Episodios

  • In-House Outside the Box: Heather Stevenson on leaving BigLaw, Career Pivots and in-house practice in VC land

    In-House Outside the Box: Heather Stevenson on leaving BigLaw, Career Pivots and in-house practice in VC land
    Nov 12 2025
    In this episode, Mel connects with Boston-based lawyer and creator Heather Stevenson for a candid conversation about career reinvention, online visibility, and modern in-house leadership. Heather shares her journey from Big Law litigator at Sullivan & Cromwell to juice-bar founder to General Counsel at Red Cell Partners, a venture firm building companies in healthcare, cybersecurity and national security. Together, they talk about taking unconventional career paths, how social media has reshaped opportunity and why being “too nice to be a lawyer” is a myth worth retiring. Key themes: ✨ Moving from Big Law to entrepreneurship to in-house ✨ Learning business by building one ✨ The role of LinkedIn in modern career growth ✨ The future of in-house law and innovation ✨ Purpose, identity, and redefining professional success Outsourcing, boundaries and building systems that work for your life Favourite moments: Heather explaining how she pitched her way into the Boston Globe after running a juice bar Why she believes “done” is better than “perfect” on LinkedIn and in leadership Her philosophy on using LinkedIn as scalable mentoring The rise of GC-plus roles like GC-COO and GC-Chief Strategy Officer Why “too nice to be a lawyer” is not a weakness Connect with Heather: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherlstevenson/ Subscribe to her newsletter: https://www.newsletter.inhouseoutsidethebox.com/subscribe Download the New to In-House Survival Guide: https://www.counselpodcast.com/store/p/newtoinhouse (use code BigSisEnergy for a special discount) All of Mel's Big Sis Briefings can be found here: https://www.counselpodcast.com/big-sis-briefings Connect with Mel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theinhouselawyer/ Counsel Podcast Page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/67479008/admin/feed/posts/ Instagram & TikTok: @theinhouselawyer Subscribe to the Counsel Podcast so you don’t miss upcoming conversations with leaders who are redefining what it means to be a lawyer today!
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    54 m
  • 45. Next Gen Legend: Chloe Giamadakis on balancing ambition, study and making your mark early

    45. Next Gen Legend: Chloe Giamadakis on balancing ambition, study and making your mark early
    Oct 30 2025
    In this episode, Chloe Giamadakis shares her journey in the legal field, discussing her ambition, the importance of a supportive network and how she overcomes "imposter syndrome". She emphasises the value of continuous learning and the significance of working in a meaningful industry to you. Chloe also provides insights into regulatory work and offers advice for aspiring lawyers, highlighting the importance of networking and gaining practical experience. Happy Birthday Chloe and enjoy planning your upcoming wedding! We love a #2026Bride Connect with Chloe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-giamadakis-a1953a159/ Download the New to In-House Survival Guide: https://www.counselpodcast.com/store/p/newtoinhouse (use code BigSisEnergy for a special discount) All of Mel's Big Sis Briefings can be found here: https://www.counselpodcast.com/big-sis-briefings Connect with Mel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theinhouselawyer/ Counsel Podcast Page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/67479008/admin/feed/posts/ Instagram & TikTok: @theinhouselawyer Subscribe to the Counsel Podcast so you don’t miss upcoming conversations with leaders who are redefining what it means to be a lawyer today!
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    41 m
  • 44. Leading with Heart: Mel asks Simon Playford all about lawyerin' in the not for profit world

    44. Leading with Heart: Mel asks Simon Playford all about lawyerin' in the not for profit world
    Oct 14 2025
    In this episode, Mel sits down with Brisbane-based in-house lawyer and all round good human Simon Playford to explore what it means to bring purpose, agility and humanity to legal work. Simon’s career has spanned private practice, commercial and IP law and now the not-for-profit sector with the Heart Foundation, an organisation that means a great deal to him personally. Together, they talk about moving from corporate to cause-driven work, the realities of in-house life in a charity and how lawyers can make a difference without sacrificing professional growth. Mel also announces that she’s donating $1 for every download of this episode within the first 24 hours to the Heart Foundation. 💖 Key themes: ✨ Making the leap from corporate to not-for-profit law ✨ How to measure impact without billables ✨ Purpose-driven careers and redefining success ✨ Agility, imperfection and “good enough” lawyering ✨ Building community in the in-house and NFP space ✨ Why connection is at the heart of great legal work This is a full-circle story about purpose, legacy and finding meaning in work Connect with Simon: LinkedIn Donate or learn more about the foundation here Download the New to In-House Survival Guide here! Connect with Mel: LinkedIn Counsel Podcast Page on LinkedIn Instagram: @theinhouselawyer TikTok: @theinhouselawyer
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    42 m
  • 43. Life after Law: from General Counsel to Chief Operations Officer with Anna Tichborne

    43. Life after Law: from General Counsel to Chief Operations Officer with Anna Tichborne
    Oct 1 2025
    In this episode of the Counsel Podcast, Mel reunites with long-time friend and former colleague Anna Tichborne for a candid conversation about career evolution, leadership and the courage to step outside the traditional lawyer path. Anna’s career has spanned more than two decades across New Zealand, Australia and the US. From General Counsel to Chief Operations Officer and now building her own consulting practice, she has consistently embraced change, backed herself and carved out space beyond the confines of “lawyer in a box.” Together, we dive into: Anna’s transition from GC to COO and what it’s like to move from advising to decision-making The mindset shifts needed to step into executive leadership outside of legal Learning to let go of the lawyer identity while still drawing on those skills The role of mentors, sponsors and having someone in your corner who sees your potential What skills transfer seamlessly from law to operations, and what you need to unlearn Anna’s current chapter working with early-stage businesses and tech founders Why culture, people, and community are the real drivers of successful organisations This episode is packed with insights for lawyers curious about broader executive opportunities or anyone navigating identity shifts and new career chapters. Resources and Links: Connect with Anna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-tichborne-a9647946/ Download the New to In-House Survival Guide: https://www.counselpodcast.com/store/p/newtoinhouse (use code BigSisEnergy for a special discount) All of Mel's Big Sis Briefings can be found here: https://www.counselpodcast.com/big-sis-briefings Connect with Mel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theinhouselawyer/ Counsel Podcast Page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/67479008/admin/feed/posts/ Instagram & TikTok: @theinhouselawyer Subscribe to the Counsel Podcast so you don’t miss upcoming conversations with leaders who are redefining what it means to be a lawyer today.
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    46 m
  • 42. WE ARE BACK! SEASON FIVE! MEL GIVES YOU A BIG LIFE UPDATE AND WHAT IS COMING THIS SEASON

    42. WE ARE BACK! SEASON FIVE! MEL GIVES YOU A BIG LIFE UPDATE AND WHAT IS COMING THIS SEASON
    Sep 19 2025
    The Counsel Podcast is back for Season 5! In this opening episode, Mel Storey shares a deeply personal update: leaving her role as Head of Legal (APAC) at Pax8 to step into self-employment for the very first time. Mel reflects on: Why she chose to resign after 15 years in the law The breadcrumb trail of signs that told her it was time for a reset What it feels like to de-institutionalise from corporate life The messy but exciting process of building a portfolio career How this podcast planted the seed for coaching, content and speaking What’s coming up in Season 5, including incredible guests and honest solo episodes This is an honest behind-the-scenes look at career change, identity and learning to back yourself even when you don’t have the whole map. Resources and Links: Download the New to In-House Survival Guide: https://www.counselpodcast.com/store/p/newtoinhouse (use code Big Sis Energy for a special discount) All of Mel's Big Sis Briefings can be found here: https://www.counselpodcast.com/big-sis-briefings Connect with Mel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theinhouselawyer/ Counsel Podcast Page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/67479008/admin/feed/posts/ Instagram & TikTok: @theinhouselawyer Subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodes featuring in-house leaders, founders and lawyers taking unconventional paths.
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    9 m
  • 41. Brief it out: Mel asks litigator, law firm founder and social media savant, James D'Apice, how the best in house lawyers work with outside counsel

    41. Brief it out: Mel asks litigator, law firm founder and social media savant, James D'Apice, how the best in house lawyers work with outside counsel
    May 1 2024
    James d'Apice is a commercial and litigation lawyer who recently launched a new law firm, Gravamen. James is also passionate about sharing engaging and nuanced legal updates through his video series 'Coffee and a Case Note' which you can find wherever you get your social media fix. Mel gets the inside scoop from James on everything from rap battles to his new law firm and working with external counsel. Connect with James: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesdapice/ Instagram: @coffeeandacasenote Connect with Mel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theinhouselawyer/ Counsel Podcast Page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/67479008/admin/feed/posts/ Instagram & TikTok: @theinhouselawyer
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    37 m
  • 40. “I get to combine my passion and purpose” - Mel asks General Counsel Elisabeth Flett about Building a Purposeful Legal Career | Interview

    40. “I get to combine my passion and purpose” - Mel asks General Counsel Elisabeth Flett about Building a Purposeful Legal Career | Interview
    Mar 25 2024
    About Our Guest: Elisabeth Flett is the General Counsel and Company Secretary of Cancer Council NSW. Elisabeth and Mel discuss finding purpose and passion in your career, including Elisabeth's break from the law to study veterinary science and what drew her back to legal practice. Elisabeth was recently awarded 2023 General Counsel of the Year by the Association of Corporate Counsel. Connect with Elisabeth: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisabethflett/ Instagram: @the.me.shaped.lawyer Connect with Mel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theinhouselawyer/ Counsel Podcast Page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/67479008/admin/feed/posts/ Instagram & TikTok: @theinhouselawyer
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    54 m
  • 39. “I’m not here to teach the world a lesson. I’m just here to be me” - Mel asks Legal Counsel Yosr Hamza about working in the Middle East, Legal Careers and Caregiving | Interview

    39. “I’m not here to teach the world a lesson. I’m just here to be me” - Mel asks Legal Counsel Yosr Hamza about working in the Middle East, Legal Careers and Caregiving | Interview
    Feb 27 2024
    About Our Guest: Yosr Hamza is Head of Legal and Director of Legal and Compliance at Gartner. In addition to her work as a lawyer and business advisor, Yosr is a proud caregiver and advocate for her son, who lives with a rare disease. Connect with Yosr: Blog: https://docket.acc.com/author/yosr-hamza Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yosrhamza/ Connect with Mel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theinhouselawyer/ Counsel Podcast Page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/67479008/admin/feed/posts/ Instagram: @theinhouselawyer Support: Thank you to Markster for supporting this episode. Visit markster.com.au or email kate@markster.com.au. Thank you also to InCounsel for supporting this episode. Visit incounsel.com.au for more.
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    45 m