The Thriving Lawyer
The Thriving Lawyer

The Thriving Lawyer

Kathleen Brenner

Overview
Episodes

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A podcast to help you thrive as a lawyer. In work, in life. Perform at your peak, yet still have time for all the other things you love.

Recent Episodes

Dr. Hayley Quinn on preventing burnout through self-compassion
DEC 1, 2025
Dr. Hayley Quinn on preventing burnout through self-compassion
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/
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48 MIN
Redefining Success: Navigating Modern Legal Careers with Legal Recruiter Angela Grant
NOV 4, 2025
Redefining Success: Navigating Modern Legal Careers with Legal Recruiter Angela Grant
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.                 
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34 MIN
Harnessing Happendipity: Career Storytelling with Ruth Beran
SEP 29, 2025
Harnessing Happendipity: Career Storytelling with Ruth Beran
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
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35 MIN
The Myth of 'It Has to Be Hard': and why its holding you back
SEP 8, 2025
The Myth of 'It Has to Be Hard': and why its holding you back
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  
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38 MIN