The Thriving Lawyer

In this episode, Carla Ferraz turns the tables on Kathleen, interviewing her about the changes she's made since discovering the power of coaching, and explores why she came up with the idea for the Thriving Lawyer. Resources mentioned - Martin Seligman, Flourish .   Check out and join the waitlist for our signature course here .   Sign up to our newsletter here

Embracing the Future: Wellbeing, AI, and Human-Centric Leadership in Law In this episode of The Thriving Lawyer, hosts Kathleen Brenner and Carla Ferraz delve into insights from a recent conference in New York focused on coaching and leadership. The discussion covers crucial topics such as the decline in human performance vis-à-vis AI advancements, the critical role of wellbeing in organizational...

Mastering Flow for Legal Peak Performance - Episode 5, Season 2 In this episode of The Thriving Lawyer Podcast, Kathleen Brenner and Carla Ferraz dive deep into the concept of 'flow' and how it serves as a secret weapon for achieving peak performance in the legal profession. They cover the importance of deep focus amidst the distractions of modern life and share practical strategies for achieving...

In this episode of The Thriving Lawyer with Kathleen Brenner and Carla Ferraz, the duo dive into the PERMA Model from positive psychology to provide practical insights and actionable tips for lawyers so they can thrive, not just survive. As lawyers, and in the rest of their lives. They discuss how elements like Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment, along with t...

In episode three of season two of the Thriving Lawyer podcast, Kathleen Brenner and Carla Ferraz delve into the hidden obstacles preventing lawyers from thriving. They explore both cultural and individual barriers, such as societal factors and profession-specific challenges, that contribute to lawyer burnout. The hosts provide practical strategies and real-world examples for identifying and addres...

The Thriving Lawyer: The Importance of Values Clarity for Lawyers' Wellbeing   In this episode of The Thriving Lawyer, hosts Kathleen Brenner and Carla Ferraz discuss the critical importance of knowing and living your values, particularly for lawyers. They explore the values-wellbeing connection, defining core values as underlying beliefs and desires about the world.   The hosts share pe...

In this episode, we (re)introduce ourselves go deep into what it truly means to thrive as a lawyer - and in the rest of your life. We look at unique roadblocks that often trip lawyers up - and explore signs that you might be languishing! We also have a surprise announcement up our sleeve.  Check out our website at www.thrivinglawyer.com.au .   You can find our free guide,  The...

In this episode, I introduce Carla Ferraz, seasoned Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF).  Carla has  eight years of coaching experience with approximately 2000 hours of coaching as a peak performance coach.  She is certified with Erickson International and the Flow Research Collective.  This experience is complemented by a st...

In this episode I speak to Dr Shiromi about when lawyers should be seeing a doctor about their wellbeing. We talk about what to do if you think you may have depression and/or anxiety, specific tips for lawyers, and how to foster wellbeing.   This is a really important topic that is close to my heart - as a coach, I'm not qualified to treat mental illness and it is very important for me to be...

In this podcast, I discuss big news relating to the Thriving Lawyer and then discuss the Martin Seligman's PERMA model and how lawyers can use it as a tool to create a thriving life. Get your Quick Guide: Applying the PERMA Model Worksheet here .  

In this episode, I interview Megan Dyson. Megan lives in Adelaide, where she operates her sole practice as an environmental lawyer and policy consultant. She has more than 25 years’ experience advising federal and state agencies across Australia on management of water and natural resources, with special focus on water law and governance in the multi-jurisdictional complexity of the Murray-Darling...

This episode explores identity and work, and in partic the role that being a lawyer plays in our broader identity as humans and how that can for lawyers, often play out in very unhealthy ways. I explore the alternatives, including the way new possibilities have opened up in the last few years as well as the barriers that still get in the way of thriving. I talk a little about my own experiences an...

This episode looks at our daily practices through the lens of work/life hygiene. This is not about cleanliness and COVID practices. Rather, it is about viewing essential daily practices as "hygiene" - i.e. our minimum standards of conduct to be healthy. This changes the conversation from goals and ideals to necessities. Basic standards. Non-negotiables. In this podcast I suggest a number of questi...

In this episode I interview Naaman Kranz. Naaman is an example of a lawyer who has carved out their own very unique, passion driven career path. Naaman lives in Canberra and works 3 days a week as a Special Counsel at lawyerbank, a private law firm in Canberra, where he specialises in litigation and administrative law. Naaman also works 2 days a week as a Principal Lawyer at the Animal Law Institu...

This episode is about the art of savouring. This is an idea from positive psychology that I think provides a simple little tool for greater wellbeing. I situate the idea within the framework of positive psychology, talk about why it is relevant to lawyers, and how to foster it. You can sign up to my regular newsletter here. Follow Kathleen on Instagram at minerva_coaching. Connect with Kathleen vi...

This episode explores the Lawyer’s Coaching Mindset. I explore: what it is; the benefits for lawyers of adopting one; the obstacles for lawyers; and  how to foster one.    You can sign up to my regular newsletter here .   Follow Kathleen on Instagram at minerva_coaching. Connect with Kathleen via email at   Kathleen@minervacoaching.net.au. New website coming soon...

This episode explores the reality that for every yes there is a no. For everything new that we invite in, there is - by necessity - something that we are saying no to. We often do this unconsciously - but by asking ourselves some questions we can uncover what is important to us, understand our values, and be able to more intentionally choose what it is we are saying yes and no to. As we get back i...

This episodes explores ideas of the "doing obsession" and how it applies to lawyers. This is the idea that "doing" and being "busy" is the very marker of success - not the actions to get there. I came across this idea in a course I have recently undertaken with the Neuro Change Institute, which in turn drew on the work of a coach called Brad Stulberg, who has written an excellent book about this c...

In this episode I consider why New Years Resolutions often simply fail. Whilst the beginning of a New Year is a great time to reflect, dream and set goals or plans, it is important that we choose our goals carefully. Goals are great, but they are certainly not necessary. I talk about how to set better goals - if indeed that is something you want to do. Follow Kathleen on instagram at minerva_coach...

Welcome to the Thriving Lawyer with Kathleen Brenner .   Are you a lawyer who is feeling burnt out but wants more in life? Do you want to live a purpose driven life that is filled with more meaning and joy? A life where you can absolutely thrive as a lawyer, but not at the expense of everything else that is important to you? If you are, you’ve come to the right place. I’m a lawyer, a coa...