Episode 008: Jennifer Gardner on The Challenge of Authenticity

“I believe that if we share the truth about ourselves, we will discover that we are more similar than different from each other." ~Jennifer Gardner

For many years now, my primary work has been in the legal profession.  Now, the Legal Profession is still fairly conventional and conservative, although I think this is starting to change.

While working as a lawyer, I have felt like my private life had to be very private, like I couldn't show up completely the way I was to work.  I always felt some shame around the duality between the  "creative me" and the "professional me."  

When I was a young lawyer, a partner in the firm I worked at once lectured me about how if I did not work 12 hours a day I would never amount to anything.  I quickly realized that I could not have a life and survive in a law firm owned by someone else.  I also thought at that young age that I could not an effective lawyer if I was not well-rounded and if I did not have any real world experience.  This is a primary reason why I started my own law firm. 

I wanted to do good work to help people for a reasonable fee, and have time to have a life where I could pursue all my interests.   

Then, a few years ago I went to Trial Lawyer's College and healed a lot of that part of myself.  First, I discovered that my emotional and creative way of approaching my cases was not so unusual after all.

It was very healing to be amongst a group of supportive lawyers who were striving to discover and authentically express themselves. And this confirmed my belief that a huge part of being a lawyer is extremely creative.

Hear more about...

What Jennifer has learned from taking acting classes about being polite

The challenge and vulnerability of living authentically

How Jennifer is using RoamHowl to peel back the layers and discuss her podcasting journey as authentically as possible

The mystery of how the podcast is growing organically and engaging people all over the world in this conversation.

You can connect with me on Facebook, @jenbgardner on Twitter, or you can email me here. I am also on the web at www.jgardnerassociates.com and you can read about my approach to practicing law.