Lawyer Life Experiment
52 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 months ago -Hosts Anya Smirnova and Frieda Levycky use their experience as lawyers and coaches to address the myriad of day-to-day issues which make every lawyer question whether work-life balance is ever achievable. We know it is! Join us every couple of weeks as we set theories and test out ways to help you have more balance, better health and more fulfilment in your lives. | Find more about Frieda's work here: https://bravingboundaries.com/ | Find more about Anya's work here: https://anyasmirnova.com/
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Episodes
#34 A Word on Kindness
February 26, 2024 18:00 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MB"I should have been made partner by now. I'm a failure." "I can't manage the load - does this mean I am weak?" "I don't see anybody else complaining, so there is something wrong with me." "I should try harder!" "I sound really stupid." "Gosh, am I fat. What a slob." How do you speak to yourself? Is it with the same kindness you'd offer a loved one or is it laden with self-criticism? If the former, keep it up! But most likely, there are things you say to yourself that you would not say to a l...
#33 Reflections & Intentions: 2023 Year-End Special
December 15, 2023 11:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBWhether you're a seasoned reflector or a first-time voyager into end-of-year introspection, join us as we talk about how individuals and cultures around the world pause to ponder, learn and envision anew as they bid farewell to another year. We are believers that end-of-year reflection is good for you - for your brain, body and soul. It helps you notice your successes, and so it alleviates stress and lifts confidence, you discover something new about yourself, and it brings a sense of comple...
#32 The Invisible Hand: How Systems Shape Our Decisions
November 24, 2023 11:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MBIn this episode of the Lawyer Life Experiment, Anya and Frieda go scientific! We delve into two psychological models to discuss the often unseen forces of influence that guide and shape our everyday decisions - the systems each of us is part of. Join us as we explain these two ways for you to look at the systems you are part of and reveal the profound impact they have on the choices that define your life. You can find the graphic representation of the models using search engines: Model 1 -...
# 31 I'm Not Good Enough
September 22, 2023 13:00 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MBAnyone can feel unsure about themselves, and people experience it in different ways. It ranges from healthy self-reflection (e.g., 'I'm not yet good at networking') to debilitating self-doubt (e.g., 'I can't ask for a promotion because I'm not worthy' or 'Someone will find out one day that I am a bad lawyer and a fraud'). In this episode, we explore that range, when self-evaluation turns unhealthy, and how we can build resilience and confidence. As always, we finish off with an experiment fo...
#30 Celebrating Midlife
August 12, 2023 12:00 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MBAs Anya approaches her 40th birthday in September and with Frieda already having two years of experience in her 40s, we dive into a discussion about midlife. We explore the juggling act of family, caregiving, health and career challenges that define this phase of life. We share the invaluable lessons we've learned. We celebrate the unique gifts that midlife brings. Join us for an honest conversation as we navigate these complexities while embracing the new opportunities that come our way. W...
#29 Book Talk: "Working Identity" and "Mr Unavailable and The Fallback Girl"
July 19, 2023 09:00 - 37 minutes - 26 MBIn this episode, Anya and Frieda explore the theme of getting unstuck in our romantic relationships and in our careers. We all sometimes find ourselves feeling lost or stuck, walking in a fog. These books take us on a journey of self-discovery, unconventional strategies for reinvention and finding your way when the path is unclear. Join us as we uncover the secrets to navigating career transitions and breaking free from unhealthy relationships. 0m27s - Intro 3m11s - Anya talks about the boo...
#28 Book Talk: "Four Thousand Weeks" and "The Art of Possibility"
June 09, 2023 09:00 - 39 minutes - 27.2 MBWe are trying something new this week! We love thought-provoking books and often share book recommendations with clients. In this episode, we each reflect on one book which we've found inspiring on our journeys as lawyers and coaches. 0m50s - we discuss the experiment of the previous episode "The Power of Pets in Stress Management" 8m00s - Frieda talks about the book "Four Thousand Weeks". It's a thought-provoking exploration of embracing the finite nature of time and making the most of ou...
#27 The power of pets in stress management
May 19, 2023 10:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBIt is Mental Health Awareness month. Join us as we dive into the science-backed benefits of spending time with a pet, from reducing anxiety and depression to helping you balance your energy for a more sustainable career. Frieda's dogs even take part in her coaching sessions! As always, we finish with an experiment and you can already guess that it will involve spending time with animals! We would love to hear your thoughts. Please get in touch with Frieda at <[email protected]> a...
#26 The Joys of Conflict
March 31, 2023 09:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MBIn this episode, Frieda and Anya explore the often-overlooked benefits of conflict. While most people view conflict as something negative to be avoided, we argue (no pun intended!) that conflict can be a powerful tool for positive change and improving relationships. Join us as we delve into how conflict can help us better understand ourselves and others, build stronger relationships, and improve workplace dynamics. We would love to hear your thoughts. Please get in touch with Frieda at <fri...
#25 Connected vs Contactable. Musings on the power of choice.
January 27, 2023 11:00 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MBIn this episode, we explore the concept of choice in the legal profession. Lawyers are so aware of the legal rights, but how do we navigate the limits of our own autonomy, are lawyers truly in control of their own daily actions or are they following the rules set by the system? We'll talk about how our mindsets impact our daily choices. We will also touch on the concept of "power of choice" from Viktor Frankl, which holds that even in dire circumstances, one can always choose one's attitude ...
#24 Reflections: Look Back to Move Forward
December 15, 2022 12:00 - 38 minutes - 26.3 MBJoin Anya and I for the final episode of 2022 as we reflect on the good, the bad and the ugly of 2022! Reflecting doesn’t come naturally to a lot of people. Often, we just sweep the past under the rug and move on forwards without a second thought. However, it’s actually really beneficial to acknowledge our achievements, to understand our challenges and to identify the things we've learned about ourselves and others, so that we can step into the future with intention. So grab a cuppa and come...
#23 Fighting for a Cause
November 07, 2022 08:00 - 23 minutes - 16 MBWith COP27 underway, we are reflecting on how climate change (and other world issues for this matter) affect lawyers personally. We have multiple elements in our life that want balance. Giving back affects us deeply. What we do might feel in dissonance with what we believe in. Or causes that matter to us might feel too big for us to change. In this episode, we explore how we can express what matters to us within our lives in a way that is meaningful and available without having to drastical...
#23 Lawyers and climate change
November 07, 2022 08:00 - 23 minutes - 16 MBWith COP27 underway, we are reflecting on how climate change (and other world issues for this matter) affect lawyers personally. We have multiple elements in our life that want balance. Giving back affects us deeply. What we do might feel in dissonance with what we believe in. Or causes that matter to us might feel too big for us to change. In this episode, we explore how we can express what matters to us within our lives in a way that is meaningful and available without having to drastical...
#22 Mental health stories
October 06, 2022 09:00 - 25 minutes - 17.5 MBIf you've had enough of mental health training, this episode is for you! We have heard so much about mental health in the wake of Covid, we became immune to the word. In this episode, Frieda and Anya share personal stories to give you an insight into feelings, thoughts and other signs of when things are not going right and it's time to take action or ask for help. In fact, we'd encourage you to take action a step earlier than both podcasters did! You are your best tool. Hone it! We would l...
#21 Retaining talent following The Great Resignation
September 02, 2022 00:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBMany people in the legal world changed jobs or quit their careers altogether during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode, we explore the reasons WHY people are choosing to shake up their livelihoods and investigate new opportunities and different ways of working - both inside and outside the law. We also discuss what HR teams and Managers can do to retain key talent in this post-COVID world. We would love to hear your thoughts. Please get in touch with Frieda at <frieda@bravingboundaries...
#20 Lawyers and failure
July 21, 2022 13:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MBWhat beliefs do you hold about yourself around mistakes? Have you ever failed and what impact has it had on you? Join us as we talk about the psychology of failure and the impact of self-talk. Learn about association-disassociation from failure. And try the practical exercise on managing negative self-talk to build resilience, improve confidence and free up your potential. If you would like to do deeper work on confidence and rewrite disempowering self-talk, please get in touch with Frieda ...
#20 When lawyers meet failure
July 21, 2022 13:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MBWhat beliefs do you hold about yourself around mistakes? Have you ever failed and what impact has it had on you? Join us as we talk about the psychology of failure and the impact of self-talk. Learn about association-disassociation from failure. And try the practical exercise on managing negative self-talk to build resilience, improve confidence and free up your potential. If you would like to do deeper work on confidence and rewrite disempowering self-talk, please get in touch with Frieda ...
#19 Effective communication
June 17, 2022 14:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MBJoin us as we talk about effective communication. What it is, how to understand the impact your communication style has in your personal and professional life and how to improve your communication skills. If you would like to work on your impact further, please get in touch with Frieda at <[email protected]> and Anya at <[email protected]>. Please rate, review and subscribe. (Thanks to tedefame from Pixabay for the music.)
#18 Time management: work and beyond
April 30, 2022 11:00 - 14 minutes - 9.69 MBTime management is a highly valued skill in the corporate world. When professionals want to improve, they are told to keep track of their projects, prioritise, delegate, use time management tools to be your most efficient self with a dream to get to the bottom of your to do list (aka Pomodoro method). In this episode, Frieda and Anya argue that this approach to time management as being more efficient glosses over the most important thing: what are you spending your time on. Time is your b...
#16 Mental health and billable hour
January 21, 2022 11:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBMore than two-thirds of lawyers (69%) have experienced mental ill health in 2021, according to the survey of around 1,700 legal professionals by legal charity LawCare. In this episode, Frieda and Anya explore how much the billable hour mindset has to contribute to this and what individuals, corporates and authorities can do about it. We challenge YOU to do this episode's mindset experiment - we believe that an individual's mindset shift can change the future of the legal profession. If it...
#17 Closing the year to support your growth and success
December 14, 2021 18:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBWe can be so driven to move on to the next task, the next stage, the next project, that we want to skip the celebration of our accomplishments and miss the chance to discover more about ourselves and the keys to our success. The end of the year is the perfect time to talk about how to close the year to support your growth and success. Happy holidays to everyone! If it resonates with you and you would like to explore your professional and personal growth further, please get in touch: Frieda ...
#16 Closing the year to support your growth and success
December 14, 2021 18:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBWe can be so driven to move on to the next task, the next stage, the next project, that we want to skip the celebration of our accomplishments and miss the chance to discover more about ourselves and the keys to our success. The end of the year is the perfect time to talk about how to close the year to support your growth and success. Happy holidays to everyone! If it resonates with you and you would like to explore your professional and personal growth further, please get in touch: Frieda ...
#15 The guilt of the working parent
October 01, 2021 13:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MBFor working parents and their colleagues and managers. Tune in as Frieda (no kids) and Anya (mum of two) have an open conversation on how working parents are perceived in the workplace. Expect practical tips for working parents, their colleagues, managers and organisations. And listen to a view from the non-parent side too. Let's get a shared understanding of both sides of the coin. As always, we finish with an experiment for working parents and their colleagues to try out. If it resonates ...
#15 Working parents guilt
October 01, 2021 13:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MBFor working parents and their colleagues and managers. Tune in as Frieda (no kids) and Anya (mum of two) have an open conversation on how working parents are perceived in the workplace. Expect practical tips for working parents, their colleagues, managers and organisations. As always, we finish with an experiment for working parents and their colleagues to try out. If it resonates with you and you would like to explore your professional and personal growth further, please get in touch: Frie...
#14 September Motivation
September 03, 2021 08:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MBAs we face the September blues, get back into work/school routine and start hybrid working, we talk about building the motivation that lasts to make the last quarter of the year count! Tune in as we share our tips for individuals and teams on creating healthy motivational habits and provide you with an experiment to try out to see if this helps you progress your goals and live a balanced and fulfilling life. If it resonates with you and you would like to explore your professional and person...
#13 Playtime is not a waste of time
July 21, 2021 17:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBAs we approach the holiday season, we talk about the power of play and fun in having a balanced and fulfilling life. Tune in as we share our best and worst of holidays and provide you with an experiment to try out to see if this helps you to bring a mindful approach to holidays. If it resonates with you and you would like to explore your professional and personal growth further, please get in touch: Frieda at <[email protected]> and Anya at <[email protected]>. Please rat...
#12 From Zoom to the Boardroom
July 08, 2021 13:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MBAs hybrid working becomes the societal norm - we take a look into what strategies of hybrid working firms and corporates are adopting around the world. In this episode, we discuss the challenges and the opportunities of making hybrid working a success. Our experiment for this week introduces you to the leadership coaching tool: "Yes... And". Ready to get innovative in your approach to hybrid working? Enjoy the episode! If it resonates with you and you would like to explore your professional...
#12 The Hybrid Future of Work - From Zoom to the Boardroom
July 08, 2021 13:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MBIn this episode we talk about the challenges, the opportunities and the lessons learnt to make hybrid a success. As our experiment, we introduce and demo a leadership coaching tool called "The Yes... And Game" to help good leaders become great ones. If it resonates with you and you would like to explore your professional and personal growth further, please get in touch: Frieda at <[email protected]> and Anya at <[email protected]>. Please rate, review and subscribe. (...
#11 Money and status
May 27, 2021 18:00 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MBIn this episode, we dare to go into the money and status topic. How much these define you, trap you and benefit you? How much they add or take away from your happiness? If it resonates with you and you would like to explore your professional and personal growth further, please get in touch: Frieda at <[email protected]> and Anya at <[email protected]>. Please rate, review and subscribe. (Thanks to tedefame from Pixabay for the music.)
#10 The dreaded performance review!
May 14, 2021 14:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBThe annual performance review / appraisal causes much stress for many a lawyer. How am I viewed? What should I say? How do I get that promotion? What is my value? In this episode, we share our own experiences with the appraisal process (the good, the bad and the ugly), discuss how to remove the stress from the annual performance review, and identify steps which you can take to make a real difference in your career progression. If it resonates with you and you would like to explore your pro...
#9 When a lawyer meets business development
April 16, 2021 00:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MBWhat a fantastic episode that was! All of us experience the fear of business development. From junior to senior to partner level. This week Frieda and Anya tackle the key challenges to lawyers acing business development, the reasons why it's important for a lawyer's career and how to become a natural at it (hint - it takes practice). Download the PDF to help with your experiment. Please rate, review and subscribe. If it resonates with you and you would like to explore this topic furthe...
#9 How to overcome stress of business development
April 16, 2021 00:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MBWhat a fantastic episode that was! All of us experience fear of business development, junior to senior to partner level. This week Frieda and Anya tackle the key challenges to lawyers acing business development, the reasons why it's important for a lawyer's career and how to become a natural in it (hint - it takes practice). Please rate, review and subscribe. If it resonates with you and you would like to explore this topic further, reach out to Frieda at <[email protected]>...
#9 When a Lawyer meets Business Development
April 16, 2021 00:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MBWhat a fantastic episode that was! All of us experience the fear of business development. From junior to senior to partner level. This week Frieda and Anya tackle the key challenges to lawyers acing business development, the reasons why it's important for a lawyer's career and how to become a natural at it (hint - it takes practice). Download the PDF to help with your experiment. Please rate, review and subscribe. If it resonates with you and you would like to explore this topic furthe...
#8 What makes a good leader - Covid-19 and beyond
March 26, 2021 01:00 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MBHow would you describe a good leader? What traits do they have? What characteristics spring to mind? What examples of good leaders do you have in your life? This week Frieda and Anya take a look at leadership in the legal profession and discuss what makes a good leader during Covid-19 and beyond. Join them in this week's experiment which seeks to help identify and develop good leadership habits. Please rate, review and subscribe. If any of the topics discussed on today's episode or on...
#7 Who are YOU?
March 01, 2021 19:00 - 27 minutes - 19.3 MBIn this last of three episodes on relationships, we talk about the relationship with our Self, how the legal profession influences our identity and how to show up authentically. Download the values experiment form here (or copy-paste this in your browser: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10cNrVaciNRqTJfmxhiKtUIkMY_1tNEUw/view?usp=sharing). We would love to have your thoughts on our podcast, we are just two lawyers-coaches learning to podcast! Reach out to Anya at <anya@postnatalrecovery....
#7 Relationship With Self: Who Are YOU?
March 01, 2021 19:00 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MBIn this last of three episodes on relationships, we talk about the relationship with Self, how the lawyer profession influences our identity and we explore how to show up authentically. Download the values experiment form here (or copy-paste this in your browser: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10cNrVaciNRqTJfmxhiKtUIkMY_1tNEUw/view?usp=sharing). We would love to have your thoughts on our podcast, we are just two lawyers-coaches learning to podcast! Reach out to Anya at <anya@postnatalr...
#7 Who Are YOU?
March 01, 2021 19:00 - 27 minutes - 19.3 MBIn this last of three episodes on relationships, we talk about the relationship with our Self, how the legal profession influences our identity and how to show up authentically. Download the values experiment form here (or copy-paste this in your browser: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10cNrVaciNRqTJfmxhiKtUIkMY_1tNEUw/view?usp=sharing). We would love to have your thoughts on our podcast, we are just two lawyers-coaches learning to podcast! Reach out to Anya at <anya@postnatalrecovery....
#6 Relationships. Love and Friendship
February 12, 2021 01:00 - 33 minutes - 23.4 MBFrieda and Anya discuss the role of relationship, focusing on loved ones and friends, and how to transform relationships from being liabilities to assets. 00.25 - what we've learnt from the last experiment on finding the triggers of toxic situations and relationships in our lives and how to manage and cope with those 07.10 - introducing the concept of a system of relationships, transforming relationships from liabilities to assets + an 80-year long study on happiness 19.20 - mini guided co...
#6 Relationships: Assets or Liabilities?
February 12, 2021 01:00 - 33 minutes - 23.4 MBContinuing February's theme of relationships, today, Frieda and Anya take a look at the impact our personal relationships (with our friends, our family and our loved ones) have on our lives. Relationships are powerful things: Good and healthy relationships (our assets) support us and gift us with renewed energy. Toxic relationships (our liabilities) empty our energy tank and drain us. Today we look at how to identify the relationships in our lives which are assets and liabilities; how to fin...
#6 Relationships: assets or liabilities?
February 12, 2021 01:00 - 33 minutes - 23.4 MBContinuing February's theme of relationships, today, Frieda and Anya take a look at the impact our personal relationships (with our friends, our family and our loved ones) have on our lives. Relationships are powerful things: Good and healthy relationships (our assets) support us and gift us with renewed energy. Toxic relationships (our liabilities) empty our energy tank and drain us. Today we look at how to identify the relationships in our lives which are assets and liabilities; how to fin...
#5 Managing Toxic Relationships
January 29, 2021 01:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MBWith Valentine's Day around the corner, we thought February would be a good month to explore relationships: the good, the bad and the ugly! So, of course, we decided to start with the toxic ones! 00.25 - what we've learnt from the last experiment on maintaining motivation and taking action with our New Year resolutions 04.35 - what constitutes a toxic work environment and our experiences 21.35 - The role of HR / your boss in resolving a toxic environment 25.35 - hypothesis 27.15 - exp...
#5 Managing toxic relationships
January 29, 2021 01:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MBWith Valentine's Day around the corner, we thought February would be a good month to explore relationships: the good, the bad and the ugly! So, of course, we decided to start with the toxic ones! 00.25 - what we've learnt from the last experiment on maintaining motivation and taking action with our New Year resolutions 04.35 - what constitutes a toxic work environment and our experiences 21.35 - The role of HR / your boss in resolving a toxic environment 25.35 - hypothesis 27.15 - exp...
#4 Your New Year Vision. Maintaining The Motivation.
January 16, 2021 17:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MBIn the last episode we mused on how to create New Year Resolutions that actually work! In this episode we take it one step further and discuss how to maintain the motivation throughout the year. 00.25 - what we've learnt from the last experiment on creating the vision for the year ahead 08.50 - what are the obstacles to sticking to the new year vision 12.50 - how to manage those obstacles 14.30 - hypothesis 14.40 - experiment on maintaining the motivation and going into action ...
#4 Your New Year vision. Maintaining the motivation.
January 16, 2021 17:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MBIn the last episode we mused on how to create New Year Resolutions that actually work! In this episode we take it one step further and discuss how to maintain the motivation throughout the year. 00.25 - what we've learnt from the last experiment on creating the vision for the year ahead 08.50 - what are the obstacles to sticking to the new year vision 12.50 - how to manage those obstacles 14.30 - hypothesis 14.40 - experiment on maintaining the motivation and going into action ...
#3 New Year resolutions that work!
December 17, 2020 21:00 - 25 minutes - 17.5 MBIn this episode, Frieda and Anya reflect on how we usually make NY resolutions and let's be honest most of the time give them up by Feb, and how to make sustainable NY resolutions that really work and make our boat go faster towards happiness and success. 00.25 - results of the previous experiment 05.20 - NY resolutions discussion 18.30 - hypothesis 21.30 - NY resolutions experiment EXPERIMENT: Click here to report back on the results of your experiment: https://forms.gle/GChc4kJf9wWenf159...
#3 New Year Resolutions That Work!
December 17, 2020 21:00 - 25 minutes - 17.5 MBIn this episode, Frieda and Anya reflect on how we usually make NY resolutions and let's be honest most of the time give them up by Feb, and how to make sustainable NY resolutions that really work and make our boat go faster towards happiness and success. 00.25 - results of the previous experiment 05.20 - NY resolutions discussion 18.30 - hypothesis 21.30 - NY resolutions experiment EXPERIMENT: Click here to report back on the results of your experiment: https://forms.gle/GChc4kJf9wWenf159...
#2 Routine as a Tool for Work-Life Balance
December 05, 2020 09:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MB<p>This week’s topic is <b>Routine</p>! Do you have a strict daily routine or do you take each day as it comes? Does your current routine make room for everything you want to do? Is your current routine a conscious choice or merely a habit you’ve fallen into? Join us as we explore the pros and cons of routines, Rafael Nadal’s routine and how to use routine to build in more of what you love and want in your life.</p> <p>EXPERIMENT: Each episode has an experiment to try at home. <a href="http...
#2 Routine as a tool for work-life balance
December 05, 2020 09:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MB<p>This week’s topic is <b>Routine</p>! Do you have a strict daily routine or do you take each day as it comes? Does your current routine make room for everything you want to do? Is your current routine a conscious choice or merely a habit you’ve fallen into? Join us as we explore the pros and cons of routines, Rafael Nadal’s routine and how to use routine to build in more of what you love and want in your life.</p> <p>EXPERIMENT: Each episode has an experiment to try at home. <a href="http...
Routine as a Tool for Work-Life Balance
December 05, 2020 09:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MB<p>This week’s topic is <b>Routine</p>! Do you have a strict daily routine or do you take each day as it comes? Does your current routine make room for everything you want to do? Is your current routine a conscious choice or merely a habit you’ve fallen into? Join us as we explore the pros and cons of routines, Rafael Nadal’s routine and how to use routine to build in more of what you love and want in your life.</p> <p>EXPERIMENT: Each episode has an experiment to try at home. <a href="http...
Stress in Times of Covid-19
November 27, 2020 15:00 - 15 minutes - 11 MBFrieda and Anya talk about stress in lawyers' life, especially in these Covid-19 times. We discuss: how stress works, what's a normal stress response and what isn't one, striving for control, top tip for building resilience, the study on the power of positivity. We finish off with an EXPERIMENT to try at home. All listeners are invited to take part in the experiment and click here to report back on the results: https://forms.gle/GChc4kJf9wWenf159. Please subscribe, like and share. Clic...