What’s In Your Carry On? (And What’s Weighing You Down?) authenticity confidence efficiency emotional intelligence goals growth happiness having what matters productivity resilience well-being

I always enjoy when I can give one of my favorite presentations: “From Self-Doubt to Self-Confidence in the Legal Profession: Imposter Syndrome in the Legal Profession.” I never tire of this topic. No matter the audience—whether new associates at orientation or seasoned partners at a retreat—I alway...

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Stone by Stone: Lessons in Leadership and Grit from My Grandparents grit growth holidays mindset resilience strength tenacity

In the legal profession, we talk a lot about innovation, fresh ideas, and staying ahead of the curve. All of that is important.

But sometimes the most powerful lessons don’t come from what’s new - they come from the people who’ve already walked the path before us. Mentors, colleagues, family member...

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What Karaoke Taught Me About Values (Yes, Really) change fear growth mindset

 I sang karaoke last night. Here’s why that matters.

I don’t usually sing karaoke. Let’s be honest: my voice is a light, airy soprano - sweet and well-pitched, but better suited for church choirs or Mozart arias than pop songs. (Someone once said I sound like a 10-year-old boy soprano before his vo...

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From Failure to Fresh Salad: A Surprising Lesson in Resilience change growth having what matters productivity

Some of you may remember that I previously shared a photo of my backyard lettuce. It wasn’t a pretty picture – droopy leaves, sad little stems, and a serious case of what looked like gardening failure.

After planting with high hopes, I watched the seedlings wilt in the summer heat, and I started to...

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Creativity Day: What If This Is the Key to Sustainable Success? change growth mindset performance

When was the last time you did something creative - not to produce, perfect, or perform, but simply to play?

 May 30 is National Creativity Day, a reminder that creativity isn’t just for artists, musicians, or designers. Creativity belongs to all of us. And for those of us in law - where logic, str...

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Lettuce Lessons: A Gardening Fail Led To Big Learning change growth habit productivity

I tried something new to challenge myself: growing vegetables—specifically, lettuce. I’ve always loved the idea of stepping out into the backyard and grabbing a few fresh leaves for a salad. Simple. Healthy. Satisfying.

My husband, Ryan, and I pulled out the starter plants I bought - lettuce and sp...

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Why ‘Follow Your Passion’ Isn't Always the Best Advice: A Smarter Way to Thrive in Law change confidence growth habit

Every year, at the end of the semester. I reflect on the students (almost all 3L’s) in our upper-level, two-credit “Well-Being and Professional Formation” course at the University of St. Thomas School of Law. It was an honor to co-teach with Professor Jerry Organ and to walk alongside these future l...

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You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know - And That’s a Good Thing! confidence fear growth mindset

In the legal profession, we’re taught to show confidence, control, and command of the facts. We research thoroughly. We write persuasively. We present our arguments with authority. That’s what we’re trained to do, and often, what we’re rewarded for.

But what we’re not trained to do is show uncertai...

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The Generosity Effect: Why Giving Matters in Law authenticity goals growth money

What if one of the most powerful ways to reduce stress, build stronger teams, and feel more fulfilled as a lawyer or legal professional didn’t require more hours or another certification?

What if it just meant being a bit more generous?

I once had the privilege of emceeing the Lawyers Concerned fo...

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🚲 What Riding Bikes Taught Me About Leadership 🚲 efficiency growth performance strength

During my little sister’s birthday, I was looking through old photos, and I found one that really made me pause. It’s a picture of us as kids, riding our bikes. I’m in front, glancing back over my shoulder, and she’s behind me, looking up and following my lead.

That simple image spoke volumes abo...

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Stretching Your Brain (and Your Comfort Zone): The Power of Learning Something New change fear growth mindset

When’s the last time you did something completely new?

For me, I found myself standing in an empty church sanctuary, surrounded by over 20 handbells, wearing fancy headphones, and trying not to mess up my part in a professional music recording.

Here’s the backstory: a friend of mine coordinates ...

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How a Single Hour Can Transform Your Daily Rhythm and Your Career change growth having what matters mindset

It happens twice a year; we all set our clocks forward or back by one hour. It’s a tiny shift - just 60 minutes - but it has an undeniable impact. The mornings feel darker, the evenings stretch longer, and for a few days, our routines feel slightly off. But then, almost without noticing, we adjust.

...
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