The Women's Advocate

The Women’s Advocate is hosted by civil rights attorney Sarah Nichols where she discusses how women can negotiate and support each other to close the wage gap.

Living a Juicy Life with Allison Tibbs 11/12/2025

Living a Juicy Life with Allison Tibbs “When you’re a coach, your life is the curriculum.” This week, Allison Tibbs tells us about how her vision of becoming a corner-office media executive transformed into a mission of helping women lead excellent careers and reframe their health and wellness as tools – not additional exhausting to-dos – for their success and happiness. Allison and Sarah discuss how Allison’s openness about her experiences coming back from burnout, career changes, health struggles, and more have empowered women to admit and seek support in navigating their own struggles. /episode/index/show/thewomensadvocate/id/39002320

The (Von)Rockstar of Estate Planning 10/16/2025

The (Von)Rockstar of Estate Planning Deidre shares her own powerful journey of navigating many big life changes at once as she dives into the challenges of being a woman and mother, leaving a job, her battle with cancer, divorce, and ultimate decision to found Von Rock Law. Deidre and Sarah discuss how these experiences have been a strength to Deidre as she has centered her award-winning trust and estate law practice around kindness and empathy for clients going through and planning for major life changes. The pair sing the praises of the beauty of San Francisco, engaging in the community outside of work, choosing the people you work with, and finding love. /episode/index/show/thewomensadvocate/id/38606745

Springing Forward with Compassion 08/07/2025

Springing Forward with Compassion In this week's episode, Sarah and ERISA litigation superstar Cassie Springer-Ayeni discuss the ins and outs of applying for disability benefits and appealing benefit denials. The ladies talk about the power of storytelling, treating people as more than their disability, why it can be so hard for folks to plan for or admit that they may have a long-term disability, and why it is ultimately so important to do so for yourself and your loved ones. Cassie and Sarah also discuss the difference between an employer claiming to support employees versus the policies and actions that make this a reality. As a bonus, tune in to hear Sarah and Cassie talk about how to make networking fun, advice for starting your own law firm, and the beauty of building a business that truly supports humans. /episode/index/show/thewomensadvocate/id/37722655

Small Firm, Big Energy: Packing a Punch with AI 07/01/2025

Small Firm, Big Energy: Packing a Punch with AI In this week’s episode Sarah sits down with Carolyn Elefant – nationally recognized civil rights and energy attorney, longtime solo practitioner, and the force behind MyShingle.com, the longest-running blog for small firm lawyers. Carolyn has spent her career challenging extractive energy practices, defending community rights, and empowering lawyers, especially women, to take bold steps in building independent, values-driven practices. Together, Sarah and Carolyn talk about Carolyn's recent amicus brief in Perkins Coie v. United States. Carolyn rallied hundreds of small firms to defend the constitutional right to counsel. Carolyn also reflects on the advantages solos have, the fun she's having experimenting with AI, and why success looks different, and freer, when you build it on your own terms. /episode/index/show/thewomensadvocate/id/37232315

Moving Billions with Light Energy 06/18/2025

Moving Billions with Light Energy In this week’s episode Sarah sits down with Leti McNeill Light - Associate Vice Chancellor of UCSF and Co-Founder and President of SIGAP - a nationally recognized leader in higher education philanthropy. With nearly 25 years of experience across top universities and transformative fundraising initiatives, Leti shares what it means to lead with intention, curiosity, and care. Together, Sarah and Leti unpack the real work of philanthropy: building power, cultivating options, and creating space for meaningful change - whether in a lab, a boardroom, or your own home. Leti shares candid reflections on managing large teams, sustaining energy as a leader, and her personal commitment to move billions in philanthropic giving during her lifetime. They also explore how women can find their voice in philanthropic spaces professionally, personally, and collectively. /episode/index/show/thewomensadvocate/id/37049790

Financial Planning for a Juicy, Joyful Life 05/30/2025

Financial Planning for a Juicy, Joyful Life In this week’s episode Sarah Nichols sits down with Katy Song, certified financial planner and founder of Katy Song Financial Planning. With deep experience across Wall Street, tech startups, and independent practice, Katy shares how financial clarity empowers women to take control of their lives, whether they’re navigating career changes, family responsibilities, or dreaming of something different. Together, the two discuss the emotional roots of financial decisions, the pressures women face to “play it safe,” and how true empowerment comes from aligning your money with your values. Katy shares practical tools to map your financial future, prepare for big transitions, and release any guilt or overwhelm associated with that. /episode/index/show/thewomensadvocate/id/36782120

Your Next Venture - Women in VC 12/04/2024

Your Next Venture - Women in VC In this week's episode of The Women's Advocate, Sarah sits down with Julie Castro Abrams, a gender and racial justice activist and the CEO and founder of How Women Lead. Julie shares her journey of advocating for systemic change, from increasing diversity on corporate boards to empowering women through venture capital investments. Together, they discuss the persistent barriers women face in leadership and funding, the transformative power of mentorship and community, and the critical importance of aligning investments with values. Julie also offers practical advice for women seeking leadership roles and explores how diverse leadership strengthens organizations and drives success. /episode/index/show/thewomensadvocate/id/34289895

Building Bridges with the Interracial Sisterhood 07/15/2024

Building Bridges with the Interracial Sisterhood In this week's episode of The Women's Advocate, Sarah Nichols sits down with Karen Fleshman, founder of the Interracial Sisterhood Coalition. Karen, an attorney and seasoned expert in anti-sexual harassment training and DEI workshops with over 20 years of experience leading diverse teams, shares insights into her career journey. Together, they explore the challenges of promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry while stressing the critical importance of creating safe workplaces. Karen also discusses the business advantages of diversity, offers strategies to safeguard Black women, and addresses intergenerational trauma. Throughout their discussion, they highlight the transformative impact of storytelling in fostering empathy and increasing awareness. /episode/index/show/thewomensadvocate/id/32143047

Gretchen Carlson: When People Say It Can't Be Done 07/10/2024

Gretchen Carlson: When People Say It Can't Be Done How do you push forward when people tell you it can't be done? In this week's episode of The Women's Advocate, Sarah Nichols sits down with Gretchen Carlson, renowned journalist, author, and tireless advocate for workplace fairness. As the co-founder of Lift Our Voices, Gretchen has been at the forefront of the fight against workplace misconduct, successfully championing changes in laws related to forced arbitration and non-disclosure agreements. Listen in as Gretchen shares her inspiring journey from being a trailblazing journalist to becoming a powerful voice for the voiceless, discusses her most memorable interviews, and reveals the personal experiences that drive her relentless advocacy. Sarah and Gretchen delve deep into the impact of non-disclosure agreements on mental health, the strategy behind successful legislative changes, and the importance of cultural transformation in supporting those who speak out. /episode/index/show/thewomensadvocate/id/32088867

Champion of Justice 02/21/2024

Champion of Justice In this week's episode of The Women's Advocate, Sarah sits down with former DA turned criminal defense attorney and the owner of her own practice, Sharon Henry, to discuss her journey from prosecuting cases to establishing her own law firm dedicated to advocating for fairness and justice. Sharon shares personal anecdotes about her upbringing, the challenges she faced as a young, Black female attorney, and her strategies for overcoming obstacles in a conservative environment. The conversation delves into the rewarding aspects of law, the importance of self-advocacy and work-life balance, and the significance of supportive relationships. /episode/index/show/thewomensadvocate/id/30053208

Empowering Motherhood & Navigating Your Rights 01/06/2024

Empowering Motherhood & Navigating Your Rights In this week's episode of The Women's Advocate, Sarah sits down with mama attorney and founding member of the Chamber of Mothers, Daphne Delvaux. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of women's rights and the unique challenges of entrepreneurship while championing the rights of women and mothers. The discussion covers crucial subjects like maternity leave, employee rights, the influence of social media, and the importance of sustainable work practices. The two also share personal insights into integrating motherhood into their professional lives, discussing the delicate balance of running their own businesses while simultaneously being mothers. /episode/index/show/thewomensadvocate/id/29364113

Unapologetically Authentic 09/28/2023

Unapologetically Authentic In this week's episode Sarah sits down with Sandra Possing, a multifaceted life coach, inspirational speaker, accomplished entrepreneur, and the charismatic host of the Oh, Hi Self! Podcast. Together, they dive deep into Sandra's captivating life, where she gracefully balanced between two distinct cultures, embarked on thrilling adventures in her youth, and eventually found her calling in the world of coaching. Sandra's narrative beautifully exemplifies the profound concept that one's business can organically mirror their authentic self. /episode/index/show/thewomensadvocate/id/28172798

Bringing History to Life with Perfect Pitch 09/01/2023

Bringing History to Life with Perfect Pitch In this week's episode, Sarah sits down with Dr. Kim Nalley, a renowned Jazz singer and CSU East Bay Professor. The two explore Dr. Nalley’s journey from challenging beginnings to her emergence as a prominent figure in the Jazz scene. The discussion delves into Dr. Nalley’s unique fusion of history and music, using song to bridge past and present, solidifying her role as both a Jazz Ambassador and a dedicated advocate. /episode/index/show/thewomensadvocate/id/27919053

Taking Smart Risks 07/19/2023

Taking Smart Risks In this week’s episode of The Women’s Advocate, Sarah sits down with Fahti Khosrowshahi, the founder and CEO of Ceek Women’s Health, a medical device company focused on creating innovative products for more comfortable gynecological exams and procedures. Fahti discusses how the lack of innovation in the medical field helped drive her mission to make gynecological experiences more comfortable through modern products. She encourages women to take smart risks, advocate for themselves, and embrace the power of financial independence. The two also delve into the lessons learned from fundraising and dealing with rejection. /episode/index/show/thewomensadvocate/id/27512049

Saying Bye to the "Good Girl" 06/28/2023

Saying Bye to the "Good Girl" In this week’s episode of The Women's Advocate, Sarah sits down with mama of three, media and tech executive, and the founder and CEO of Traction Advisory, Diana Lyman to discuss how the universe brought them together while Diana was navigating the birth of her third child and a very difficult situation at work. The two also discuss the importance of being your greatest advocate, and what the journey to health, healing and happiness looks like after going through a traumatic experience at work and, subsequently, while fighting for her rights. /episode/index/show/thewomensadvocate/id/27303336

Learning How to Negotiate in Bite-Size Morsels 05/03/2023

Learning How to Negotiate in Bite-Size Morsels In this week's episode, Sarah sits down with S. Lucia Kanter St. Amour, the VP for UN women USA, practicing attorney, and former law professor turned everyday negotiation superhero to discuss Lucia’s latest book , and how to break down the intimidation surrounding negotiation one step at a time. Join us this week as these two negotiation advocates discuss everything from negotiating with bullies to getting your toddler to eat their peas, to even the power of good ol’ chocolate. /episode/index/show/thewomensadvocate/id/26735991

Grounding Ourselves with a Balanced Glass 11/15/2022

Grounding Ourselves with a Balanced Glass In this week's episode, Sarah sits down with fellow Aussie and the founder of A Balanced Glass, a company that provides education and resources to wine industry colleagues to help maintain health and wellbeing, Rebecca Hopkins, to discuss the toll that working in the alcohol industry can take on people’s physical and mental health. The two also discuss how Rebecca dared to create something different in the wine space that has served as a lifeline for many people navigating their life journey while staying true to who they are. /episode/index/show/thewomensadvocate/id/25025427

Courage to Let Your Core Values Drive Your Career 10/12/2022

Courage to Let Your Core Values Drive Your Career In this week's episode, Sarah sits down with Krystal LoPilato, a Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense volunteer leader, lawyer and gun violence prevention advocate to discuss how the work people like Krystal are doing helps people sleep better at night. Sarah and Krystal also discuss the ever evolving gun violence prevention policies, how listeners can get involved and why women should allow themselves space to find and develop their passion. As Sarah says, awesome moms are those that fulfill their passions and set that example for their children to do the same. Krystal and Sarah also touch on the importance of women working in advocacy and politics and how their skillsets bring forth and promote change. *Content Warning: This episode contains depictions of gun violence that could trigger certain audiences.* /episode/index/show/thewomensadvocate/id/24670437

Actualizing Dreams 04/29/2022

Actualizing Dreams In this week’s episode, Sarah sits down with San Francisco native, Akeisha Johnson, founder and business leadership coach at An Inspired Coaching to discuss everything from Akeisha’s inspirational career, and how she uses her skills to help women acknowledge their accomplishments to the importance of cultivating discussion and conversation around diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Akeisha also shares her advice for women dealing with multiple identities and oppression, plus how to notice and address the physical effects of being “triggered.” /episode/index/show/thewomensadvocate/id/22955120

Parental Support is More Than Ticking a Box 04/08/2022

Parental Support is More Than Ticking a Box In this week’s episode, Sarah sits down with fellow Aussie and co-founder of Circle In, Jodi Geddes, to learn how Jodi started a successful business all while on maternity leave. The two also discuss everything from running a business as working mothers, to the progression of parental leave policies, and the importance of empathetic leaders supporting their employees in the office and at home. Plus, the “taboo” topic of menopause in the workplace, and how managers can support women going through it. Jodi also emphasizes the importance of having a mentor and developing the hardest soft skill – overcoming fear. /episode/index/show/thewomensadvocate/id/22732934

Being an Authentic Leader & Taking on New Challenges 03/22/2022

Being an Authentic Leader & Taking on New Challenges In this week’s episode, Sarah sits down with the new and dynamic CEO of the Crypto Council for Innovation, Sheila Warren, to discuss everything from authentic leadership as a working mother, to the importance of diverse teams and positive company culture. Plus, Sheila shares why we could all benefit from reading more fiction and the benefits of a creative mindset. /episode/index/show/thewomensadvocate/id/22537928

Speaking Out Without Blowing Up Your Career 02/16/2022

Speaking Out Without Blowing Up Your Career In this week's episode, Sarah sits down with the Founder & CEO of ChairmanMe, Sarah Lacy, to discuss how women can speak up, the likability conundrum, tearing down the patriarchy, Dolly Parton and just how freaking inspiring our kids truly are. /episode/index/show/thewomensadvocate/id/22159637

Law's Lag on Recognizing Our Multifaceted Selves 12/13/2021

Law's Lag on Recognizing Our Multifaceted Selves In this week's episode, Sarah sits down with Partners Felicia Medina and Shauna Madison of Medina Orthwein, LLP - a Bay Area firm specializing in discrimination law - to discuss their intersectional approach to law practice and those that are most affected by workplace/pay disparities. /episode/index/show/thewomensadvocate/id/21472880

The Women Behind the Law 10/20/2021

The Women Behind the Law In this week’s episode, host Sarah Nichols sits down with Equal Rights Advocates’ Senior Counsel for Workplace Justice & Public Policy, Jessica Stender. Join us as the two cover topics from the current gender wage gap to employment law and worker protections. Jessica also discusses the process behind passing a bill in California and her current advocacy work. /episode/index/show/thewomensadvocate/id/20886107

Leading with Neurodiversity 08/17/2021

Leading with Neurodiversity In this week’s episode, host Sarah Nichols sits down with Talent Management Specialist & Business Consultant, Podge Thomas to discuss the importance of women taking risks, speaking up, and asking for what they need. They also discuss what it means to be “neurodiverse” as well as the benefits of leveraging peoples’ differences. /episode/index/show/thewomensadvocate/id/20173910

It's OK to Demand Things 06/10/2021

It's OK to Demand Things In this week’s episode, host Sarah Nichols sits down with Visionary Sales & Marketing Executive, Irina Kapetanakis who discusses how her career has evolved through her own various life changes. They also discuss how COVID-19 has impacted the ongoing battle for women’s voices to be heard equally in the workforce. Irina also shares the importance behind working with purpose and feeling empowered and motivated at work. /episode/index/show/thewomensadvocate/id/19434431

Being Your Authentic Self - You Don't Have to Take Feedback from A**holes 12/31/2020

Being Your Authentic Self - You Don't Have to Take Feedback from A**holes In this week's episode, host Sarah Nichols sits down with executive presence coach and Founder of Copper + Rise, Joanna Lovering. They discuss what it means to have an executive presence, Mirror Image Bias, and what it means to be a leader. Joanna shares her superpower and how she uses it to help others lead with passion—and take charge of their lives. She also offers tips for women on how to claim who they are and flex their persona in every situation. /episode/index/show/thewomensadvocate/id/17363027

Name Your Imposter - Don't Slay Them 12/24/2020

Name Your Imposter - Don't Slay Them Tune in to this week's episode to find out how Lady Boss, Sales Trainer, Coach, and Consultant Allison Davis is helping small businesses and women entrepreneurs take their sales channel to the next level. Allison and host Sarah Nichols discuss the benefits of naming your imposter syndrome and the best time to learn a new sales skill. Allison shares her advice for building your sales funnel, what young women entering the workforce should know, and rethinking our networks. Keep listening! /episode/index/show/thewomensadvocate/id/17304911

Dancing with the Lady Boss of Data 12/17/2020

Dancing with the Lady Boss of Data Tune in to this week's episode of Women's Advocate with host Sarah Nichols and Asha Saxena, Data Queen, CEO Coach, and Founder and CEO of Women Leaders in Data and AI. Asha shares the importance of data and finding good mentors early in your career. Asha also talks about how her first entrepreneurial experience shaped her life, how data has changed the world, and her tips for women looking to conquer the workplace. /episode/index/show/thewomensadvocate/id/17229338

The Kairos of Powerful Women 11/19/2020

The Kairos of Powerful Women In this episode of Women's Advocate, Sarah Nichols sits down with Michelle Markwart Deveaux, award-winning voice and business coach and the Founder of FaithCultureKiss. They discuss voice coaching, what it means to own your voice, and the issues women and people of color face in the business and performance industry. Michelle also shares how COVID has devastated her industry, pivoting to building relationships, and changing how solopreneurs create their space. /episode/index/show/thewomensadvocate/id/16868234

The Women's Advocate

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