Powerhouse Lawyers

Hosted by Erin Gerner

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116

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May 2026

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About the show

Are you an ambitious attorney who wants to build a life and career that you cannot wait to wake up for? Then you're in the right place. Welcome to Powerhouse Lawyers, a podcast for the Powerhouse in each of us. I am your host, Erin Gerner. A former lawyer, wife, mom, and life coach, and I am on a mission to empower women in the law to define success on their terms, by leveraging their unique superpowers to help them win in both law and life. Join me each week to hear inspiring stories, real talk, and practical tips. You need to redefine the toxic narratives that are keeping women overwhelmed, trying to do it all. You are worthy and capable of building a life and career that you have always wanted, and I'm here to empower you along the way. So if you are ready to practice law differently, let's go.

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May 28, 2026Episode 11634 min

From Fox News to Fighting for Women: The Evolution of Tamara Holder

Tamara Holder has never done anything the traditional way — and it has made her one of the most powerful women's rights attorneys in the country. She's the principal of Tamara Holder Law, a Chicago-based boutique firm she founded in 2005 focusing on women's rights globally — including sex trafficking, sexual assault, workplace harassment, and institutional sexual abuse. She spearheaded the largest doctor-patient sexual abuse case in Illinois history, testified before Congress, and for nearly a decade, was the only progressive female legal analyst on Fox News.In this episode, we get into all of it — the evolution, the personal pivot, the work, and how she keeps showing up even when the weight is heavy.In this episode we cover:Why she never went to big law — and how she built everything on her own termsHer years as the lone female progressive voice on Fox News and what it really cost herThe personal experience 10 years ago that changed the entire direction of her careerThe landmark Twin Peaks case and what a 54-plaintiff win actually looks likeThe Dr. Mark Mulholland case in Washington — representing 170+ women against a doctor and the institutions that protected himHer advice for women leveling up: "lie to yourself until you believe it"Why The Body Keeps the Score is the book she buys for strangers at restaurantsPhish, Pucci, her Italian husband, and finding joy in the middle of heavy workConnect with Tamara Holder:Website: tamaraholderlaw.comInstagram (professional): @womensrightsattorneyInstagram (personal): @tamara_holderWork with Erin Gerner: Erin coaches high-achieving female attorneys who are successful on paper but struggling with burnout, identity, and what's next — helping them redefine success on their own terms.📅 Book a connection call: https://calendly.com/eringerner/connectioncallStay connected with Erin Gerner:Website: eringerner.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-gerner/Instagram: @eringernerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/erin.w.gerner/aboutDon't forget to subscribe to Powerhouse Lawyers wherever you listen. 🎙️

May 14, 2026Episode 11549 min

She Got Laid Off Twice and Started Her Firm the Next Day

Ruby Powers has been doing what the rest of the legal world just figured out — for over a decade. Board-certified immigration attorney, founder of Powers Law Group, law professor, author of Power Up Your Practice, and one of the earliest adopters of remote law practice and AI-driven legal tools, Ruby built her firm from scratch — including from Dubai — on her terms, on her timeline.In this episode, we talk about how she went from laid off to law firm founder overnight, the three roles every firm owner has to navigate, and what actually happens when you stop being the only manager in the room.In this episode we cover:Why she registered her law firm the day after being laid off — for the second timeRunning a remote law firm from Dubai in 2011 before anyone thought it was possibleThe Technician → Manager → Entrepreneur framework and why most firm owners get stuckThe management mistakes she made (and how she fixed them)AI tools she's using right now to save time and stay sharpWhy she's teaching law practice management in law school — because nobody else isBalancing a high-volume career with two kids and actually enjoying your lifeConnect with Ruby Powers:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rubypowers/Website: https://rubypowers.com/Book: Power Up Your Practice (available on Amazon)Podcast: Power Up Your PracticeWork with Erin Gerner: Erin coaches high-achieving female attorneys who are successful on paper but struggling with burnout, identity crisis, and knowing what's next — helping them redefine success on their terms without sacrificing family or wellbeing.Stay connected with Erin Gerner:Website: eringerner.comLinkedIn: Erin GernerInstagram: @eringernerFacebook: Erin GernerDon't forget to subscribe to Powerhouse Lawyers wherever you listen. ⭐ Leave a review and share it with a fellow sister in law — that's how we grow this thing. 📅 Ready to stop doing all three roles alone? Book a free connection call and let's figure out what's next together.

May 7, 2026Episode 11422 min

You're Not Lazy. You're Just Giving Your Energy to Everyone Who Isn't You.

In this episode I'm talking about the energy leak problem that is keeping high-achieving women from showing up when it actually counts — at work, at home, and for themselves. This isn't a time management conversation. It's an energy management one.We cover:Why hurry-up-and-wait is costing you more than you thinkThe real reason you feel stuck and can't get momentumHow to do a simple energy auditWhat a pre-performance routine actually looks like in real lifeWork with Erin Gerner:Erin coaches high-achieving female attorneys who are successful on paper but struggling with burnout, identity crisis, and knowing what's next—helping them redefine success on their terms without sacrificing family or wellbeing.Stay connected with Erin Gerner:Website: eringerner.comLinkedIn: Erin GernerInstagram: @eringernerFacebook: Erin GernerDon't forget to Subscribe to Powerhouse Lawyers wherever you listen ⭐ Leave a review and share it with a fellow sister in law — that's how we grow this thing 📅 Ready to figure out where your energy is actually going? Book a free connection call and let's figure it out together.

April 23, 2026Episode 11344 min

Cortisol, Burnout, and Why Your Pants Don't Fit Anymore

If you've been carrying migraines, brain fog, weight you can't explain, or sleep that just won't come — this episode is going to make a lot of things click.Marcy Luna is a high performance coach, exercise physiologist, and founder of Reenergize Coaching, and she has spent 30 years studying exactly what chronic stress does to the body and what you can actually do about it. In this conversation, she breaks down the science behind why lawyers are especially wired to stay stuck in stress mode — and gives us the simplest, most practical tools to start feeling better today.No hour-long meditation required.In this episode we cover:Why stress shows up as physical symptoms — weight gain, brain fog, insomnia, and moreWhat cortisol actually does in your body and why yours is probably dysregulatedWhy high achievers confuse the buzz of stress with successThe simple breathing technique that calms your nervous system in secondsWhy looking at the sky is genuinely one of the best things you can do for your brainHow dehydration is quietly amplifying your stress response every single dayWhy you don't have to leave law to feel joy — and what expanding your capacity actually looks likeConnect with Marcy:reenergizecoaching.com — grab your free 30-minute sessionInstagram: @MLunaFitnessLinkedIn: Marcy LunaWork with Erin Gerner:Erin coaches high-achieving female attorneys who are successful on paper but struggling with burnout, identity crisis, and knowing what's next—helping them redefine success on their terms without sacrificing family or wellbeing.Stay connected with Erin Gerner:Website: eringerner.comLinkedIn: Erin GernerInstagram: @eringernerFacebook: Erin Gerner

April 16, 2026Episode 11244 min

The Reason You're Invisible Online (And Exactly How to Fix It)

Melanie Borden is the founder of The Borden Group, a personal brand strategist, and the author of Theater of the Mind — and she is here to tell you that AI is already searching for you, and what it finds (or doesn't find) is either opening doors or quietly closing them.In this episode, Melanie breaks down what she calls "searchable leadership" — why your digital footprint is now your most powerful career asset, what lawyers are getting completely wrong on LinkedIn, and the simple steps you can take right now to start showing up in a way that actually moves the needle.In this episode we cover:Why AI has completely changed how potential clients and employers find and evaluate youWhat searchable leadership is and why it matters more than ever in 2026The biggest mistakes lawyers make on LinkedIn (hint: it's not what you think)Why less than 3% of LinkedIn's billion users are actively posting — and what that means for youHow to start building your digital presence without feeling overwhelmedWhat imposter syndrome is actually doing to your career and how Melanie's book tackles it head onResources mentioned:Theater of the Mind by Melanie Borden — available on AmazonFind Melanie at humantobrand.comWork with Erin Gerner:Erin coaches high-achieving female attorneys who are successful on paper but struggling with burnout, identity crisis, and knowing what's next—helping them redefine success on their terms without sacrificing family or wellbeing.Stay connected with Erin Gerner:Website: eringerner.comLinkedIn: Erin GernerInstagram: @eringernerFacebook: Erin Gerner

April 2, 2026Episode 11135 min

The Non-Linear Path to Partner Nobody Talks About

Danielle Kays is a partner at Fisher Phillips, a nationally recognized litigator focused on privacy, biometric, AI, and employment law — and she did it her way, on her timeline, working remotely since 2013. In this episode, she gets real about the windy road to partner, what it looked like to balance Big Law with two little kids, and why taking 20 years to make partner is something to be proud of — not apologize for.In this episode we cover:Why she joined Big Law when her kids were babies — in search of flexibilityWhat it was really like to work from home in 2012 before anyone else was doing itThe patronizing moments and upstream swimming that came with a non-linear pathHow she and her husband built a true partnership to make two demanding careers workThe power of finding community — especially women who are a few steps ahead of youWhy your career is a marathon, not a sprint (and what that actually means in practice)Connect with Danielle: LinkedInWork with Erin Gerner:Erin coaches high-achieving female attorneys who are successful on paper but struggling with burnout, identity crisis, and knowing what's next—helping them redefine success on their terms without sacrificing family or wellbeing.Stay connected with Erin Gerner:Website: eringerner.comLinkedIn: Erin GernerInstagram: @eringernerFacebook: Erin Gerner

February 26, 2026Episode 11041 min

The $1.7 Million LinkedIn Post: How Lawyers Are Landing Clients Through Storytelling

In this conversation, Erin Gerner interviews Jacob Molina, founder of storyleads.io, who specializes in helping lawyers build their personal brand through storytelling on LinkedIn. Jacob shares his journey from working in tech to discovering the power of storytelling for lawyers. He discusses the importance of sharing unique perspectives, overcoming fears of vulnerability, and how effective storytelling can lead to client referrals. The conversation emphasizes the significance of personal branding and human connection in the legal profession, encouraging lawyers to embrace their stories and share them authentically.Jacob works with lawyers across virtually every practice area to build their personal brand and attract clients and referrals through LinkedIn storytelling — in just one hour a month. Reach out to Jacob directly on LinkedIn to connect or get started with a free post. CONNECT WITH JACOBWork with Erin Gerner:Erin coaches high-achieving female attorneys who are successful on paper but struggling with burnout, identity crisis, and knowing what's next—helping them redefine success on their terms without sacrificing family or wellbeing.Stay connected with Erin Gerner:Website: eringerner.comLinkedIn: Erin GernerInstagram: @eringernerFacebook: Erin Gerner

February 19, 2026Episode 10941 min

The People Pleaser's Guide to Quitting: How to Have the Breakup Conversation with Your Law Firm

Hey Powerhouses! This week we're talking about what happens when you wake up and realize you're living someone else's perfect life—and what it takes to create one that actually fits. Wendy Meadows, seasoned family law attorney, former litigator, certified life coach, mediator, and author of the bestselling book Sparkle & Grit, joins us to share her journey from BigLaw burnout to building a practice (and life) on her own terms.We dive into why Wendy left her firm after 13 years (spoiler: asking permission for vacation was the last straw), how Beachbody coaching taught her more about running a business than law school ever did, and why so many lawyers who go solo end up making MORE money while working fewer hours than they ever imagined. Wendy breaks down the math (yes, there's a spreadsheet), walks us through the hardest part of going solo (the breakup conversation with your partners), and explains why hiring an assistant before you think you need one is non-negotiable.We also talk about the Sparkle and Grit framework—why you need both the feminine (sparkle) and masculine (grit) energy to succeed, how to recognize burnout before you hit the wall, and why 2026 is Wendy's year of "ease." Plus, Wendy gets real about her divorce, redefining success on her own terms, and learning to let opportunities flow to her instead of grinding for them.And yes, she wore two different shoes to court. Twice.Sparkle & Grit Book: Available on Amazon Connect with Wendy Meadows: LinkedIn: Wendy S. Meadows Instagram: @wendy_s_meadows Website: WendySMeadows.comWendy works with lawyers going solo, provides strategic coaching and systems consulting, and speaks at law firms on burnout prevention and retention. She also coaches high-achieving women who've checked all the boxes but still feel stuck.Work with Erin Gerner:Erin coaches high-achieving female attorneys who are successful on paper but struggling with burnout, identity crisis, and knowing what's next—helping them redefine success on their terms without sacrificing family or wellbeing.Stay connected with Erin Gerner:Website: eringerner.comLinkedIn: Erin GernerInstagram: @eringernerFacebook: Erin Gerner

February 12, 2026Episode 10831 min

From Interviewing Pop Stars to Running Lawyer.com: Why Fun Is Actually a Business Strategy

Hey Powerhouses! This week we're diving into the wild world of legal tech with Colleen Joyce, CEO of Lawyer.com. From interviewing A-list celebrities at Popstar.com to building one of the leading online legal marketplaces, Colleen brings authenticity, energy, and a growth-first mindset to everything she does—including her new ice skating lessons (yes, really).We talk about riding the AI wave instead of getting crushed by it, why your competitors are already using AI and what you need to know, and how Colleen runs Lawyer.com like a startup with a flat organizational structure where anyone can bring an idea to the table. The conversation highlights the importance of leading by example, creating a culture where fun is a pillar (hello, dress-up days!), and why community and networking are some of the biggest growth levers you can pull.Colleen and I delve into the challenge of being a beginner at something, the power of testing every AI platform out there (even if you don't buy anything), and why understanding your baseline metrics is critical for growth. We also discuss how the legal tech space has shifted from buttoned-up lawyers to a more casual, Google-style startup environment, and why joining masterminds and communities—even when it's uncomfortable—is what builds longevity in business.Plus, Colleen shares her legally blonde moment of walking into a glass wall while scrolling on her phone (we've all been there), and invites us all to embrace the chaos, have fun, and maybe even lace up some ice skates.Connect with Colleen Joyce and Lawyer.com: LinkedIn: Colleen Joyce Website: Lawyer.com Phone: Give Lawyer.com a call—you might get Colleen herself!Stay connected with Erin Gerner: Website: eringerner.com LinkedIn: Erin Gerner Instagram: @eringerner Facebook: Erin GernerKey Takeaway: If you're not using AI, your competitor is. Start with something fun to build your foundation, test every platform out there, and join community—it's one of the biggest growth levers you can pull. Oh, and maybe take up ice skating. Life's too short not to try new things.

February 5, 2026Episode 10747 min

From Zero Clients to Retiring Her Doctor Husband: Building a Tech-Powered Law Firm

Episode DescriptionWhat happens when you start a law firm with zero clients, zero contacts, and a vision that doesn't fit anyone else's mold? Gabriela Smith did exactly that—and built it so successfully that her anesthesiologist husband retired from medicine to join her. In this powerful conversation, Gabriela shares how she transformed from a BigLaw litigator who hated asking permission for vacation into an entrepreneur building a tech-powered, human-centric M&A law firm that's rewriting the rules. She talks about legal subscriptions replacing billable hours, why AI can't replace human intuition, creating a law firm "umbrella" for entrepreneurial attorneys who want freedom, and what it really takes to walk through the thick mud of reinvention. This is for every attorney who's ever felt like they don't fit the traditional mold—because you don't have to.Connect with Gabriela SmithInstagram: @thegabbysmith LinkedIn: Gabriela Smith Email: gsmith@gnslawplc.com Podcast: Exit Ed PodcastGabriela mentors moms and entrepreneurs—reach out if you want to connect. For attorneys interested in joining the GNS Law umbrella model, contact her husband Tim (he handles those conversations).Work with Erin GernerErin coaches high-achieving female attorneys who are successful on paper but struggling with burnout, identity crisis, and knowing what's next—helping them redefine success on their terms without sacrificing family or wellbeing.Contact: @eringerner on Instagram | Book a Free CallKey Takeaway: You don't have to fit the traditional mold. Start where you are, walk through the thick mud, and create what works for YOU. Legal subscriptions, AI-powered tools, entrepreneurial freedom—the future of law is human-centric, and it doesn't look like BigLaw anymore.