The Thriving Lawyer

In this episode of 'The Thriving Lawyer,' hosts Kathleen Brenner and Carla Ferraz discuss the vital distinction between expectations and agreements, particularly within the legal profession. Drawing on the work of coach and author Steve Chandler, they explore how unspoken, one-sided expectations can lead to resentment and disappointment, whereas co-created, clear agreements foster a healthier and more sustainable work environment. Listen in as they discuss practical tips for shifting from expectations to agreements, the role of active listening, and how this approach can alleviate common issues like burnout and overwhelm in the legal field. Perfect for any lawyer looking to thrive both professionally and personally. 00:00 Introduction to The Thriving Lawyer Podcast 00:52 Exploring Expectations vs. Agreements 02:53 The Impact of Expectations in Legal Practice 05:13 Creating Clear Agreements 13:39 The Role of Listening in Forming Agreements 21:23 Practical Tips for Lawyers 30:21 Conclusion and Resources Get our signature course here: https://www.thrivinglawyer.com.au/thrivinglawyercourse Sign up to our mailing list here - be the first to get special offers: https://www.thrivinglawyer.com.au/newsletter www.thrivinglawyer.com.au  

In this episode of The Thriving Lawyer podcast, hosts Kathleen Brenner and Carla Ferraz welcome Dr. Hayley Quinn, a mindset and wellbeing coach, author, and former clinical psychologist. The discussion centers on Dr. Quinn's new book, 'From Self Neglect to Self Compassion,' and the critical importance of preventing burnout in high-pressure professions like law. Dr. Quinn shares insights into common patterns of self-neglect, the importance of self-awareness, and practical tips for maintaining wellbeing amid demanding professional responsibilities. The episode also delves into the role of self-compassion in fostering a sustainable and fulfilling career, emphasizing that lawyers, despite societal pressures, need to prioritize their own health and happiness to truly thrive. 00:00 Introduction to The Thriving Lawyer Podcast 01:09 Meet Dr. Haley Quinn: Mindset and Wellbeing Expert 02:52 Understanding Self-Neglect in High-Pressure Professions 04:03 The Reality of High-Performance Culture in Law 05:35 The Importance of Self-Care for Sustainable Success 07:29 Recognizing and Preventing Burnout 09:31 Balancing Systemic Issues and Personal Wellbeing 12:15 Practical Tips for Self-Compassion and Reflection 25:50 Stages of the Journey from Self-Neglect to Self-Compassion 26:36 Questioning Your Career Path 27:18 Living by Your Own Rules 28:16 Understanding and Setting Boundaries 29:26 The Importance of Self-Compassion 30:08 Balancing Passion and Profession 32:30 Taking Care of Yourself to Help Others 36:06 Exploring Personal Values and Self-Knowledge 40:40 Practical Tips for Self-Discovery 45:58 Final Thoughts and Resources Find more about Dr Hayley Quinn here: https://drhayleydquinn.com/ And here is the direct link to her new book From Self-Neglect to Self-Compassion: A compassionate guide to creating a thriving life at: https://drhayleydquinn.com/product/book/

In this episode of The Thriving Lawyer, hosts Kathleen Brenner and Carla Ferraz welcome guest Angela Grant, a Brisbane-based legal recruiter, talent strategist, and blogger. Angela discusses the evolving landscape of the legal profession, highlighting the shift away from traditional, linear career paths. The conversation centers around new opportunities arising from the growth of in-house legal teams, flexibility in career choices, and the importance of self-reflection and experimentation for career satisfaction. Angela also shares valuable insights on what law firms and in-house teams are looking for in candidates, emphasizing curiosity, consistency, and collaboration. Whether you're a seasoned legal professional or just starting your career, this episode offers practical tips and inspiration for thriving in the legal profession. 00:00 Introduction to The Thriving Lawyer Podcast 00:58 Meet Angela Grant: Legal Recruiter and Talent Strategist 03:06 Evolving Legal Career Paths 10:50 Navigating Flexibility and Work-Life Balance 18:11 Key Traits for Legal Success 26:11 Advice for Junior Lawyers 31:21 Conclusion and Contact Information Get in touch with Angela here: https://www.dayonerecruitment.com.au/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-grantdor/ Find out more about the Thriving Lawyer at www.thrivinglawyer.com.au and our signature course at https://www.thrivinglawyer.com.au/thrivinglawyercourse.   Download your free Guide to Thriving: A sustainable roadmap for success at https://www.thrivinglawyer.com.au/guide.                 

In this episode of The Thriving Lawyer, hosts Kathleen Brenner and Carla Ferraz are joined by award-winning journalist and career coach Ruth Beran. Ruth shares her unique career journey from lawyer to science journalist and discusses the concept of 'happendipity'—the fusion of happenstance and serendipity in career transitions. The conversation explores the importance of creativity, experimentation, and a flexible mindset in navigating career paths. Ruth also offers practical tips for lawyers to harness chance opportunities, reflect on their values, and incorporate creativity into their professional lives. Tune in to discover how embracing 'happendipity' can help you thrive in your legal career and beyond. 00:00 Introduction to The Thriving Lawyer Podcast 01:11 Meet Our Guest: Ruth Beran 02:17 Ruth's Career Journey: From Law to Science Journalism 04:55 The Role of Risk in Career Transitions 07:40 Exploring Career Values and Success 12:44 The Concept of Happendipity 28:15 The Importance of Creativity in Career Development 32:23 Final Thoughts and Takeaways 34:09 Closing Remarks and Resources Find more about Ruth here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-beran/ https://careerstorytelling.com.au/ Find out more about the Thriving lawyer signature course here - https://www.thrivinglawyer.com.au/thrivinglawyercourse Get The Lawyer's Guide to Thriving: A Sustainable Roadmap for Success here: https://www.thrivinglawyer.com.au/guide

In episode 21 of season 2 of The Thriving Lawyer, hosts Kathleen Brenner and Carla Ferraz discuss a key myth that can hold us back - belief in the myth that for something to be valuable, it must be hard. Through their conversation, they dismantle the narrative that perpetual busyness and stress are prerequisites for being a valuable lawyer. Drawing from personal experiences (particularly their experiences creating the Thriving Lawyer together) and scientific studies, Kathleen and Carla emphasize the importance of integrating recovery and wellbeing practices into daily routines. They argue that taking care of one's mind and body isn't just beneficial but essential for true peak performance and long-term success. The episode also highlights how building community and fostering relationships can make challenging tasks more manageable and enjoyable. The hosts encourage listeners to start small by incorporating simple recovery techniques and reflecting on their own narratives about success and hard work. 00:00 Introduction to The Thriving Lawyer Podcast 01:03 Episode 21 Kickoff - the myth it has to be hard!  03:01 Challenging the 'Always Busy' Mindset 05:29 Personal Reflections and Changes 1 1:30 The Importance of Recovery and Rest 20:45 Scientific Backing for Wellbeing 23:38 Creating The Thriving Lawyer 34:47 Final Thoughts and Gentle Challenge 36:25 Closing Remarks and Resources Resources Krekel, C., Ward, G., & De Neve, J.-E. (2019). Employee Wellbeing, Productivity and Firm Performance (CEP Discussion Paper No. 1605). Centre for Economic Performance, London School of Economics and Political Science. https://cep.lse.ac.uk/pubs/download/dp1605.pdf   Enrol in our signature course at https://www.thrivinglawyer.com.au/thrivinglawyercourse  Get the Lawyer's Guide to Thriving: A sustainable Roadmap for Success at https://www.thrivinglawyer.com.au/guide  

In Episode 20 of 'The Thriving Lawyer' podcast, Kathleen Brenner interviews Mike Rosalky, a fellow lawyer at Lawyerbank, who shares his unconventional career journey. Mike talks about his diverse legal career, including his transition from a public servant to various roles in private and governmental legal settings. He emphasizes the importance of pursuing interests outside of the law, such as sports and yoga, to maintain life satisfaction and prevent burnout. Kathleen and Mike talk about the challenges of purpose-driven work, discussing how to manage passion without succumbing to burnout. They also explore how career flexibility and varied interests contribute to overall happiness and professional satisfaction. This episode is filled with practical advice and inspiration for lawyers seeking to thrive both in their careers and personal lives. 00:00 Introduction to The Thriving Lawyer Podcast 01:05 Episode 20: Special Guest Mike Rosalky 01:54 Mike Rosalky's Career Journey 03:44 The Lawyerbank Experience 05:24 Balancing Work and Personal Interests 13:30 The Challenges of Purpose-Driven Work 17:44 Advice for Aspiring Lawyers 21:44 Mike's Yoga Journey 26:34 The Importance of Pursuing Interests 32:44 Final Thoughts and Reflections 45:48 Conclusion and Podcast Outro

In episode 19 of Season 2 of The Thriving Lawyer podcast, hosts Kathleen Brenner and Carla Ferraz delve into the second part of their special series on their course, The Thriving Lawyer, launching Wednesday 12 August 2025!  This episode focuses on the course's structure and content, taking you through the structure of the course and each of the six modules.   The hosts, Kathleen Brenner and Carla Ferraz outline the 6-week program, which is science-informed and helps lawyers create a unique roadmap for thriving - as lawyers, and in the rest of their lives.   00:00 Introduction to The Thriving Lawyer Podcast 00:49 Episode 19 Kickoff 01:18 Why We Created The Thriving Lawyer Course 01:41 Course Overview: What You'll Learn 02:04 Challenges Lawyers Face 03:27 The Thriving Lawyer Program Structure 05:41 Module Breakdown: Part One 09:31 Module Breakdown: Part Two 15:02 Final Thoughts and Launch Details 15:47 Closing Remarks and Resources

 In Episode 18 of The Thriving Lawyer podcast, hosts Kathleen Brenner and Carla Ferraz announce the launch of their highly anticipated signature course designed to help lawyers thrive - as lawyers, and in the rest of their lives. They discuss the motivation behind the course, the pressing issues within the legal profession, and why traditional well-being initiatives often fall short. Highlighting the comprehensive and evidence-based approach that the course adopts, Kathleen and Carla outline how it provides lawyers with the necessary tools and strategies to create meaningful and sustainable changes in their lives. This episode also explores the personal journeys of the hosts, their collaborative effort in developing the course, and the transformative experiences they've gained. Lawyers can learn about special launch bonuses and how the course can be a valuable resource for both individuals and legal teams. Don't miss out on this opportunity to move from merely surviving to truly thriving. 00:00 Introduction to The Thriving Lawyer Podcast 01:00 Episode 18: Special Announcement 01:55 The Legal Profession's Wellbeing Crisis 05:17 Creating The Thriving Lawyer Course 06:18 Kathleen's Vision and Journey 15:34 Carla's Perspective and Collaboration 27:22 Course Details and Unique Features 30:27 Conclusion and Call to Action Research on Lawyer Wellbeing Victorian Legal Services Board & Commission 2019 Lawyer Wellbeing Project - https://lsbc.vic.gov.au/resources/2019-lawyer-wellbeing-project-report Key links: Find out more about our signature course here.    

In episode 17 of The Thriving Lawyer Podcast, hosts Kathleen Brenner and Carla Ferraz discuss the importance of self-compassion within the legal profession. Building on their previous conversation about perfectionism, they explore why self-compassion matters and offer practical strategies to implement it. They address the pervasive culture of perfectionism in law and its connection to self-criticism, which affects lawyers' well-being. The discussion introduces Dr. Kristin Neff's framework of self-compassion, consisting of self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. Kathleen and Carla share insights on how to practice self-compassion by recognizing and labeling emotions, normalizing experiences, and treating oneself with the same kindness extended to friends. They highlight effective techniques such as self-compassion breaks and journaling, encouraging listeners to integrate self-compassion into their daily lives. 00:00 Introduction to The Thriving Lawyer Podcast 01:24 Recap of Last Episode: Unmasking Perfectionism 01:42 Exploring Self-Compassion in the Legal Profession 02:19 Understanding Perfectionism and Self-Criticism 05:15 The Science Behind Self-Compassion 06:32 Practical Strategies for Self-Compassion 07:51 Common Humanity and Mindfulness 09:27 Real-Life Examples and Applications 15:58 Techniques to Practice Self-Compassion 21:31 Conclusion and Resources Kristen Neff resources - https://self-compassion.org/ Get our guide to thriving here - https://www.thrivinglawyer.com.au/guide Join the waitlist for our course - launching 13 August - at https://www.thrivinglawyer.com.au/thrivinglawyercourse

Episode 16 of Season 2: Unmasking Perfectionism in the Legal Profession In episode 16 of Season 2 of 'The Thriving Lawyer' podcast, Kathleen Brenner and Carla Ferraz explore the pervasive issue of perfectionism within the legal profession. Kathleen and Carla, both ICF accredited coaches with extensive experience working with lawyers, discuss how perfectionism manifests in different forms - self-oriented, other-oriented, and socially prescribed - and the impact it has on lawyers' work and personal lives. They delve into the intricate dynamics of perfectionism, citing research from scholars like Paul Hewitt, Gordon Flett, and Brene Brown, and assess its linkage to burnout, stress, and anxiety. The hosts offer practical strategies to address perfectionism, including cognitive-behavioral coaching approaches, self-compassion exercises by Dr. Kristin Neff, and creating a culture of psychological safety within legal workplaces. They emphasize the importance of reflective practice, understanding personal values, and fostering a growth mindset as tools to combat the rigidity of perfectionism. Through real-world examples and actionable insights, this episode aims to help lawyers achieve a healthier balance between excellence and well-being. 00:00 Introduction to The Thriving Lawyer Podcast 00:55 Episode 16: Tackling Perfectionism in the Legal World 02:28 Defining Perfectionism: More Than High Standards 07:45 The Impact of Perfectionism on Lawyers 11:56 Coaching Strategies to Combat Perfectionism 14:34 Real-Life Examples of Perfectionism in Law 22:07 Practical Tips for Lawyers and Leaders 25:37 Conclusion and Reflections 27:07 Closing Remarks and Resources Resources mentioned Kristen Neff, Self-compassion exercises https://self-compassion.org/ VLSB Lawyer Wellbeing research 2019 can be found here.  Thriving Lawyer resources  Get the Lawyer's Guide to Thriving: A Sustainable Roadmap to Success here.  Explore our signature course (coming soon) here.  

In Episode 15 of the Thriving Lawyer Podcast, hosts Kathleen and Carla Ferraz shift the focus from goal-setting to the often-overlooked but crucial aspect of identifying and leveraging character strengths.   They explore how understanding and leveraging character strengths can make a significant difference in a lawyer's professional journey and overall well-being.   Drawing from the principles of positive psychology introduced by Martin Seligman, they discuss the VIA Character Strengths Survey and its transformative potential. The episode delves into how strengths like love of learning, judgment, perseverance, and fairness can be harnessed intentionally to navigate challenges, enhance resilience, and prevent burnout.   Practical tips on identifying, using, and reflecting on these strengths are provided, making it a valuable listen for any lawyer aiming for sustainable success and personal growth.   00:00 Introduction to Episode 15 00:43 Understanding Character Strengths 01:38 Personal Experiences with Strengths 03:24 Exploring and Leveraging Strengths 04:58 The VIA Character Strengths Survey 07:08 Common Strengths Among Lawyers 16:59 Practical Tips for Using Strengths 26:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts     Get the VIA strengths Assessment here. Get the Lawyer's Guide to Thriving: A Sustainable Roadmap to Success here.  Explore our signature course (coming soon) here.

In episode 14 of The Thriving Lawyer podcast, Kathleen Brenner and Carla Ferraz delve into the intricacies of vision and goal setting for lawyers.   Building on their previous discussion about readiness for change, they explore the deeper, value-driven aspirations that can guide lawyers towards fulfilling lives. They emphasize the importance of fuzzy goals, which are broad, value-based directions, and the necessity of aligning professional and personal goals with one's core values. Through personal anecdotes and evidence-based methods, they discuss how to maintain motivation and avoid the pitfalls of externally-imposed goals.   The episode also covers the importance of self-reflection and experimentation in achieving sustainable success. The hosts encourage lawyers to reflect on their values, set meaningful goals, and continuously adapt and learn through experimentation.   00:00 Introduction to The Thriving Lawyer Podcast 00:50 Episode 14: Vision and Goal Setting 01:14 Understanding Change Readiness 02:25 The Importance of Fuzzy Goals 04:41 Connecting Goals with Values 07:57 Kathleen's Personal Journey with Values 13:01 The Role of Self-Determination Theory 25:47 Experimentation and Flexibility in Goal Setting 34:30 Invitation to Reflect and Experiment 35:45 Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode   Sign up to the waitlist and find out more about our signature course here:  https://www.thrivinglawyer.com.au/thrivinglawyercourse   Get your copy of the Lawyer's Guide to Thriving: A Sustainable Roadmap for Success here: www.thrivinglawyer.com.au/guide  

Mastering Change: Readiness and Self-Determination for Lawyers   In Episode 13 of 'The Thriving Lawyer,' hosts Kathleen Brenner and Carla Ferraz delve into the crucial topic of readiness for change and look out how it often plays out for lawyers.   Reflecting on their recent discussions about reflective practice, they introduce the trans-theoretical model of change developed by Prochaska and DiClemente, and discuss how this framework can help lawyers navigate the complexities of behavioral change.   They explore the six stages of change—pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and relapse—and emphasize the importance of internal motivation.   Kathleen and Carla also highlight the self-determination theory's three key psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness, and how fulfilling these needs can foster sustainable change.   Real-life examples, including personal anecdotes and client stories, are shared to illustrate the practical application of these theories to lawyers.   The episode wraps up with actionable tips for lawyers to build readiness for change and invites listeners to engage in further reflection and discussion.   00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:12 Reflective Practice Recap 00:57 Understanding Readiness for Change 02:34 Stages of Change Model 05:02 Challenges Lawyers Face in Change 07:49 Self-Determination Theory in Coaching 13:29 Practical Examples and Coaching Insights 25:16 Final Thoughts and Resources

In episode 12 of Season Two, Kathleen Brenner and Carla Ferraz discuss the significance of reflective practice for lawyers, following their insightful interview in the previous episode with Professor Christian van Nieuwerburgh and David Love. The episode explores themes from the duo's book on reflective practice, emphasizing its role as the missing piece for achieving performance and wellbeing. Kathleen and Carla share personal experiences and offer practical tips on incorporating structured reflection into daily routines to help lawyers manage mindless busyness, overcome skepticism, and avoid rumination. They highlight the importance of self-compassion and engaging in solution-focused reflection to create meaningful change. Tune in to learn how reflective practice can empower lawyers to thrive both in their professional and personal lives. 00:00 Introduction to The Thriving Lawyer Podcast 00:51 Reflecting on the Previous Episode 02:46 Carla's Journey with Reflective Practice 05:30 Implementing Reflective Practices with Clients

In episode 11 of season two of The Thriving Lawyer, hosts Kathleen Brenner and Carla Ferraz welcome  guests Professor Christian van Nieuwerburgh and leadership coach David Love. The discussion centres around the value and integration of reflective practice and how it can be applied by lawyers.   Professor van Nieuwerburgh and Love draw from their extensive expertise in coaching and positive psychology to explain how structured reflective practice can enhance lawyers' performance and wellbeing. The episode explores practical applications, leadership roles in fostering a supportive environment, and the complementary relationship between reflective practice and coaching. This episode is a must-listen for lawyers and professionals aiming to improve their practice and personal fulfillment. GUEST PROFILES  Prof. Christian van Nieuwerburgh (PhD) is an academic, consultant and executive coach. As Professor of Coaching and Positive Psychology, he leads the Centre for Positive Health Sciences at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences (Ireland). In recognition of his contributions to the fields of positive psychology and coaching, he is Principal Fellow of the Centre for Wellbeing Science at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education of the University of Melbourne (Australia) and Honorary CollectivEd Fellow of the Carnegie School of Education at Leeds Beckett University (UK). Christian is a certified executive coach and is well published in the academic literature on the topics of coaching and positive psychology. He has authored, co-authored and edited numerous books in the field of coaching, most notably An Introduction to Coaching Skills: A Practical Guide (2014, 2016, 2020). His latest books are Your Essential Guide to Effective Reflective Practice (2025, with David Love) and Radical Listening: The Art of True Connection (2025, with Robert Biswas-Diener). Follow Christian on Instagram (@coachonamotorcycle), on his YouTube channel (@coachonamotorcycle) and on his website (coachonamotorcycle.com). David Love is a leadership coach with over 20 years’ experience of working with senior andmiddle managers in UK public services (e.g. the NHS). He is also an experienced coachsupervisor, mentor and educator. Before becoming independent in 2013 he was PrincipalFellow at the Office for Public Management designing and leading projects with publicservice organisations focusing on organisational and leadership development. Previous rolesincluded teaching and senior leadership positions in the post-16 education sector.Reflective practice is at the heart of David’s approach to his work with clients and regular,planned reflective practice is a central feature of a commitment to his own lifelong learning.As an art-based practitioner he has established a habit of regular creative reflective practiceto explore his work and relationships with clients. In addition, David encourages clients tocreate images or cartoons to enable them to explore the challenges and successes theyexperience in their work. David is an author and also contributes articles about coaching to journals and magazines,focusing for example on creative approaches and paying attention to neurodiversity. Hedescribes himself as a “management cartoonist”’, using humour to encourage reflectionabout the absurdities of organisational life. He is the resident cartoonist for the Associationfor Coaching’s “Coaching Perspectives” magazine. You can find their book 'Effective Reflective Practice: Improving Practice through Self-Reflection and Writing here.   00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions 01:08 Guest Backgrounds and Expertise 02:24 Reflective Practice and Its Importance 06:59 Defining Reflective Practice 23:57 The Cycle of Effective Reflective Practice 27:30 The Lawyer's Reflective Practice Experiment 29:52 Positive Psychology and Professional Wellbeing 31:48 Unique Challenges Faced by Lawyers 35:58 Implementing Reflective Practice in Busy Schedules 41:57 Creating a Supportive Organizational Culture 50:46 Reflective Practice and Coaching Synergy 55:45 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of The Thriving Lawyer, hosts Kathleen Brenner and Carla Ferraz discuss the concept of 'Flow' and its importance in the legal profession. They explore how physical environments can impact creativity and focus, share personal experiences, and offer practical tips on minimizing distractions to achieve a state of deep engagement. The episode also introduces a new course designed to help lawyers reclaim their energy and improve their work-life balance through actionable steps and strategies. 00:00 Welcome to The Thriving Lawyer Podcast 01:01 Introduction to Flow 01:12 Creating a Productive Workspace 02:54 The Reality of Legal Work Today 05:08 Understanding Flow and Its Benefits 09:51 Barriers to Achieving Flow 12:59 Practical Tips for Lawyers to Achieve Flow 17:45 Introducing Our Course: Achieving Flow and Thriving as a Lawyer Check out our on-demand seminar 'Achieving Flow and Thriving as a Lawyer' here.   

Embracing a Growth Mindset: Essential Strategies for Lawyers. In Episode 9 of Season 2 of The Thriving Lawyer Podcast, hosts Kathleen Brenner and Carla Ferraz discuss the importance of adopting a growth mindset, specifically for lawyers. L awyers often think they have a growth mindset, and that they understand the concept. However, misconceptions are common. Kathleen and Carla explore what a growth mindset REALLY is, and how lawyers can foster one. They explore the transformation and change that can be locked by this single shift in mindset. They delve into the pressures and complexities of the legal profession and how a growth mindset can help lawyers navigate challenges and improve their practice. With real-life examples and practical advice, they emphasize the role of self-reflection, experimentation, and resilience in professional and personal growth. The episode also highlights the importance of self-compassion and curiosity while offering tips for shifting from a fixed to a growth mindset. 00:00 Introduction to The Thriving Lawyer Podcast 00:55 Weekly Catch-Up and Mindset Reflection 03:46 Understanding Growth Mindset 05:48 Growth Mindset in the Legal Profession 08:32 Practical Tips for Developing a Growth Mindset 11:45 Overcoming Barriers to Growth Mindset 18:40 Course Introduction: Growth Mindset for Lawyers 20:40 Conclusion and Resources The classic resource on growth mindsets comes from the work of Carol Dweck. We highly recommend her book 'Mindset: The New Psychology of Success'. If you want to learn more about growth mindsets and how lawyers can foster them, you go deeper by exploring our one hour seminar 'The Lawyer's Growth Mindset'. 

In Episode 8 of Season 2 of the Thriving Lawyer Podcast, hosts Kathleen and Carla delve into why coaching skills are essential for lawyers. Most lawyers think of coaching as something leaders and managers can use with their teams. This is of course very true - and coaching skills is most certainly an essential skill for legal leaders. However, coaching skills can play a critical role far beyond team management. All lawyers can develop and use coaching skills to enhance client relationships, improve team collaboration, and foster personal growth - and wellbeing. The episode highlights key coaching techniques such as active listening, powerful questioning, and maintaining a coaching mindset. Kathleen and Carla share their experiences and practical insights on how lawyers can integrate these skills into their practice to become more effective and trusted advisors. If you enjoyed the episode and want to find out more, you can go deeper by completing our 1 hour seminar designed specifically for lawyers called 'Lawyer as Coach'.  The training is designed to equip lawyers with essential coaching skills. Depending on the requirements of your jurisdiction, this may be able to be claimed as CPD. Find the 'Lawyer as Coach' here: https://www.thrivinglawyer.com.au/store 00:00 Introduction to the Thriving Lawyer Podcast 00:18 The Importance of Coaching Skills for Lawyers 02:17 Why Coaching Skills Matter in Today's Professional World 03:29 Applying Coaching Skills in Legal Practice 11:34 Key Coaching Skills for Lawyers 18:06 Introducing the Lawyer as Coach Course 19:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Resources mentioned  Michael Bungay Stanier, The Coaching Habit  You can get our Guide to Thriving here 

In this episode, Carla Ferraz turns the tables on Kathleen, interviewing her about the changes she's made since discovering the power of coaching, and explores why she came up with the idea for the Thriving Lawyer. Resources mentioned - Martin Seligman, Flourish.   Check out and join the waitlist for our signature course here.   Sign up to our newsletter here

Embracing the Future: Wellbeing, AI, and Human-Centric Leadership in Law In this episode of The Thriving Lawyer, hosts Kathleen Brenner and Carla Ferraz delve into insights from a recent conference in New York focused on coaching and leadership. The discussion covers crucial topics such as the decline in human performance vis-à-vis AI advancements, the critical role of wellbeing in organizational success, and innovative leadership strategies. They emphasize the importance of creativity, effective communication, and ethical AI integration in fostering resilient, high-performing teams. The episode also underscores the necessity for lawyers and legal managers to adapt to these evolving dynamics to thrive both professionally and personally. 00:00 Introduction to The Thriving Lawyer Podcast 00:50 Exploring Insights from the Uplift Conference 03:53 The Human Performance Crisis 11:30 The Rise of AI and the Manager's New Job 17:13 The Power of Creativity in the Workplace 25:41 Communication and Connection: Becoming a Super Communicator 32:24 Wellbeing as a Business Imperative 38:42 Embracing the Unknowns in Leadership 44:16 Conclusion and Upcoming Announcements Key resources mentioned  Uplift: https://www.betterup.com/built-for-growth Podcast :  Art and Flow: The Neuroaesthetics Revolution  Books:   Supercommunicators: The Power of Conversation and the Hidden Language of Connection by Charles Duhigg Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us  by Susan Magsamen & Ivy Ross  Why Workplace Wellbeing Matters: The Science Behind Employee Happiness and Organizational Performance by Jan-Emmanuel De Neve & George Ward Check out our signature Thriving Lawyer course at here.   Join our newsletter here.