You can do everything right in your career and still find yourself staring at the ceiling at 2 am, wondering what exactly you're building. The title sounds impressive, and the salary looks good, but somewhere along the way the thing that was supposed to give you a life started quietly taking it. The years go faster than the days, and it's easy to look up one morning and realize the schedule you built isn't the life you meant to have.

This episode is about what you're willing to risk to change that, and how much of your time you're okay trading for comfort. Work-life balance sounds like a scheduling puzzle, but it comes down to priorities. And if you lead people, there's the conversation you haven't had yet, with the employee you're sure has to go, or the one you're afraid will sue you. Jason asks clients one question early on that changes how it all plays out.

Then there's the worry humming behind nearly every profession right now. Will AI replace lawyers? Will it replace you? Jason has a view from the legal world, and he weighs in on non-compete agreements too.

Today's guest is employment lawyer Jason Boulette, out of Austin, Texas. I've been looking forward to this one for a long time, and he's a lot more interesting than the stereotype of a litigator (he also has surprisingly strong feelings about Star Wars).

Stay until the end. Jason talks about the people who shaped him and the small moments that Ripple further than we realize.

More About the Guest

Jason is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and the former Chair of the Labor and Employment Section of the State Bar of Texas. Jason has been named Lawyer of the Year in Management Employment Law by Best Lawyers in America, Top Attorney by Austin Monthly, a Top 50 Attorney in Central & West Texas and a Top 100 Lawyer by Texas Super Lawyers. Jason is a frequent speaker and has received the W. Page Keeton Award for Excellence in Continuing Legal Education. Previously with Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., Jason founded Boulette & Golden L.L.P. with Mike Golden in 2006. Now known as Boulette Golden & Marin, the firm represents employers in employment, litigation, and corporate immigration matters.

More About the Host

Steve Harper is the founder of Ripple Central and host of The Ripple Effect Podcast, where he explores what it really takes to build authentic, meaningful relationships. He also owns Owner Insite, a construction project management software company. Steve runs The Pond, a community built around intentional connection and 8-Minute Ripple events.

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