The Women's Advocate

Deidre shares her own powerful journey of navigating many big life changes at once as she dives into the challenges of being a woman and mother, leaving a job, her battle with cancer, divorce, and ultimate decision to found Von Rock Law. Deidre and Sarah discuss how these experiences have been a strength to Deidre as she has centered her award-winning trust and estate law practice around kindness and empathy for clients going through and planning for major life changes. The pair sing the praises of the beauty of San Francisco, engaging in the community outside of work, choosing the people you work with, and finding love.

In this week's episode, Sarah and ERISA litigation superstar Cassie Springer-Ayeni discuss the ins and outs of applying for disability benefits and appealing benefit denials. The ladies talk about the power of storytelling, treating people as more than their disability, why it can be so hard for folks to plan for or admit that they may have a long-term disability, and why it is ultimately so important to do so for yourself and your loved ones. Cassie and Sarah also discuss the difference between an employer claiming to support employees versus the policies and actions that make this a reality. As a bonus, tune in to hear Sarah and Cassie talk about how to make networking fun, advice for starting your own law firm, and the beauty of building a business that truly supports humans.

In this week's episode Sarah sits down with Carolyn Elefant – nationally recognized civil rights and energy attorney, longtime solo practitioner, and the force behind MyShingle.com, the longest-running blog for small firm lawyers. Carolyn has spent her career challenging extractive energy practices, defending community rights, and empowering lawyers, especially women, to take bold steps in building independent, values-driven practices.   Together, Sarah and Carolyn talk about Carolyn's recent amicus brief in Perkins Coie v. United States.  Carolyn rallied hundreds of small firms to defend the constitutional right to counsel. Carolyn also reflects on the advantages solos have, the fun she's having experimenting with AI, and why success looks different, and freer, when you build it on your own terms.

In this week's episode Sarah sits down with Leti McNeill Light - Associate Vice Chancellor of UCSF and Co-Founder and President of SIGAP - a nationally recognized leader in higher education philanthropy. With nearly 25 years of experience across top universities and transformative fundraising initiatives, Leti shares what it means to lead with intention, curiosity, and care.   Together, Sarah and Leti unpack the real work of philanthropy: building power, cultivating options, and creating space for meaningful change - whether in a lab, a boardroom, or your own home. Leti shares candid reflections on managing large teams, sustaining energy as a leader, and her personal commitment to move billions in philanthropic giving during her lifetime. They also explore how women can find their voice in philanthropic spaces professionally, personally, and collectively.

In this week's episode Sarah Nichols sits down with Katy Song, certified financial planner and founder of Katy Song Financial Planning. With deep experience across Wall Street, tech startups, and independent practice, Katy shares how financial clarity empowers women to take control of their lives, whether they're navigating career changes, family responsibilities, or dreaming of something different. Together, the two discuss the emotional roots of financial decisions, the pressures women face to "play it safe," and how true empowerment comes from aligning your money with your values. Katy shares practical tools to map your financial future, prepare for big transitions, and release any guilt or overwhelm associated with that. 

In this week's episode of The Women's Advocate, Sarah sits down with Julie Castro Abrams, a gender and racial justice activist and the CEO and founder of How Women Lead. Julie shares her journey of advocating for systemic change, from increasing diversity on corporate boards to empowering women through venture capital investments. Together, they discuss the persistent barriers women face in leadership and funding, the transformative power of mentorship and community, and the critical importance of aligning investments with values. Julie also offers practical advice for women seeking leadership roles and explores how diverse leadership strengthens organizations and drives success.

In this week's episode of The Women's Advocate, Sarah Nichols sits down with Karen Fleshman, founder of the Interracial Sisterhood Coalition. Karen, an attorney and seasoned expert in anti-sexual harassment training and DEI workshops with over 20 years of experience leading diverse teams, shares insights into her career journey. Together, they explore the challenges of promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry while stressing the critical importance of creating safe workplaces. Karen also discusses the business advantages of diversity, offers strategies to safeguard Black women, and addresses intergenerational trauma. Throughout their discussion, they highlight the transformative impact of storytelling in fostering empathy and increasing awareness.

How do you push forward when people tell you it can't be done?  In this week's episode of The Women's Advocate, Sarah Nichols sits down with Gretchen Carlson, renowned journalist, author, and tireless advocate for workplace fairness. As the co-founder of Lift Our Voices, Gretchen has been at the forefront of the fight against workplace misconduct, successfully championing changes in laws related to forced arbitration and non-disclosure agreements. Listen in as Gretchen shares her inspiring journey from being a trailblazing journalist to becoming a powerful voice for the voiceless, discusses her most memorable interviews, and reveals the personal experiences that drive her relentless advocacy. Sarah and Gretchen delve deep into the impact of non-disclosure agreements on mental health, the strategy behind successful legislative changes, and the importance of cultural transformation in supporting those who speak out.

In this week's episode of The Women's Advocate, Sarah sits down with former DA turned criminal defense attorney and the owner of her own practice, Sharon Henry, to discuss her journey from prosecuting cases to establishing her own law firm dedicated to advocating for fairness and justice. Sharon shares personal anecdotes about her upbringing, the challenges she faced as a young, Black female attorney, and her strategies for overcoming obstacles in a conservative environment. The conversation delves into the rewarding aspects of law, the importance of self-advocacy and work-life balance, and the significance of supportive relationships.

In this week's episode of The Women's Advocate, Sarah sits down with mama attorney and founding member of the Chamber of Mothers, Daphne Delvaux. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of women's rights and the unique challenges of entrepreneurship while championing the rights of women and mothers. The discussion covers crucial subjects like maternity leave, employee rights, the influence of social media, and the importance of sustainable work practices. The two also share personal insights into integrating motherhood into their professional lives, discussing the delicate balance of running their own businesses while simultaneously being mothers. 

In this week's episode Sarah sits down with Sandra Possing, a multifaceted life coach, inspirational speaker, accomplished entrepreneur, and the charismatic host of the Oh, Hi Self! Podcast.  Together, they dive deep into Sandra's captivating life, where she gracefully balanced between two distinct cultures, embarked on thrilling adventures in her youth, and eventually found her calling in the world of coaching. Sandra's narrative beautifully exemplifies the profound concept that one's business can organically mirror their authentic self.  

In this week's episode, Sarah sits down with Dr. Kim Nalley, a renowned Jazz singer and CSU East Bay Professor. The two explore Dr. Nalley's journey from challenging beginnings to her emergence as a prominent figure in the Jazz scene. The discussion delves into Dr. Nalley's unique fusion of history and music, using song to bridge past and present, solidifying her role as both a Jazz Ambassador and a dedicated advocate. 

In this week's episode of The Women's Advocate, Sarah sits down with Fahti Khosrowshahi, the founder and CEO of Ceek Women's Health, a medical device company focused on creating innovative products for more comfortable gynecological exams and procedures. Fahti discusses how the lack of innovation in the medical field helped drive her mission to make gynecological experiences more comfortable through modern products. She encourages women to take smart risks, advocate for themselves, and embrace the power of financial independence. The two also delve into the lessons learned from fundraising and dealing with rejection.

In this week's episode of The Women's Advocate, Sarah sits down with mama of three, media and tech executive, and the founder and CEO of Traction Advisory, Diana Lyman to discuss how the universe brought them together while Diana was navigating the birth of her third child and a very difficult situation at work. The two also discuss the importance of being your greatest advocate, and what the journey to health, healing and happiness looks like after going through a traumatic experience at work and, subsequently, while fighting for her rights.

In this week's episode, Sarah sits down with S. Lucia Kanter St. Amour, the VP for UN women USA, practicing attorney, and former law professor turned everyday negotiation superhero to discuss Lucia's latest book For the Forces of Good: The Superpower of Everyday Negotiation, and how to break down the intimidation surrounding negotiation one step at a time. Join us this week as these two negotiation advocates discuss everything from negotiating with bullies to getting your toddler to eat their peas, to even the power of good ol' chocolate.  

In this week's episode, Sarah sits down with fellow Aussie and the founder of A Balanced Glass, a company that provides education and resources to wine industry colleagues  to  help  maintain  health  and  wellbeing, Rebecca Hopkins, to discuss the toll that working in the alcohol industry can take on people's physical and mental health. The two also discuss how Rebecca dared to create something different in the wine space that has served as a lifeline for many people navigating their life journey while staying true to who they are.

In this week's episode, Sarah sits down with Krystal LoPilato, a Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense volunteer leader, lawyer and gun violence prevention advocate to discuss how the work people like Krystal are doing helps people sleep better at night. Sarah and Krystal also discuss the ever evolving gun violence prevention policies, how listeners can get involved and why women should allow themselves space to find and develop their passion. As Sarah says, awesome moms are those that fulfill their passions and set that example for their children to do the same. Krystal and Sarah also touch on the  importance of women working in advocacy and politics and how their skillsets bring forth and promote change. *Content Warning: This episode contains depictions of gun violence that could trigger certain audiences.* 

In this week's episode, Sarah sits down with San Francisco native, Akeisha Johnson, founder and business leadership coach at An Inspired Coaching to discuss everything from Akeisha's inspirational career, and how she uses her skills to help women acknowledge their accomplishments to the importance of cultivating discussion and conversation around diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Akeisha also shares her advice for women dealing with multiple identities and oppression, plus how to notice and address the physical effects of being "triggered."

In this week's episode, Sarah sits down with fellow Aussie and co-founder of Circle In, Jodi Geddes, to learn how Jodi started a successful business all while on maternity leave. The two also discuss everything from running a business as working mothers, to the progression of parental leave policies, and the importance of empathetic leaders supporting their employees in the office and at home. Plus, the "taboo" topic of menopause in the workplace, and how managers can support women going through it. Jodi also emphasizes the importance of having a mentor and developing the hardest soft skill – overcoming fear.

In this week's episode, Sarah sits down with the new and dynamic CEO of the Crypto Council for Innovation, Sheila Warren, to discuss everything from authentic leadership as a working mother, to the importance of diverse teams and positive company culture. Plus, Sheila shares why we could all benefit from reading more fiction and the benefits of a creative mindset.