In our recent webinar, we revisited key concepts from 2024, including Thin Slicing and Pre-Suasion.
Our Commitment to Authenticity
At White Collar Advice, we practice what we preach. We guide people through federal investigations, sentencing, and life after prison based on our experiences and what we have learned from subject matter experts, like Federal Judges. This approach ensures our advice is both practical and credible.
Glenn Hudson’s Approach
Take Glenn Hudson, for instance. While serving time, he documented his journey through Prison Professor Talent. By sharing his writings with case managers, he demonstrated his commitment to personal growth. His proactive efforts, including teaching and writing, influenced key stakeholders and strengthened his family relationships.
Building a Record While in Federal Prison
Many in our community use their prison time to build a new record. Activities like writing blogs, teaching classes, and volunteering provide evidence of progress that will help overcome skeptical case managers and probation officers. These efforts counter the government’s narrative, often focusing on our case or plea agreement. Judges, case managers, and probation officers, as told to us by Chris Maloney, need to see evidence, or in their opinion, it did not happen.
Navigating Subjectivity
Success isn’t guaranteed and can be subjective. Some stakeholders may prioritize a comprehensive release plan, while others might throw it in the trash. For example, Glenn shared his writings with two different case managers; one responded positively, and the other was indifferent. The key takeaway: engaging in this work is crucial. Even if immediate impacts aren’t evident, you are sewing seeds, laying a foundation and developing new skills: you are leading!!
My Personal Experience
At Taft, I wrote daily blogs and Lessons From Prison, which helped me build my business and feel productive in prison. The Bureau of Prisons permits such activities, provided they don’t interfere with assigned duties. Many in our community have followed my same path.
Avoiding Pitfalls in Federal Prison
We also emphasize the importance of avoiding problems in federal prison. A common issue is the use of contraband cell phones. Despite their severe prevalence, the consequences are loss of good time credits, First Step Act eligibility, and halfway house time. It could even lead to a new crime. Moreover, it erodes trust with case managers, hindering favorable outcomes. Prison life is challenging enough without adding self-imposed obstacles affecting individuals and their families.
Changing Perceptions Through Thin Slicing
People often make quick judgments based on limited information—a concept known as Thin Slicing. For those facing federal charges, stakeholders like judges and probation officers may rely heavily on the government’s narrative. Without proactive efforts to present an alternative story, these perceptions remain unchanged.
We encourage individuals to take control of their narratives. Highlight values such as diligence, integrity, and responsibility—qualities respected by judges. By documenting these traits, you can demonstrate a multifaceted character beyond the government’s depiction, potentially influencing stakeholders’ perceptions and decisions.
The Power of Pre-Suasion
Influencing stakeholders requires consistent, tangible actions. People like Glenn Hudson and Dr. Nate Schott have embraced this approach, achieving notable results. Glenn developed a business plan, authored books, and created a release strategy that resonated with cynical decision-makers.
Similarly, we advise defendants to engage in building assets. Writing book reports, personal reflections, and formulating a release plan indicate progress that cannot be questioned. Book reports, in particular, provide evidence of how you are preparing. Further, writing reports takes a passive activity (reading) and it becomes active (writing).
Hard Work and Humility
Humility and diligence are essential for successful mitigation. One physician in our community transitioned from a lucrative medical career to construction work while preparing for sentencing. His proactive efforts—including writing letters and engaging with stakeholders—exemplify his ability to embrace change and work to develop new skills, as humbling as it may be.
Discussion Questions
- What specific values—such as diligence or integrity—can you document and share to positively influence stakeholders?
Happy New Years!
Justin Paperny
P.S. Resources we mentioned during our webinar:
1: Glenn Hudson Talent Profile
2: Glenn Hudson Instagram Profile
3: Interview with Former Probation Chief, Chris Maloney
4: Create your Prison Professor Profile
5: YouTube about Dr. who refused to work at Home Depot
6: Webinar Replay: Pre-Suasion
