Briefcase and Couch

Power, Presence, and the Gender Gap

How do women project authority in leadership roles without sacrificing authenticity? In this episode, attorney Fran Griesing and business owner Emily Griesing explore gender dynamics in leadership and how women’s authority is often perceived differently in professional spaces. We discuss when they first noticed that gender affected how their expertise was received, how their definition of authority has evolved throughout their careers, and the subtle workplace pressures women face to adjust their behavior in order to be taken seriously. This conversation dives into professional presence, leadership confidence, navigating gender bias, and building professional credibility without performing or losing authenticity. We examine how women can lead with power, communicate with confidence, and maintain integrity while advancing in male-dominated or high-stakes environments. If you’re a professional woman navigating leadership, professional roles, entrepreneurship, or career advancement, this episode offers practical insight on confidence, authority, and authentic leadership. Hosts: Stephanie Sarkis, PhD — ⁠⁠stephaniesarkis.com⁠⁠ [https://www.stephaniesarkis.com] Valerie Matherne, Esq. — ⁠⁠courington-law.com/valerie-theng-matherne [https://courington-law.com/valerie-theng-matherne] This episode explores confidence, presence, power, and staying true to yourself while leading. Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as clinical, legal, or medical advice, nor as a substitute for professional judgment. The views expressed are those of the cohosts and guests and do not necessarily represent any organization. Listeners are encouraged to apply information in a manner consistent with their professional training, ethical guidelines, and applicable laws and regulations.

Redefining Success: Beyond Titles, Timelines, and Expectations

What does success really mean—and who gets to decide? In this episode, we’re joined by attorneys Eileen Letts and Celia Eckert for an honest conversation about how our definitions of success evolve over time. We talk about the expectations many of us absorbed in grad school and law school, how those early narratives can quietly shape our careers (and stress levels), and what happens when the old metrics stop fitting. Together, we explore permission-giving ideas about redefining achievement on your own terms—whether that means rethinking ambition, balance, leadership, or fulfillment. If you’ve ever felt pressure to chase someone else’s version of success, this episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and write your own rules. Hosts: Stephanie Sarkis, PhD — ⁠stephaniesarkis.com⁠ [https://www.stephaniesarkis.com] Valerie Matherne, Esq. — ⁠courington-law.com/valerie-theng-matherne [https://courington-law.com/valerie-theng-matherne] Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as clinical, legal, or medical advice, nor as a substitute for professional judgment. The views expressed are those of the cohosts and guests and do not necessarily represent any organization. Listeners are encouraged to apply information consistent with their professional training, ethical guidelines, and applicable laws and regulations.

The Second Shift: Home, Work, and the Unpaid Labor After Hours

In this episode, we take on The Second Shift—the often invisible work that begins after the workday ends. Joined by attorneys Reshonda Brown and Lee Ellen Bagley, we explore how home responsibilities, caregiving, and emotional labor continue long past the workday, even in high-functioning professional households. We talk about negotiating domestic balance with partners and families, setting expectations, and why naming the second shift is the first step toward real change. Hosts: Stephanie Sarkis, PhD — stephaniesarkis.com [https://www.stephaniesarkis.com] Valerie Matherne, Esq. — courington-law.com/valerie-theng-matherne [https://courington-law.com/valerie-theng-matherne] Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as clinical, legal, or medical advice, nor as a substitute for professional judgment. The views expressed are those of the cohosts and guests and do not necessarily represent any organization.

Setting Intentions for the New Year

In this episode, it’s just Stephanie and Valerie talking through their New Year’s resolutions—what we’re intentionally setting, what we’re actively letting go of, and how our goals have changed with time and experience. We discuss realistic expectations, boundaries, and why growth doesn’t have to look dramatic to be meaningful. A thoughtful, honest conversation about approaching the new year with clarity rather than pressure. Hosts: Stephanie Sarkis, PhD — stephaniesarkis.com [www.stephaniesarkis.com] Valerie Matherne, Esq. — courington-law.com/valerie-theng-matherne [courington-law.com/valerie-theng-matherne] Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as clinical, legal, or medical advice, nor as a substitute for professional judgment. The views expressed are those of the cohosts and guests and do not necessarily represent any organization.

Boundaries: Saying No Without Guilt

In this episode, we tackle one of the most challenging professional and personal skills: setting boundaries. Joined by attorneys Lydia Bueschel, Esq. and Rachel Milano, Esq., we explore how to set limits with clients, coworkers, and even family members—without drowning in guilt or worrying about fallout. We discuss the emotional load of always being “available,” how to say no with clarity and confidence, and what healthy boundaries look like in demanding careers. Guests: Lydia Bueschel, Esq. Rachel Milano, Esq. Hosts: Stephanie Sarkis, PhD — stephaniesarkis.com Valerie Matherne, Esq. — courington-law.com/valerie-theng-matherne Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as clinical, legal, or medical advice, nor as a substitute for professional judgment. The views expressed are those of the cohosts and guests and do not necessarily represent any organization.