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 Sparkling 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.

Sparkling 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.