*Lawyer Like an Athlete Podcast* explores the parallels between legal professionals and elite athletes in managing stress and maximizing performance. Dr. Amy Wood, a licensed psychologist and executive coach, offers insights and strategies to help attorneys thrive in a demanding profession.
In this episode of Lawyer Like an Athlete, host Lisa Mosbey is joined by Dr. Amy Wood, a licensed psychologist and executive coach, to explore the concept of aligning personal strengths with professional success in the legal field. Dr. Wood discusses the pitfalls of trying to be a generalist in an overwhelming information age and emphasizes the importance of specialization. She challenges the legal profession’s obsession with fixing weaknesses and highlights the benefits of focusing on one’s core strengths.
The conversation delves into the stereotypes of what a successful lawyer should look like and encourages attorneys to embrace their unique qualities. By aligning professional activities with personal strengths, attorneys can reduce stress, increase efficiency, and achieve sustainable excellence. Listeners will gain insights into how to identify and leverage their strengths for greater impact and satisfaction in their legal careers.
18 Sept 2026
Building Authentic Relationships for Long-Term Success
In this episode of the Lawyer Like an Athlete Podcast, Dr. Amy Wood, a licensed psychologist and executive coach, is joined by Ivy Slater, CEO of Slater Success. The discussion centers around the critical role of authentic relationships in achieving long-term success in the legal profession. Ivy shares her experiences from decades of strategic leadership and relationship building, emphasizing how meaningful connections can lead to career growth and resilience.
They explore the importance of face-to-face interactions, the misconception of networking as a transactional activity, and how attorneys can overcome the challenge of billable hours to invest in relationships. Ivy highlights the value of transparency and authenticity in rekindling old connections and provides practical steps for attorneys to integrate relationship-building into their busy schedules. This episode offers valuable insights for legal professionals looking to enhance their practice through strategic networking and relationship management.
4 Sept 2026
Recruit a Robust Team
In this episode of Lawyer Like an Athlete, host Lisa Mosbey is joined by Dr. Amy Wood, a licensed psychologist and executive coach, to discuss the pitfalls of radical self-sufficiency in the legal profession. Dr. Wood, author of ”Lawyer Like an Athlete,” explores how the legal field’s emphasis on independence can hinder growth and lead to burnout.
The conversation delves into the importance of building a robust support network, akin to the teams that elite athletes rely on for success. Dr. Wood highlights the need for strategic collaboration and intentional support structures to enhance performance and sustainability. Listeners will gain insights into shifting from a solo mindset to a team-based model, ultimately leading to more fulfilling and effective legal practice.
21 Aug 2026
The Breaking Point: Stress, Addiction, and the Legal Profession
In this episode of Lawyer Like An Athlete, Dr. Amy Wood, a licensed psychologist and executive coach, is joined by Eric Webber, the director of the Legal Professionals program at Caron Treatment Centers. With nearly two decades of experience, Eric discusses the unique pressures that legal professionals face, which can lead to higher rates of addiction.
The conversation delves into why attorneys are particularly prone to addiction, the role of legal culture, and the types of substances commonly misused. Eric provides insights into recognizing early signs of addiction, the challenges of seeking help, and the recovery process. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how to support colleagues and themselves in maintaining a healthy, balanced life despite the demands of the legal profession.
7 Aug 2026
Optimizing Your Legal Environment for Peak Performance
In this episode of Lawyer Like An Athlete Podcast, host Lisa Mosbey and guest Dr. Amy Wood explores the profound impact of the environment on elite performance in the legal profession. Dr. Wood, a licensed psychologist and executive coach, discusses how physical surroundings and workplace culture significantly influence attorneys’ productivity and well-being.
The conversation delves into the importance of creating a motivating and supportive work environment, the pitfalls of isolation, and the balance between competitive and corrosive workplace cultures. Dr. Wood shares practical strategies for attorneys to enhance their workspace and manage interactions with colleagues to foster a healthier, more productive ecosystem. Listeners will gain insights into how small changes in their environment can lead to significant improvements in energy, resilience, and overall job satisfaction.
24 Jul 2026
Condition Your Thoughts (Part 2)
In this episode of Lawyer Like An Athlete Podcast, host Sean O’Connor and psychologist Dr. Amy Wood delve into the mental frameworks that can transform the careers of high-achieving attorneys. Dr. Wood, an expert in executive coaching for lawyers, discusses the role of internal narratives in shaping stress tolerance and professional longevity. The conversation explores the impact of the inner critic, the benefits of adopting a fan’s perspective, and the misconceptions around self-compassion and resilience. Dr. Wood emphasizes the importance of mental conditioning as a lifelong practice, akin to physical training for athletes. By challenging extreme thoughts and reframing setbacks, attorneys can cultivate resilience and avoid burnout. This episode provides valuable insights for legal professionals seeking to enhance their mental agility and sustain high performance in their demanding careers.
10 Jul 2026
How Even the Busiest Attorneys Can Create Balance with Cari L. Sheehan
In this episode of Lawyer Like An Athlete, with Dr. Amy Wood, a licensed psychologist and executive coach, is joined by Cari Sheehan, Assistant General Counsel at Taft Law. Cari shares her insights on maintaining a demanding legal career while achieving a balanced personal life. She emphasizes the importance of using a single, color-coded calendar to manage both professional and personal commitments, highlighting how this approach helps her integrate work and life seamlessly. Cari discusses the necessity of flexible boundaries, such as attending her daughter’s activities and scheduling personal time, even if it means working unconventional hours. The conversation also covers the significance of setting priorities, learning to say no, and the value of taking time to reset and recover. This episode offers valuable strategies for attorneys looking to reduce stress and enjoy their legal careers more fully.
26 Jun 2026
Condition Your Thoughts (Part 1)
In this episode of Lawyer Like An Athlete, host Sean O’Connor sits down with Dr. Amy Wood, a licensed psychologist and executive coach, to explore the intersection of psychology and the legal profession. Dr. Wood discusses the importance of disciplined thought-conditioning for attorneys, emphasizing how unchecked internal dialogue can impact performance under pressure. She explains the concept of ”taking your thoughts to court”—evaluating whether negative self-talk holds up to scrutiny, much like a legal claim. The conversation delves into the origins of high expectations and perfectionism in lawyers, often rooted in childhood experiences and professional environments. Dr. Wood provides practical strategies for attorneys to manage stress, challenge irrational beliefs, and cultivate a healthier mindset. Listeners will gain valuable insights into improving their mental resilience and overall well-being, ultimately enhancing their professional performance.
12 Jun 2026
What Attorneys Get Wrong About Success
In this episode of Lawyer Like an Athlete, Dr. Amy Wood, a licensed psychologist and executive coach, is joined by Steve Fretzin, a legal business development coach and host of the Be That Lawyer podcast. Together, they explore the intricacies of achieving sustainable success in the legal profession. Steve discusses the importance of defining success beyond just financial gain, emphasizing happiness and fulfillment. They delve into strategies for effective business development, the significance of saying no, and the pitfalls of busyness as a false indicator of success. The conversation highlights the need for a structured business plan, the benefits of delegation and automation, and the importance of maintaining a balance between business development and managing workload. Listeners will gain valuable insights into managing their time more effectively and creating a career that aligns with their personal and professional goals.
29 May 2026
Optimize Your Optimism
In this episode of the Lawyer Like an Athlete Podcast, Dr. Amy Wood, a licensed psychologist and executive coach, joins host Leann Lyon to discuss the impact of explanatory style on stress and performance in the legal field. Dr. Amy Wood explains how attorneys often equate pessimism with realism, believing it protects them from unpleasant surprises. However, this mindset can become detrimental when it turns inward, affecting personal performance and resilience. The conversation delves into the importance of pragmatic optimism, where attorneys are encouraged to recognize problems without dwelling on negativity, and to focus on solutions. Dr. Amy Wood shares insights on how small, incremental changes can lead to significant improvements in mindset and career success, illustrated by a client success story. Listeners will gain valuable strategies for balancing skepticism with optimism to enhance their legal practice and personal well-being.
15 May 2026
Gear Up
In this episode of Lawyer Like an Athlete Podcast, host LeAnn Lyon is joined by Dr. Amy Wood, a licensed psychologist and certified executive coach, to explore the concept of ”priming” for high-level work in the legal profession. Drawing from her book, ”Lawyer Like an Athlete,” Amy discusses how attorneys can adopt the preparation strategies of elite athletes to enhance cognitive performance. The conversation delves into the misconception that exhaustion equates to commitment and the importance of sleep, recovery, and mental conditioning. Amy emphasizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental health and how neglecting one can impact the other. Listeners will gain insights into maintaining endurance without compromising well-being, making this episode a must-listen for legal professionals aiming to sustain peak performance without burnout.
3 Apr 2026
Keep Your Head in the Game
In this episode of *Lawyer Like an Athlete with Dr. Amy Wood*, Amy Wood delves into the importance of focus and attention in the legal profession. She explains how distractions impact productivity and shares insights on managing technology to enhance performance. Amy highlights the significance of taking breaks to maintain focus and offers practical strategies for rebuilding concentration abilities.
20 Mar 2026
Why Big Goals Fail Without Small Steps
In this episode of *Lawyer Like an Athlete with Dr. Amy Wood*, Dr. Amy Wood discusses why ambitious attorneys often struggle to achieve their goals and the importance of breaking down goals into manageable steps. She emphasizes the impact of unrealistic expectations, the psychological barriers to change, and the significance of intrinsic motivation in sustaining progress.
6 Mar 2026
Make the Cut: Redefining What Excellence Actually Requires
In this episode of *Lawyer Like an Athlete with Dr. Amy Wood*, Dr. Amy Wood delves into the concept of ”Making the Cut” in the legal profession. She challenges the traditional definition of success and stresses the importance of self-care, setting limits, and sustaining elite performance. Dr. Amy Wood shares insights on resilience, the detrimental effects of overwork, and the bravery required to break out of destructive work patterns.
20 Feb 2026
Introduction: Why Lawyers Need a Different Performance Model
In this episode, Dr. Amy Wood delves into the unique challenges attorneys face in managing stress and achieving success in a high-pressure profession. Drawing parallels between lawyers and elite athletes, she highlights the importance of self-care, a strong support system, nourishing diversions, and a resilient mindset in enhancing performance and well-being.
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