Powerhouse Lawyers

Misty Leon has spent nearly 25 years at the intersection of law, business, and strategy — as a partner at a boutique firm, Senior Counsel at a Fortune 500 company, and now founder of Practical Counsel Advisors, where she helps small to midsize law firms modernize their operations and navigate AI responsibly.In this episode, Misty shares the winding, intentional journey that led her to finally go out on her own — and why the bravest thing she ever did was stop asking "can I do this?" and start asking "do I even want to?"In this episode, we cover:How Misty accidentally stumbled into ERISA law via a newspaper job listing in Charlotte — and why it opened doors in Big LawWhat five years in-house taught her that she never could have learned at a firmThe moment she realized she was heading toward burnout — and how she caught it before it caught herWhat Practical Counsel Advisors does and why AI readiness is a reputational risk firms can't afford to ignoreWhy "change management" is more than corporate speak — and why it's the piece most firms skipThe mindset shift from powering through to asking whether the path still fitsWhy women don't need more resilience pep talks — and what we actually need insteadThe concept of seasons, and why it's one of the most powerful tools for ambitious women juggling everythingHer legendary legally blonde moment involving a law school interview and a closetConnect with Misty:LinkedIn: Misty LeonWebsite: practicalcounseladvisors.com Resources & Links:Book a connection call with Erin: https://calendly.com/eringerner/connectioncallFollow Erin Gerner on Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn

What happens when two female lawyers from different countries realize they're fighting the same battles? In this powerful conversation, Erin sits down with Odette Ansell—a Canadian litigator and host of the Non-Billable Hours podcast—to talk about the universal struggles female lawyers face: loneliness, identity crisis, the pressure to "have it all," and the desperate need for community. They discuss why it's so hard to separate your identity from your job, what to do when you feel stuck, and why vulnerability might be the bravest thing you do as a lawyer. If you've ever felt like you're the only one crumbling while everyone else looks like they're crushing it—this episode is your reminder that you're not alone.About Odette AnsellOdette Ansell is a Canadian litigator and the host of Non-Billable Hours, a podcast dedicated to honest conversations about life in and beyond the law. With a passion for connecting with lawyers across every practice area, she creates space for candid discussions about the joys, pressures, and personal passions that shape legal professionals. Odette is driven by a desire to spotlight what truly lights lawyers up outside their work—from creative pursuits to family life to unexpected hobbies. Through her thoughtful interviews, she explores the common challenges many lawyers experience but rarely voice. Her work aims to build community, normalize vulnerability, and remind lawyers that their identities extend far beyond their billable targets.Key Topics CoveredWhy Odette became a lawyer (and the personality test that said she'd be terrible at litigation)The universal struggles female lawyers face—regardless of country or practice areaWhy lawyers desperately need people who "get it" without needing contextThe loneliness epidemic in the legal profession (especially for women)How to separate your identity from your job when being a lawyer IS your personalityThe seasons of life and why "having it all" doesn't mean having it all at onceWhy women lawyers feel guilty for wanting something outside the lawThe bad advice that made Odette delete her food blog in law schoolHow to find community when you work from home and feel isolatedThe power of saying your goals out loud (even if you don't know how to achieve them)Why vulnerability is so hard for lawyers (and why we desperately need it)The retreats that made Erin realize: "These women get me at a visceral level"Connect with Odette AnsellPodcast: Non-Billable Hours (YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts)Instagram: @nonbillablehourspodcastWant to connect with Odette about building community, navigating identity outside the law, or just chat about life as a lawyer? Find her on Instagram or check out her podcast!Connect with ErinInstagram: @eringernerLinkedIn: Erin GernerWebsite: www.eringerner.comBook a Call: Powerhouse Connection CallIf this conversation reminded you that you're not alone in what you're feeling, share it with another woman lawyer who needs to hear it. Tag Erin and Odette on social media and let them know what resonated.Feeling stuck and ready to make a change? Book a free Powerhouse Connection Call with Erin and let's figure out what's next.Don't forget to subscribe to the Powerhouse Lawyers podcast so you never miss an episode.

Episode DescriptionMeet Jodi Runger—a spunky Southern Belle lawyer with over 21 years of legal practice experience who's discovering her creative side after decades of pushing it down. In this honest conversation, Jodi shares her journey from corporate burnout to launching her own podcast, setting boundaries that actually stick, and learning that being a lawyer doesn't have to define who you are. If you're a high-achieving woman attorney who feels stuck, burned out, or like you're waiting for permission to want something different—this episode will remind you that you're not alone, and there IS another way.About Jodi RungerJodi Runger is a lawyer with over 21 years of experience in healthcare insurance, creditors' rights, ERISA, Medicare, and med spa law. After spending years representing major healthcare insurance companies and navigating personal injury cases, Jodi now helps injured individuals keep their settlement money by resolving complex healthcare reimbursement disputes. Beyond her legal expertise, Jodi is passionate about helping women step into their confidence and is embracing her creative side through content creation, decorating, styling, and her new podcast, Top Three Things with Jodi. She's proof that it's never too late to rediscover yourself and build a life that feeds your soul.Key Topics CoveredThe reality of lawyer burnout and why it happens earlier than you thinkWhy your career shouldn't define who you are as a personHow to set boundaries when you work from home (without the guilt)The creative side of lawyers that gets pushed down for decadesWhy confidence looks different at 47 than it did at 27The fear of judgment and how it keeps high-achievers stuckWhy women need to stop sitting on their hands and speak upHow coaching helps you see what you can't see on your ownThe importance of community and collaboration over competitionConnect with Jodi RungerInstagram: @shopwithjodi (Jodi with an "I")Facebook: Jodi RungerPodcast: Top Three Things with Jodi (coming soon!)Want to chat with Jodi about med spa law, healthcare reimbursement, or just connect? DM her on Instagram—she's an open book!Connect with ErinInstagram: @eringernerLinkedIn: Erin GernerWebsite: www.eringerner.comBook a Call: Powerhouse Connection CallCall to ActionIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a woman lawyer who needs to hear it. Tag Erin and Jodi on social media and let them know what hit home for you.Ready to get unstuck and start building a career and life you actually love? Book a free Powerhouse Connection Call with Erin and let's figure out if working together makes sense.Don't forget to subscribe to the Powerhouse Lawyers podcast so you never miss an episode.

Episode 1: A Former Version of You Prayed for This Life: Breaking Free from ComparisonEpisode Description: In this solo episode, Erin gets vulnerable about her 45th birthday funk and the comparison trap that nearly stole her joy. She shares the powerful message that shifted everything: "The life you are living now, a former version of you prayed for." If you've ever looked around at everyone else's highlight reel and felt like you're somehow behind, this episode is for you.Key Topics CoveredWhy comparison feels heavier in your 40sThe negativity bias: why your brain only sees what you don't haveHow social media amplified the comparison trap beyond our immediate circleThe life-changing question: "Do I even want what they have?"The answered prayer audit: what did 35-year-old you desperately want?Why your current reality (even the messy parts) might be exactly what you prayed forTimestamps0:00 - Welcome back! Holiday mode and daylight savings rants2:08 - The comparison trap at 45: why midlife hits different4:00 - How comparison steals more than just your joy6:14 - Erin's 45th birthday funk: feeling behind despite building everything from scratch8:28 - The church message that changed everything10:42 - The only person who can save you from comparison is you12:18 - Why comparison ramps up in your 40s (the science behind it)14:19 - Social media's role: comparing to everyone's highlight reel16:16 - Practical tips: Do you even want what they have?18:16 - The 10-year exercise: what did younger you pray for?20:07 - Your worth is not based on someone else's highlight reelCall to ActionIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow lawyer or friend who needs to hear this message. Tag Erin on social media and let her know how you combat the comparison trap—she'd love to hear from you!Don't forget to subscribe to the Powerhouse Lawyers podcast so you never miss an episode.Connect with ErinInstagram: @eringernerLinkedIn: Erin GernerWebsite: eringerner.com Have a topic you'd love to hear covered on the podcast? DM Erin and let her know!

In this episode, Erin Gerner returns to the Powerhouse Lawyers podcast after a four-month hiatus, sharing her journey of self-reflection and the importance of taking breaks. She discusses the challenges of feeling obligated to produce content and the need for clarity in one's path. Erin emphasizes that taking a break is not a sign of failure but a necessary recalibration. She explores the difference between pushing through and pushing forward, the fear of judgment from others, and the importance of defining success on one's own terms. The episode concludes with a renewed vision for the podcast, focusing on empowerment and support for women in law.00:00 Reconnecting with the Audience02:56 The Importance of Taking Breaks05:44 Pushing Through vs. Pushing Forward08:52 Overcoming the Fear of Judgment11:47 Defining Success on Your Own Terms14:43 The Power of Evolution and Growth17:33 A New Vision for the PodcastStay connected with Erin GernerWebsite https://www.eringerner.com/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-gerner/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/erin.w.gernerInstagram https://www.instagram.com/eringerner/?hl=en

Welcome back to the Powerhouse Lawyers podcast! This week, Elizabeth Garvish shares her journey from law school to founding her own immigration law firm, emphasizing the importance of resilience, self-discovery, and creating a positive work environment. She discusses the challenges she faced in traditional law firms, the lessons learned from adversity, and her commitment to fostering a happy and empowering workplace for her team. Elizabeth discusses the challenges of balancing a legal career with family life, as well as the importance of flexibility and emotional intelligence in the workplace. She shares personal experiences of advocating for clients with a positive mindset and the power of believing in miracles. This episode is packed with great nuggets of knowledge and wisdom that you don't want to miss!Connect with Elizabeth GarvishLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethlagarvish/Website: https://goimmigrationlaw.com/--Stay connected with Erin GernerWebsite https://www.eringerner.com/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-gerner/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/erin.w.gernerInstagram https://www.instagram.com/eringerner/?hl=en

Welcome back! This week I want to talk strategies for us powerhouse lawyers to reclaim our power and redefine success in our careers. This episode illustrates the importance of clarity, strategy, and accountability in overcoming overwhelm and achieving work-life balance. --Stay connected with Erin GernerWebsite https://www.eringerner.com/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-gerner/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/erin.w.gernerInstagram https://www.instagram.com/eringerner/?hl=en