EP094: From UN Refugee Camps to Law Firms: Vanessa Shaw’s Unique Empowerment for Women in The Legal Profession

Ten Golden Rules Internet Marketing for Law Firms Podcast

Today, I’m thrilled to have Vanessa Shaw from Business Growth Academy on the show. Vanessa brings a wealth of experience, including a 21-year career with the United Nations and a shift into life coaching and business development.

In this episode, Vanessa and I dive deep into the art of targeting "champagne clients" for higher-quality engagements and the crucial role of building lasting relationships within your niche. She shares a moving story from her UN days and how those skills now benefit law firm coaching. We also touch on her pioneering virtual coaching programs, challenges faced by women attorneys, and the importance of financial empowerment.

Don't miss Vanessa's insights on attracting high-quality clients, building strong business relationships, and the 3 big rocks rule for productivity. For more game-changing content, check out the full episode and hit subscribe. Stay ambitious!

Key Topics

• 02:18 Vanessa’s work in the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, scheduling airlifts and teaching governments about asylum and refugee law.
• 05:49 Reinventing herself as a life coach after 9 years as a stay-at-home mom and creates the first major virtual coaching program inside a major law firm.
• 12:35 Insights from her experience at the UN, including diplomacy and cultural competency.
• 17:32 Gender differences in leadership roles and perceptions of ambition, highlighting that women in law firms face unique challenges related to programming, mindset, and finances. Vanessa developed a program to address the lack of emotional intelligence and soft skills among women attorneys.
• 22:40 The gender pay gap and lack of representation in law firms, emphasizing the need for role models and change.
• 24:28 The importance of personal development and business development for women attorneys. Emphasizes the holistic approach to coaching, covering mindset, finance, HR, and skills.
• 27:46 How eliminating tolerations led to a more simplified and profitable medical practice.
• 31:47 Attorneys should focus on a specific niche to command higher fees and attract better clients.
• 38:42 The "rule of three" for managing tasks and avoiding overwhelm.

Resources Mentioned

Books:

1. **Eat That Frog** by Brian Tracy

2. **The Big Leap** by Gay Hendricks

Apps & Tools:

1. **Oak Journal** - https://oakjournal.com/

Websites:

1. **https://businessgrowthacademy.com/ ** - Vanessa Shaw's Website

Podcasts:

1. **"Diary of a CEO"** - https://www.youtube.com/@thediaryofaceo

2. **"Get Rich Without Being a Bitch"** - https://businessgrowthacademy.com/podcast/ - Vanessa Shaw's Podcast

About Vanessa Shaw:

Vanessa Shaw is an internationally recognized Business Success Coach and the visionary behind The Business Growth Academy, dedicated to turning entrepreneurial dreams into reality. Her passion for entrepreneurship and freedom led her to create an academy that helps professionals, including attorneys, healthcare providers, financial experts, and marketers, to break the 7-figure ceiling and make a significant impact. With her team of dedicated professionals, Vanessa utilizes proven growth strategies, smart business tools, expert support, and direct accountability to help clients achieve remarkable results, such as doubling their growth in 100 days, enjoying worry-free vacations, and becoming the primary breadwinner for their families.

Described by her clients as an engaging and insightful coach, Vanessa has a genuine passion for mentoring entrepreneurs to overcome barriers and achieve greater success. Committed to empowering women financially, she launched the fast-track ELITE program, generating over $13.07 million in new revenue for more than 83 small business owners during Covid. With over 16 years of experience, Vanessa has worked with business leaders from startups to billion-dollar companies and the United Nations in Geneva. She has also held senior leadership roles within the International Coach Federation. Her diverse client roster continues to grow, comprising professionals who excel in their fields and seek her expertise to scale their businesses.

About Jay Berkowitz:

Jay Berkowitz is a digital marketing strategist with decades of experience in the industry. As the CEO of Ten Golden Rules, he has helped countless law firms and businesses harness the power of the internet to achieve remarkable growth and visibility. Jay is also a renowned keynote speaker and author, sharing his expertise at various industry events and publications worldwide.

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