Powerhouse Lawyers

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 think
• The real reason you feel stuck and can't get momentum
• How to do a simple energy audit
• What a pre-performance routine actually looks like in real life

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.com
LinkedIn: Erin Gerner
Instagram: @eringerner
Facebook: Erin Gerner

Don'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. 

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 more
• What cortisol actually does in your body and why yours is probably dysregulated
• Why high achievers confuse the buzz of stress with success
• The simple breathing technique that calms your nervous system in seconds
• Why looking at the sky is genuinely one of the best things you can do for your brain
• How dehydration is quietly amplifying your stress response every single day
• Why you don't have to leave law to feel joy — and what expanding your capacity actually looks like

Connect with Marcy:

• reenergizecoaching.com — grab your free 30-minute session
• Instagram: @MLunaFitness
• LinkedIn: Marcy Luna

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.com
LinkedIn: Erin Gerner
Instagram: @eringerner
Facebook: Erin Gerner

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 you
• What searchable leadership is and why it matters more than ever in 2026
• The 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 you
• How to start building your digital presence without feeling overwhelmed
• What imposter syndrome is actually doing to your career and how Melanie's book tackles it head on

Resources mentioned:

• Theater of the Mind by Melanie Borden — available on Amazon
• Find Melanie at humantobrand.com

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.com
LinkedIn: Erin Gerner
Instagram: @eringerner
Facebook: Erin Gerner

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 flexibility
• What it was really like to work from home in 2012 before anyone else was doing it
• The patronizing moments and upstream swimming that came with a non-linear path
• How she and her husband built a true partnership to make two demanding careers work
• The power of finding community — especially women who are a few steps ahead of you
• Why your career is a marathon, not a sprint (and what that actually means in practice)

Connect with Danielle: LinkedIn

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.com
LinkedIn: Erin Gerner
Instagram: @eringerner
Facebook: Erin Gerner

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 JACOB

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.com
LinkedIn: Erin Gerner
Instagram: @eringerner
Facebook: Erin Gerner

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.com

Wendy 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.com
LinkedIn: Erin Gerner
Instagram: @eringerner
Facebook: Erin Gerner

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 Gerner

Key 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.

Episode Description

What 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 Smith

Instagram: @thegabbysmith
LinkedIn: Gabriela Smith
Email: [email protected]
Podcast: Exit Ed Podcast

Gabriela 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 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.

Contact: @eringerner on Instagram | Book a Free Call

Key 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.

In this episode of the Powerhouse Lawyers podcast, host Erin Gerner interviews Amy Terwilleger, a certified sex and relationship coach. They discuss Amy's unique journey from law to coaching, the common struggles faced by high achievers regarding intimacy, and the importance of pleasure in both personal and professional life. Amy shares insights on how to enhance intimacy, the coaching process, and the significance of addressing grief and loss during transitions. The conversation emphasizes the need for open discussions about sexuality and the link between pleasure and success.

Key Topics Covered

• Amy's journey from engineer to Women's Studies to BigLaw partner to sex coach
• Living the "perfect life on paper" but feeling empty inside
• The midlife reawakening (not crisis) that so many women experience
• What high-achieving women aren't talking about: libido decline and intimacy struggles
• Why 80% of women don't orgasm from penetration alone (and why that's NORMAL)
• The difference between sex coaching and therapy
• How sex education failed us (all negative, zero pleasure)
• Why we're taught to be prim and proper but expected to be sex goddesses
• The science behind pleasure: oxytocin, dopamine, serotonin, endorphins
• How pleasure literally heals your body (backed by science)
• Why you should schedule sex (and why spontaneity is overrated)
• Responsive desire vs. spontaneous desire
• The 20-second hug that releases oxytocin
• Solo play as self-discovery (yes, we're talking about masturbation)
• Holding space for grief even when you're moving forward
• The loss of identity when you leave the law
• Permission slips for pleasure, joy, and prioritizing yourself

Work with Amy Terwilleger: 

Amy provides sex and relationship coaching for driven professionals, power couples, and individuals. Amy offers a judgment-free space where you can talk openly about sex, intimacy, and pleasure without shame. Her sessions are goal-oriented, forward-looking, and results-driven—with homework assignments to help you take action (because you have to take action to get action).

Ready to prioritize pleasure and reclaim intimacy?

• Website: ConfidentConnections.net
• Instagram: @MillennialDrRuth

Amy reads all her DMs and is available for discovery calls. If you're a high-achieving professional who's been putting everyone else first and is ready to prioritize yourself—Amy gets it. She's been there. Reach out.

Work with Erin Gerner:

Erin coaches high-achieving female attorneys who are successful on paper but struggling with burnout, overwhelm, and identity crisis. If you're questioning whether this is "all there is," feeling stuck in your career, or ready to reclaim your time and set boundaries without sacrificing your family or wellbeing—Erin can help.

Erin's approach is direct, no-nonsense, and challenges traditional legal culture norms. She focuses on calling out broken systems rather than helping you optimize within them. If you're ready to stop "shoulding" all over yourself and start building on YOUR terms—let's talk.

Ready to stop apologizing and start building the life you actually want?

• Instagram: @eringerner
• LinkedIn: Erin Gerner
• Website: www.eringerner.com
• Book a Free Powerhouse Connection Call

Erin reads every DM and email. If you're feeling stuck, burned out, or ready for something different—reach out. You're not alone. And you don't owe anyone an explanation for how you build your life.

In this engaging conversation, Erin Gerner interviews Heather Reese, a Philadelphia-based attorney, speaker, content creator, and plus-size model. Heather shares her journey from disliking school to becoming a lawyer, emphasizing the importance of multi-dimensionality in professional careers. She discusses her cultural identity as a Latina and her commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices in the legal field. The conversation highlights the significance of community support, mentorship, and the power of women supporting women in overcoming challenges. Heather also shares her modeling journey and the lessons learned about self-confidence and breaking self-imposed limits, looking forward to a bright future in 2026. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• Heather's journey to law school was inspired by a family friend who was a lawyer.
• The importance of being a multi-dimensional professional in today's world.
• Cultural identity plays a significant role in shaping one's career and advocacy.
• Advocating for BIPOC communities is essential in the legal field.
• Mentorship and community support are crucial for young professionals.
• Women supporting women can lead to incredible outcomes in the workplace.
• Navigating challenges as a female lawyer requires resilience and support.
• Modeling has opened new opportunities and connections for Heather.
• Self-imposed limits can hinder personal growth and success.
• The future is bright, and opportunities are meant to be seized.

Want to connect with Heather about BIPOC-owned brands, modeling, being a multi-dimensional professional, or just need another female attorney who gets it? She's your person. DM her on Instagram.

• Instagram: @heather_r_xoxo
• DMs are OPEN - Heather reads all her messages and is available to mentor young attorneys and models
• Looking to volunteer and help aspiring attorneys or models—reach out!

Connect with Erin

• Instagram: @eringerner
• LinkedIn: Erin Gerner
• Website: www.eringerner.com
• Book a Call: Powerhouse Connection Cal