Corner Office with Elise Powers

Active Listening is the Most Underrated Skill [Solo Episode]

When Elise asks partners what qualities they most value in an associate, one of the top three most common responses is active listening and demonstrating engagement. So why didn’t we learn how to actively listen in school? In this solo episode, Elise explains the science behind why listening is so hard (hello, distraction!) and gives specific recommendations on how to make every single person you interact with feel valued, heard, and understood.

Finding Your Advocates and Interviewing as a Lateral with Vorys Partner

In this episode of Corner Office, Elise sits down with Michael Schoenfelt, a Labor & Employment Partner at Vorys and Co-Chair of the Vorys Hiring Committee. Michael gives insight into the red flags he sees when hiring laterals and shares his perspective on what to say about the firm you’re leaving during an interview. Hear about how he built relationships with influential attorneys who became his advocates and get ideas on how you, too, can connect with people who will positively shape your career trajectory.

From Living in the Projects to Partnership in Big Law with Clyde & Co Partner

In this episode of Corner Office, Elise sits down with Yvonne Schulte, Partner at Clyde & Co. Yvonne was a single mother living in the projects during law school. Hear her inspiring, unusual story about how she overcame countless obstacles to create a new life for herself and her family. She reveals her take on if money can really buy happiness, and what luxuries she buys now that she has financial stability.

You Need to be More “Professional” [Solo Episode]

One of the most delicate topics Elise covers in her speaking engagements at law firms is the concept of professional presence. Elise shares why professionalism is essential to exhibit and how she interprets this word. She gives specific examples of what she sees people do that can be perceived as unprofessional.

The Power of Gratitude and Resilience with Mintz Partner

In this episode of Corner Office Elise sits down with Michael Arnold, Chair of Mintz’s Employment practice. Mike shares how he recharges as an introvert so he doesn’t get burnt out. He discusses why he focuses on being grateful for the opportunities he has, and why being resilient is a necessity in this demanding career.