The Speed Coach

In this first episode of the season, our senior UK coach Hannah Beko helps Jay, the CEO of a large London-headquartered multinational law firm, explore how to regain his mojo after the early excitement of a new leadership role fades. Jay reflects on initial achievements, rising stakeholder expectations, difficult conversations, and the challenge of making progress across a complex organisation. Together, they identify the need to create more space for reflection, meaningful dialogue, and future-focused communication.Key Takeaways:Early wins bring momentum, learning, and a sense of validationAs novelty fades, leadership brings more complex problems and competing expectationsHigh personal standards can make it difficult to accept that change takes timeFocusing only on thorny issues can overshadow innovation and positive opportunitiesA packed calendar leaves too little room for reflection and clear communicationProtected thinking time, stakeholder dialogue, and horizon scanning could help restore balance and energy.To learn more about Hannah, or better still, book a complimentary call with her, please visit https://coachingadvocates.com/bios/hannah-beko/

Season 4 is here. We’re opening the door to the coaching room once again—because being a fly on the wall while other lawyers work through their challenges is the best kind of therapy.We’re excited to announce that we are putting the finishing touches on Season 4 of the Speed Coach, and we’ll be releasing another series of episodes shortly!Once again, our listeners will be given a taste of professional coaching by sitting in on real coaching sessions with real lawyers. The coaching sessions are real, the conversations are raw, and the insights from the sessions are immediately actionable. To be notified when Series 4 of the Speed Coach launches, follow us on LinkedIn or join our mailing list on our website, and sign up for exclusive notifications

In this episode, Lin, Group General Counsel of a multinational FMCG company, leading a large in-house legal team, shares the challenges she faces with our coach Avalyn Lim.They explore how her team’s diverse opinions on AI have led to confusion rather than clarity. Key Takeaways:-Different mental models for understanding AI within teams-The role that generational differences and attitudes towards AI may play-Practical strategies for team mindset shiftsTo learn more about Avalyn, or better still, book a complimentary call with her, please visit https://coachingadvocates.com/bios/avalyn-lim/

In this episode, our co-founder and coach Lara Wentworth explores the transformative power of coaching through the story of Karen Watson, a successful lawyer and law firm owner. Discover how coaching helped her overcome imposter syndrome, enhance her leadership, and achieve tangible growth in her business and personal life.Key Takeaways:-The internal shifts that coaching fosters, such as confidence and vulnerability-Overcoming imposter syndrome and the importance of authenticity-How coaching impacts leadership, business growth, and personal fulfillment-The interconnectedness of personal well-being and professional success-Practical strategies for managing emotions and navigating challengesTo learn more about Lara, or better still, book a complimentary call with her, please visit https://coachingadvocates.com/bios/lara-wentworth/ 

In this episode, Alice, a law firm partner, explores her sensory processing quirks with professional coach Justine McKeogh. They delve into how these insights can enhance her well-being and work performance. This session offers practical strategies for legal professionals feeling overwhelmed or seeking ways to manage sensory sensitivities.Key Takeaways:- Understanding sensory awareness to manage stress and overwhelm- dentifying neurodivergence through sensory processing profiles- Practical tips for reducing sensory overload in a legal environment- Grounding and regulating through body awareness and proprioception- Managing planning anxiety and organizational challenges- Creating a sensory “self-care” toolkit for daily useTo learn more about Justine McKeogh or better still, book a complimentary call with her, please visit https://coachingadvocates.com/bios/justine-mckeogh/ 

In this episode, Michael, a Brisbane-based partner, shares insights into the challenges he faces at home and at work, as a law firm partner and a father, with our coach Debbie Marks.  They explore work-life balance, self-kindness, and practical techniques to manage stress and expectations in a busy life. Focusing on the importance of mindfulness and habits, Michael reveals how he engages in self-coaching and habit stacking to enable him to be the lawyer and father he is striving to be.Key Takeaways:-accepting less than 100% -techniques for practicing self-kindness and managing guilt-the role of mindfulness, breathing, and yoga in stress management-building small, incremental habits for greater overall well being-how to reframe self-talk and coaching in daily stressful moments.To learn more about Deb, or better still, book a complimentary call with her, please visit https://coachingintelligence.co/bios/debbie-marks/

Episode 14“Getting Ready for What’s Next”Door A v Door B v Door CIn this episode, Catherine explores 3 legal job options with Claire Bibby.  They dive into her current role and the challenges she faces, as well as the potential opportunities now available to her. Catherine evaluates each career path: staying in her current position, moving to a larger company with less leadership responsibility, or transitioning to a smaller company in a more significant role. Key Takeaways:-how to assess the alignment of a role with your personal values and definition of success -using pros and cons, scoring methods, and mental models-the importance of understanding your drivers and how they influence your decisions-navigating fears around role readiness, organisational stability, leadership responsibilities, and the impact on lifestyle-practical strategies for strengthening your candidacy and making informed choices about future roles-he significance of doing your due diligence before committing to a significant career move.To learn more about Claire, or better still, book a complimentary call with her, please visit https://coachingadvocates.com/bios/claire-bibby/

In this episode, Ben shares with Dimity Brown his challenges and strategies for building trust, managing resources, and developing a high-performing team as he prepares for promotion to partnership in law.Dimity works with Ben on effective communication, team stability, and leadership in a high-stakes legal environment.Key Takeaways:-Managing workplace dynamics and respecting your time with senior partners-Strategies for building and leading a high-functioning team-Effective coaching tips for working toward partnership or promotion-Scheduling considerations and working around personal commitments-The importance of clarity, communication, and support in professional advancementTo learn more about Dimity, or better still, book a complimentary call with her, please visit https://coachingadvocates.com/bios/dimity-brown/

The third time’s a charm, or so they say!  We’re excited to announce that we are putting the finishing touches on Season 3 of the Speed Coach, and we’ll be releasing another series of episodes shortly!Once again, our listeners will be given a taste of professional coaching by sitting in on real coaching sessions with real lawyers. The coaching sessions are real, the conversations are raw, and the insights from the sessions are immediately actionable. To be notified when Series 3 of the Speed Coach launches, follow us on LinkedIn or join our mailing list on our website, and sign up for exclusive notifications

In this episode, Sophie shares with Claire Bibby her experiences with leadership and managing a difficult colleague, Bob, who is a special counsel at her law firm. The session explores the challenges of navigating generational differences, communication styles, and the importance of setting boundaries.Claire introduces Sophie to the 'empty chair technique' as a tool to better understand her colleague's perspective and improve their communications. The episode emphasizes the need for effective leadership skills and emotional intelligence in managing workplace dynamics.Key Takeaways:- leadership and people management skills- challenges with managing others and addressing workplace conflicts- generational differences impacting communication styles - people pleaser -v- control- setting boundaries is crucial for effective leadership.- the importance of constructive feedback - understanding emotional responses can enhance conflict resolution.- leadership requires self-awareness and the ability to lead oneself before leading others.To learn more about Claire, or better still, book a complimentary call with her, please visit https://coachingadvocates.com/bios/claire-bibby/