Recently, Craig Groschel enlightened me with a couple of points in his leadership podcast while speaking with Albert Tate regarding the art of vulnerable communication. The questions posed during this conversation were powerful and allowed me to really go far beyond the surface. He had me asking questions like:

• What is it like to be on the other side of my leadership?
• Do those I lead think of me as patient, kind, and approachable or disorganized, grumpy, and aloof?
• What is my impact in a room? I know my intent, but what is my impact?
• Do I pull people into conversation or make those in the room fearful of communicating their ideas and opinions?

The key takeaway for me: When you are an impactful leader, your energy will affect the room. If I am not careful, my confidence and lack of fear to speak up will push down a more passive individual in the conversation.

In the demanding and complex world of law, mentorship holds a power that cannot be underestimated, particularly for women navigating their way in this industry. A mentor in the legal profession is not just a guiding light but a catalyst for confidence, knowledge, and empowerment. Studies have shown that mentorship is instrumental in addressing the ‘women’s recession’ in law, providing essential support, unprecedented opportunities, and robust advocacy. The power of mentorship in the legal industry goes beyond individual relationships. It shapes the future of the field, paving the way for greater diversity, inclusion, and equality. In 2023, I set a goal to seek out and capture my very own mentor. I hoped to find a strong woman who understood the legal industry, was down to earth, and made me feel safe in a no-judgment zone. This sounded like a unicorn. The powers that be gave me the confidence to reach out, and I am happy to say I have met with my mentor for the past three months. This work has been profound and immeasurably meaningful. Having a sounding board to listen, understand, and provide powerful feedback to you is just an incredible experience. If you don’t have a mentor, I encourage you to go out and find one.

Expanding your library on a regular basis is a critical step toward developing a broader perspective and learning how to understand yourself on a deeper level. If you think you don’t have time to read books, I’ll encourage you to revisit Tim’s take on time in a day. To put it simply: Make time. Here are two of the books I’ve crossed off my list recently:

• The Sum of 4 by Blue Stiley is a must-read. Blue discusses four elements to unlock your own equation: mentor, develop, execute, and succeed.
• Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman is a staple to help with self-awareness, as well as managing and recognizing emotions in others.

I was determined to become more emotionally intelligent by learning to keep all emotions in check (the good, bad, and ugly). I have always been a very kind, empathetic person but could flip a switch and become judgmental and ruthless when someone didn’t agree with my point of view. So, one of the first steps in my process was to pay close attention to motivators and triggers in my life. I have developed an intentional practice of self-reflection. I take time to sit with myself, to ask some hard questions, and to consider moments. I do this with as little self-deprecation and harsh criticism as possible. That can be a tough task for many and can even discourage some from embracing a practice like self-reflection. You’re your worst critic, right? Try this: Think about the way you speak to someone you love. When you begin a practice of self-reflection, remember that voice. Speak to yourself with honesty and candor, yes, but also kindness and understanding. You’re on a journey, and you’re incredibly brave for that!