Powerful Leaders. No Apologies.

In this special and final episode of the Powerful Leaders No Apologies podcast, Debbie Foster and season 1 co-host Beth Thompson reflect on the inspiring journey of the 44-episode series, celebrating trailblazing women in leadership and legal tech. Sharing memorable moments, powerful lessons on leadership, and the importance of networking, while reminiscing about the show's origins and evolution....

In this episode Debbie Foster reconnects with Matt Homann for a follow-up conversation focused on reimagining the practice of law. They discuss the challenges law firms face in innovating outdated business models, particularly around billing, compensation, and talent retention. Matt shares insights from his past work on legal innovation, emphasizing the need for law firms to move away from the bil...

Debbie has a dynamic conversation with Danette Shaifer, Founder and Chief Empowerment Officer of Florishion Consulting, as she shares her innovative strategies for building effective teams and fostering a culture of empowerment in the workplace. Through a blend of practical tools and deep insights, Danette reveals how organizations can achieve greater cohesion, drive, and success.   Check out the...

In this episode, Debbie dives into the inspiring story of Linda Calvin, a trailblazer who transitioned from a successful career in law to become a pivotal figure in tech. As she spearheads Indiana's first Women in Tech Week, Linda shares her mission to empower women, bridge gender gaps in STEM, and reveal the untold challenges and triumphs that women face in the tech industry.   Check out the show...

In this episode, Matt Homann, founder of Filament, reveals his innovative approaches to making meetings more effective and engaging to Debbie. From the importance of intentional design to the power of facilitation, Matt shares practical tips and insights that can transform any meeting into a productive and enjoyable experience. Whether you're a seasoned facilitator or new to leading meetings, you'...

Debbie talks with Elise Holtzman as she shares her insights on what it takes to be an outstanding leader. Elise emphasizes the importance of resilience, adaptability, and strategic thinking, providing listeners with practical advice on how to enhance their leadership skills and navigate complex professional environments.   Check out the show notes for this episode on  our website .   Connect with...

In this episode, Debbie Foster celebrates the legacy of Susan L. French by highlighting the impact of the Emerging Leader Fellowship Program. Fellows Erica Brundage and Joanna Hurt share their experiences, insights, and the personal and professional growth they've achieved through the program, underscoring the importance of leadership, community, and mentorship within the ALA.    Check out the sho...

Debbie dives into the world of legal marketing with EJ Stern and Katherine Wilson, two trailblazers who have revolutionized how law firms grow and succeed. Discover their journey from Big Law to building a thriving business, and learn their secrets to transforming your law firm's marketing strategy overnight. Whether you're overwhelmed by marketing challenges or seeking fresh insights, this episod...

Debbie Foster interviews Felice Duffy, founder of Duffy Law LLC, about her journey from fighting for gender equity in sports to leading her own law firm specializing in Title IX cases. Felice shares her inspiring story of breaking barriers, advocating for women's rights, and navigating her career with resilience and integrity.   Check out the show notes for this episode on our website .   Connect...

Debbie Foster engages with Christy Burke, a trailblazer in the legal tech industry. From early experiences in her family's business to founding her own successful PR and marketing agency, Christy shares invaluable insights and anecdotes, offering a glimpse into the evolving landscape of legal tech entrepreneurship.   Check out the show notes for this episode on our website .   Connect with us: Fac...

Debbie talks with Kim Wolfe as she shares her remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming a powerhouse leader in the legal tech industry. With candid insights, she reveals how she navigated corporate challenges, overcame personal adversities, and unlocked the secrets to transformative leadership. From her experiences surviving 9/11 to her unconventional path to success, Wolfe's story ser...

In this first episode of Season 2, Debbie brings back the first guest from Season 1, Amanda Koplos.  Amanda shares the transformative power of vulnerability in building trust and fostering authentic connections within teams. Through her experiences, Amanda emphasizes the importance of embracing self-doubt and leveraging it as a catalyst for personal and professional growth in the realm of legal le...

Welcome to the Powerful Leaders, No Apologies podcast. In this quick introduction to season two of the show, Debbie Foster lets you know what's changed since wrapping up season one and what you can expect from the show this season.

Beth and Debbie reflect on their podcast journey and mark the end of season one with this special episode featuring guest Ari Kaplan.  Together, they explore the importance of building connections, fostering community, and embracing opportunities for growth in the legal industry and beyond. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on the art of networking and the transformative potential of collaborati...

Beth and Debbie dive into a lively discussion with legal powerhouse Elizabeth Brotten, hailing from the icy terrains of North Dakota to leading the charge in Minneapolis. Unveiling her remarkable journey from clerkship to courtroom triumphs, Liz shares invaluable insights on resilience, career transitions, and the art of adaptation in the ever-evolving legal landscape.   Check out the show notes f...

Beth and Debbie engage in a candid conversation with Sarah Evenson, Director of Law School Programs at Barnes and Thornburg. Sarah shares her unique journey from practicing law to legal management, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped her career. The episode explores leadership insights, challenges faced, and valuable tips for recruiting and retaining talent, emphasizing the power of authe...

Beth and Debbie welcome Mary VandenAck, a seasoned law firm leader and chair of the Law Practice Division of the American Bar Association. Mary shares her unique journey from training thoroughbred racehorses to becoming a successful attorney, emphasizing resilience, overcoming challenges, and the importance of women supporting each other, offering insights into leadership, inspiration, and the pow...

Debbie talks with legal tech trailblazer Stephanie Wilkins as she shares her insights on the transformative impact of artificial intelligence in the legal landscape. From navigating challenges to embracing innovation, they delve into the intricacies of legal technology, emphasizing the vital role of trust, collaboration, and overcoming imposter syndrome in fostering a dynamic and resilient legal p...

Beth and Debbie talk with Alecha Stackle, Chief Marketing Officer at NetDocuments, as she shares her transformative journey and expertise in leading remote teams. From navigating the ever-evolving landscape of marketing to fostering global team cohesion, Stackle's strategies and reflections provide valuable insights for aspiring leaders and marketers alike, offering a nuanced perspective on the ch...

Beth and Debbie engage in a candid conversation with Triona Saunders, Chief Marketing Officer of ActionStep. Triona shares her inspiring journey from law firm marketing to becoming a global CMO, highlighting the challenges faced during maternity leaves and the invaluable lessons learned about adaptability and empathy in leadership. Tune in for insights into marketing across diverse geographies, th...

Beth and Debbie talk with Christina and Karen from First American Equipment Finance. The dynamic duo shares their inspiring journey in sales and finance, highlighting the significance of mentorship, complementary strengths, and the power of execution and strategic thinking. They also discuss innovative financing strategies for law firms, emphasizing the value of trust and authentic collaboration i...

Beth and Debbie sit down with Bree McCrory, CMO at Big Hand, to explore her remarkable leadership journey. From navigating challenges in a rapidly growing team to leveraging Disc assessments for enhanced communication, Bree shares valuable insights on embracing diversity, leading with authenticity, and the power of staying true to one's values in the dynamic world of legal tech.   Check out the sh...

Beth and Debbie talk with Andrea Markstrom as she shares her remarkable journey from aspiring modern dancer to Chief Information Officer in the legal industry. With unwavering resilience, she defied stereotypes and naysayers, emphasizing the importance of embracing the art of the possible. Andrea's leadership superpower lies in her boundless optimism, inspiring her team to dream big and reaffirmin...

Beth and Debbie talk with Michelle Cohen, a seasoned HR leader with a unique background in social work, as shares her inspiring journey from a social worker to a thriving HR director and her valuable insights on leadership. Discover how Michelle's superpower of compassion and creativity has not only empowered her but also helped her mentor and advocate for others, while challenging stereotypes and...

Beth and Debbie talk with Rachel Clar, founder of Interconnected Us, as she shares her journey from the legal field to entrepreneurship and her mission to empower ambitious women lawyers. Through personal anecdotes and insights, Rachel discusses the importance of compassion, self-reflection, and breaking free from the compulsion to constantly be productive in order to truly prioritize personal gro...