The Women's Advocate

In this week's episode, the inimitable Gloria Allred walks us through key elements of how she helps victims and survivors of sexual assault fight for justice. She also talks about how powerful it is to be free from the yoke of needing to be liked, the egregious contexts in which women are criticized for not smiling, and her strategy of shifting fear from victims to perpetrators. Gloria further shares insights on diffusing conflict and making strategic choices in our fights for justice. We hope you enjoy!

Some of us crushed on boy bands as teenagers. Our guest Rachel Pusey, however, recalls crushing on California's first female Chief Justice (in a lovely, inspired, non-romantic manner of course). On this episode of The Women's Advocate, Rachel and Sarah talk about Rachel's beautiful, evolving path through the law – a journey that has taken Rachel from representing employees to supporting employers, and, most recently, to a reinvigorated passion for employment law as a mediator. Together, we dive into the challenge and payoff of making bold career leaps, centering human connection in our work, and practicing emotional intelligence both at work and beyond. We further discuss the power of mediation as an alternative form of legal resolution that can help all the parties find common ground and reach agreements. Enjoy!

"When you're a coach, your life is the curriculum." This week, Allison Tibbs tells us about how her vision of becoming a corner-office media executive transformed into a mission of helping women lead excellent careers and reframe their health and wellness as tools – not additional exhausting to-dos – for their success and happiness. Allison and Sarah discuss how Allison's openness about her experiences coming back from burnout, career changes, health struggles, and more have empowered women to admit and seek support in navigating their own struggles.

Deidre shares her own powerful journey of navigating many big life changes at once as she dives into the challenges of being a woman and mother, leaving a job, her battle with cancer, divorce, and ultimate decision to found Von Rock Law. Deidre and Sarah discuss how these experiences have been a strength to Deidre as she has centered her award-winning trust and estate law practice around kindness and empathy for clients going through and planning for major life changes. The pair sing the praises of the beauty of San Francisco, engaging in the community outside of work, choosing the people you work with, and finding love.

In this week's episode, Sarah and ERISA litigation superstar Cassie Springer-Ayeni discuss the ins and outs of applying for disability benefits and appealing benefit denials. The ladies talk about the power of storytelling, treating people as more than their disability, why it can be so hard for folks to plan for or admit that they may have a long-term disability, and why it is ultimately so important to do so for yourself and your loved ones. Cassie and Sarah also discuss the difference between an employer claiming to support employees versus the policies and actions that make this a reality. As a bonus, tune in to hear Sarah and Cassie talk about how to make networking fun, advice for starting your own law firm, and the beauty of building a business that truly supports humans.

In this week's episode Sarah sits down with Carolyn Elefant – nationally recognized civil rights and energy attorney, longtime solo practitioner, and the force behind MyShingle.com, the longest-running blog for small firm lawyers. Carolyn has spent her career challenging extractive energy practices, defending community rights, and empowering lawyers, especially women, to take bold steps in building independent, values-driven practices. Together, Sarah and Carolyn talk about Carolyn's recent amicus brief in Perkins Coie v. United States. Carolyn rallied hundreds of small firms to defend the constitutional right to counsel. Carolyn also reflects on the advantages solos have, the fun she's having experimenting with AI, and why success looks different, and freer, when you build it on your own terms.

In this week's episode Sarah sits down with Leti McNeill Light - Associate Vice Chancellor of UCSF and Co-Founder and President of SIGAP - a nationally recognized leader in higher education philanthropy. With nearly 25 years of experience across top universities and transformative fundraising initiatives, Leti shares what it means to lead with intention, curiosity, and care. Together, Sarah and Leti unpack the real work of philanthropy: building power, cultivating options, and creating space for meaningful change - whether in a lab, a boardroom, or your own home. Leti shares candid reflections on managing large teams, sustaining energy as a leader, and her personal commitment to move billions in philanthropic giving during her lifetime. They also explore how women can find their voice in philanthropic spaces professionally, personally, and collectively.

In this week's episode Sarah Nichols sits down with Katy Song, certified financial planner and founder of Katy Song Financial Planning. With deep experience across Wall Street, tech startups, and independent practice, Katy shares how financial clarity empowers women to take control of their lives, whether they're navigating career changes, family responsibilities, or dreaming of something different. Together, the two discuss the emotional roots of financial decisions, the pressures women face to "play it safe," and how true empowerment comes from aligning your money with your values. Katy shares practical tools to map your financial future, prepare for big transitions, and release any guilt or overwhelm associated with that.

In this week's episode of The Women's Advocate, Sarah sits down with Julie Castro Abrams, a gender and racial justice activist and the CEO and founder of How Women Lead. Julie shares her journey of advocating for systemic change, from increasing diversity on corporate boards to empowering women through venture capital investments. Together, they discuss the persistent barriers women face in leadership and funding, the transformative power of mentorship and community, and the critical importance of aligning investments with values. Julie also offers practical advice for women seeking leadership roles and explores how diverse leadership strengthens organizations and drives success.

In this week's episode of The Women's Advocate, Sarah Nichols sits down with Karen Fleshman, founder of the Interracial Sisterhood Coalition. Karen, an attorney and seasoned expert in anti-sexual harassment training and DEI workshops with over 20 years of experience leading diverse teams, shares insights into her career journey. Together, they explore the challenges of promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry while stressing the critical importance of creating safe workplaces. Karen also discusses the business advantages of diversity, offers strategies to safeguard Black women, and addresses intergenerational trauma. Throughout their discussion, they highlight the transformative impact of storytelling in fostering empathy and increasing awareness.

How do you push forward when people tell you it can't be done? In this week's episode of The Women's Advocate, Sarah Nichols sits down with Gretchen Carlson, renowned journalist, author, and tireless advocate for workplace fairness. As the co-founder of Lift Our Voices, Gretchen has been at the forefront of the fight against workplace misconduct, successfully championing changes in laws related to forced arbitration and non-disclosure agreements. Listen in as Gretchen shares her inspiring journey from being a trailblazing journalist to becoming a powerful voice for the voiceless, discusses her most memorable interviews, and reveals the personal experiences that drive her relentless advocacy. Sarah and Gretchen delve deep into the impact of non-disclosure agreements on mental health, the strategy behind successful legislative changes, and the importance of cultural transformation in supporting those who speak out.

In this week's episode of The Women's Advocate, Sarah sits down with former DA turned criminal defense attorney and the owner of her own practice, Sharon Henry, to discuss her journey from prosecuting cases to establishing her own law firm dedicated to advocating for fairness and justice. Sharon shares personal anecdotes about her upbringing, the challenges she faced as a young, Black female attorney, and her strategies for overcoming obstacles in a conservative environment. The conversation delves into the rewarding aspects of law, the importance of self-advocacy and work-life balance, and the significance of supportive relationships.

In this week's episode of The Women's Advocate, Sarah sits down with mama attorney and founding member of the Chamber of Mothers, Daphne Delvaux. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of women's rights and the unique challenges of entrepreneurship while championing the rights of women and mothers. The discussion covers crucial subjects like maternity leave, employee rights, the influence of social media, and the importance of sustainable work practices. The two also share personal insights into integrating motherhood into their professional lives, discussing the delicate balance of running their own businesses while simultaneously being mothers.

In this week's episode Sarah sits down with Sandra Possing, a multifaceted life coach, inspirational speaker, accomplished entrepreneur, and the charismatic host of the Oh, Hi Self! Podcast. Together, they dive deep into Sandra's captivating life, where she gracefully balanced between two distinct cultures, embarked on thrilling adventures in her youth, and eventually found her calling in the world of coaching. Sandra's narrative beautifully exemplifies the profound concept that one's business can organically mirror their authentic self.

In this week's episode, Sarah sits down with Dr. Kim Nalley, a renowned Jazz singer and CSU East Bay Professor. The two explore Dr. Nalley's journey from challenging beginnings to her emergence as a prominent figure in the Jazz scene. The discussion delves into Dr. Nalley's unique fusion of history and music, using song to bridge past and present, solidifying her role as both a Jazz Ambassador and a dedicated advocate.

In this week's episode of The Women's Advocate, Sarah sits down with Fahti Khosrowshahi, the founder and CEO of Ceek Women's Health, a medical device company focused on creating innovative products for more comfortable gynecological exams and procedures. Fahti discusses how the lack of innovation in the medical field helped drive her mission to make gynecological experiences more comfortable through modern products. She encourages women to take smart risks, advocate for themselves, and embrace the power of financial independence. The two also delve into the lessons learned from fundraising and dealing with rejection.

In this week's episode of The Women's Advocate, Sarah sits down with mama of three, media and tech executive, and the founder and CEO of Traction Advisory, Diana Lyman to discuss how the universe brought them together while Diana was navigating the birth of her third child and a very difficult situation at work. The two also discuss the importance of being your greatest advocate, and what the journey to health, healing and happiness looks like after going through a traumatic experience at work and, subsequently, while fighting for her rights.

In this week's episode, Sarah sits down with S. Lucia Kanter St. Amour, the VP for UN women USA, practicing attorney, and former law professor turned everyday negotiation superhero to discuss Lucia's latest book For the Forces of Good: The Superpower of Everyday Negotiation, and how to break down the intimidation surrounding negotiation one step at a time. Join us this week as these two negotiation advocates discuss everything from negotiating with bullies to getting your toddler to eat their peas, to even the power of good ol' chocolate.

In this week's episode, Sarah sits down with fellow Aussie and the founder of A Balanced Glass, a company that provides education and resources to wine industry colleagues to help maintain health and wellbeing, Rebecca Hopkins, to discuss the toll that working in the alcohol industry can take on people's physical and mental health. The two also discuss how Rebecca dared to create something different in the wine space that has served as a lifeline for many people navigating their life journey while staying true to who they are.

In this week's episode, Sarah sits down with Krystal LoPilato, a Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense volunteer leader, lawyer and gun violence prevention advocate to discuss how the work people like Krystal are doing helps people sleep better at night. Sarah and Krystal also discuss the ever evolving gun violence prevention policies, how listeners can get involved and why women should allow themselves space to find and develop their passion. As Sarah says, awesome moms are those that fulfill their passions and set that example for their children to do the same. Krystal and Sarah also touch on the importance of women working in advocacy and politics and how their skillsets bring forth and promote change. *Content Warning: This episode contains depictions of gun violence that could trigger certain audiences.*

In this week's episode, Sarah sits down with San Francisco native, Akeisha Johnson, founder and business leadership coach at An Inspired Coaching to discuss everything from Akeisha's inspirational career, and how she uses her skills to help women acknowledge their accomplishments to the importance of cultivating discussion and conversation around diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Akeisha also shares her advice for women dealing with multiple identities and oppression, plus how to notice and address the physical effects of being "triggered."

In this week's episode, Sarah sits down with fellow Aussie and co-founder of Circle In, Jodi Geddes, to learn how Jodi started a successful business all while on maternity leave. The two also discuss everything from running a business as working mothers, to the progression of parental leave policies, and the importance of empathetic leaders supporting their employees in the office and at home. Plus, the "taboo" topic of menopause in the workplace, and how managers can support women going through it. Jodi also emphasizes the importance of having a mentor and developing the hardest soft skill – overcoming fear.

In this week's episode, Sarah sits down with the new and dynamic CEO of the Crypto Council for Innovation, Sheila Warren, to discuss everything from authentic leadership as a working mother, to the importance of diverse teams and positive company culture. Plus, Sheila shares why we could all benefit from reading more fiction and the benefits of a creative mindset.

In this week's episode, Sarah sits down with the Founder & CEO of ChairmanMe, Sarah Lacy, to discuss how women can speak up, the likability conundrum, tearing down the patriarchy, Dolly Parton and just how freaking inspiring our kids truly are.

In this week's episode, Sarah sits down with Partners Felicia Medina and Shauna Madison of Medina Orthwein, LLP - a Bay Area firm specializing in discrimination law - to discuss their intersectional approach to law practice and those that are most affected by workplace/pay disparities.

In this week's episode, host Sarah Nichols sits down with Equal Rights Advocates' Senior Counsel for Workplace Justice & Public Policy, Jessica Stender. Join us as the two cover topics from the current gender wage gap to employment law and worker protections. Jessica also discusses the process behind passing a bill in California and her current advocacy work.

If women are good leaders, they risk being branded "too bossy" or "too tough." If they set boundaries, or ask for what they need to succeed, they're "too demanding." If they are passionate about their work, they're "too emotional." Every day women across the world face a barrage of double standards that men are not subjected to. As Podge Thomas says, the system wasn't built for us or by us, so it's up to us to continue to build a better one. In this week's episode, host Sarah Nichols sits down with Talent Management Specialist & Business Consultant, Podge Thomas to discuss the importance of women taking risks, speaking up, and asking for what they need. They also discuss what it means to be "neurodiverse" as well as the benefits of leveraging peoples' differences.

It's never too late to reinvent yourself, whether it be professionally or personally. Many of us have gone through different lifechanging experiences - marriage, divorce, parenthood, changing careers. Through it all, you learn to pivot (albeit not always gracefully) and to make the most of new opportunities. In this week's episode, host Sarah Nichols sits down with Visionary Sales & Marketing Executive, Irina Kapetanakis who discusses how her career has evolved through her own various life changes. They also discuss how COVID-19 has impacted the ongoing battle for women's voices to be heard equally in the workforce. Irina also shares the importance behind working with purpose and feeling empowered and motivated at work.

Joanna Lovering is the Founder of Copper + Rise, an executive coaching firm dedicated to helping you raise your presence and claim the room as your stage. She is also an organizational psychologist and fashion stylist who teaches women to show up and stand out. Joanna's spirited approach to coaching has left her clients filled with confidence and equipped with the skills needed to take charge of any presentation. In this episode… Joanna Lovering, Founder of Copper + Rise, knows the importance of conquering and channeling your presence into transformative energy that can sway any discussion in your favor. Her approachable method to get you talking and looking the part of a leader is one of the core principles for her executive coaching approach. In this week's episode, host Sarah Nichols sits down with executive presence coach and Founder of Copper + Rise, Joanna Lovering. They discuss what it means to have an executive presence, Mirror Image Bias, and what it means to be a leader. Joanna shares her superpower and how she uses it to help others lead with passion—and take charge of their lives. She also offers tips for women on how to claim who they are and flex their persona in every situation.

Allison Davis is a Sales Trainer, Coach, and Consultant with 15 years of experience in the publishing industry and nearly 20 in sales. Allison focuses her vast experience in digital marketing, strategic partnerships, and event sponsorship on helping others gain more sales and expand their reach. She has worked with National Geography, Goldman Sachs, and many more, allowing them to fine-tune their sales channel. Allison's drive for crushing expectations, and showing her Imposter Syndrome, Patricia, who's boss, continues to propel her forward and create opportunities for her clients to land more deals. In this episode… Michael Jackson's critically-acclaimed song "Man in the Mirror"knows a thing or two about understanding yourself before trying to understand the world. Allison Davis, Sales Trainer, Coach, and Consultant, might not be the King of Pop—but she does know that you must be willing to take a more in-depth look at yourself to overcome your Imposter Syndrome. Tune in to this week's episode to find out how Lady Boss, Sales Trainer, Coach, and Consultant Allison Davis is helping small businesses and women entrepreneurs take their sales channel to the next level. Allison and host Sarah Nichols discuss the benefits of naming your imposter syndrome and the best time to learn a new sales skill. Allison shares her advice for building your sales funnel, what young women entering the workforce should know, and rethinking our networks. Keep listening!

Asha Saxena is a CEO Coach with CEO Coaching International and the Founder and CEO of Women Leaders In Data and AI (WLDA). She also serves on the Board of Directors for several for-profit companies, including Future Technologies, an international data management solutions firm, and Shindigz. Asha's drive to innovate has allowed her to build her own e-commerce company and serve as CEO of Future Technologies for the past 20 years. With a passion to pass on her expertise, Asha is also an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, where she teaches graduate students about big data and healthcare management. Asha is also the host of the Data Dives podcast, a columnist at Entrepreneur Magazine, and a keynote speaker. In this episode… If you hide your light to dim your brightness, then you have done the world—and yourself—a disservice. Unfortunately, many women, especially in data science, lower their voices because they are afraid. Asha Saxena, CEO Coach at CEO Coaching International, wants women and CEOs to know that their light is necessary not just in the world, but for the future of data science. Tune in to this week's episode of Women's Advocate with host Sarah Nichols and Asha Saxena, Data Queen, CEO Coach, and Founder and CEO of Women Leaders in Data and AI. Asha shares the importance of data and finding good mentors early in your career. Asha also talks about how her first entrepreneurial experience shaped her life, how data has changed the world, and her tips for women looking to conquer the workplace.

Michelle Markwart Deveaux is the Founder and Owner of FaithCultureKiss, a voice and business coach who takes your voice and business to the next level. She is an award-winning actor and vocalist and has hosted workshops and masterclasses on business ownership, entrepreneurship, voice work, and acting. For the past 20 years, Michelle has worked with countless entrepreneurs and business owners to realign their goals and raise their voices. Michelle holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Patten University and a Master of Arts degree in Worship, Theology, and the Arts from Fuller Theological Seminary. In this episode... Your voice starts from your toes and climbs through your diaphragm, building power and purpose before you even speak a word. It resonates in open spaces, creating a scale of understanding and reasoning—and it's powerful. Whether you use your voice as a performer or a business owner, Michelle Markwart Deveaux, the Founder of FaithCultureKiss and the SpeakEasy Cooperative, believes that when we decide to cultivate our voices, we lean into our superpower and our true self shines through. In this episode of The Women's Advocate, Sarah sits down with Michelle to discuss what it means to own your voice as a female business leader. Michelle also shares how COVID-19 has impacted the arts and entertainment industry, the importance of artists during this pivotal time and how solopreneurs create their space.

Susan Freeman is a Stevie Award-winning CEO as well as the Founder of Freeman Means Business and Co-Founder of The Conscious Inclusion Company. Armed with her expertise in communication, she's dedicated herself to helping people achieve workplace equity in professional environments. Susan is also a speaker, coach, author, and host of the podcast, Wonder Women in Business. In this episode… In today's episode of The Women's Advocate, Sarah sits down with Susan Freeman, public speaker, CEO, and Founder of Freeman Means Business and The Conscious Inclusion Company. Susan has made effective communication the thread that connects each step of her career. Susan helps clients understand their authentic selves and the beauty of clear and consistent communication and she has plenty of wise words to share about creative ways to tackle and talk about unconscious bias.

Kathryn O'Connor Gardner is the co-founder of Park Bench Capital, a financial services firm that focuses on diverse founding teams that always include at least one female leader. Prior to this, she worked as a senior vice president and corporate credit research analyst within AllianceBernstein's high-yield research group, focusing on the energy sector. She oversaw all energy-related investments for traditional high yield portfolios with roughly 35 billion in assets under management. Kathryn is also a founding board member of the Haas Center for Gender, Equity, and Leadership, which seeks to build the economic case for supporting workplace diversity, and is a member of the Haas Dean's Advisory Circle. She has more than 20 years of experience serving as an advisor for startups on strategy, financial analyst, and capital market transactions In this episode… Throughout her illustrious career, Kathryn O'Connor Gardner has gained valuable tips and insights on how to bring your A-game in everything that you do. From being an investment banking analyst to market researcher, being a startup consultant, and a women's advocate, Kathryn is an inspiring example of a Lady Boss that truly does it all. In this week's episode of #TheWomensAdvocate, Sarah sits down with Park Bench Capital Co-founder, Kathryn O'Connor Gardner, to discuss how women can take charge of their career and support one another in male-dominated fields. They'll also discuss the challenges of parenting in the time of Covid-19, adapting to change, the role of women in times of crisis, and how to assert your value in the workplace.

Nancie McDonnell Ruder is the President of Noetic Consultants, working with brands to define their markets, clarify their strategies, and build agency-client relationships. Before working with Noetic Consultants for the last 18 years, she started her career at the renowned Leo Burnett USA as a director before moving on to Noetic Consultants. Her past and current clients include AKQA, AT&T, Wells Fargo, Discovery Channel, General Motors, Inc CEO Project, Whirlpool, Leo Burnett Global, Nike, and many more. In this episode… While many companies have switched to remote work, staying connected with the right people has never been more critical. Nancie McDonnell Ruder, President of Noetic Consultants, works with brands to redefine their strategy, analyze their target audience, and revitalize their marketing campaigns. Sarah Nichols and Nancie McDonnell Ruder, President of Noetic Consultants, sit down to discuss personal branding and addressing social justice issues in the workplace. Nancie uses a section from Brené Brown's book Dare to Lead to reassess personal and client goals and shares how she found her voice.

Cynthia Pong is a lawyer-turned-career coach, feminist career strategist, speaker, and the Founder of Embrace Change, an organization that provides mid-career women of color professionals with tailored coaching and training. Cynthia is also the author of Don't Stay in Your Lane: The Career Change Guide for Women of Color. After studying law at NYU and practicing as a public defender for 6 years, Cynthia decided to change course. Now, she's on a mission to empower women of color to get the money, power, and respect they deserve. Cynthia has been featured far and wide on Refinery29, HuffPost, Fast Company, and more. She is also a LinkedIn Top Voice for job search and career. When it comes to career strategies, she breaks it down easily and always keeps it real. In this episode… What does your career path look like in the next 6-months, year, or the next five years? No clue? No worries; there's a book for that. Cynthia Pong, career coach, ex-lawyer, and author of Don't Stay in Your Lane, is here to talk to you about the importance of addressing race, gender, and gaslighting in the workplace. She highlights the issues that women and men of color face in professional environments and when trying to climb the corporate ladder—and how to breakthrough. Host Sarah Nichols sits down with Cynthia Pong, career coach, Founder of Embrace Change, and author, to discuss her life's mission to empower women of color in the workplace. Cynthia recalls her transition from working as a lawyer to operating in a field that helps women make space for themselves in their organization. She also talks about the steps you need to better communicate with your coworkers and unpacking racial mental trauma.

Cynthia Cleveland is a 5-time CEO and an expert in developing, translating, and monetizing intellectual property rights into major global consumer brands and new businesses across diverse industries. She has led companies that have generated over $4 billion in worldwide sales across consumer products, entertainment and retail and have helped countless companies build their brand and capitalize on the market to create new sales funnel and successful marketing campaigns. Cynthia is currently a Partner at CEO Coaching International, a leading coaching firm for growth-focused CEOs and entrepreneurs. In this episode… How do you foster resilience in your life? What mantras do you speak to yourself to keep going when times get tough? Maybe you don't think about your resilient nature, but it is one of the defining qualities of highly successful people. Cynthia Cleveland, Partner at CEO Coaching International and 5-time CEO/President, can attest to the power of resilience and its ability to help leaders find opportunity in the midst of a crisis. In this episode of Women's Advocate, Sarah Nichols sits down with Partner at CEO Coaching International, Cynthia Cleveland. They discuss how companies can pivot in the midst of the pandemic, the power of women in leadership roles, and what inspires Cynthia to keep going in times of uncertainty. Cynthia also shares her journey from teacher to CEO while pregnant with her first child and the value of finding support within your closest circles. Stay tuned.

Jacquette Timmons is a financial behaviorist, speaker, coach, and the President and CEO of Sterling Investment Management. With her expertise, she has helped countless individuals understand their financial decisions and put them on track to financial freedom and well-being. Jacquette is the author of Financial Intimacy, a book that delves into relationship problems that may arise and how to mitigate them. She is also the More than Money podcast host, where she discusses the connection between psychology, emotions, and money. In this episode… Money is power—but you already knew this. But, did you know that understanding your motives behind using and negotiating financial situations is a much bigger indicator of your financial well-being? According to Jacquette Timmons, a financial behaviorist, money, and emotions go hand-in-hand. She has helped countless entrepreneurs, couples, and individuals clarify their goals, better understand their habits, and become financially healthy. In this week's episode, host Sarah Nichols sits down with financial behaviorist, speaker, author, and President and CEO of Sterling Investment Management, Jacquette Timmons. They talk about negotiating a higher salary, how our emotions dictate our financial decisions, and how to create better habits by tracking our spending. Jacquette delves into what makes her unique, her source of inspiration, and the questions you need to address to take the first step towards financial well-being.

Sue Bunnell is the Senior Vice President and Managing Counsel for Wells Fargo as well as the President and Co-Chair of Leading Women in Technology (LWT), a women's professional development nonprofit. LWT's mission is to help professional women develop the skills and experience they need to achieve their goals. Recently, Sue also joined the Board for the Professional BusinessWomen of California, which provides skill development, networking opportunities, and inspiration to women at all levels. In this episode… As working women, it can sometimes feel impossible to change the opinions of those who don't respect or appreciate you. However, as women's advocate Sue Bunnell says, you can't tell people what to think—but you can show them why and how they need to respect you. Her advice? Work hard, show up, and find a group of women who will motivate you. Join host Sarah Nichols in this episode of The Women's Advocate as she chats with Sue Bunnell, the President and Co-Chair of Leading Women in Technology (LWT), about how to find your power as a working woman. Sue shares her salty wisdom on approaching biases, negotiating job offers, and finding the fellow lady bosses that will hold you accountable. Stay tuned to discover how to reshape your career and get on the path to success today.

Elise Holtzman is the President and Founder of The Lawyer's Edge and the host of The Lawyer's Edge Podcast. The Lawyer's Edge focuses on empowering attorneys and teaching them the tools for success that aren't part of the law school curriculum. Her experience as a lawyer has given her expertise on where lawyers can improve their business and connect with clients. Elise has worked with practicing lawyers, professionals, and business leaders to further their business goals. In this episode… Our lives are defined by the ways we choose to build our character and the action we take to reach our goals. Each decision we make will help to define the importance we place on our lives and the relationships around us. Elise Holtzman, President and Founder of The Lawyer's Edge, takes her background in law and combines it with her coaching expertise to help companies improve their communication and achieve their goals. In this week's episode, host Sarah Nichols sits down with Elise Holtzman, the President and Founder of The Lawyer's Edge, as they laugh and discuss the perception of part-time work in law firms, business development, and the importance of relationships. Elise recalls her career path and the difficulties she faced. She also dives into how our decisions can help define a better future. Stay tuned.

Sarah Nichols is the Founder and Managing Attorney at Nichols Law, P.C. She is also an author, coach, HR expert, and a public speaker with frequent speeches for private employers and associations providing managers with compliance and liability prevention training. Sarah has over 20 years in the legal field and has guided hundreds of organizations from small businesses to Fortune 100 companies as they defend individual and class action claims before becoming a voice against discrimination in the workplace and closing the wage gap. Sarah is also the host of the Women's Advocate Podcast. In this episode… What are your initial thoughts rights after you have been laid off? Surely, you're in shock and wondering what to do next but you should also start wondering if the basis for your exit in the company was legal. If it wasn't, what kind of claims are you eligible for and what things are you entitled to? See, most people are unaware of their rights and their thoughts often get muddled the moment they get that pink slip, but according to Sarah Nichols, that shouldn't be the case. And she has made it her mission to help marginalized groups find the answers to the right questions post termination. In this episode of The Women's Advocate podcast, host Sarah Nichols gets interviewed by John Corcoran of Rise25 about what to do when you get fired unexpectedly. Sarah delves into who can make a claim and the common cases that she comes across with in her mission to be the voice of those who feel like they have none in the face of their employers. Stay Tuned.

Neha Sampat is the Founder, CEO, Coach, and Consultant at GenLead | BelongLab, an agency specializing in individual and organizational leadership opportunities focused on the concept of belonging. Neha uses the power of social-science data and stories to help her clients align their personal goals with their work, amplify their unique voices, and integrate diverse backgrounds and perspectives to curate a generationally-diverse workforce. She has presented countless seminars and workshops on bridging the minority gap in the workplace, the bar exam and ADHD, and imposter syndrome. Before creating her company GenLead | BelongLab, Neha was the Associate Dean and Adjunct Professor of Law and Leadership at Golden Gate University, School of Law. In this episode… Throughout your life, you have been told that you are intelligent, you are brave, and audacious: a leader. Your ego swells, but one day someone asks you a question that you can not answer. Does that mean you are not as intelligent as you thought? Or did they ask you the question to test your character? This feeling of doubt and guilt is called imposter syndrome, which Neha Sampat, CEO and Coach at GenLead | BelongLab knows all too well. She talks about the impact of imposter syndrome with clients in weekly workshops and training about unconscious bias, diversity, and aligning your personal goals with your work goals. Join us as host Sarah Nichols sit down to talk with Neha Sampat, Founder and CEO of GenLead | BelongLab. They discuss the importance of owning your voice, accepting the hard truths about unconscious bias, and honoring compliments. Neha also explains the concept of belonging and how it reaches into all areas of our lives. Keep listening for more.

Sarah Nichols is the Founder and Managing Attorney at Nichols Law, P.C. She is also an author, coach, HR expert, and a public speaker with frequent speeches for private employers and associations providing managers with compliance and liability prevention training. Sarah has over 20 years in the legal field and has guided hundreds of organizations from small businesses to Fortune 100 companies as they defend individual and class action claims before becoming a voice against discrimination in the workplace and closing the wage gap. Sarah is also the host of the Women's Advocate Podcast. In this episode… Despite the calls for equality, the gender wage gap still persists today. Despite individual company efforts in closing the gap, it is still an issue that needs to be unanimously addressed in order to make sure that all employees get the just compensation that they deserve. This means that color, age, and gender should play no role in the compensation package that an employee is to receive. And Sarah Nichols, Founder and Managing Lawyer of Nichols Law, PC has made it her duty to help close the wage gap and protect women from discrimination in their workplace. In this episode of The Women's Advocate podcast, host Sarah Nichols gets interviewed by John Corcoran of Rise25 about the existing wage gap and the steps necessary for equal pay to happen. Sarah delves into current laws on wages and how employers often work around them, and she also expounds on implicit bias, women on maternity leave, and the lack of transparency in the business world when it comes to wages. Stay tuned.

Joan Williams is an author, Distinguished Professor of Law at UC Hastings, Hastings Foundation Chair, and Founding Director of the Center for WorkLife Law at the University of California, Hastings College of Law. Her path-breaking work has helped to create the field of Work-Family Studies and Modern Workplace Flexibility Policies. Joan is one of the top-cited scholars in the world in her field, having written 11 books and over 100 academic articles. Her book What Works for Women at Work has been praised by TheNew York Times and critics alike as a "must-read for all women." Her work has been covered in publications from Oprah Magazine to The Atlantic. In this episode… Women are required to prove themselves multiple times over before they are promoted, they have to walk the tightrope of being perceived as a bitch or a bimbo, they are in danger of hitting a maternal wall in their careers and have to navigate the tug of war dealing with female rivalry. Host Sarah Nichols sits down with Joan Williams, who has played a critical role in reshaping how we talk about gender, class, and work for more than 25 years. Joan is an author, Distinguished Professor of Law, and Founding Director of the Center for WorkLife Law at the University of California, Hastings College of Law. Her work has helped change laws and implement better work-life balances for women. Join us as Sarah and Joan discuss gender discrimination, her book What Works for Women at Work, and tactics for dealing with discrimination in the workplace.

Andrea Heuston is the Founder and CEO of Artitudes Design Inc., a full-service graphic design firm delivering award-winning design solutions. In the last 25 years, Andrea and her team have dedicated countless hours to the community, providing supplies to children in public schools and preparing meals for those who have a mental illness. Last year, she published an article, "Never Apologize for Being a Woman" on LinkedIn, which received over 1 million clicks and sparked thousands of discussions about women in leadership roles across the world. Andrea is also the host of Lead Like A Woman Podcast, focusing on empowering women leaders to strengthen others through topical discussions and interviews with prominent figures. In this episode… In a room filled with people of different strengths and weaknesses, you will notice immediately that each person has a different position of authority. Some will instantly try to control the room, while others will gravitate to the walls and observe their surroundings. Now imagine that all the people in the room are women, trying to share their unique stories and experiences. Andrea Heuston, CEO and Founder of Artitudes Design Inc., understands the importance of the stories we carry with us, which is why she's dedicated herself to helping others tell their stories through design. Join us in this week's episode as host Sarah Nichols and her guest Andrea Heuston, CEO and Creative Director of Artitudes Design Inc., discuss overcoming your self-doubt, self-care, and owning your story. Andrea also explains her belief in the power to execute change through our stories while empowering others to reach their full potential. Her superpower to overcome life's obstacles has helped her connect to other women to provide support and personal growth opportunities.

Krista Mitzel is the Founder and Managing Partner at The Mitzel Group, LLP. The Mitzel Group is dedicated to helping you grow your business with their expertise in litigations, disputes, administrative audits, and protecting your interest with the right policies and people in the places that need it. Krista is a seasoned lawyer with almost 20 years of law practice under her belt along with 10 years as a business owner. She has extensive experience in managing cases that involve HR, trade secret protection, litigations, and risk management. Krista graduated from the University of San Francisco - School of Law and received her Bachelor's from the University of California Berkeley, where she studied English and Political Science. In this episode… What does it take to be a lady boss in today's changing economic climate? How can the lessons we learn in childhood fuel our entrepreneurial spirit? Krista Mitzel comes from a long line of phenomenal women and a strong work ethic, so when it was time to start her law firm, she took a swing at helping clients grow their companies with her own two hands. The Mitzel Group, LLP, founded by Krista, helps clients protect their interests with robust and proactively preventive measures. In this week's episode, host Sarah Nichols interviews the wonderful lady boss Krista. She talks about her family's love for baseball and the source of her entrepreneurial spirit. In her own way, Krista redefines what it means to be a lawyer and the importance of creating a supportive community that encourages growth instead of competition. Stay Tuned.

Sarah Nichols is the Founder and Managing Attorney at Nichols Law, P.C. She is also an author, coach, HR expert, and a public speaker with frequent speeches for private employers and associations providing managers with compliance and liability prevention training. Sarah has over 20 years in the legal field and has guided hundreds of organizations from small businesses to Fortune 100 companies as they defend individual and class action claims before becoming a voice against discrimination in the workplace and closing the wage gap. Sarah is also the host of the Women's Advocate Podcast. In this episode… Laws are constantly changing about the rights of employees and their power to fight against unlawful severance. The world continues to exist on this plane of uncertainty as millions of people lose their jobs due to a falling economy. It can be stressful to decide between filing a claim against your employer or just letting the case go, and this is where the expertise of Sarah Nichols comes in. In this episode of The Women's Advocate podcast, host Sarah Nichols gets interviewed by John Corcoran of Rise25 about the legal implications of getting fired, particularly during a time of pandemic such as we are experiencing today. They explore what questions and testing your employers may ask in their bid to keep their business operating, the accommodations and support employers are obligated to provide, and things that must be considered before employees are made to report back to work. Stay tuned.

Emily Epstein is the Founder and CEO of Oakbay Consulting and also serves as a lecturer at the University of Berkeley, School of Law. She is an expert negotiator and is dedicated to helping women find their voices in the workplace. Her firm teaches the importance of communication and how to dialogue effectively to get your point across. Emily has practiced law for more than 10 years, focusing on negotiation, facilitation, mediation, business coaching, and conflict management. Emily received her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center and has a Bachelor's in English and Psychology. In this episode… When was the last time you had to negotiate a deal or a battle between your children? It can be challenging to find the right words to say, especially when there are preconceived notions about your role in the company, or even your home. Yet, it is not impossible to change the way women are treated. Emily Epstein, Founder and CEO of Oakbay Consulting teaches her clients how to negotiate wage gaps, handle conflict, and mediate within their homes and offices. In this week's episode, host Sarah Nichols sits down with fellow lawyer and business owner, Emily, to talk about empowering women both in and out of the workplace. Emily's facilitation and training expertise have allowed her to connect with clients on a more personal level and help them achieve their goals. She discusses how unfairly women have been treated and the need for respect rather than likability. Stay Tuned.

Sarah Nichols is the Founder and Managing Attorney at Nichols Law, P.C. She is also an author, coach, HR expert, and a public speaker with frequent speeches for private employers and associations providing managers with compliance and liability prevention training. Sarah represents individuals in relation to their discrimination, retaliation, and wage and hour claims. She assists employees negotiating their exits from their employers. She is a tough and conscientious advocate for her clients and believes seeing both sides makes her a better advocate. Sarah is also the host of the Women's Advocate Podcast. In this episode Approximately half of the world's population are women, many of whom have pursued a career where they are often paid less than their male counterparts. The gender pay gap global studies reveal a 16 to 19 percent difference between men and women with the same position and experience in their company. Sarah Nichols, a US-born, Australian-raised lawyer, is working towards permanently closing the gap and ending discrimination against women in the workplace. Join us in this week's episode, as host Sarah Nichols gets interviewed by John Corcoran of Rise25 about what got her started on her mission to be the voice of women in the workplace. Sarah also reveals who inspires her and what her law firm does differently to make their clients feel at home. Stay tuned.