Perfectionism can feel safe — even responsible — but for many women lawyers, it quietly becomes a career-limiting habit.

In this episode of The Pathway to Partnership Podcast, Cecilia Poullain explores how perfectionism shows up every day in law firms: not speaking up in meetings, staying silent on client calls, avoiding visibility, or holding back from leadership opportunities because you’re not 100% sure — and terrified of making a mistake.

Through a real coaching story, Cecilia unpacks what’s really behind this hesitation: fear of shame, not incompetence. She explains why the consequences of “getting it wrong” are often far smaller than we imagine — and how staying silent can be far riskier in the long run.

You’ll learn:

• Why perfectionism keeps women lawyers stuck — even as they approach partnership
• The crucial difference between perfectionism and excellence
• Practical tools to help you speak up with more confidence, including the little gap, the risk coin, and taking calibrated risks
• How to build confidence in a way that works for you — especially if “fake it till you make it” doesn’t
• How small, intentional steps can help you move from excellent lawyer to visible leader

This episode is an invitation to notice the moments when perfectionism is making decisions for you — and to start choosing excellence instead.

If you’re a woman lawyer aiming for partnership and finding yourself holding back, this conversation is for you.

— CONNECT WITH ME —

Download my free guide here: "How to make partner in a law firm"

“I just want to be the best lawyer I can be.”

I hear this from women lawyers all the time. And while it matters, it’s not enough if you want to make partner.

In this episode of The Pathway to Partnership Podcast, we explore one of the most challenging — and least clearly explained — transitions in a law firm: moving from excellent lawyer to visible, credible leader.

The skills that make you a great lawyer are not the same ones that help you step into leadership. Many women are diligent, reliable and meticulous — but hesitate to take risks, put themselves forward, or be seen. Add poor management, constant interruption and criticism, and it’s no surprise that so many women stay stuck in “excellent execution” rather than leadership.

In this episode, we cover:

• The difference between being a manager and being a leader
• Why leadership often feels riskier for women — and which risks actually matter
• How to move from passive to proactive in your career
• What “being proactive” really looks like in meetings, client relationships and skill-building
• Why perfection can hold you back — and what to replace it with
• How adopting a leader mindset changes how you’re seen and how you feel

This episode is for you if you’re technically strong, well-regarded — and quietly wondering what more you need to do to be seen as partnership material.

If you found this episode useful, please subscribe, share it with a colleague, and leave a review — it helps more women lawyers find the podcast.

Check out my free guide here: "How To Make Partner In A Law Firm"

Until next time — remember: you don’t have to do this alone, and you get to define success on your own terms.

Law can be a tough — and surprisingly lonely — profession.

In this episode of The Pathway to Partnership Podcast, we talk about a reality that rarely gets named in law firms: many women lawyers feel isolated, even when they’re surrounded by people.

I begin with a story from a client who cried every day on her way to work as a young lawyer — then wiped her tears and walked into the office with a fake smile on her face. Her story is sadly not unusual.

The truth is you cannot build a successful legal career alone.

In this episode, I share the three types of relationships every woman lawyer needs to support her pathway to partnership:

• Emotional support to stay grounded, resilient and well
• Career support for technical, strategic and leadership growth (including mentors, sponsors and coaches)
• Referral relationships with other lawyers, often your greatest source of work

You’ll also be guided through a short, practical exercise to map your current support network, identify the gaps, and choose one small step you can take this week.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, isolated or close to burnout, this episode is a reminder that getting the right support isn’t a luxury, it’s essential.

If you found this episode useful, please subscribe, share it with a colleague, and leave a review to help more women lawyers find the podcast.

And check out my free guide "How To Make Partner In A Law Firm" here: www.ceciliapoullain.com\free-guide

Until next time — remember: you don’t have to do this alone.

Is partnership actually right for you? It is often presented as the ultimate goal in a legal career, but rarely do we discuss what it involves beyond the title and status.

In this opening episode of Pathway to Partnership, we start where every journey should begin: with your “why.” Host Cecilia Poullain—former finance lawyer turned executive coach—unpacks the realities of the partner track and explores why so many women pursue it by default, often leading to burnout or feeling trapped.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

📌 Why you must clarify your "why" before committing to the partner track ⚖️ What partnership really involves (beyond just excellent legal work)

❓ The 3 questions to ask yourself to see if partnership aligns with your life goals

This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters to you—so you can step onto your path with clarity, confidence, and intention.

— ABOUT THE HOST — Cecilia Poullain is an International Executive Coach dedicated to helping women lawyers make partner.

Born in Sydney and based in Paris for 30 years, she has created a business that transforms the lives of women lawyers across the world.

Through individual coaching, the "Pathway to Partnership" group, and her "Firm Women" community, Cecilia helps women build the skills and confidence to succeed in top-tier law firms.

— CONNECT WITH ME —

www.ceciliapoullain.com

www.linkedin.com/in/ceciliapoullain