Counsel Brew

Ann Sheu is what happens when intentional living meets elite execution. A speaker, entrepreneur, and Certified EOS Implementer, Ann helps founders at work and families at home craft a shared vision, communicate better, and actually enjoy the life they’re building together.

After earning three degrees from SMU and building a successful career in law, Ann realized that success without alignment wasn’t enough. When she and her husband — both high performers — tried to run their marriage like a business, their therapist was quick to advise, “Ooh, don’t do that.” That moment became the spark for Mpowered Journey, where Ann took everything she’d learned from business, law, and leadership to help other couples and families find purpose, clarity, and connection without losing themselves in the process.

Brew of Choice: Water 💧because clarity is her caffeine.

In this episode, we sip water with Ann and dive into:
💡 Her leap from the law to coaching and how she found her true calling
🏡 The story behind Mpowered Journey and the art of intentional family leadership
⚖️ Lessons in purpose, partnership, and ditching “perfect” for aligned
🎤 How she built a career around impact with one mindset shift at a time
☀️ Her honest perspective on building a thriving marriage, raising a family, and still making space for herself

Ann’s story is equal parts heart, strategy, and humor. Proof that you can design a life that performs as well as it feels. Whether you’re a lawyer, a leader, or someone just trying to keep your family calendar from imploding, this episode will leave you inspired to lead your own Mpowered Journey.

👉 Listen now

Find Ann at https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncsheu/

Check out MPowered Journey at https://www.mpoweredjourney.com/

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 Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

Featuring Brad Pritchett, Chief Experience Officer at the Dallas Museum of Art

If there’s one person redefining how Dallas connects with culture, it’s Brad Pritchett. As the Chief Experience Officer at the Dallas Museum of Art, Brad isn’t just curating exhibits; he’s curating connection. With his trademark blend of creativity, candor, and charm, he’s turning one of the city’s most storied institutions into a living, breathing experience that invites everyone in.

His path here wasn’t exactly linear, and that’s part of what makes it brilliant. From growing up in a Southern Baptist home to performing on cruise ships, from television correspondent to community advocate, Brad’s story is about becoming who you really are, even when that means rewriting your own script.

In this episode of Counsel Brew, Brad opens up about authenticity, transformation, and finding joy in the work that moves you. He shares what it means to lead with empathy and imagination, and how art can be both a mirror and a megaphone for community. We talk about Dallas’ thriving arts scene, his passion for making the DMA accessible to everyone, and yes, his unapologetic love for fall décor and a perfectly crafted pecan cortado.

Brad reminds us that art isn’t confined to galleries; it’s found in the stories we tell, the spaces we create, and the courage it takes to live out loud.

So pour your brew (bonus points if has a hint of Fall flavor) and join us for a conversation with the man who Dreams it, Makes it, and Amplifies it, one bold, beautiful idea at a time.

👉 Listen now

Find Brad at https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-pritchett-108042b/

Visit the Dallas Museum of Art at https://dma.org/

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 Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

If there’s anyone who proves that planning is a form of art, it’s Susan Wetzel. Whether she’s mapping out her one-, five-, or ten-year goals, or guiding clients through the legal maze of mergers and acquisitions, Susan doesn’t wing it, she designs it. Every decision, every move, every cup of tea.

Her brew of choice? Ginger turmeric tea for its bold, balanced, and quietly powerful impact, much like her approach to leadership and life.

In this episode of Counsel Brew, Susan walks us through how she builds a career and a life by design. From her habit of printing every draft before she hits send (even emails!) to her meticulous approach to long-term planning, Susan shows us that being intentional doesn’t mean being rigid…It means making room for what matters most.

She also shares her deep commitment to the American Heart Association, where she channels her leadership beyond the boardroom, advocating for stronger, healthier communities with the same energy and focus she brings to her work.

And because life’s not all paper and plans, Susan lets us peek behind the scenes where Halloween and costumes reign supreme. From full-on costumes to an enthusiasm that could give the neighborhood kids a run for their candy, she reminds us that joy isn’t just something to schedule in; it’s something to celebrate.

This episode is for the planners, the thinkers, and anyone who finds peace in a well-organized stack of paper, a perfectly steeped cup of tea, and a great costume idea waiting in the wings.

👉 Listen now 

Find Susan at https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-wetzel-b277337/

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 Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

When your guest shows up in a white top hat and jokingly calls himself “the fun appellate lawyer,” you know you’re in for a great conversation.

For our 40th episode, we’re raising a mug to Chad Ruback — appellate attorney, on-air legal commentator, and all-around class act who somehow balances professionalism with a sharp sense of humor.

Chad shares his path from his family’s jewelry business in Kansas City to building a respected solo appellate practice in Texas. Along the way, he’s learned that showing up — with curiosity, consistency, and the occasional top hat — can take you a long way in both law and life.

He’s thoughtful, funny, and the kind of person who remembers everyone’s name and story — a rare gift in any profession.

And we couldn’t share this episode without a nod to Daisy Louise, Chad’s beloved dog who made frequent cameos and left an even bigger mark. She’s gone now, but her presence (and her timing) live on in our hearts — and this episode. 🐾

So grab your favorite brew and join us for this light-hearted episode — a conversation with the appellate lawyer who proves you can be serious about the law without taking yourself too seriously.

Find Chad at https://www.linkedin.com/in/appeal/

& more info about his Law Practice at https://appeal.pro/

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 Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

“The worst thing in life is to look back and say, I wish I had.”
That one piece of advice changed everything for Hilda Galvan. She sold her brand-new home, headed to law school, and never looked back.

Fast forward three decades: Hilda became one of the most respected intellectual property litigators in the country, leading Jones Day’s Dallas office for nearly a decade and winning cases for clients like IBM, Motorola, OnStar, and Charles Schwab. Along the way, she mentored scores of lawyers, broke barriers in patent litigation, and became a role model for others.

Now, she’s in a new chapter; one she calls “retirement” but we’d call anything but. Hilda is pouring her energy into consulting with technology startups, joining corporate boards, and championing women-owned businesses and nonprofits.

In this episode of Counsel Brew, Hilda talks about resilience, leadership, and carving your own path. From her early engineering days to becoming a first-chair trial lawyer when few women had that seat, her story is packed with grit, wisdom, and plenty of humor. And yes, we get into her favorite brew — black coffee. No sugar. No cream. And efficient, just like her.

Hilda proves that when you mix brilliance with resilience (and a strong cup of black coffee never hurts), you don’t just build a career, you redefine the game.

Find Hilda at https://www.linkedin.com/in/hildagalvan/

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 Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

What happens when we trade case law for cancer care? You get one of the richest, most human conversations we’ve ever brewed.

This week on Counsel Brew, we branch out beyond the courtroom and into the clinic with Dr. Richard Hall—a thoracic oncologist whose life’s work is treating lung cancer and supporting patients through some of their toughest moments.

A proud Texan and graduate of Texas A&M and UT Southwestern, Rick went on to train at the University of Virginia and the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center before returning to UVA, where he not only treats patients but also trains the next generation of oncologists. He’s earned teaching awards, led UVA’s fellowship program, and advanced cutting-edge research in immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and combination treatments.

But beyond the credentials lies a doctor who knows that medicine is about people first. In this conversation, Rick opens up about:
 ☕ The emotional reality of delivering difficult news and how empathy and communication are as vital as any treatment.
 ☕ The evolution of lung cancer care, from chemotherapy to immunotherapy to antibody-drug conjugates (a “guided missile” approach to attacking tumors).
 ☕ Why collaboration among medical teams is just as important as collaboration in business or law.
 ☕ His personal journey from med school to oncology and the moments that shaped his calling.

And because no Counsel Brew is complete without actual brew, we lighten things up with Rick’s adventures as a self-taught barista—how chasing the perfect shot of espresso demands scientific precision in measurements and pressure—his favorite lattes, and the joy of finding balance through coffee.

🎧 Advances in oncology are rewriting survival stories and offering hope like never before.
This is Counsel Brew with a new flavor: part science, part soul, and three shots of espresso. Don’t miss it.

Hashtags: #Oncology #CancerCare #MedicalJourney #CoffeeLover

👉 Listen now:  

Find Dr. Hall at https://med.virginia.edu/hematology-oncology/richard-delmar-hall-md/

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 Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

This week’s brew is bold and unforgettable—just like our guest, Brittany K. Barnett.

Brittany’s journey is anything but typical. From CPA and corporate attorney to nationally recognized author, advocate, and “freedom architect,” she’s dedicated her life to unlocking hope and rewriting futures. In this episode, we dive into:

➤ How her mother’s incarceration shaped her path and ultimately ignited her fight for criminal justice reform.
➤ The story behind A Knock at Midnight, her acclaimed memoir that’s both deeply personal and widely celebrated.
➤ Founding the Buried Alive Project and Girls Embracing Mothers—organizations that have freed dozens serving unjust life sentences and supported daughters of incarcerated moms.
➤ Why she believes real justice isn’t just about laws, but also about economic opportunity and empowerment through her venture, Manifest Freedom.
➤ How her journey is deeply rooted in the relentless pursuit of justice and freedom. 

Brittany has been featured everywhere from Good Morning America to The New York Times. She’s helped free over 65 people, inspired millions through her TED Talk, and was named an SMU Distinguished Alumna. But in her own words, this work is about hope, not headlines.

And her brew of choice? A soothing lavender latte, first discovered on a trip to Paris—a fitting origin story for a drink that’s equal parts elegant and powerful, much like Brittany herself.

So grab your mug and settle in. Brittany’s story will stir your spirit, remind you of the power of a second chance, and push you to ask: how am I using my own brew to change the world?

🎧 Listen in now—this is one cup you’ll want to sip slowly.

Find Brittany K. Barnettt at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanykbarnett/

Grab a copy of her book:  https://www.brittanykbarnett.com/the-book

Listen to her TedTalk here: https://www.ted.com/talks/brittany_k_barnett_the_creativity_innovation_and_ingenuity_languishing_in_us_prisons

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 Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

Shawn Tuma has been fighting cyber villains since before “cybersecurity” was even a thing. As Co-Chair of Spencer Fane’s Data Privacy & Cybersecurity Practice, he’s the guy companies call when the unthinkable happens—whether it’s ransomware, data theft, or an IT guy whose credentials include “brother of a cousin.”

In this fantastic episode of Counsel Brew, we sit down with Shawn and explore the intricate world of managing critical cybersecurity incidents. Shawn’s path to badassery proves that you never know what may lie ahead. Shawn shares his extensive experience in guiding companies through the complexities of cyber attacks, ransomware, and data breaches, a field that didn’t even exist when he started his legal career. His unique insights offer valuable guidance for businesses looking to safeguard their operations and maintain resilience in the face of cyber threats.

In this episode, we sip French roast and swap stories on:
 ☕ Why breach response is part adrenaline rush, part group therapy
  📖How writing an article for a conference turned into his book, The GC–CISO Connection
 🛡 Why your CISO and legal team should be best friends (and how to make it happen)
 🐷 Cameos from Mabel the grandpig and 28+ years of trick-or-treating expertise

It’s a mix of coffee talk, crisis management, and career pivots—plus a few Stupid Sh*t stories that prove even cybersecurity legends have their “you can’t make this up” moments.

Grab your brew and listen in. 

Find Shawn Tuma at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnetuma/

Grab a copy of his book:  The GC+CISO Connection Book: Shawn E. Tuma, J.D., CIPP/US: 9798991396905: Amazon.com: Books 

And check out his podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@gccisoconnection

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 Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

In this episode, we sit down with Jane McBride—lawyer-turned-coach, corporate counsel whisperer, and believer in making bold career shifts before burnout steeps in. A true New Yorker who cut her teeth at NYU Law and in the corporate trenches of big firm life, Jane eventually traded Manhattan’s Village streets for the California coast. After years as a general counsel for a real estate company—and even running her own solo practice in California mixing business law with family law—she found her way to Texas and her career sweet spot: coaching lawyers and professionals to stop “falling into the next thing” and start intentionally crafting their paths.

In this episode, Jane shares:

• The real talk every lawyer needs to get on their path to badassery.
• Why personal branding matters.
• How small steps can lead to big shifts.
• Some Stupid Sh*t involving hot art & a boat!

Like us, Jane is a die-hard coffee lover—she’s even raised eyebrows by ordering coffee at high tea. Our conversation also takes a fun detour through NYC’s neon-soaked 80s nightclub scene, the electric energy of walking city streets, and a dive headfirst into the wild world of influencers and creatives.

Because as Jane proves, reinvention has no age limit.

👉 Listen now: 

Find Jane McBride at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/janemcbride1/

Find out more about Optimus Legal at https://www.optimuslegal.com/

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 Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.

In this episode of Counsel Brew, we sit down with Brandon Dean, President of AVIO Consulting, euphonium enthusiast, startup veteran, and self-proclaimed maven of coffee precision. But before he was leading a specialized IT services and systems integration firm helping companies accelerate their digital evolution, Brandon was a band kid, a drum major, and a flat-white fan in the making.

Brandon’s early interest in consulting was driven by the excitement of new challenges and the appeal of a fast-paced, global career. But it wasn’t long before he discovered the realities of the corporate world where long hours and quiet excellence didn’t always translate to advancement. After being told he was “too good and too invisible” to move up, he realized he needed to adjust his approach to advancing in his career.

That realization sparked his move into startups, and eventually to founding AVIO Consulting. We dive into the long game of building a people-centered company during a volatile time. Brandon opens up about some of the most pivotal moments in his journey—leaving the security of a stable job, drafting a business plan in the middle of the night while preparing to welcome his second child, and learning to make hard calls as a new leader. His reflections are thoughtful and grounded, offering an honest look at what it really takes to build a company with purpose from the ground up.

Of course, we couldn’t talk to Brandon without geeking out on coffee. We explore his dual brew identity: Flat white when someone else is making it (shoutout to LDU in Dallas), AeroPress when he’s in charge of the coffee. We enjoy walking through his ritual—hand-grinding the beans, measuring grams of water, and cleaning every tool with precision. We also get the delightful lowdown on why he and his tea-loving wife have completely separate tumbler zones. 

Whether you're leading a company, figuring out how to become visible, launching a side hustle, or just trying to pick the right espresso setup, this episode offers a blend of wisdom, humor, and some very strong brew.

👉 Listen now: 

Find Brandon Dean at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonjdean/

Find AVIO Consulting at  https://www.linkedin.com/company/avio-consulting/

Follow AVIO Consulting at  

Find out more about AVIO Consulting at https://avioconsulting.com/

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 Explicit Rating is for the occasional use of colorful language.