McDonald Sanders Hosts GGI NA Best Practices & Developing Leaders Conference in Fort Worth

The GGI | Global Alliance North America Best Practices & Developing Leaders Conference brought together top professionals from across the U.S. and beyond for meaningful discussions on leadership, business development, and global collaboration.

From insights shared by Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and former U.S. Secretary of the Army Pete Geren to impactful conversations led by industry experts, the event was a testament to the power of connection.

Check out the video recap to relive the energy and key moments—including interviews with John Wright and Claudio Cocca—and see why Fort Worth was the perfect backdrop for this international gathering!

Hallie has worked alongside the McDonald Sanders, P.C., Attorneys at Law team and GGI | Global Alliance’s Linda Soriton for the past two years to help with this event, and it was amazing to see it all come to life.

🎥 Keep scrolling to watch the video and read the full article below to learn more about to incredible conference.

McDonald Sanders Law Firm was honored to host the GGI North America Best Practices & Developing Leaders Conference for the first time in the firm’s history. Held from January 30 – February 1, the conference brought together legal and business professionals from 21 states and 8 countries for an engaging and insightful event focused on leadership, communication, and professional growth.

GGI (GGI | Global Alliance) is one of the world’s leading alliances of independent law, accounting, and consulting firms, providing its members with access to global resources, collaboration opportunities, and best practices. Through its conferences and networking events, GGI fosters knowledge sharing and strengthens connections among professionals worldwide.

The event featured a dynamic lineup of speakers, including Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, Former U.S. Secretary of the Army Pete Geren, and the city’s own Four Day Weekend comedy group. Pete Geren’s keynote, “Lessons I Learned from Great Leaders in a Time of War,” offered invaluable insights on leadership, resilience, and decision-making in high-pressure situations, leaving a lasting impact on all attendees.

McDonald Sanders attorneys George Haratsis and Grant Sorenson led a compelling session on Effective Communication & Managing Client Expectations, emphasizing that while there is no single correct way to communicate, clarity and candor are essential in fostering strong professional relationships. Additionally, John Wright and Tom Campbell facilitated an engaging discussion on Delegation of Work, sparking thoughtful dialogue among attendees about optimizing workflow and efficiency.

Other key topics covered during the conference included Mental Wellbeing in Professional Service Firms, with John D. Bowers moderating a panel that highlighted the importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being within the industry. Sarah Sawyer also led an impactful discussion titled “What Are You Doing to Develop Your Leaders?”, prompting valuable conversations about leadership development and career growth.

Reflecting on the success of the event, GGI Founder and Chairman Claudio Cocca stated, “This conference has been a great success. I only received positive feedback from attendees. Fort Worth is a very inclusive and welcoming city.”

Firm President John Wright shared one of his key takeaways from the conference, stating, “One of the most remarkable statements that I’ve taken away was that the number one core function of being a leader is making new leaders.” This sentiment resonated strongly with attendees, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and leadership development in professional settings.

McDonald Sanders, P.C., Attorneys at Law, established in 1951, is one of the oldest and most respected law firms in Fort Worth, Texas. The firm provides a full range of legal services to businesses and individuals. Known for its deep roots in the community and commitment to client success, McDonald Sanders continues to be a trusted partner for legal excellence.

We are incredibly grateful to all our speakers, panelists, and attendees who made this event a success. Hosting this conference was an exciting opportunity for McDonald Sanders, and we look forward to continuing to foster leadership and innovation in our profession.