Episode Description: 

Welcome to Episode 100 of Powerhouse Lawyers! After nearly 8,000 downloads and a year of uncomfortable growth, host Erin Gerner shares seven hard truths she's learned through 100 episodes of podcasting and 45 years of life. If you're a high-achieving woman waiting for someone or something to change your life, fix your career, or give you permission to want something different—this episode is for you. Because here's truth number one: No one is coming to save you. And that's either the most terrifying thing you'll hear today—or the most liberating.

Key Topics Covered

• Why no one is coming to rescue you (and why that's actually good news)
• How to kick your own ass when motivation doesn't come naturally
• Why you don't need permission—you need action
• What to do when you don't feel ready (spoiler: do it anyway)
• How big changes actually happen (hint: small daily actions)
• Why discomfort is a green light, not a stop sign
• Taking responsibility for your life and career

Connect or Work with Erin:

Instagram: @eringerner

LinkedIn: Erin Gerner

Website: www.eringerner.com

Book a Call HERE

Episode 1: A Former Version of You Prayed for This Life: Breaking Free from Comparison

Episode Description: 

In this solo episode, Erin gets vulnerable about her 45th birthday funk and the comparison trap that nearly stole her joy. She shares the powerful message that shifted everything: "The life you are living now, a former version of you prayed for." If you've ever looked around at everyone else's highlight reel and felt like you're somehow behind, this episode is for you.

Key Topics Covered

• Why comparison feels heavier in your 40s
• The negativity bias: why your brain only sees what you don't have
• How social media amplified the comparison trap beyond our immediate circle
• The life-changing question: "Do I even want what they have?"
• The answered prayer audit: what did 35-year-old you desperately want?
• Why your current reality (even the messy parts) might be exactly what you prayed for

Timestamps

• 0:00 - Welcome back! Holiday mode and daylight savings rants
• 2:08 - The comparison trap at 45: why midlife hits different
• 4:00 - How comparison steals more than just your joy
• 6:14 - Erin's 45th birthday funk: feeling behind despite building everything from scratch
• 8:28 - The church message that changed everything
• 10:42 - The only person who can save you from comparison is you
• 12:18 - Why comparison ramps up in your 40s (the science behind it)
• 14:19 - Social media's role: comparing to everyone's highlight reel
• 16:16 - Practical tips: Do you even want what they have?
• 18:16 - The 10-year exercise: what did younger you pray for?
• 20:07 - Your worth is not based on someone else's highlight reel

Call to Action

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow lawyer or friend who needs to hear this message. Tag Erin on social media and let her know how you combat the comparison trap—she'd love to hear from you!

Don't forget to subscribe to the Powerhouse Lawyers podcast so you never miss an episode.

Connect with Erin

• Instagram: @eringerner
• LinkedIn: Erin Gerner
• Website: eringerner.com 

Have a topic you'd love to hear covered on the podcast? DM Erin and let her know!

What do you do the day after you fall on your face in front of everyone? In this episode, Erin shares powerful stories about her daughters' moments of failure and comeback—and introduces The Goldfish Method, a three-step framework for bouncing back from setbacks. Learn why your perfectionism is killing your resilience, the neuroscience behind why trying again feels so hard, and how to separate your identity from your performance so one bad day doesn't derail your career.

Chapters

00:00
Welcome Back and Reflections on Podcasting

02:53
The Goldfish Analogy: Memory and Resilience

05:42
Overcoming Fear of Failure

08:52
Lessons from My Daughter's Public Speaking Experience

14:21
The Goldfish Method: Reset, Reframe, Return

23:08
Neuroscience of Resilience and Courage

29:03
Identity vs. Performance: Separating Self-Worth from Outcomes

38:00
Actionable Steps: Try Again and Accountability

41:49
Closing Thoughts and Legally Blonde Moment

Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. Andrew Huberman's work on neuroplasticity
• Dr. Kristin Neff's research on self-compassion
• Carol Dweck's research on growth mindset
• Angela Duckworth's "Grit"
• Brené Brown's work on perfectionism

Connect with Erin:

• Website: eringerner.com
• Instagram: @eringerner
• LinkedIn: Erin Gerner

In this episode, Erin Gerner returns to the Powerhouse Lawyers podcast after a four-month hiatus, sharing her journey of self-reflection and the importance of taking breaks. She discusses the challenges of feeling obligated to produce content and the need for clarity in one's path. Erin emphasizes that taking a break is not a sign of failure but a necessary recalibration. She explores the difference between pushing through and pushing forward, the fear of judgment from others, and the importance of defining success on one's own terms. The episode concludes with a renewed vision for the podcast, focusing on empowerment and support for women in law.

00:00 Reconnecting with the Audience
02:56 The Importance of Taking Breaks
05:44 Pushing Through vs. Pushing Forward
08:52 Overcoming the Fear of Judgment
11:47 Defining Success on Your Own Terms
14:43 The Power of Evolution and Growth
17:33 A New Vision for the Podcast

Stay connected with Erin Gerner
Website https://www.eringerner.com/   
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-gerner/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/erin.w.gerner
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/eringerner/?hl=en

Today, I'm reflecting on my journey through the legal profession and the importance of redefining success on your own terms. I discuss the 'success trap' that many high achievers fall into, where they pursue goals based on external expectations rather than personal fulfillment. Self-reflection, understanding personal values, and taking intentional actions is key to create a fulfilling career and life.

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Stay connected with Erin Gerner
Website https://www.eringerner.com/   
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-gerner/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/erin.w.gerner
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/eringerner/?hl=en

Welcome back to the Powerhouse Lawyers podcast! This week, Elizabeth Garvish shares her journey from law school to founding her own immigration law firm, emphasizing the importance of resilience, self-discovery, and creating a positive work environment. She discusses the challenges she faced in traditional law firms, the lessons learned from adversity, and her commitment to fostering a happy and empowering workplace for her team.

Elizabeth discusses the challenges of balancing a legal career with family life, as well as the importance of flexibility and emotional intelligence in the workplace. She shares personal experiences of advocating for clients with a positive mindset and the power of believing in miracles. This episode is packed with great nuggets of knowledge and wisdom that you don't want to miss!

Connect with Elizabeth Garvish
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethlagarvish/
Website: https://goimmigrationlaw.com/
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Stay connected with Erin Gerner
Website https://www.eringerner.com/   
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-gerner/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/erin.w.gerner
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/eringerner/?hl=en

Hey powerhouses, this week I'm chatting with Chelsea Hilliard, a partner at McGuire Woods and president of the Dallas Women Lawyers Association. Chelsea shares her unconventional journey to law school, her experiences in the legal profession, and her insights on success, resilience, and the importance of aligning one's career with personal values. We talk the challenges faced by women in law and Chelsea's commitment to leaving a positive legacy for future generations. I

We also cover Chelsea's journey towards making a documentary that highlights the stories of women in law, the importance of community and mentorship, and her desire to create a legacy of change.

Connect with Chelsea Hilliard
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-hilliard-5954815/
Learn more about A Law Unto Themselves: https://dallaswomenlawyers.org/event/a-law-unto-themselves-screenings/

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Stay connected with Erin Gerner
Website https://www.eringerner.com/   
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-gerner/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/erin.w.gerner
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/eringerner/?hl=en

Welcome back! This week I want to talk strategies for us powerhouse lawyers to reclaim our power and redefine success in our careers. This episode illustrates the importance of clarity, strategy, and accountability in overcoming overwhelm and achieving work-life balance.

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Stay connected with Erin Gerner
Website https://www.eringerner.com/   
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-gerner/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/erin.w.gerner
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/eringerner/?hl=en

This week I'm talking to Natalie Netzel as we discuss the importance of self-care and resilience in the legal profession. We explore Natalie's journey from law school to becoming a professor, the significance of teaching resilience to law students, and the need for community and vulnerability in the legal field. We also discuss self-care in maintaining mental health and well-being, especially in high-pressure environments like law school. We'll also give some valuable advice for aspiring law students on how to navigate their careers while staying true to their values.

You don't want to mis this episode, powerhouses!

Connect with Natalie Netzel:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-netzel-02389156/

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Stay connected with Erin Gerner
Website https://www.eringerner.com/   
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-gerner/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/erin.w.gerner
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/eringerner/?hl=en

In this episode of the Powerhouse Lawyers podcast, joined by Arivee Vargas, a certified executive coach and founder of Humble Rising LLC. We discuss the journey of women in law, the importance of self-awareness, and the challenges of balancing career and motherhood. V. shares her personal experiences, including her identity crisis after becoming a mother and her transition from a corporate legal career to coaching. The conversation emphasizes the significance of community, personal development, and the release of limiting beliefs, culminating in the launch of Arivee's book, 'Your Time to Rise.'

We also discuss the journey towards authentic success and fulfillment, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery, personal values, and the need for alignment in one's life. The discussion introduces the 4As framework, which guides individuals through assessing their current situation, activating their strengths and values, envisioning their future, and aligning their actions with their true selves. The conversation also highlights the significance of community support and the courage to ask for help during challenging times.

Connect with Arivee Vargas
https://www.ariveevargas.com/
Your Time to Rise
LinkedIn
Instagram

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Stay connected with Erin Gerner
Website https://www.eringerner.com/   
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-gerner/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/erin.w.gerner
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/eringerner/?hl=en