How to Work Like You Vacation (and Why You Should) - with Gwen Griggs and Whitney Harper

How to Work Like You Vacation (and Why You Should) - with Gwen Griggs and Whitney Harper

On this episode of The Wellness Esquire Podcast, Ariella Cohen Coleman chats with Gwen Griggs and Whitney Harper, founders of Advos Legal, for their second appearance on the pod! They explore the wild idea of 'working the way you vacation' by ditching the legal industry's obsession with the misery competition and the billable hour. Gwen and Whitney share their journey of building a firm grounded in human-centric processes, learning from early practice 'disasters,' and why setting firm boundaries actually leads to more profitable business outcomes. They also cover the very important topic of what they wear “at the office” and how they handle OOO messages. Guest Info Gwen Griggs & Whitney Harper Founders of Advos Legal Follow Gwen & Whitney: * Website: https://www.advocos.com [https://www.advocos.com/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwengriggs/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwengriggs/] Resources / Links Mentioned * Winning the Week by Demir and Carey Bentley — https://lifehackmethod.com/book/ [https://lifehackmethod.com/book/] * The Way We're Working Isn't Working by Tony Schwartz — https://theenergyproject.com/books/the-way-were-working-isnt-working/ [https://theenergyproject.com/books/the-way-were-working-isnt-working/] * Tonal Home Gym — https://www.tonal.com [https://www.tonal.com/] Host Info: Ariella Cohen Coleman The Wellness Esquire: Creating a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success https://thewellnessesquire.com [https://thewellnessesquire.com/] Ariella Law, PC provides strategic legal support - from formation, contracts, and compliance to fractional general counsel - through project-based services and monthly subscriptions for entrepreneurs, growing companies, and mission-driven organizations. https://ariellaw.com/ [https://ariellaw.com/] Follow Ariella: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/ [https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/] * Website: https://ariellacohencoleman.com/ [https://ariellacohencoleman.com/%5D(https://ariellacohencoleman.com/)]  Connect & Explore: * Website: https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcast [https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcast] * Substack: https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/ [https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/ [https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/] Support & Sponsors Zirtual helped Ariella find an amazing paralegal a...

The General Counsel Who Missed His Son’s Greatest Play for an Email He Can’t Remember - with Matthew Campobasso

On this episode of The Wellness Esquire Podcast, Ariella Cohen Coleman chats with Matthew Campobasso, a seasoned litigator and legal executive who reached the pinnacle of his career only to find it felt surprisingly empty. Matt shares what it was like to reach an incredible level or success and receiving all the recognition he could want, and yet wondering, "Is this it?" This realization sparked a journey of intense self-reflection, therapy, and a shift from being a "savior" who runs through walls to a leader who prioritizes internal validation over external accolades. The conversation dives deep into the concept of "lawyer brain" - the hyper-analytical programming that often turns every personal interaction into a problem-solving mission. Matthew shares a story about missing his son's milestone football play because of an email he can no longer remember, illustrating the high cost of professional “urgency.” They discuss the danger of "outsourcing" self-worth and the necessity of building an internal core of value. Matthew also details his evolution into creating his Substack and podcast, each carrying the name The Case For…, and to authoring his new book, The Case For Letting Go, which explores identity, renewal, and releasing the illusion of control. Guest Bio Matthew Campobasso is an experienced attorney with a 20-year career spanning government prosecution, Big Law, and executive leadership as a Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel. As an Adjunct Professor at UIC Law, he challenges students to master the new essentials: adaptability, ethical clarity, commercial fluency, and critical AI literacy. Recently recognized as one of the Top 40 Legal Innovators, Matthew is also the host of The Case For... podcast, featuring candid conversations with lawyers and creative thinkers making the case for what truly matters to their purpose and their people. His forthcoming book, The Case for Letting Go (2026), and his original screenplay, Another Life, explore identity, renewal, and releasing the illusion of control. A dedicated practitioner of Stoicism and meditation, Matthew focuses on judgment over impulse and purpose over noise, believing that in uncertain moments, composure creates credibility. Resources Mentioned * LinkedIn: Matthew Campobasso [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrc1921/] * Substack: The Case For… [https://thecaseforlettinggo.substack.com/] * Podcast: The Case For... [https://pod.link/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8xMGI2ZjU4MDQvcG9kY2FzdC9yc3M] * Book: The Case for Letting Go: How to Find Balance In A World That Rewards Burnout [https://a.co/d/0a6B0voz] Host Info: Ariella Cohen Coleman The Wellness Esquire: Creating a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success https://thewellnessesquire.com [https://thewellnessesquire.com/] Ariella Law, PC provides strategic legal support - from formation, contracts, and compliance to fractional general counsel - through project-based services and monthly subscriptions for entrepreneurs, growing companies, and mission-driven organizations. https://ariellaw.com/ [https://ariellaw.com/] Follow Ariella: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/ [https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/] * Website: https://ariellacohencoleman.com/ [https://ariellacohencoleman.com/%5D(https://ariellacohencoleman.com/)]  Connect & Explore: * Website: https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcast [https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcast] * Substack: https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/ [https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/ [https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/] Support & Sponsors Zirtual helped Ariella find an amazing paralegal a...

Leaving Law Saved His Life - with Shaun Bernstein

On this episode of The Wellness Esquire Podcast, Ariella Cohen Coleman chats with Shaun Bernstein, a former attorney turned professional ghostwriter and founder of The Write Stuff Agency. They explore Shaun’s intense journey through a mental health crisis that ultimately led him to walk away from a legal career. Shaun shares the physical and emotional warning signs he experienced, the power of 'betting on yourself,' and how he rediscovered his true identity as a storyteller. Guest: Shaun Bernstein, Owner and Chief Storyteller at The Write Stuff Agency! * The Write Stuff Agency: https://thewritestuff.agency/ [https://thewritestuff.agency/] * The Waiting Room Podcast:  https://thewritestuff.agency/podcast [https://thewritestuff.agency/podcast] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunbernstein/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunbernstein/] Host Info: Ariella Cohen Coleman The Wellness Esquire: Creating a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success https://thewellnessesquire.com [https://thewellnessesquire.com/] Ariella Law, PC provides strategic legal support - from formation, contracts, and compliance to fractional general counsel - through project-based services and monthly subscriptions for entrepreneurs, growing companies, and mission-driven organizations. https://ariellaw.com/ [https://ariellaw.com/] Follow Ariella: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/ [https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/] * Website: https://ariellacohencoleman.com/ [https://ariellacohencoleman.com/%5D(https://ariellacohencoleman.com/)]  Connect & Explore: * Website: https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcast [https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcast] * Substack: https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/ [https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/ [https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/] Support & Sponsors Zirtual helped Ariella find an amazing paralegal a...

Sending 250 Connection Requests a Week to Escape Big Law - with Megan Senese

On this episode of The Wellness Esquire Podcast, Ariella Cohen Coleman chats with Megan Senese, co-founder of Stage and a legal marketing and business development strategist. They explore the transition from the "robotic" expectations of BigLaw to building a business rooted in authenticity and kindness. Megan shares her strategy for sending 250 connection requests a week to build her platform in stealth mode, the psychological toll of the billable hour, and why the most powerful business development tool is simply being a human being. Guest: Megan Senese, co-founder of Stage & Legal Business Development Strategist Her website: https://stage.guide/ [https://www.stagebd.com/] Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megansenese/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/megansenese/] Listen to her podcast, So Much to Say: A Legal Podcast for People. [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/so-much-to-say-a-legal-podcast-for-people/id1785694022]   * Megan also offers four free business development sessions for any parent returning from parental leave!  Host Info: Ariella Cohen Coleman The Wellness Esquire: Creating a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success https://thewellnessesquire.com [https://thewellnessesquire.com/] Ariella Law, PC provides strategic legal support - from formation, contracts, and compliance to fractional general counsel - through project-based services and monthly subscriptions for entrepreneurs, growing companies, and mission-driven organizations. https://ariellaw.com/ [https://ariellaw.com/] Follow Ariella: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/ [https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/] * Website: https://ariellacohencoleman.com/ [https://ariellacohencoleman.com/%5D(https://ariellacohencoleman.com/)]  Connect & Explore: * Website: https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcast [https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcast] * Substack: https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/ [https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/ [https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/] Support & Sponsors Zirtual helped Ariella find an amazing paralegal a...

From Alcoholic Trial Lawyer Afraid to Get His Mail to Helping Lawyers Thrive - with Gary Miles

On this episode of The Wellness Esquire Podcast, Ariella Cohen Coleman chats with Gary Miles, a veteran trial attorney turned wellness coach for lawyers. Ariella and Gary dive into Gary's journey through 41 years of legal practice, including more than a decade as a high-functioning alcoholic. They explore why the very traits that make lawyers successful in court - like being "invincible" - can become "mental prisons" that lead to burnout, and Gary shares his movement from fear-based litigation to service-oriented coaching and leadership. Guest: Gary Miles, Wellness Coach for Lawyers & Former Trial Attorney Website: https://garymiles.net/ [https://garymiles.net/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-miles-freedom/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-miles-freedom/] Productivity assessment: https://upbeat-trailblazer-9238.kit.com/7c3c667ff1 [https://upbeat-trailblazer-9238.kit.com/7c3c667ff1] Resources: Breaking Free by Gary Miles — https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-miles-freedom/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-miles-freedom/] Everyday Legacy by Candi Broeffle — https://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Legacy-Lessons-Funeral-Director/dp/1946633332 [https://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Legacy-Lessons-Funeral-Director/dp/1946633332] ABA Study on Lawyer Impairment — https://www.americanbar.org/groups/lawyer_assistance/research/colap_aba_hazelden_lawyer_study/ [https://www.americanbar.org/groups/lawyer_assistance/research/colap_aba_hazelden_lawyer_study/] Host Info: Ariella Cohen Coleman The Wellness Esquire: Creating a bold new path where wellbeing, happiness, and authenticity drive performance and success https://thewellnessesquire.com [https://thewellnessesquire.com/] Ariella Law, PC provides strategic legal support - from formation, contracts, and compliance to fractional general counsel - through project-based services and monthly subscriptions for entrepreneurs, growing companies, and mission-driven organizations. https://ariellaw.com/ [https://ariellaw.com/] Follow Ariella: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellacoleman/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/ [https://www.instagram.com/ariellacohencoleman/] * Website: https://ariellacohencoleman.com/ [https://ariellacohencoleman.com/%5D(https://ariellacohencoleman.com/)]  Connect & Explore: * Website: https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcast [https://thewellnessesquire.com/podcast] * Substack: https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/ [https://thewellnessesquire.substack.com/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/ [https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessesquire/] Support & Sponsors Zirtual helped Ariella find an amazing paralegal a...