In this episode of the Counsel Podcast, Mel reunites with long-time friend and former colleague Anna Tichborne for a candid conversation about career evolution, leadership and the courage to step outside the traditional lawyer path. Anna’s career has spanned more than two decades across New Zealand, Australia and the US. From General Counsel to Chief Operations Officer and now building her own consulting practice, she has consistently embraced change, backed herself and carved out space beyond the confines of “lawyer in a box.” Together, we dive into: Anna’s transition from GC to COO and what it’s like to move from advising to decision-making The mindset shifts needed to step into executive leadership outside of legal Learning to let go of the lawyer identity while still drawing on those skills The role of mentors, sponsors and having someone in your corner who sees your potential What skills transfer seamlessly from law to operations, and what you need to unlearn Anna’s current chapter working with early-stage businesses and tech founders Why culture, people, and community are the real drivers of successful organisations This episode is packed with insights for lawyers curious about broader executive opportunities or anyone navigating identity shifts and new career chapters. Resources and Links: Connect with Anna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-tichborne-a9647946/ Download the New to In-House Survival Guide: https://www.counselpodcast.com/store/p/newtoinhouse (use code BigSisEnergy for a special discount) All of Mel's Big Sis Briefings can be found here: https://www.counselpodcast.com/big-sis-briefings Connect with Mel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theinhouselawyer/ Counsel Podcast Page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/67479008/admin/feed/posts/ Instagram & TikTok: @theinhouselawyer Subscribe to the Counsel Podcast so you don’t miss upcoming conversations with leaders who are redefining what it means to be a lawyer today.
The Counsel Podcast is back for Season 5! In this opening episode, Mel Storey shares a deeply personal update: leaving her role as Head of Legal (APAC) at Pax8 to step into self-employment for the very first time. Mel reflects on: Why she chose to resign after 15 years in the law The breadcrumb trail of signs that told her it was time for a reset What it feels like to de-institutionalise from corporate life The messy but exciting process of building a portfolio career How this podcast planted the seed for coaching, content and speaking What’s coming up in Season 5, including incredible guests and honest solo episodes This is an honest behind-the-scenes look at career change, identity and learning to back yourself even when you don’t have the whole map. Resources and Links: Download the New to In-House Survival Guide: https://www.counselpodcast.com/store/p/newtoinhouse (use code Big Sis Energy for a special discount) All of Mel's Big Sis Briefings can be found here: https://www.counselpodcast.com/big-sis-briefings Connect with Mel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theinhouselawyer/ Counsel Podcast Page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/67479008/admin/feed/posts/ Instagram & TikTok: @theinhouselawyer Subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodes featuring in-house leaders, founders and lawyers taking unconventional paths.
James d'Apice is a commercial and litigation lawyer who recently launched a new law firm, Gravamen. James is also passionate about sharing engaging and nuanced legal updates through his video series 'Coffee and a Case Note' which you can find wherever you get your social media fix. Mel gets the inside scoop from James on everything from rap battles to his new law firm and working with external counsel. Connect with James: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesdapice/ Instagram: @coffeeandacasenote Connect with Mel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theinhouselawyer/ Counsel Podcast Page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/67479008/admin/feed/posts/ Instagram & TikTok: @theinhouselawyer
About Our Guest: Elisabeth Flett is the General Counsel and Company Secretary of Cancer Council NSW. Elisabeth and Mel discuss finding purpose and passion in your career, including Elisabeth's break from the law to study veterinary science and what drew her back to legal practice. Elisabeth was recently awarded 2023 General Counsel of the Year by the Association of Corporate Counsel. Connect with Elisabeth: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisabethflett/ Instagram: @the.me.shaped.lawyer Connect with Mel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theinhouselawyer/ Counsel Podcast Page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/67479008/admin/feed/posts/ Instagram & TikTok: @theinhouselawyer
About Our Guest: Yosr Hamza is Head of Legal and Director of Legal and Compliance at Gartner. In addition to her work as a lawyer and business advisor, Yosr is a proud caregiver and advocate for her son, who lives with a rare disease. Connect with Yosr: Blog: https://docket.acc.com/author/yosr-hamza Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yosrhamza/ Connect with Mel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theinhouselawyer/ Counsel Podcast Page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/67479008/admin/feed/posts/ Instagram: @theinhouselawyer Support: Thank you to Markster for supporting this episode. Visit markster.com.au or email kate@markster.com.au. Thank you also to InCounsel for supporting this episode. Visit incounsel.com.au for more.
Cate Bennett is currently Global General Counsel & Company Secretary for Movember, a Not-For-Profit operating across six jurisdictions with a focus on men's health. Cate also has a background in the public sector, having worked across public transport, justice and health services Movember is the leading charity changing the face of men's health working across mental health & suicide prevention as well as prostate and testicular cancer support. To see more of their work, and to donate or get involved, visit their website https://au.movember.com/about/testicular-cancer Connect with Cate LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catebennett/ Connect with Mel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theinhouselawyer/ Counsel Podcast Page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/67479008/admin/feed/posts/?feedType=following Instagram: @theinhouselawyer ~~~ Thank you to Markster for supporting this episode. Visit markster.com.au or email kate@markster.com.au. Thank you to InCounsel for supporting this episode too. Visit incounsel.com.au. ~~~
BONUS EPISODE WHILE MEL DISTRACTS HERSELF FROM PRE-TRAVEL COVID TEST ANXIETY.... (UPDATE: NEGATIVE COVID - OFF TO THE US!) Resources mentioned in this episode: @veecon https://veecon.co/ NFT projects (DYOR, not financial advice) - VeeFriends - EveryDay Sloths - World Of Women - Boss Beauties - Dapper Dinos NFT resources: - OpenSea.io (NFT ebay) Legal Tech conference: - https://www.legalops.fm/ - https://www.lexcheck.com/ - https://ironcladapp.com/journal/contract-management/what-is-contract-management/ - https://www.amazon.com.au/Tomorrows-Lawyers-Introduction-Your-Future/dp/019966806X - https://www.amazon.com.au/World-Without-Work-Technology-Automation/dp/0141986808/ref=asc_df_0141986808/?tag=googleshopdsk-22&linkCode=df0&hvadid=463879774783&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4152845110137765068&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9069264&hvtargid=pla-919268624784&psc=1 Connect with Mel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theinhouselawyer/ Counsel Podcast page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-podcast Instagram: @theinhouselawyer TikTok: @theinhouselawyer ~~~ Thank you to Markster for supporting this season. Visit markster.com.au or email kate@markster.com.au. Thank you to InCounsel for supporting this season too. Visit incounsel.com.au. ~~~
Dave is currently Founder & CEO of drop-in social audio platform, Longtime, as well as Co-Founder of first-contact messaging tool, Chatclub. Prior to starting Longtime & Chatclub, Dave led the APAC commercial team at Megaport (ASX: MP1) where he and Mel cultivated a collaborative relationship between the sales and legal teams based on mutual respect and trust. He also served as a Founding Board Member of Fintech Australia from 2015-2018. Dave has worked in sales, growth and commercial roles since graduating from the Queensland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Biotechnology Innovation (Hons). Connect with Dave: Website: Hey.me/dave Also, check out https://longtime.live/ Connect with Mel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theinhouselawyer/ Counsel Podcast page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-podcast Instagram: @theinhouselawyer www.counselpodcast.com for more resources and episodes ~~~ Thank you to Markster for supporting this episode. Visit markster.com.au or email kate@markster.com.au. Thank you to InCounsel for supporting this episode too. Visit incounsel.com.au. ~~~
Emma Lilley is the Sole Legal Counsel (UK&I) at SD Worx, the Founder of In-house Potter Blog and Instagram community and a O Shaped Lawyer Future Board member. Mel originally connected with Emma on Instagram. She creates content for aspiring solicitors and shares her unique career journey so that the next generation come into the law with a greater awareness of in house practice and how to forge a less traditional pathway after law school. Connect with Emma: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-lilley-0441ba82/ Instagram: @inhousepotter Website: https://inhousepotter.com/ Connect with Mel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theinhouselawyer/ Counsel Podcast page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-podcast Instagram: @theinhouselawyer www.counselpodcast.com for more resources and episodes ~~~ Thank you to Markster for supporting this episode. Visit markster.com.au or email kate@markster.com.au. Thank you to InCounsel for supporting this episode too. Visit incounsel.com.au. ~~~
Calli is Legal Counsel at Foxtel Group, working across the FOX SPORTS Australia, Kayo Sports, BINGE, Flash and Foxtel brands. She advises the sports content and production, sales, partnerships, digital product and marketing teams, and was a key stakeholder supporting the build and launch of Flash, BINGE, Kayo Freebies and Pay-Per-View on Kayo. Calli was named the 'Rising Star of the Year - In House' and 'In House Lawyer of the Year' at the Lawyers Weekly - Women In Law Awards 2021. Calli was also a Finalist across multiple categories in the Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards, Corporate Counsel Awards and 30 Under 30 Awards in 2021. Calli has proudly served as Chair of the CAMLA Young Lawyers Committee in 2020 and 2021. Connect with Calli: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/callitsipidis/ Connect with Mel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theinhouselawyer/ Counsel Podcast page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-podcast Instagram: @theinhouselawyer www.counselpodcast.com for more resources and episodes ~~~ Thank you to Markster for supporting this episode. Visit markster.com.au or email kate@markster.com.au. Thank you to InCounsel for supporting this episode too. Visit incounsel.com.au. ~~~
Chris is General Counsel at Ironclad, Inc., the venture-backed startup that helps in-house lawyers create, understand, and control their contracts—all from one intuitive, powerful platform. He draws on his years of experience as a corporate attorney and public servant to help shape and carry out the strategic vision of the company. As the company’s chief counsel, he is responsible for a broad range of legal, regulatory, and policy matters. Chris spent most of his career between private law practice, politics, and government. Following law school, he worked as a litigator at the San Francisco-based law firm, Morrison Foerster. After litigating a high-profile educational inequality case, he took a leave of absence to join the 2008 Obama campaign as the Deputy Finance Director of Northern California. Shortly after the President was elected, Chris returned to his hometown Sacramento to serve as the then-Mayor’s Senior Advisor and Counsel, before moving to DC to serve in the Obama Administration. After stints in both the White House and Department of Justice, Chris moved back to the Bay Area and joined the law firm of Keker, Van Nest & Peters. There, he served as a litigator and trial lawyer, handling a wide range of criminal, civil, and regulatory cases. After four years at KVP, Chris left to join OpenGov and served as its Head of Business Development and Counsel. After OpenGov, Chris spent three years at GoFundMe serving as their General Counsel. While at GoFundMe, Chris became the Founder and President of GoFundMe.org (formerly the Direct Impact Fund), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, dedicated to supporting individuals impacted by natural and manmade disasters and social movements like TIME’S UP and Equal Pay Day. In its first year, the charity raised over $33 million from over 180,000 donors. Chris received a degree in Philosophy from San Diego State University, where he graduated magna cum laude. After spending a year as a fellow in the California State Senate, he started working on his law degree at UC Berkeley School of Law, where he graduated in 2005. Chris served as a law clerk for Judge Susan Illston, a Federal District Court Judge for the Northern District of California. He currently lives in the Bay Area with his wife and two young sons. ~~~ Connect with Chris: Twitter: @chrisjyoung LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisyoungattorney/ Connect with Mel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theinhouselawyer/ Counsel Podcast page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-podcast Instagram: @theinhouselawyer www.counselpodcast.com for more resources and episodes. ~~~ Thank you to Markster for supporting this episode. Visit markster.com.au or email kate@markster.com.au. Thank you also to InCounsel for supporting this episode. Visit incounsel.com.au. ~~~
Brittany is an attorney turned experienced corporate counsel and business director. After starting her career in a traditional law firm, she knew with her background in business both by degree and working experience, that she had more to offer. Brittany has directed and collaborated with internal departments from marketing, data analysts, human resources, and finance to lead the teams in business transactions. She has experience in reviewing marketing collateral and social media posts prior to release to the public to protect the company's interests. Connect with Brittany: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-leonard-b3a7b2a4/ Connect with Mel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theinhouselawyer/ Counsel Podcast page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-podcast Instagram: @theinhouselawyer www.counselpodcast.com for more resources and episodes ~~~ Thank you to Markster for supporting this episode. Visit markster.com.au or email kate@markster.com.au. Thank you to InCounsel for supporting this episode too. Visit incounsel.com.au. ~~~
My first Deep Dive into a topic selected from submission from my Instagram community. Let me know what you think of this format! Connect with Mel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theinhouselawyer/ Counsel Podcast page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-podcast Instagram: @theinhouselawyer << where it's really happening these days! TikTok: @theinhouselawyer
Marc Yudkin is currently the Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel of VaynerX, LLC - the parent company of various international digital marketing and advertising businesses including VaynerMedia, The Gallery Media Group, VaynerProductions and Tracer Labs, LLC. As Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel for all of these businesses, Marc is responsible for all of the Company’s global operations, acquisitions, employee relations issues and other matters relating to the overall general operation of a 900-person global agency while also ensuring that services provided adhere to the many regulations and guidelines promulgated by governmental authorities and other self-regulatory bodies. In January of 2020, Marc received an Icon Award as one of the top 100 US Corporate Counsels. He has been a guest lecturer at New York Law School and Pace University School of Law and previously presented at the Annual Meeting of the New York State Bar Association. Marc was appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2020 after serving as the Company's General Counsel for the previous eight (8) years. Prior to becoming General Counsel of VaynerX, Marc was at Riker, Danzig, Scherer, Hyland & Perretti, LLP where he was selected by his peers as a New Jersey Super Lawyers for four (4) straight years. His practice focused on representing middle market companies on a wide scope of advertising, intellectual property and transactional matters, including, private equity and venture capital financing, mergers and acquisitions and joint venture arrangements. He earned his J.D from Emory University School of Law and his B.A. from the State University of New York at Binghamton where he double majored in Philosophy, Politics and Law and Economics. Marc currently resides in New Jersey and is admitted to practice law in the States of New York, New Jersey and Georgia. Connect with Marc: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-yudkin-81400670/ Website: https://vaynerx.com/ Connect with Mel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theinhouselawyer/ Counsel Podcast page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-podcast Instagram: @theinhouselawyer counselpodcast.com for more resources and episodes ~~~ Thank you to Markster for supporting this episode. Visit markster.com.au or email kate@markster.com.au. Thank you to InCounsel for supporting this episode too. Visit incounsel.com.au. ~~~
If this episode has brought up difficult or unsettling feelings for you, please reach out to: - Lifeline on 13 11 14 - Mens Referral Service 1800 Respect
Megan is the General Counsel and CHRO at Glowforge, the creator of the iconic at home 3D Laser Printer. As part of the executive team at Glowforge, she leads the legal and HR/people team functions and works with other senior leadership to scale the company during its current period of rapid growth. Connect with Megan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-lutes-fouty-51a8b018/ Website: https://glowforge.com/ Connect with Mel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theinhouselawyer/ Counsel Podcast page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-podcast Instagram: @theinhouselawyer counselpodcast.com for more resources and episodes ~~~ Thank you to Markster for supporting this episode. Visit markster.com.au or email kate@markster.com.au. Thank you to InCounsel for supporting this episode too. Visit incounsel.com.au. ~~~
Anthony Wright was previously the Founder and CEO of award-winning Asia Pacific legal services and tech business, Lexvoco, which he successfully exited to LOD/Bowmark Capital in 2019 Since then he's joined various boards with public companies and start-ups whilst also being an early stage investor in various innovative businesses in mining technology, apparel, media, health and wellness. Before Lexvoco, Anthony had executive roles at the PGA Tour and was the Group General Counsel at Transpacific Industries Group Ltd. Anthony has an MBA, Master of Laws, Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Commerce and recently completed the AICD program and a venture capital program at INSEAD. Connect with Anthony: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonywrightiamok/ Connect with Mel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theinhouselawyer/ Counsel Podcast page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-podcast Instagram: @theinhouselawyer Counselpodcast.com for more resources and episodes. ~~~ Thank you to Markster for supporting this episode. Visit markster.com.au or email kate@markster.com.au. Thank you to InCounsel for supporting this episode too. Visit incounsel.com.au. ~~~
Thank you for listening, being a part of this community and giving me so much life when the lawyerin' gets tough. Bring on 2022 and big thanks to Markster and InCounsel for being my first sponsors! Connect with Mel: Website: counselpodcast.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theinhouselawyer/ Counsel Podcast page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-podcast Instagram: @theinhouselawyer << where it's really happening these days!
ACC In House Clerkship Program: https://www.acc.com/chapters-networks/chapters/australia/careers/in-house-clerkship-program The Learned Crew: https://thelearnedcrew.com/meet-the-crew Connect with Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelseahao/ Connect with Mel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theinhouselawyer/ Counsel Podcast page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-podcast Instagram: @theinhouselawyer Clubhouse: @inhouselawyer
Kate is an experienced intellectual property lawyer and Co-Founder of Markster. Markster provides dynamic trade mark services to modern in-house legal teams, empowering them to de-risk, optimise, and more easily manage their trade mark portfolios. Kate is passionate about building long-term, trusted relationships with her clients and using creativity and innovation to solve legal problems. Prior to co-founding Markster, Kate gained experience working in-house, in top-tier law and lecturing in technology law, privacy and intellectual property at the Queensland University of Technology. Connect with Kate: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/katemcalister Email: kate@markster.com.au Website: www.markster.com.au Connect with Mel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theinhouselawyer/ Counsel Podcast page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/counsel-podcast Instagram: @theinhouselawyer Clubhouse: @inhouselawyer