The Women's Advocate

Sarah Nichols
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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.

  1. 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.

    55 min
  2. 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.

    41 min
  3. 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.

    44 min
  4. 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.

    43 min

  5. 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.

    41 min

  6. 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.

    40 min

  7. 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.

    49 min

  8. 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.

    51 min
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5
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah Nichols
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    The Women's Advocate