Briefcase and Couch

How do women project authority in leadership roles without sacrificing authenticity?In this episode, attorney Fran Griesing and business owner Emily Griesing explore gender dynamics in leadership and how women’s authority is often perceived differently in professional spaces. We discuss when they first noticed that gender affected how their expertise was received, how their definition of authority has evolved throughout their careers, and the subtle workplace pressures women face to adjust their behavior in order to be taken seriously.This conversation dives into professional presence, leadership confidence, navigating gender bias, and building professional credibility without performing or losing authenticity. We examine how women can lead with power, communicate with confidence, and maintain integrity while advancing in male-dominated or high-stakes environments.If you’re a professional woman navigating leadership, professional roles, entrepreneurship, or career advancement, this episode offers practical insight on confidence, authority, and authentic leadership.Hosts:Stephanie Sarkis, PhD — ⁠⁠stephaniesarkis.com⁠⁠Valerie Matherne, Esq. — ⁠⁠courington-law.com/valerie-theng-matherneThis episode explores confidence, presence, power, and staying true to yourself while leading.Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as clinical, legal, or medical advice, nor as a substitute for professional judgment. The views expressed are those of the cohosts and guests and do not necessarily represent any organization. Listeners are encouraged to apply information in a manner consistent with their professional training, ethical guidelines, and applicable laws and regulations.

What does success really mean—and who gets to decide?In this episode, we’re joined by attorneys Eileen Letts and Celia Eckert for an honest conversation about how our definitions of success evolve over time. We talk about the expectations many of us absorbed in grad school and law school, how those early narratives can quietly shape our careers (and stress levels), and what happens when the old metrics stop fitting.Together, we explore permission-giving ideas about redefining achievement on your own terms—whether that means rethinking ambition, balance, leadership, or fulfillment. If you’ve ever felt pressure to chase someone else’s version of success, this episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and write your own rules.Hosts:Stephanie Sarkis, PhD — ⁠stephaniesarkis.com⁠Valerie Matherne, Esq. — ⁠courington-law.com/valerie-theng-matherneDisclaimer: The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as clinical, legal, or medical advice, nor as a substitute for professional judgment. The views expressed are those of the cohosts and guests and do not necessarily represent any organization. Listeners are encouraged to apply information consistent with their professional training, ethical guidelines, and applicable laws and regulations.

In this episode, we take on The Second Shift—the often invisible work that begins after the workday ends. Joined by attorneys Reshonda Brown and Lee Ellen Bagley, we explore how home responsibilities, caregiving, and emotional labor continue long past the workday, even in high-functioning professional households. We talk about negotiating domestic balance with partners and families, setting expectations, and why naming the second shift is the first step toward real change.Hosts:Stephanie Sarkis, PhD — stephaniesarkis.comValerie Matherne, Esq. — courington-law.com/valerie-theng-matherneDisclaimer:The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as clinical, legal, or medical advice, nor as a substitute for professional judgment. The views expressed are those of the cohosts and guests and do not necessarily represent any organization.

In this episode, it’s just Stephanie and Valerie talking through their New Year’s resolutions—what we’re intentionally setting, what we’re actively letting go of, and how our goals have changed with time and experience. We discuss realistic expectations, boundaries, and why growth doesn’t have to look dramatic to be meaningful. A thoughtful, honest conversation about approaching the new year with clarity rather than pressure.Hosts:Stephanie Sarkis, PhD — stephaniesarkis.comValerie Matherne, Esq. — courington-law.com/valerie-theng-matherneDisclaimer:The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as clinical, legal, or medical advice, nor as a substitute for professional judgment. The views expressed are those of the cohosts and guests and do not necessarily represent any organization.

In this episode, we tackle one of the most challenging professional and personal skills: setting boundaries. Joined by attorneys Lydia Bueschel, Esq. and Rachel Milano, Esq., we explore how to set limits with clients, coworkers, and even family members—without drowning in guilt or worrying about fallout. We discuss the emotional load of always being “available,” how to say no with clarity and confidence, and what healthy boundaries look like in demanding careers.Guests:Lydia Bueschel, Esq.Rachel Milano, Esq.Hosts:Stephanie Sarkis, PhD — stephaniesarkis.comValerie Matherne, Esq. — courington-law.com/valerie-theng-matherneDisclaimer:The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as clinical, legal, or medical advice, nor as a substitute for professional judgment. The views expressed are those of the cohosts and guests and do not necessarily represent any organization.

In this episode, we dive into what burnout really looks like—beyond the buzzword. Joined by attorneys Brenda Godfrey, Esq. and Stacy Fode, Esq., we explore how chronic stress, emotional exhaustion, and unrealistic expectations can erode even the most resilient professionals. Together, we unpack the warning signs, talk about why rest isn’t laziness, and share strategies for recovery that go deeper than a weekend off.Brenda Godfrey, Esq. currently serves as Assistant General Counsel (Claims and Litigation) at SPX Technologies and Heating Segment General Counsel for the HVAC segment. Outside of law, she’s an equestrian who trains and competes in Dressage.Stacy Fode, Esq. is a Partner at NFC West/Nukk-Freeman & Cerra, PC Employment Attorneys in San Diego. She focuses her practice on employment litigation and advisement, as well as business litigation.Hosts:Stephanie Sarkis, PhD — stephaniesarkis.comValerie Matherne, Esq. — courington-law.com/valerie-theng-matherneDisclaimer:The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as clinical, legal, or medical advice, nor as a substitute for professional judgment. The views expressed are those of the cohosts and guests and do not necessarily represent any organization.

In this episode, we delve into how meaningful friendships endure—and even thrive—in a world that rarely slows down. Joined by publicist Lara Starr and attorney Jamie Rudman, we discuss maintaining genuine connections while juggling careers, relationships, and the constant demands of life. From navigating shifting priorities to redefining what support looks like, this conversation dives into how female friendships can evolve without losing their depth.Lara Starr is a publicist, Substacker, Charm School principal, cookbook author, and former radio producer. larastarr.com/Jamie Rudman Esq. is a labor and employment attorney for over 30 years and is the outgoing chair of the board for a legal trade organization. sanchez-amador.com/jr/Hosts:Stephanie Sarkis PhD - stephaniesarkis.comValerie Matherne Esq. - courington-law.com/valerie-theng-matherne/Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as clinical, legal, or medical advice, nor as a substitute for professional judgment. The views expressed are those of the cohosts and guests and do not necessarily represent any organization. Listeners are encouraged to apply information consistent with their professional training, ethical guidelines, and applicable laws and regulations.

Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and candles—it’s about finding strategies that actually work when life feels overwhelming. In this episode of Briefcase and Couch, Stephanie and Valerie share what self-care really looks like in the real world.You'll learn how to create realistic habits that restore your energy, even on your busiest days. We are joined this episode by attorneys Kerrie Heslin, Esq., and Bredale Rucker, Esq. Kerrie Heslin Esq. is the Managing Partner at Nukk-Freeman & Cerra, and Bredale Rucker Esq. is Assistant General Counsel, Labor and Employment, at NiSource. Whether you’re running from meeting to meeting, handling court deadlines, or just trying to keep your head above water, this episode will help you rethink self-care and walk away with strategies you can actually use.Dr. Stephanie Sarkis www.stephaniesarkis.comValerie Matherne Esq. www.courington-law.com/valerie-theng-matherne/Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as clinical, legal, or medical advice, nor as a substitute for professional judgment. The views expressed are those of the cohosts and guests and do not necessarily represent any organization. Listeners are encouraged to apply information consistent with their professional training, ethical guidelines, and applicable laws and regulations.

Dr. Stephanie Sarkis and Valerie Matherne sit down with guests Amanda Green Alexander and Katie Klibert to explore the experience of imposter syndrome — that nagging sense of self-doubt that makes even high-achieving professionals question their abilities.Together, they share stories, insights, and strategies for recognizing imposter feelings, quieting the inner critic, and building confidence in both personal and professional life. Whether you’ve felt like a fraud at work, in relationships, or in new roles, this conversation offers validation and tools to move forward with greater self-trust.Amanda Green Alexander is the Founder and Managing Partner of Alexander Law, P.A. in Jackson, Mississippi. Katie Klibert is the Vice President of Corporate Development and Business Strategy at Magnolia Companies of Louisiana.⁠www.stephaniesarkis.com⁠ ⁠ www.courington-law.com

Hosts Dr. Stephanie Sarkis and Valerie Matherne are joined by Amanda Green Alexander and Katie Klibert for a candid conversation about the myth of “having it all.” From career ambitions and family life to self-care and societal expectations, the group unpacks the unrealistic pressures placed on women — and why chasing perfection often leaves us drained instead of fulfilled.Together, they share personal experiences and practical perspectives on redefining success, finding balance, and creating space for what truly matters.Amanda Green Alexander is the Founder and Managing Partner of Alexander Law, P.A. in Jackson, Mississippi. Katie Klibert is the Vice President of Corporate Development and Business Strategy at Magnolia Companies of Louisiana.www.stephaniesarkis.com www.courington-law.com

In this very first episode, hosts Dr. Stephanie Sarkis and Valerie Matherne sit down to share the story behind the podcast — why they created it, what listeners can expect, and the kinds of conversations they’ll be bringing your way. From self-care to navigating work, relationships, and mental health, Stephanie and Valerie set the stage for an honest, engaging, and down-to-earth series of episodes designed to inform and inspire. www.stephaniesarkis.com www.courington-law.com