My guest this week is Anne-Marie Rabago, the founder and principal of Modern Juris, which provides tools, training, and support to help lawyers build financially sustainable businesses designed to serve the latent legal market. Anne-Marie started her legal career at Pricewaterhousecoopers, then launched a solo tax law practice before transitioning into law school and non-profit legal incubator programming.    

I wanted to have Anne-Marie on because I, admittedly, wasn’t familiar with legal incubators when she first mentioned it to me and I thought it was a great resource to share with all of you. 

In this episode, we discuss:

- Anne-Marie’s personal journey from traditional practice to a solo tax law practice to mentoring & coaching

- Legal incubators and how they might help you   

- Strategies to start and scale solo law firms  

- The potential in the untapped legal market 

- The rewards and hurdles of unconventional legal practice

- The power of intentional decision-making for your career trajectory

- Navigating career changes so you don’t let yourself get stuck

Connect with Megan!

2024 Focus Session: https://megansmiley.com/2024-focus-session

Sign-Up for the Newsletter: https://dogged-painter-2837.ck.page/f4e1721839

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Connect with Anne-Marie!

Website: https://www.modernjuris.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemarierabago/

My guest today is Kate Bridal, a former lawyer turned legal tech marketer turned co-host of The Legal Burnouts podcast.

We explore her professional journey, from drama school to working with primates (yes, seriously - she got to sign with chimps), to law and beyond.

Kate shares with us how she's navigated the pressures of the legal profession, her adventures in legal tech marketing, and the ongoing career transition she’s navigating.

It’s an open and honest conversation that highlights that the road is rarely linear, and getting comfortable with change and uncertainty is the name of the game.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Kate's unorthodox leap from primate studies to law.  
• Kate’s path through various legal jobs, compassion fatigue, and burnout.
• Challenging the norms and status quo of the legal industry. 
• The crisis of identity that can come with career evolution.
• The tension between personal ambition and family and financial realities.
• Kate's success in landing and acclimatizing to a legal tech marketing role through humor and honesty.
• Tips on networking and seeking career advice, even if reaching out feels out of your comfort zone.
• Learning to trust your gut over outside opinions.   
• Kate's current thoughts around starting her own business and doing contracting work.
• The importance of taking conscious breaks and finding hobbies that reinvigorate you.
• The liberating yet anxiety-ridden process of forging a path without a clear career roadmap.
• Insider baseball discussion of keeping up with our podcasts

Connect with Megan!

Sign-Up for the Newsletter: https://dogged-painter-2837.ck.page/f4e1721839

Schedule a Catalyst Call: https://megansmiley.com/schedule-a-call

Website: https://www.megansmiley.com/

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Connect with Kate!

Legal Burnouts Website: https://www.thelegalburnouts.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-bridal/

The truth is that building a business you care about does take time, and there's no way to have a clean, complete map of the process in advance that guarantees success.

And in this episode, I argue that it's still worth.

It has a lot to do with the fact that a heart-centered business is more than a job, it's a life project. And when you look at it like that, the journey is more than worth the cost.

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The Sick of Being Stuck Workshop Series (Starts October 12): https://megansmiley.com/sick-of-being-stuck-workshop

I am so excited to have Janelle Christian as my guest this week. Janelle tells us about her attempts to find her place within different law firm settings, and her ultimate realization that the law was just not for her. She initially launched an interior design firm, which led to people asking her how she started her business, which has ultimately led to her running a hugely successful business and branding strategy company. 

There are so many nuggets of wisdom in this episode for anyone thinking about taking a leap into entrepreneurship. 

Specifically, we discuss:

• How the pandemic brought up some existential questions about how Janelle was spending her life
• Trusting in your ability to figure things out and be resilient 
• Immersing yourself with people doing what you want to do
• How Janelle publicly shared what she was doing, which helped get her business off the ground and grow organically
• Getting coaching support will help catapult you to the next level
• Janelle’s true north is the lifestyle she wants, not a particular business model
• Health insurance does not need to be a deal breaker

Connect with Megan!

Daydreams to Designs Private Podcast: https://bit.ly/daydreamstodesigns

Employee to Entrepreneur Quiz: https://bit.ly/employeetoentrepreneurtype

Schedule a Catalyst Call: https://megansmiley.com/schedule-a-call

Website: https://www.megansmiley.com/

~

Connect with Janelle!

Janelle’s Website: https://janellenicole.co/

The truth is, the answer to what coaching looks like and who it’s for is much like the answer to most legal questions: it depends. 

It does. It depends on the coach, their approach, the intended outcome, the timeline, etc.

And I know how confusing and unhelpful that can sound. In a world where you’re already lacking clarity and feeling overwhelmed, I’m hoping to help bring some transparency to it - at least with respect to how I work.

So, in an attempt to demystify what it looks like in this episode I discuss:

• What coaching is versus consulting, and how my work is a mix
• What kinds of goals and challenges my coaching is tailored to  
• How to know if you’re a good fit for coaching
• How to identify if coaching isn’t for you, at least yet (just as important!)
• When it is time to explore coaching support
• The right energy and mindset to approach coaching with

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Connect with Megan!

Schedule a Catalyst Call: https://megansmiley.com/schedule-a-call

Daydreams to Designs Private Podcast: https://bit.ly/daydreamstodesigns

Employee to Entrepreneur Quiz: https://bit.ly/employeetoentrepreneurtype

Website: https://www.megansmiley.com/

Melanie Lippman, a style and image coach, and I co-hosted a webinar last month called Age & Authenticity: Work, Life & Style After 40. It was such a good conversation, I wanted to share it with all of you on the podcast.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• How to embrace, rather than resist, your evolution
• How to connect with your personal values and desires
• How to explore and experiment without judgment 
• How to let go of other peoples' expectations and all the "shoulds" that weigh on you
• How it’s never too late to switch gears and honor your authentic self

Melanie sees this topic through the lens of personal style.

I see it with people who realize the practice of law (or traditional employment generally) isn’t aligned with who they are and how they want to live their next chapter.

It’s a really rich conversation that I know will resonate with so many of you.

Connect with Megan!

Daydreams to Designs Private Podcast: https://bit.ly/daydreamstodesigns

Employee to Entrepreneur Quiz: https://bit.ly/employeetoentrepreneurtype

Schedule a Catalyst Call: https://megansmiley.com/schedule-a-call

Website: https://www.megansmiley.com/

~

Connect with Melanie!

Melanie’s Website: https://www.melanielippman.com/

Melanie’s Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/showupandbeseennow

Melanie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanielippman/

There's just something about back-to-school energy. There's a sense of hope and possibility. And it's a great opportunity to refocus and recommit to the big career changes you've been wanting to make.

In this episode, I share some ideas for how you can set yourself up for success and make this the year you get off the carousel of doom in your current career, find clarity, and make progress on the path to your new life.

Connect with Megan!

Daydreams to Designs Private Podcast: https://bit.ly/daydreamstodesigns

Schedule a Catalyst Call: https://megansmiley.com/schedule-a-call

Website: https://www.megansmiley.com/

This week I share my thoughts on how we can buck the system and define success on our own terms. I think the new paradigm of success is centered on you being self-actualized and of true service, rather than being the best rule follower out there.

I also shared some wise, if salty, words from my mom. 

It would be her birthday today. 

I recently came across a submission she made to her alumni magazine for her 25th reunion. Parts made me cry. Parts made me smile. And parts made me think I really would have enjoyed her. At 11, she was still just “mom” - not a whole person with interesting world views…

Anyway - here she is wrapping up her entry to the alumni magazine with a mic drop challenge to traditional success:

“I suppose that in conclusion, I should mention how essential my Wellesley experience was in shaping my life. Actually, I don’t think it was. I went through the four years longing to be out, and I’m sure I wasn’t taking advantage of all the intellectual possibilities. But I have learned that there are a lot of smart, achieving people in the world who didn’t go to Wellesley or anyplace like it and I get worn down by the self-congratulating, ‘aren’t we all great, we went to Wellesley’ attitude that comes through so oppressively in the pages of the alumna magazine.”

~

Connect with Megan!

Daydreams to Designs Private Podcast: https://bit.ly/daydreamstodesigns

Employee to Entrepreneur Quiz: https://bit.ly/employeetoentrepreneurtype

Schedule a Catalyst Call: https://megansmiley.com/schedule-a-call

Website: https://www.megansmiley.com/

Kristen Gyolai is the owner of The Law Office of Kristen Gyolai & Lure of Law. She started her career at a high-volume law firm. She enjoyed the practice of law but 5 years in, she was feeling burnt out and needed a change. After considering her options, she ultimately decided to start her own law firm. That has proven to be exactly the right fit for her. She is now also the founder of Lure of Law, where she helps show other attorneys how possible it is to start their own firm.

In this episode we discuss:

• Kristen realized that traditional law practice wasn’t the lifestyle she wanted to live
• She didn’t hate practice, but hated the system
• How Kristen decided to start her own firm
• Running the business and doing the legal work on her own didn’t worry her, but the fear of not finding clients and failing weighed heavily on her
• She decided she wanted this enough to fail trying
• There are some unknowns, but you can trust yourself to learn and figure things out
• Kristen tells us how she found her first clients
• There’s a growing trend of starting solo practices

Connect with Kristen!

Kristen Gyolai Website: https://kristengyolai.com/

Lure of Law Website: https://lureoflaw.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lureoflaw/

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Connect with Megan!

Daydreams to Designs Private Podcast: https://bit.ly/daydreamstodesigns

Employee to Entrepreneur Quiz: https://bit.ly/employeetoentrepreneurtype

Schedule a Catalyst Call: https://megansmiley.com/schedule-a-call

Website: https://www.megansmiley.com/

Lauren Kay is the host of the Legally Different Podcast, a Human Design expert, and a lawyer practicing on her terms. Lauren tells us about her journey of quitting the law in search of something more fulfilling. She identified freedom as her top value, and with that as a guiding principle, has been able to construct a portfolio career. She consults as a lawyer, which allows her to work the hours she wants from wherever she chooses. And she has been able to lean into her other interests, starting her podcast and Human Design business.

In this episode, we discuss:

• That Lauren followed her intuition to quit and travel
• How Lauren thought there was only one way to practice law, and it wasn’t for her
• The confusion of disconnecting from the label and identity of “lawyer”
• Lauren’s realization that freedom was her top value, and how that helped her create and follow aligned opportunities 
• Finding legal work on a consulting basis
• How Lauren’s personal growth journey led her to understand her interests and purpose more
• Human Design basics

Connect with Lauren!

Legally Different Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/legally-different/id1536355826

Book a Human Design Session: https://calendly.com/legallydifferent/human-design-foundational-1-hour?back=1&month=2022-06

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legallydifferent/

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Connect with Megan!

Daydreams to Designs Private Podcast: https://bit.ly/daydreamstodesigns

Employee to Entrepreneur Quiz: https://bit.ly/employeetoentrepreneurtype

Schedule a Catalyst Call: https://megansmiley.com/schedule-a-call

Website: https://www.megansmiley.com/

Mary Adkins is a former BigLaw litigator turned writer. She is author of the novels When You Read This (Indie Next Pick, “Best Book of 2019” by Good Housekeeping and Real Simple), Privilege (Today.com “Best Summer Read,” New York Post “Best Book of the Week”), and Palm Beach (recently named one of the New York Post’s “Best Books of 2021”). Her books have been published in 13 countries, and her essays and reporting have appeared in the New York Times, The Atlantic, Slate, and more. She is also a writing coach and founder of The Book Incubator, a 12-month program to write, revise, and pitch your novel or memoir. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Getting into law to make a positive impact, but then taking a BigLaw job
• Feeling misaligned with your work, and coming to not care about it at all
• Prioritizing taking writing classes even with a crazy schedule
• Taking a bridge job to allow the time and space to pursue more writing
• Realizing that a lot of the roadblocks to making a change aren’t as immovable as we tell ourselves they are
• How to build a writing career
• How the Enneagram plays out for lawyers and writers 

Connect with Mary:

Website: https://maryadkinswriter.com/

Apply to The Book Incubator: https://www.thebookincubator.com/apply-novel-writing-program

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adkinsmary/

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Connect with Megan!

Daydreams to Designs Private Podcast: https://bit.ly/daydreamstodesigns

Employee to Entrepreneur Quiz: https://bit.ly/employeetoentrepreneurtype

Schedule a Catalyst Call: https://megansmiley.com/schedule-a-call

Website: https://www.megansmiley.com/

Erika Cole built a thriving, very specialized law practice advising churches and other faith-based organizations. After running her own firm, she merged her practice and became a partner at a larger firm. She enjoyed the work. And from the outside, all the boxes of success were checked. But, something in her told Erika that this chapter was complete. She was ready for a new challenge. And she was ready for an even greater degree of freedom and flexibility. Leveraging the specialization she’d developed, she’s now serving a similar audience as she had in practice, but from a new angle. She runs a conference, hosts the Church Law podcast, and has launched a 6-week course for burned-out pastors.

I had the pleasure of having Erika in a program I ran last summer, and seeing the leap she’s made in less than a year is really inspiring. Not surprising to me (as you’ll hear), but definitely inspiring. 

For anyone questioning whether you’re too deep into practice to leave now, or if there’s really time for a second act - this episode is for you.

Connect with Erika:

Website: https://www.erikacole.com/

~

Connect with Megan!

Daydreams to Designs Private Podcast: https://bit.ly/daydreamstodesigns

Schedule a Catalyst Call: https://megansmiley.com/schedule-a-call

Website: https://www.megansmiley.com/

Our guest today is Sejal Thakkar, a former employment law attorney, a 2X TEDx speaker, and the Founder and Chief Civility Officer at TrainXtra, a woman/minority- owned training consulting firm, where she helps leaders create positive, safe, and respectful workplaces through customized training and coaching. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Sejal realizing that litigation was a bad fit; she wanted to build workplace culture, not clean up messes
• Following your interests to build skills and open doors
• Leveraging your legal background in a business 
• Leaning into a growth mindset to move through imposter syndrome 
• Balancing purpose-driven work, family and finances 
• Navigating a non-linear path from employment to entrepreneurship
• Relying on your resourcefulness and self-trust rather than avoiding all risks
• The importance of networking and planting seeds for your long-term career growth

Connect with Megan!

Sign-Up for the Newsletter: https://dogged-painter-2837.ck.page/f4e1721839

Schedule a Catalyst Call: https://megansmiley.com/schedule-a-call

Website: https://www.megansmiley.com/

~

Connect with Sejal!

Website: http://www.trainxtra.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sejalthakkar/

Elena Deutsch is the founder and CEO of WILL (Women Interested in Leaving Law). With a background in executive and leadership coaching, Elena guides women through the process of discovering what they want, leveraging their strengths, and researching inspiring new possibilities. In this episode, Elena and I dive into our shared appreciation for a heart-centered approach to career planning. For so many people, their career dissatisfaction is not simply a question of finding a new job. It’s about taking a huge step back and really examining who you are and what you want.

In today’s episode, we discuss:

• How we define a heart-centered approach (to a job search or entrepreneurship)
• How this approach leads to more alignment and purpose
• Making internally informed decisions, rather than having your plans be externally dictated
• How to explore your creative or off-the-beaten-path interests
• How your lawyer brain gets in the way
• The mindset shifts people need to make to approach their career this way
• The Great Resignation 
• The importance of community and support

Find Elena:

Elena’s website: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/ 

Book a Consultation with Elena: https://will-online.teachable.com/a/aff_0d5ngvx3/external?affcode=97439_ds-nv8nb

Free Gift: High Five Miracle Morning Checklist

https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/high-5-miracle-morning/

FREE Masterclass: How to Leave (big) Law with Ease:  https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/leave-with-ease/

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Connect with Megan!

Daydreams to Designs Private Podcast: https://bit.ly/daydreamstodesigns

Schedule a Catalyst Call: https://megansmiley.com/schedule-a-call

Website: https://www.megansmiley.com/

~

Books referenced:

William Ury, The Power of a Positive No

Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic

I never would have guessed that I'd end up being an entrepreneur. I had some long-standing stories around how I just wasn't naturally built for it. I think so many of us have a certain idea of who built for entrepreneurial success and who isn't. But, there are different types of entrepreneurs and different kinds of businesses. So don't count yourself out just yet. 

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Connect with Megan!

Daydreams to Designs Private Podcast: https://bit.ly/daydreamstodesigns

Schedule a Catalyst Call: https://megansmiley.com/schedule-a-call

Website: https://www.megansmiley.com/

Jessica Medina is a former big law litigator and SEC investigator who is now an accredited financial counselor. She specifically helps big law attorneys who need a financial plan in place to allow them the freedom to explore new career options. Jessica also reassures us that it's possible to create a financial plan that supports a transition to entrepreneurship. Even if you have student loans!

In this episode, Jessica talks about:

• What exactly a financial advisor is, compared to other financial professionals
• There’s no shame if you’re not on top of your finances (that’s the case for a lot of people)
• The process Jessica takes her clients through
• Strategies for people with student loans
• How to plan specifically when you’re considering entrepreneurship 
• It’s possible to plan, even when there are unknowns
• FIRE movement planning
• How much house you can afford

You can find Jessica at:

~

Connect with Megan!

Daydreams to Designs Private Podcast: https://bit.ly/daydreamstodesigns

Schedule a Catalyst Call: https://megansmiley.com/schedule-a-call

Website: https://www.megansmiley.com/

The #1 thing that is limiting your career options is your assumption that all of your thoughts are true. In this episode I talk you through how to question the reasons you dismiss certain options, like entrepreneurship.

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Connect with Megan!

Daydreams to Designs Private Podcast: https://bit.ly/daydreamstodesigns

Schedule a Catalyst Call: https://megansmiley.com/schedule-a-call

Website: https://www.megansmiley.com/

In this episode, I question our historical definitions for success and challenge you to create a new, more personalized definition for yourself.

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Connect with Megan!

Daydreams to Designs Private Podcast: https://bit.ly/daydreamstodesigns

Schedule a Catalyst Call: https://megansmiley.com/schedule-a-call

Website: https://www.megansmiley.com/

In this episode, I dive into what I mean when I talk about heart-centered businesses and why I think they are the real key to your freedom and fulfillment.

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Connect with Megan!

Daydreams to Designs Private Podcast: https://bit.ly/daydreamstodesigns

Schedule a Catalyst Call: https://megansmiley.com/schedule-a-call

Website: https://www.megansmiley.com

Marni Blank began her career as a lawyer, working both for the Federal and NYC government. Ultimately realizing law was not her passion, she decided to switch paths to real estate while co-founding Blank Studio NYC and Blank Farmhouse with her sister. Marni continues to evolve her career, pursuing her many interests. As a lifelong learner and explorer, she believes that one does not need to be boxed into a single career or path, but that there is room to create a life that encompasses whatever brings you joy. She is an occasional food styling assistant, maintains her real estate license at Tungsten Property and enjoys continuing her education on emotional intelligence and counseling. 

In this episode we discuss:

• Having work-life balance in government wasn’t enough for Marni
• She still woke up wishing her day away
• Marni followed her interest in real estate and got her license 
• Her approach was to give it a shot - and let it take you where it will
• She has now launched two businesses with her sister and a third on her own, leaning into her multiple interest areas 
• It’s ok to be multi-passionate and to evolve your career intuitively 
• Human Design can be a great tool for permission and validation 

You can find Marni at:

Blank Studio: https://www.blankstudionyc.com/

The Blank Farmhouse: https://www.theblankfarmhouse.com/

Work Related: https://www.work-related.co/

Well Plan: https://www.marniblank.com

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Connect with Megan!

Daydreams to Designs Private Podcast: https://bit.ly/daydreamstodesigns

Schedule a Catalyst Call: https://bit.ly/yourcatalystcall

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megansmileyesq/

Sigalle Barness is a former lawyer who is now the Chief Storyteller at Lawline, the leading online education platform for lawyers. After her experience in practicing law did not go as she expected, Sigalle transitioned to working at Lawline where she’s built an incredible career. She rose to COO, but after a health scare, decided to take a step back. That was when she created this new role for herself, which leverages her love of storytelling, writing, and creativity. 

Sigalle’s story really highlights the ability to carve your own path, define success by your own metrics, and create a career you love.

You can find Sigalle at:

Lawyer’s Who Lead Podcast: https://lawyerswholeadpodcast.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sigalle/

~

Connect with Megan!

Daydreams to Designs Private Podcast: https://bit.ly/daydreamstodesigns

Schedule a Catalyst Call: https://bit.ly/yourcatalystcall

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megansmileyesq/

Emily Hirsekorn is a former lawyer turned career confidence coach. After a stint in higher education, she decided to pursue a certification in professional coaching with iPEC. Specifically, Emily now helps lawyers and other ambitious professionals navigate their careers, develop as conscious leaders, and integrate work and life for faster success and greater fulfillment.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Emily followed her long-standing interest in psychology into coaching
• Emily wanted more control over her work and life, and realized self-employment was the best route for her

• The progression from thinking about a big jump to committing to it
• It’s possible to start while you’re still employed and before you’re fully “ready”
• Get clear on what your bottom line, sufficient income number is
• The early entrepreneurial experience

You can find Emily at:

Accessible Coaching Campaign: https://www.hirsekorncoaching.com/accessible-coaching

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyhirsekorn/

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Connect with Megan!

Private Podcast Waitlist: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/6192f9743a0e5bcf6f54234d

Schedule a Catalyst Call: https://bit.ly/yourcatalystcall

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megansmileyesq/

Seth Bradley is a former big law attorney who decided to follow his passion for real estate and create his own unique career path. He started his own firm, Bradley Law Limited, where he helps his clients with their real estate and asset protection needs. He has also become a real estate entrepreneur and an expert at creating passive income. Seth is also the host of the Passive Income Attorney Podcast, educating attorneys and other professionals on how to stop trading their time for money so that they can practice when they want to, not because they have to.

Seth talks to us about his evolution from medical school student to big law associate to independent law firm owner and entrepreneur. His story really shows how you can design a multi-faceted career around your interests if you have the courage to go for it.

You can find Seth at:

Free Gift - The Freedom Blueprint: https://sethpaulbradley.lpages.co/freedomblueprint/

Passive Income Attorney Website: https://passiveincomeattorney.com/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sethpaulbradley

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Connect with Megan!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megansmileyesq/

Lawyer’s Escape Call: http://bit.ly/escapecall

Lawyer’s Escape Plan Quiz: http://bit.ly/lawyersescaperoutequiz

April Roberts is a former attorney turned financial advisor who now coaches Gen X women to achieve more abundance, love, spirituality and alignment by connecting with their femininity.

She also hosts the podcast Vixen Voice where she shares stories of Gen X women that have shed the traditional definition of success to pursue their life’s true passion.

April shares with us all of the twists, turns, and lessons she learned in her personal and professional journey.

Key Takeaways from April's Journey:

(1) Being open and flexible: Be open to your career path taking different turns, for both personal and professional reasons. As a person, you become more self-aware and you evolve. And life happens. So, be flexible and resourceful and continue to check in with what is right for you in each season.

(2) Overcoming setbacks and embracing growth: April opens up about her divorce and the challenges she faced during that time. Through self-reflection and connecting with other female entrepreneurs, she learned to embrace failure and rebuild an abundance mentality. Sometimes, the most difficult moments can inspire us to grow and find new paths to success.

(3) Balancing your feminine and masculine energies: April highlights the importance of understanding and embracing both feminine and masculine energies in work and life. It isn’t about gender, but instead about archetypal energy - like yin and yang. She invites us to balance the logical, action-oriented side of ourselves with our more intuitive, flowing intelligence.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The influence of parents on April’s career choice
• The pros and cons of being a young lawyer 
• April’s realization that the substance of work and lifestyle were not aligned with her values
• Leaving law practice and the country with April’s Italian husband
• Returning from abroad and to practice
• Navigating a career amidst personal upheaval 
• Recognizing your unique superpowers 
• Managing fear and embracing abundance 
• April’s transition to financial advisor
• Balancing masculine and feminine energies

Connect with Megan!

Sign-Up for the Newsletter: https://dogged-painter-2837.ck.page/f4e1721839

Schedule a Catalyst Call: https://megansmiley.com/schedule-a-call

Website: https://www.megansmiley.com/

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Connect with April!

Website: https://www.vixengathering.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilrroberts/

Vixen Voice Podcast: https://www.vixengathering.com/podcast

Morgan Thomas Hall is an Account Executive at Twilio Inc. Morgan practiced in both a firm and for the government before realizing that it wasn’t just a job problem, it was a career problem. She went back to the drawing board to explore her interests, and found herself drawn to tech, and then specifically to tech sales. In addition to her day job, Morgan now also helps people transition from other careers into the tech industry.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Morgan had both firm and governmental jobs
• She considered trying to become a judge
• After giving it every possible shot, she accepted that it wasn’t just a job problem, it was a career problem
• Morgan initially considered some JD-preferred jobs as an obvious next step, but quickly realized that none of those appealed to her
• Morgan went back to the drawing board thinking about her interests
• She felt drawn to technology and the start-up world, particularly because of how different the mentality is to the legal world
• Morgan was worried her family would be disappointed, but also knew she had to make a change - she’s the one who has to live her life
• She told anyone who would listen that she was looking to get into tech, leading to connections and information
• Morgan kept coming back to tech sales, which leveraged transferable skills and checked a lot of boxes for her
• She had confidence in her capacity to learn because she was both committed and interested
• She found a way to effectively communicate her unique story as a positive to potential employers
• You will be your biggest hindrance, so learn to get out of your own way

You can find Morgan on…

https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganlthomas/

~

Connect with Megan!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megansmileyesq/

Lawyer’s Escape Call: http://bit.ly/escapecall

Lawyer’s Escape Plan Quiz: http://bit.ly/lawyersescaperoutequiz

Marie Sotelo is a former lawyer turned freelance writer. After leaving the law, she leveraged her legal experience to become a go-to ghostwriter for entrepreneurs and chief executives in the law, compliance, and risk management space. She firmly believes that money is a means to an end—lifestyle freedom; and that you really CAN do anything with a law degree. She now helps other freelancers make smart money moves in their business and teaches other lawyers how to launch a writing side hustle.  

In this episode, we discuss:

• Marie had been hoping to do environmental law in some capacity, but that didn’t pan out
• She ended up at the Customs & Border Protection Agency for a decade
• Working within such an entrenched bureaucracy eventually got too stifling 
• She developed anxiety and depression (it’s not just big law that can impact you in that way)
• Her family moved and she decided to take time off to focus on raising her son 
• She got into part-time freelance grant writing, testing it first with some volunteer jobs
• Marie worried about finances and wanted to do something that could sustain her family, if needed, but also be flexible 
• She transitioned to content writing for law firms 
• Freelance writing is a great thing to experiment with on the side, and build up some extra funds
• She’s built a life and career around her values and priorities

You can find Marie on…

https://www.facebook.com/groups/woolies 

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Connect with Megan!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megansmileyesq/

Lawyer’s Escape Call: http://bit.ly/escapecall

Lawyer’s Escape Plan Quiz: http://bit.ly/lawyersescaperoutequiz

Heather Eastwood is a public interest lawyer (with a brief detour into BigLaw) who found her long-term calling teaching public high school. 

In today’s episode, we discuss:

• Heather came out of college feeling adrift without a clear path to follow
• She went to law school somewhat on a whim, because it was at least an extension of learning
• Heather ended up working for legal aid in Hawaii
• Her best professional experience was based on a highly collaborative environment
• Heather decided to move to the Bay Area and ended up having to take a firm job 
• She felt deeply misaligned doing big corporate work
• Heather quit from her honeymoon
• She went back to the core of what she enjoyed in previous roles and her core values
• Heather decided to teach high school, and has been happily doing it for a decade
• The best piece of advice she ever got was “you are never stuck; you always have choices”

Connect with Megan!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megansmileyesq/

Lawyer’s Escape Call: http://bit.ly/escapecall

Lawyer’s Escape Plan Quiz: http://bit.ly/lawyersescaperoutequiz

Rachel Coll is a lawyer turned life coach. Although Rachel actually largely enjoyed practicing, she allowed herself to evolve and follow the threads that interested her. She ultimately felt called to get into coaching. It did require pushing through some discomfort and external judgment around the decision, but she has now built a successful full-time practice.

In this episode we discuss:

• Rachel largely enjoyed her practice first as a public prosecutor, then at the Board of Elections 
• Rachel came to a place in her personal life where she hired a life coach, and that ended up changing her trajectory 
• Rachel became a certified life coach on the side 
• She didn’t leave law because she didn’t enjoy practice, but because she felt drawn more strongly to something else
• Although other people warned her otherwise, she always felt she could go back to law after coaching
• Rachel’s practice has evolved from relationship coaching for lawyers to more general practice around embracing your full self and owning it
• You don’t have to have a huge problem or official diagnosis to justify getting help
• Trust if you’re called to something that it’s worth pursuing

Connect with Megan!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megansmileyesq/

Lawyer’s Escape Call: http://bit.ly/escapecall

Lawyer’s Escape Plan Quiz: http://bit.ly/lawyersescaperoutequiz

~

You can find Rachel on…

https://www.rachelcollcoaching.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/rachel-coll-coaching/about/

https://www.instagram.com/rachelelizabethcoll/

David Johnson is a lawyer, writer and professor at Stanford Law School. He started his career working in house at tech companies, received a JSM in Law, Science, and Technology and now (among other things) teaches a course on design thinking as applied to negotiations at Stanford Law. Dave talks to us first about how he got into academia outside the tenure-track, and gives us some great tips around finding adjunct professor positions. Then Dave lays out the framework for using Design Thinking to help move you towards a fulfilling career shift.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How David got into academia as non-tenure track professor
• Tips on getting into adjunct teaching 
• David started an online course (MOOC) that ended up getting licensed to Microsoft
• If you want to do something, don’t think too hard about where it’s taking you. Just do it.
• Specific tips on applying design thinking to career and personal development
• The importance of enduring, engaging, and embracing ambiguity 
• Bill Gates’ quote: “People overestimate what they can do in 1 year, but underestimate what they can do in 10 years”

You can find David Johnson on . . .

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djohnsonllc/

Blog: https://climate-activist.com/

~

Connect with Megan!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megansmileyesq/

Lawyer’s Escape Call: http://bit.ly/escapecall

Lawyer’s Escape Plan Quiz: http://bit.ly/lawyersescaperoutequiz

Today’s episode is the audio from the webinar I hosted last week, The 5-Step Lawyer’s Escape Plan. It walks you through the roadmap that will take you from stuck and uninspired to having clarity and a plan.

The 8-week Lawyer’s Escape Plan group program begins next week, so if you’re interested in joining us, sign up before doors close on Friday, June 18 at midnight EDT!

8-Week Group Program: https://pages.megansmiley.com/lawyersescapeplan

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megansmileyesq/  

Lawyer’s Escape Plan Quiz: http://bit.ly/lawyersescaperoutequiz

On Thursday, June 10th at 7:30pm EDT, I'll be hosting a free live webinar. A replay will also be available.

I'll be walking you through the 5-Step Lawyer's Escape framework that you can follow to go from stuck and uninspired to confident and planning your move.

Sign up for the free webinar here: https://pages.megansmiley.com/webinar-signup-page

Risa Weaver-Enion is the founder and chief planner at Risa James Events, where she both plans weddings and offers product branding photography services. Risa went to law school thinking she’d get into entertainment law, but after her summer internship, quickly realized that there was a lot about actually working at a firm that she didn’t like. After some time in law and quasi-legal positions, a cross-country move proved to be an inflection point that prompted her to go back to the drawing board. She asked herself what she actually wanted to do, and that’s when she decided to start her wedding planning business.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Risa went to law school 12 years out of college because she was bored
• She decided she was interested in entertainment law from the IP angle
• She was counting down the days in her summer associateship, which was the first sign that she didn’t love the work
• She hated being beholden to other peoples’ timelines and unnecessary fire drills
• She ultimately took a job in an environmental compliance role in the UC-system
• When she moved to DC for her husband’s job, she had a hard time finding a legal job
• Not loving law anyway, she stopped to ask herself what she actually wanted to do
• She reached out to some local wedding planners and offered to work as an intern
• She started working as a paralegal part-time to help support her as she built her business
• Risa has started a product brand photography business as an exit strategy, because weddings can be grueling after a while

Challenge Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/4stepscloserchallenge

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megansmileyesq/  

Lawyer’s Escape Type Quiz: https://bit.ly/lawyersescaperoutequiz

Eimear McCann is the Head of Strategy at Summize, a legal tech company in the UK. Eimear left law school vowing not to practice. But, after a stint of freelance writing, she came back to the law and worked in immigration and human rights. She loved the work, but when her organization lost funding, she decided it was time to move on. She was intrigued by the technology space - it’s innovation, creativity, and flexibility. She followed that interest into legal tech. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Eimear originally decided not to practice law after school
• She was a freelance writer for a few years
• How particular the structure of the US legal education system is in keeping us trapped
• Eimear ended up circling back to law, working in immigration and human rights 
• She had to go back to private practice after her organization’s funding was lost, and she realized just how draining it was
• At the same time, the immigration work had taken an emotional toll, and Eimear felt it was time to move on  
• She found herself interested in legal tech because of its environment of innovation and flexibility
• Breaking into a new field may not be easy, but it’s about reframing your experience
• Eimear emphasizes importance of finding the kind of work that truly motivates you 

Get on the VIP List for The Lawyer’s Escape Plan program: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/609057c10c791e4ece1d9104

Lawyer’s Escape Plan Quiz: http://bit.ly/lawyersescaperoutequiz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megansmileyesq/  

In today's episode, I talk about how can take an overwhelming project (like eating an elephant or finding a new, fulfilling career) and break it into bite-sized, executable steps. 

You can do hard things. It's just about getting started, strategizing, and taking one step after the other.

Get on the VIP Waitlist for The Lawyer’s Escape Plan program: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/609057c10c791e4ece1d9104

Lawyer’s Escape Plan Quiz: http://bit.ly/lawyersescaperoutequiz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megansmileyesq/

Today’s guest is Laura Terrell, an executive coach with over twenty-five years of experience as a legal and business leader.

Prior to coaching, she was a Special Assistant to the President at the White House, a senior level appointee at the U.S. Department of Justice, an equity partner in two large, global law firms, and in-house counsel at a publicly traded company. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• How to be brave in your career moves
• That taking a risk to do something different teaches you that there’s not one “right” path
• Laura’s moves between private and public sector work 
• Laura’s advice on moving into government 
• How Laura enjoys the business side of practice and sees that it’s an area lawyers need support navigating 
• Understanding what the long game at big firm actually looks like 
• How to make informed decisions and not be an ostrich with your head in the sand

Connect with Megan!

Sign-Up for the Newsletter: https://dogged-painter-2837.ck.page/f4e1721839

Schedule a Catalyst Call: https://megansmiley.com/schedule-a-call

Website: https://www.megansmiley.com/

~

Connect with Laura!

Website: https://www.lauraterrell.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralterrell

Jen Berson left civil litigation after she “saw the light”, decided to pursue more creative endeavors, and founded her own business. She is now the President & Founder of Jeneration PR and the creator of the Agency Accelerator, where she teaches entrepreneurs how to launch, grow & scale a profitable PR & marketing agency. Jen talks about listening to and following her inner voice to a career she finds incredibly fulfilling and which allows her to also prioritize being a present parent. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Jen had a vague intention to get into entertainment law, and ended up in general litigation
• Went to a smaller firm, which allowed her more time to explore other interests
• Jen somewhat randomly reached out to help market a small fragrance business she liked
• Jen realized she enjoyed work with a tangible result, that had an immediate positive impact on a business
• She started exploring the various routes within PR, starting by working with a solo firm and then going out on her own
• She did battle with this idea that she left law because she couldn’t hack it, but she realized it was just a complete personality mismatch
• Jen wanted to build a life where she loved her work, made good money, and had time for family

Get on the VIP Waitlist for The Lawyer’s Escape Plan program: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/609057c10c791e4ece1d9104

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megansmileyesq/  

Jeneration PR: https://www.jenerationpr.com/

Agency Accelerator: https://www.jenerationacademy.com/agency-accelerator

I'm letting you in on the top 2 mistakes I see people make when trying to change careers.

First, they start by asking what job they think they can get, rather than asking what they want.

Second, they don't prioritize themselves and the process of figuring out the next best career step. 

Get on the VIP Waitlist for The Lawyer’s Escape Plan program: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/609057c10c791e4ece1d9104

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megansmileyesq/

Robert Ingalls is a former litigator turned founder of Lawpods, a podcast production company for lawyers. Robert tells us how he tried a variety of practice areas before realizing that law just wasn’t the right fit for him. While he still had a full-time job, Robert experimented with a number of business ideas and followed the path of his interests. That ultimately led Robert to starting the company he runs today. Robert reminds us of the importance of expanding your circle of influence beyond lawyers who will tell you that your ideas aren’t realistic and this path they don’t understand won’t work out.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Robert went to law school to practice criminal law, which he then actually did
• But, after realizing it wasn’t the right fit, Robert transitioned to civil litigation
• He enjoyed trial, but the rest of the package was unappealing 
• The stress of the environment started really weighing on him
• Robert then moved into estate planning. It was less stressful, but also more boring
• Listening to a podcast made it click that he could actually do anything he wanted 
• Robert realized he needed to leave law, but wasn’t sure what the next thing would be
• Played around with a few different business ideas, and started his own podcast
• Robert then started helping other lawyers launch podcasts
• He battled with the thought “who am I to do this random thing?” and found it hard to tell his network he was taking such a different path
• Robert went to a podcast conference, where he was surrounded by people making a living in this field 
• It can be transformative to be around people who believe in the possibilities rather than only seeing the pitfalls 
• When you enjoy what you do, you don’t mind working hard

Get on the VIP Waitlist for The Lawyer’s Escape Plan program: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/609057c10c791e4ece1d9104

Lawyer’s Escape Plan Quiz: http://bit.ly/lawyersescaperoutequiz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megansmileyesq/ 

Lawpods: https://lawpods.com/

You know those people who seem to just always have things work out? From career to relationships? They're just "lucky." 

Turns out it's not magic. There are some habits these people have that put them in the path of luck more frequently:

• Putting themselves out there
• Listening to their gut
• Having a positive attitude and believing that good things are coming
• Resilience

Get on the VIP Waitlist for The Lawyer’s Escape Plan program: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/609057c10c791e4ece1d9104

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megansmileyesq/ 

Rob Bertman is a senior consultant at Student Loan Planner, and a CFA and CFP. Rob talks to us about how it’s possible to manage your student loans around your life, rather than have them dictate what your options are. We get into how it’s even possible to have a runway for starting your own business while carrying loans. If there’s one message I hope people get from this is that you aren’t as trapped as you may think, and you do have options. You just have to tackle the issue head-on.

In this episode we discuss:

• Loan repayment options
• The opportunity cost of your money 
• The importance of looking at real numbers; you might actually end up better by going the loan forgiveness route
• Setting a budget can be uncomfortable, but it allows you to execute a plan (something you probably want and are naturally good at)
• The risks and potential upsides of legislative changes

Get on the VIP Waitlist for The Lawyer’s Escape Plan program: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/609057c10c791e4ece1d9104

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megansmileyesq/  

Student Loan Planner: https://www.studentloanplanner.com/

Lisa Rosen is the Chief Operating Officer at SustainCERT. After starting her career in litigation, Lisa followed her interest in environmental issues to an in-house legal position at a non-profit and ultimately transitioned into an operations role there. Lisa’s story shows how your legal experience is seen as valuable for a non-legal position and that by taking that first step, you put yourself on the path for new, more interesting opportunities to present themselves.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Lisa felt that the conflicts of interest inherent in the billable hour system was misaligned with her values and integrity 
• Lisa followed her interest in environmental issues into carbon credit work 
• Lisa found work that was intellectually challenging, but wasn’t technically practicing law
• Eventually, her position evolved into a general counsel role
• Lisa raised her hand when the Chief Operating Officer role opened up and transitioned to that 
• The importance of resourcefulness  
• Failure is part of the path to your goal
• Lisa has come to realize that what she enjoys is operating a company

Lawyer’s Escape Plan Quiz: http://bit.ly/lawyersescaperoutequiz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megansmileyesq/   

Francesca Chang is a lawyer turned marketing professional, tech recruiter, published travel writer, and now life coach for lawyers. Francesca tells us about leaving practice to explore various other career opportunities. It’s a great example of what can evolve when you don’t tie yourself to a preconceived notion of what your career might look like.

In this episode, we discuss: 

• Francesca went to law school because of interest in social justice
• Coming out of law school, she worked for solo practitioner which she didn’t love
• Francesca started looking for other jobs, and didn’t limit it to legal positions
• She was comfortable with change, but was worried about other people’s opinions about leaving practice - particularly lawyers
• She ended up in a business development and marketing role for legal services 
• Francesca then moved to tech recruiting and Ediscovery software marketing
• She was on a journey to find the right match, and wasn’t averse to trying different things
• Francesca moved to Taiwan when husband was relocated and had to rethink her career yet again
• She started travel writing and worked as a tour scout
• Francesca has now also begun a life coach business for lawyers

Lawyer’s Escape Plan Quiz: http://bit.ly/lawyersescaperoutequiz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megansmileyesq/    

Francesca’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/attorney_on_a_journey/

Are you living your life by design or by default? As crazy as the world is right now, it's a great opportunity to move forward more purposefully.

Dr. Aisha is a former practicing physician turned coach specializing in helping high achievers create change in their lives. Her core message is that in order to make meaningful change in our lives, we need to slow down long enough to get off autopilot and connect to our real thoughts and desires. The world can be very loud and distracting and often confuses us with respect to finding our happiest path. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• A lot of family and social pressure around leaving medicine  
• Leaving her home and her profession meant letting go of a portion of who she was
• Her passion was coaching people informally when she was still practicing  
• At 30, Dr. Aisha was working part-time minimum wage jobs in Canada to take the time to figure out her new path
• Total clarity didn’t come all at once; it came bit by bit
• The world is very loud, so it’s hard to know what you really want
• We’re running on autopilot most of the time
• The problem of feeling misaligned in life is solved by looking inwards, not outwards
• One way to start reconnecting with yourself is to disrupt your energy at the start of the day before you’re even fully awake (trampoline, hula hoop, dancing, anything that is a pattern interrupt)
• It may take a while to go through this process, but time is going to pass anyway - may as well be making progress
• It’s ok to change at any age; we are in constant evolution 
• “You can only connect the dots looking backwards” - Steve Jobs

Lawyer’s Escape Plan Quiz: http://bit.ly/lawyersescaperoutequiz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megansmileyesq/   

Dr. Aisha’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/changespecialist-co/ 

Rho Thomas is a trademark lawyer at Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, a financial coach for lawyers, and the mom of two young boys. Rho tells us how she has a vision for her life that includes working as a lawyer, pursuing her side business, and being a present mom. Part of that journey has been creating more financial freedom by tackling the substantial school debt she and her husband accrued in becoming a lawyer and doctor, respectively. It has also meant setting boundaries at work and holding to them. Rho’s story is a great example of what it looks like to be purposeful and committed to creating the life you want.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Rho enjoys practicing trademark law, but it isn’t her sole priority 
• Rho moved to a reduced hour schedule when she became a mom
• She wanted to work even fewer hours, but had to balance the finances first
• The school debt between her and her doctor husband was significant
• The vision of the life they want has kept them motivated to pay it down
• She found examples of people doing this, which proved to her that it’s possible
• Rho started a blog about their debt journey, which has evolved into her starting her own financial coaching business
• The side business organically grew out of her natural interests 
• Rho has been successful at setting boundaries at work so she doesn’t burn out
• The pandemic has shown her she can slow down, have her business, be a mom, and still practice

Rho’s Website: https://www.rhothomas.com/coaching/

Lawyer’s Escape Plan Quiz: http://bit.ly/lawyersescaperoutequiz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megansmileyesq/

Emily Witt is a legal recruiter with almost twenty years of industry experience (on both the firm side at one of the world's preeminent law firms and also on the agency side). She tells us about her own career evolution, as well as how she helps lawyers find their next best job.

We talk about the importance of keeping your personal true north in mind as you pivot. For Emily, that has meant centering freedom, flexibility and her interest in health & wellness in each stage of her career. 

She also reminds us that you don’t have to make one huge jump and stay there forever. Think about taking steps closer and closer to what you really want to do and/or finding jobs that give you space to explore different possibilities on the side.  

Finally, she gives us an insider view into the pluses and minuses of being a legal recruiter, for anyone who might be thinking about that as a possible career move.

Connect with Megan!

Sign-Up for the Newsletter: https://dogged-painter-2837.ck.page/f4e1721839

Schedule a Catalyst Call: https://megansmiley.com/schedule-a-call

Website: https://www.megansmiley.com/

~

Connect with Emily!

Website:  https://www.whistlerpartners.com/team/emily-witt

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilywittslegalpath/

Podcast: https://beyondthelegallens.libsyn.com/

The Advocate’s Mic: www.advocatesmic.com

In today's episode, I talk about Human Design, hustle & flow, and why it's ok to be more of a sprinter than a marathoner.

Lawyer’s Escape Plan Quiz: http://bit.ly/lawyersescaperoutequiz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megansmileyesq/

Human Design Chart: https://www.jovianarchive.com/get_your_chart

Kat Johnston spent over a decade between BigLaw litigation and being in-house at a Silicon Valley company. The intensity of working in those environments and the stress took their toll. So, Kat started to prioritize taking better care of herself. Ultimately, as her focus and priorities shifted, Kat decided to leave practice and has taken the past 2 years off to give herself time to reset, explore, and find the next right step for her career journey. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• Working hard along the path isn’t the same as working hard at figuring out a path
• Kat enjoyed the clarity of mission working in-house and the ability to be more herself, have room to innovate and be creative 
• In-house practice at a Silicon Valley company is still an intense place to work
• Kat was really burned out physically and emotionally
• She realized that she had to take self-care more seriously and set real boundaries at work
• You can start being the person you want to be before you leave your job
• The more she took care of herself, the more it made her question “what are we all doing?”
• As she shifted, she was more out of sync with her colleagues
• For Kat, she came to decide that she didn’t need to have the answers before leaving her job
• She left with no plan for a year - other than that she’d planned out the money piece with her financial advisor
• She sold her home, sold most of her things, and traveled for a year
• The first year was not about figuring it out - it was about allowing herself to reset and live differently
• She then spent another year traveling the US in an airstream, but more focused on thinking about next steps
• She’s now in the early stages of building her own wellness & nature retreat

Lawyer’s Escape Plan Quiz: http://bit.ly/lawyersescaperoutequiz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megansmileyesq/    

Kat’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildkatwandering/

We all want to be able to sit in a room, research our career options, and come up with a plan we're 100% confident in before taking action.  

But here's the thing: you can't wait for total confidence and clarity to take action because it's the action taking that grows your confidence and clarity.

Lawyer’s Escape Plan Quiz: http://bit.ly/lawyersescaperoutequiz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megansmileyesq/

Vanessa Kuljis is the Founder of BloomRise LLC and a GALLUP Certified Strengths Coach. She works with lawyers and other professionals to discover individual talents, own their unique value proposition, and move toward setting and achieving authentic goals. Vanessa was previously the Director of Professional Development and Leadership Initiatives at the University of Miami Law School and, before that, a litigation associate.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Vanessa went straight through from undergrad to law school into a litigation practice
• As the child of immigrants, the idea of being a professional working in a big fancy building seemed like the ultimate achievement 
• Vanessa realized she really wanted more interaction with people, and more emphasis on relationship-building in her work
• She also started to realize she wanted to build something, she just wasn’t sure what yet
• Vanessa moved to NY for a year for her husband’s job and decided to explore other interests rather than practice
• Ultimately, Vanessa went into higher education, working in student services at a law school
• As part of her job, Vanessa got the Gallup CliftonStrengths certification 
• She ended up consulting on strengths on the side and realized this was the business she wanted to build
• In leaving her job to do her new business full-time, Vanessa realized how true it is that courage isn’t absence of fear, it’s taking the leap despite your fear
• It may look from the outside like a move was sudden and easy, but it’s just because you don’t see all of the the thought and processing going on behind the scenes
• Strengths coaching walks you through 3 stages: awareness, appreciation, application
• You often can’t see your strengths because they are so inherent to who you are
• It’s a much higher return to invest in your strengths than try to improve on your weaknesses

Vanessa’s Website: www.BloomRiseCo.com

Lawyer’s Escape Plan Quiz: http://bit.ly/lawyersescaperoutequiz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megansmileyesq/