From In-House Executive to Coach: Pam Richardson’s Journey Beyond Law

From In-House Executive to Coach: Pam Richardson’s Journey Beyond Law

“I thought people with rich husbands could make career pivots, not me.” After 20 years as a lawyer and in-house executive, Pam Richardson had the career many attorneys work decades to achieve. But beneath her title, compensation and success, she couldn’t shake the feeling “There has to be something more than this!” As a single mom of twins, leaving law felt impossible. In this episode, Pam shares how she slowly shifted from feeling trapped in a high-achieving legal career to building a path toward work that feels aligned and meaningful. We cover: * Why so many women lawyers struggle to imagine careers outside law. * The mindset shifts that helped Pam stop seeing herself as “stuck.” * How coaching, community, and possibility changed the trajectory of her career. * The financial planning and practical steps behind making a sustainable career transition. * Why lawyers often stay years longer than they want to. As a woman lawyer, leaving a legal career is almost unthinkable, especially if you believe you can’t do anything other than be a lawyer or you are accustomed to people-pleasing. This conversation is a powerful reminder that meaningful change is possible as a woman lawyer, even if it happens one step at a time. About Pam After more than 20 years as an attorney and in-house executive advising leaders at Fortune 1000 and Global 500 companies, Pam decided to step away from the practice of law and focus fully on the work she finds most meaningful; partnering directly with people as they navigate growth, change, and leadership challenges.  She founded Waypoint Partners where she works with organizations and individuals at all stages of their careers. Connect * https://pamrichardsonllc.com/ [https://pamrichardsonllc.com/] WILL The WILL- Women Interested in Leaving Law Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen; it’s an invitation to explore new possibilities and shed limiting beliefs.  As WILL Alumni and guests share their journeys beyond traditional legal careers, you’ll see that you can leave or love law. Feel stuck, unhappy, or ready to explore your own WILL journey? Book your consultation: https://consultation.womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/2-step-sales-page-page-4160 [https://consultation.womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/2-step-sales-page-page-4160] Follow * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglawwww.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw [http://www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw [https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw] * Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com [https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com]

Lawyer Liberation: Heather’s Move From Big Law to Coach

“The world's not gonna fall apart without you for a couple of hours.” It’s the phrase that EVERY woman lawyer needs to hear. From early career misery to making partner in big law, Heather did everything “right.” Until a life-changing cancer diagnosis forced her to rethink what success actually meant. In this episode, Heather shares how she rebuilt her career and her life on her own terms. We cover: * Why you can’t just “think” your way to clarity. * The identity shift required to leave or redefine your legal career. * How to build a successful, sustainable career without sacrificing your life. Learn how to leave law or love your role within law. As a woman lawyer, leaving a legal career is almost unthinkable, especially if you believe you can’t do anything other than be a lawyer or you are accustomed to people-pleasing.  About Heather Heather Moulder is a former BigLaw partner turned lawyer business coach and host of Life & Law, a lawyer podcast about achieving success without the sacrifice. After building a multi-million dollar law practice around a full life, she left it all to help other lawyers do the same.  Connect * Coaching Website: https://www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com/ [https://www.coursecorrectioncoaching.com/]  * Podcast Website: https://www.lifeandlawpodcast.com/ [https://www.lifeandlawpodcast.com/]  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathermoulder/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathermoulder/] WILL The WILL- Women Interested in Leaving Law Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen; it’s an invitation to explore new possibilities and shed limiting beliefs.  As WILL Alumni and guests share their journeys beyond traditional legal careers, you’ll see that you can leave or love law. Feel stuck, unhappy, or ready to explore your own WILL journey? Book your consultation: https://consultation.womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/2-step-sales-page-page-4160 [https://consultation.womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/2-step-sales-page-page-4160] Follow * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglawwww.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw [http://www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw [https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw] * Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com [https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com]

From Law to Coaching: How Values Led Jessie Brown

“What if nothing is wrong… but it still doesn’t feel right?” Jessie Brown didn’t hate being a lawyer. She had a prestigious career, stable income, and was at a “good” firm. But beneath it all, something felt off. After years of pushing through and ignoring what her body told her, Jessie reached a turning point. In this episode, Jessie shares her journey from Big Law to coaching and how she left behind a life built on safety to follow something far more aligned. We talked about: * How you can outgrow a “good” legal career and what keeps lawyers stuck * How to listen to your body as a compass for career decisions * Why curiosity (not clarity) is the first step to career change * The difference between career coaching and deeper “soul-level” work * Why not everyone needs to leave law, but everyone needs alignment About Jessie Jessie is a former lawyer turned coach, purpose guide, meditation teacher, and breath work facilitator. She also facilitates sound baths and forest bathing. She’s a mom of two boys and married to a lawyer. Connect www.linkedin.com/in/jessiebrowncoaching [http://www.linkedin.com/in/jessiebrowncoaching] www.jessiebrown.org [http://www.jessiebrown.org] https://substack.com/@returningtosoul [https://substack.com/@returningtosoul] WILL The WILL- Women Interested in Leaving Law Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen; it’s an invitation to explore new possibilities and shed limiting beliefs. As WILL Alumni and guests share their journeys beyond traditional legal practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible, it’s within your reach. Feel stuck, unhappy, or ready to explore your own WILL journey? Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-callwomeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call [http://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call]  Follow Us: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglawwww.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw [http://www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw [https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw] * Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com [https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com]

Stop the Spiral: Give Yourself CPR

Imagine having a simple tool to stop your spiral into doubt, fear, or worst-case scenarios. Imagine you easily interrupt negative thought loops.  You are able to intentionally reignite your motivation, clarity, and desire. In this episode of the [@] WILL podcast, I talk about a powerful mindset tool called "CPR".   CPR stands for Choose, Positive, and Repeat/Reignite. It was inspired by a coach I study with, Stacey Boehman who teaches “Intentional Thought Creation”.  As part of that I heard her say, “Choose positive thoughts, and then repeat.”  I wrote down CPR.  I am adapting her methodology for you.  CPR connects you with your heart's desires, and shows you how to break free from doubt and create momentum.  This episode is especially valuable for women lawyers (and high-achievers in general) stuck in cycles of overthinking, self-doubt, or inertia.  Listen in to learn: * How not to “dance” with negative thoughts. * Focus on positively-framed questions to create momentum.  * Repeat and rewire your brain and belief in what’s possible. Are you ready for a practical way to shift your mindset quickly and effectively?  Listen in now and give yourself CPR! Show Notes Stacey Bayman WILL The WILL- Women Interested in Leaving Law Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen; it’s an invitation to explore new possibilities and shed limiting beliefs. As WILL Alumni and guests share their journeys beyond traditional legal practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible, it’s within your reach. Feel stuck, unhappy, or ready to explore your own WILL journey? Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-callwomeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call [http://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call]  Follow Us: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglawwww.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw [http://www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw [https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw] Web:https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com [https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com]

32 Years in Law: Then She Chose Herself

“What does your ideal day look like?”  It was the first time that Hillary Sobel had ever been asked that question. 32 years of feeling unseen, undervalued and “unallowed” to want anything else. 22 years of knowing that law was not for her. Then in the space of 10 seconds, her world shifted on its axis. In this episode, WILL Alum Hillary Sobel talks about her life transformation from 32-years as a lawyer to seeing her face on a Times Square Billboard.   We discuss openly: * Why it’s NEVER too late to change careers (and what keeps women lawyers trapped). * Why investing in yourself isn’t indulgent; it’s transformational * How mindset work becomes the foundation for real reinvention Hilary shares her fear, skepticism, identity shifts, and eventual success when she began to live her ‘ideal day’.   About Hillary Hillary began her career in law, grounded in an understanding of business and Corporate America from family entrepreneurs. Her practice focused on corporate-related litigation including securities and antitrust. After successfully practicing law, Hillary refocused her attention on advising growing, mostly women-founded, businesses. Through her consulting business, Minerva Turning Point Strategies, Hillary combines strategic thinking and curiosity to identify new pathways to growth. She has been published in Forbes Women on the intersection of profits and people, and in Medium on opening hard conversations to expand our understanding of each other.  Hillary’s passion for storytelling and advocacy finds an outlet in speaking and writing. From her Substack, “The Cowgirl, The Shark, and Stilettos” (and other upcoming publications including a chapter in an anthology and her memoir), Hillary connects current and historical events to the stories of our daily lives. Connect * Contact: hillary@hillarysobel.com [hillary@hillarysobel.com] * Website: www.minervaturningpointstrategies.com [http://www.minervaturningpointstrategies.com] * Substack: The Cowgirl, The Shark, and Stilettos * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillary-sobel [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillary-sobel] Show Notes Abby Womack * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbywambach/ [https://www.instagram.com/abbywambach/]  * Book: https://www.amazon.com/WOLFPACK-Together-Unleash-Power-Change/dp/1250217709 [https://www.amazon.com/WOLFPACK-Together-Unleash-Power-Change/dp/1250217709]  WILL Transformhttps:// [https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/evolve-2025/]womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com [http://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com]