Career advice to remember:  “You have a voice.” 

On this episode, I talk with Britney Harrison, a family practice lawyer in the Dallas area.  As an experienced lawyer, Britney has worked for large and small law firms in both Austin and Dallas.  After an early career in employment law and commercial litigation, Britney made the switch to family law and now helps clients navigate one of life’s most difficult times - divorce and child custody.  She’ll share with us her journey of leaving big law - and a big salary - to pursue her passion of working directly with clients, how she learned that “not all money is good money”, and how helping her dad achieve his dream of graduating from college is one of her proudest accomplishments.

I should note that Britney has been recognized for her successful legal work and has been named as a rising legal star in a number of publications including D Magazine. She’s currently president-elect of the Texas Young Lawyers Association, and in order to get to the point where she graduated FIRST IN HER CLASS from the University of North Texas and then with honors from The University of Texas at Austin Law School (Go Horns!), she had to pass my 9th grade English class.  Yes, I’ve known Britney since she was a teenager and I’ve loved watching her growth over the years.

What we’re talking about:

• How she spends every day, “helping people find a new beginning… and move on with a new part of their lives,” as a divorce lawyer - and has a true passion for her work. 
• The work of divorce lawyers through the time of coronavirus and what to expect when working with one.
• Making the smart decision to work with a financial planner to create an action plan for being able to pay off student loans, support her dad’s dream of finishing college, and then be in a financially secure place where moving to a lower paying but higher passion job was possible. 
• Financial advice:  “I always recommend anyone looking at any type of career change or any kind of big life change to get a financial planner.  Because that’s what they’re an expert in. You are an expert in your field but you may not be an expert in finances, so find someone that is.”  
• The salary and money side of the law industry. 
• Negotiating a new job salary:  “The worst they’re going to do is tell you no.”
• Importance of networking:  “I networked… Every job I’ve ever had since my very first job is because I knew someone at the firm.”
• Best advice she’s received from her mentor:  “You have a voice.” Britney takes this mantra with her to the courtroom as well as into her volunteer world supporting other young lawyers through her service as President-elect of the Texas Young Lawyers Association.

Connect with Britney:

• Her firm Goranson Bain Ausley
• Her facebook page
• Texas Young Lawyers Association 

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On this episode of Talk Bravely, I chat with education leader, sought after leadership speaker, and soon to be published author, Dr. Jill Siler. Jill has served as an educator for over 25 years as a teacher, coach, campus and district leader, and for the past 8 years as a superintendent. She shares not only the lessons she learned leading through a financial crisis in her own organization as well as how she navigated the compensation side of her latest journey into public speaking and writing.

I also happen to call Jill a friend of over 20 years.  We met as teachers, went on to get our masters and doctorates together, and even had children around the same time.  She’s a phenomenal person, with a phenomenal story.

What we’re talking about:

• Jill’s story from classroom teacher to district leader to public speaker and published author is similar to other women:  “Part of my story is that I didn't know that I was ready for leadership.  I had an influential mentor who pushed me.”
• Salary negotiation:  “Experience, skill set, the amount I might be recruited by others, all of that matters in negotiation.” 
• At work, Jill absolutely loves what she does, but there is a small, small percentage of her work that is just really hard! And she doesn’t think she’s alone. Dr. Siler’s book writing debut delves into how we can all lead through that 5% in a way that allows us to THRIVE?
• Jill dug deep to find the courage to become a public speaker.  Speaking allows her to broaden her reach and in particular encourage aspiring public school leaders:  “So much doubt bubbles up.  That fear and doubt is a reality.  I made the decision to move through that.”
• Identifying realistic compensation bands as a public speaker and author: Jill was brave enough to cold call leaders in the field and ask them specific questions about compensation for keynotes and conferences.  “Unless you are willing to have really candid conversations with people to ask them how much they make, just like your podcast is doing, I think women are at a huge disadvantage.”

Connect with Jill:

Dr. Siler can be found on all social media platforms @jillmsiler and on her website at www.jillmsiler.com

Her book first book Thrive through the Five debuts later this summer and Talk Bravely will post when it is available.

Women across the country, just like you, are seeking inspiration and real-life stories about career, finances, and how to navigate the world with the security of financial health.  At Talk Bravely, we’re committed to helping each other understand women’s career paths and develop a positive relationship with our finances through storytelling and honest conversations. 

This Intro to the Podcast is a brief overview of what to expect from our new series.

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