out of his day to help me. I appreciate it. I’m going through a tough time right now.” –Chris W. “Thank you for representing me during my time of need. Patrick Kellerher was attentive and honest. Patrick provided me guidance after experiencing a personal injury that impacted my life immensely. I felt that he truly cared about my situation.” –Kassy R. “Marc Shapiro and his team provided a seamless experience during a very difficult time. Katie, in particular, was exceptional throughout the entire process. She is knowledgeable, prompt, and kind. She provided frequent updates on my case and answered all my questions. Kelsea was also very informative and helpful. I highly recommend this firm.” –Kelly B.
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Inside Our Halloween Tradition
Costumes, Candy, and Connection
We take our work seriously at The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A., but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun along the way. Every year, Halloween gives us a great excuse to get creative with costumes and decorations. We’ve even had decorating and costume contests and invited our kids over in the afternoon for a bit of trick-or-treating from office to office. It’s become a tradition that brings everyone together. These photos are from some of our past celebrations. So, if you ever stop by in late October, don’t be surprised if you run into Yoda at the front or someone in a full sumo suit trying to answer phones. For us, building a strong team means keeping the connections close and the workplace full of energy. Around here, we try to celebrate the everyday and remember that the little moments matter. Halloween just happens to be one of our favorites.
Word Search
Apple Upside-Down Cake
Inspired by IHeartEating.com
Ingredients
Topping •
• • • • • • •
1 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter 1/2 cup light brown sugar
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1/4 tsp salt 3/4 cup milk
3 Honeycrisp apples
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cake •
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
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Directions
1.
Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. In a 9-inch round cake pan, add butter for topping. Place in oven for a few minutes until melted. 3. Sprinkle brown sugar over melted butter. 4. Cut apples into half circles about 1/4-inch thick (no need to peel) and arrange them in circles, overlapping slightly until they fill the entire pan. Set aside. 5. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. 6. Add milk, melted butter, vanilla, and egg. Whisk until combined. 7. Pour batter over apple slices, smoothing as needed. 8. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 9. Let cool to room temperature, invert on a plate, and serve.
CANDY GOURD HAUNTING LEAVES
LIBRA MARIGOLD MOON OPAL
PUMPKIN SOUP TEACHERS TOUCHDOWN
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720 Goodlette Rd. N, Suite 304 Naples, FL 34102 AttorneyShapiro.com
Inside Supporting the Team That Supports You Page 1 Spooky Movie Magic Without the Scares Clients on What Sets Us Apart Page 2
Halloween, Shapiro Style Apple Upside-Down Cake Page 3
Hygge Morning Rituals to Nourish Your Spirit Page 4
Start Your Day the Danish Way CREATE HYGGE IN EVERY COMFORTING MORNING STEP
There’s a quiet magic in the early morning. It’s a time made for gentleness, nourishing both body and spirit. That’s the beauty of hygge , a Danish philosophy rooted in comfort, mindfulness, and savoring life’s small pleasures. Pronounced “hoo-gah,” this gentle lifestyle encourages you to slow down and enjoy the present moment. And what better time to begin than first thing in the morning?
Begin right where you wake, still nestled beneath the covers. Before your feet ever touch the floor, take a moment to stretch — not the kind that feels like a chore but one that softly awakens your muscles and soothes your joints. This small act stirs your blood and eases your body into the day with kindness. Let your shower become a sanctuary. Choose a soap that smells like the season — apple, cinnamon, or something crisp and woodsy. Let the warm water remind you that you’re not in a rush, that this moment is yours. As the coffee brews or tea steeps, light a candle. Watch it flicker and think of someone who has touched your life. Offer a quiet thank-you and wish them well. This small blessing is a gift to them and you. Slip on your walking shoes and greet the world outside. Even a short stroll can awaken a sense of calm. Listen to the autumn leaves rustle, feel the sun on your cheeks. Let nature’s rhythm soften your own. These hygge-inspired rituals help you reclaim mornings with grace, presence, and joy. You’ve earned mornings like these. Let them carry you forward.
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