Will Budner

Will Budner
Director of Programming & Performance

will@cochrancd.com

Will Budner
Director of Programming & Performance

will@cochrancd.com

Meet Will Budner

Will Budner is our Director of Performance and Programming at Cochran, where he is focused on helping legal professionals reach peak performance and optimize their approach to work and life. With a master’s in Performance Psychology from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, Will brings a deep understanding of psychology and practical performance enhancement strategies specifically tailored to the unique challenges faced by lawyers.

What excites you about working with lawyers and law firms?

As the son of two attorneys, I have an intimate understanding of the demands and pressures lawyers face daily. Being able to support lawyers in leading more balanced and successful lives is close to my heart. I’m passionate about helping them shift their mindsets, build resilience, and develop sustainable habits to achieve meaningful, lasting change.

How does your past experience help you in your job?

Throughout my career, I’ve worked across various industries—politics, sports, nonprofits, marketing, and consulting—which has equipped me with a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in different environments. My broad experience, combined with my education in performance psychology, enables me to guide professionals in any field toward achieving their goals and performing at their best.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

During my time in Scotland, I worked with the University of Edinburgh’s men’s and women’s ice hockey teams, providing performance consulting that enhanced their approach to training and competition. Watching the women’s team win the British University Ice Hockey National Championship was incredibly rewarding and solidified my commitment to performance optimization. This experience gave me invaluable insights into high-performance team dynamics.

Education

Southern Methodist University, BA
University of Edinburgh, MSc. in Performance Psychology