Career moves can be exciting, uncertain, and sometimes completely unexpected. So how do you navigate change while maintaining your confidence and continuing to move forward?

In this episode of Briefcase & Couch, we’re joined by Rachel Milano Esq. and Sarah Sterner M.Ed. to talk about pivoting toward growth, resilience, and forward momentum during a career transition. We explore the challenges that come with professional change, including how to recognize new opportunities, rebuild or maintain confidence, and draw on the skills and experiences you already have as you move into your next chapter.

Whether you’re considering a career change, navigating one now, or simply wondering what might be next, this conversation offers practical insights and encouragement for moving forward with purpose.

Hosts:

Stephanie Sarkis, PhD — ⁠⁠⁠⁠stephaniesarkis.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Valerie Matherne, Esq. — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠zuberlawler.com/attorneys/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 in a manner consistent with their professional training, ethical guidelines, and applicable laws and regulations.

Friendships often take a back seat to careers, caregiving, and daily responsibilities—but connection still matters. In this episode, we discuss how professional women can maintain meaningful friendships, navigate busy seasons of life, and create relationships that provide support, joy, and resilience.

In this episode, Valerie and Stephanie are joined by a psychologist-attorney friend duo, Karestan Koenen, Ph.D., and Celia Eckert, Esq., to explore the challenges and rewards of maintaining friendships while balancing demanding careers and personal responsibilities.

We discuss:

• Why friendships change throughout adulthood
• Common obstacles to staying connected
• How professional women can nurture relationships despite busy schedules
• Setting realistic expectations for friendships
• Practical ways to strengthen and sustain meaningful connections

Whether you’re feeling disconnected from friends or looking for ways to invest in your relationships, this episode offers practical strategies and encouragement.

Hosts:

Stephanie Sarkis, PhD — ⁠⁠⁠stephaniesarkis.com⁠⁠⁠

Valerie Matherne, Esq. — ⁠⁠⁠zuberlawler.com/attorneys/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 in a manner consistent with their professional training, ethical guidelines, and applicable laws and regulations.

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

Valerie Matherne, Esq. — ⁠⁠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.