Celebrating Visionary Leadership: A Q&A with Society 54 and INform54 Co-Founders Jill Huse and Heather McCullough

By: Cecilia Linton

In celebration of National Entrepreneurs Day, we’re proud to honor Jill Huse and Heather McCullough—co-founders of Society 54 and Society Tech. With a combined 45 years of experience in professional services marketing, Jill and Heather have become trusted leaders in the legal industry, known for their innovative approach to business development and strategic growth. Together, they launched Society 54 to transform how law and professional services firms achieve meaningful growth, focusing on authentic, results-driven strategies. Building on their success, they co-founded Society Tech and introduced INform54—a proprietary software platform designed to help law firms track, analyze, and elevate their business development efforts through gamified engagement. Their journey exemplifies a commitment to innovation and creating lasting impact in the industry.

Q: What inspired you to launch Society 54?

Heather: Jill and I realized that professional services firms, especially in the legal and accounting sectors, were often held back by outdated approaches to business development. We wanted to help these firms see real growth through meaningful strategies and genuine connection—not just another check-the-box marketing approach.

Jill: Exactly. We set out to create something different, something that would truly empower firms to exceed their goals. With Society 54, we wanted to bring innovation, research-based strategies, and transformative coaching to help professionals unlock their potential.

Q: How did the idea for Society Tech and INform54 come about?

Jill: As we worked with clients through Society 54, we saw a clear need for a tool that would make it easier for law firms to track, analyze, and enhance their business development efforts. Our 15 years of in-house leadership experience within law firms gave us a firsthand view of the common obstacles firms face. We recognized there had to be a better way to bring data-driven insights and engagement into their strategies. That’s why we co-founded Society Tech and developed INform54—a platform that simplifies the process and makes it engaging through gamification.

Heather: Building on that, we wanted to ensure the tool didn’t just gather dust but became something our clients would genuinely benefit from. With our combined in-house experience guiding the design, INform54 was created to empower teams to collaborate more effectively, measure their success in meaningful ways, and transform their approach to marketing and business development. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how it’s helping firms drive real change.

Q: What’s been a defining moment in your journey as entrepreneurs?

Heather: Seeing Society 54 recognized among the fastest-growing private companies in Charlotte was definitely a standout moment. But honestly, the most meaningful moments often come when a client shares how our work has transformed their business.

Jill: I’d agree. Recognition like being inducted into the Legal Marketing Association’s Hall of Fame was deeply humbling, but it’s the day-to-day impact that resonates most. Initiatives like Law 2.5 and leadership programs for women in professional services have also been defining parts of our journey.

Q: How do you continue to stay successful and inspired?

Jill: Collaboration is essential. Working closely with our Society 54 team and with clients to drive meaningful change keeps things fresh and impactful. There’s no one-size-fits-all for us, and that keeps our work exciting.

Heather: We’re both driven to push boundaries and innovate. That energy keeps us moving forward, whether it’s improving a strategy or celebrating the wins, big or small. And it doesn’t hurt that we have a tremendous team of smart and successful professionals who help us continue to drive change in the industry.

Q: What advice would you share with aspiring entrepreneurs?

Heather: Be open to challenging conventions and exploring what’s possible. You need a mix of hard work, creativity, and a willingness to pivot when needed.

Jill: And don’t underestimate the value of building genuine relationships. Trust and authenticity can open doors and create opportunities you might never have imagined.

Q: Balancing the demands of leading such an impactful organization alongside your other obligations must be challenging. How do you find balance?

Jill: My family is my grounding force. Spending time with my children and finding moments for lighthearted fun—whether at a poker table or cheering on the Tar Heels—keeps things balanced.

Heather:Traveling and creating memories with my loved ones help me recharge. Even though I have been fortunate to travel to a lot of places, I have so many adventures that I want to take with my family and friends. And yes, doing the “worm” at parties keeps things interesting too!

Q: Any closing thoughts?

Heather: Thank you to our clients, colleagues, and community. Every challenge we’ve faced has been made worthwhile by your trust and collaboration. Here’s to more growth, change, and success!

Jill: I couldn’t agree more. It’s a privilege to do what we do, and we’re excited to keep transforming the industry alongside you. Together, we’re making real change happen, one client at a time.