Dena Lefkowitz shares her journey from starting law school without a clear direction to finding fulfillment as a career coach and author in this episode. She discusses the importance of identifying values and soft skills in one's career, emphasizing that it's never too late to make a change and pursue what truly matters to you. Through her own experiences, Dena inspires listeners to take control of their careers and strive for personal and professional growth.
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Dena Lefkowitz's background is a testament to the transformative power of self-reflection and career exploration. Initially entering law school without a clear direction, Dena found herself in the field of litigation, where she struggled to find fulfillment. It wasn't until she sought the guidance of a career counselor that she began to understand the importance of aligning her values with her career choices. This pivotal moment led her to transition into roles as in-house counsel for various organizations, where she found true satisfaction in advocating for causes she believed in. Dena's journey from a disillusioned litigator to a successful career coach and author showcases the importance of self-discovery and the courage to make significant career changes.
"I became a coach in my fifties. I wrote my first book at age 60," shares Dena Lefkowitz on You Are A Lawyer.
Dena's resilience and determination to pursue her passions later in life proves that it's never too late to make a meaningful change in one's career. Through her experiences and accomplishments, Dena serves as an inspiration for individuals at any stage of their professional journey, demonstrating that with introspection and perseverance, it is possible to create a fulfilling and purpose-driven career path.
Dena chose to attend law school primarily to secure a stable and well-paying profession. She mentioned that after putting herself through college, she struggled to find a job that would provide a decent living, prompting her to pursue a legal career. Dena admitted that she did not have a clear understanding of what practicing law entailed and had not even considered becoming a lawyer until after graduating from college. Dena's decision to attend law school was driven by her desire to be in a solid profession that paid well, as she witnessed her father's challenges in raising a family on a limited income.
"I really wanted to be in a solid profession that paid really well, or so I thought. I really didn't know my values until I was in my 30s. And I was already a lawyer by then," reflects Dena Lefkowitz on Episode 136 of You Are a Lawyer.
Dena's experience in law school and early legal career highlighted her initial lack of consideration for her values and preferences. She mentioned that she did not reflect on her motives, values, or preferences during law school or while seeking legal employment. This lack of introspection led her to pursue a career path without a clear understanding of what truly mattered to her. Dena's journey in the legal field, from starting as a litigator to eventually finding fulfillment as in-house counsel for the School District of Philadelphia, showcased her evolution in recognizing the importance of aligning her career with her values.
Dena's own career journey serves as a testament to the versatility of a law degree. She started in litigation but found fulfillment and success as in-house counsel for school districts and eventually transitioned into a career as a coach and author. Dena's experience highlights that a law degree can provide a strong foundation for various career paths, allowing individuals to pivot and explore different avenues based on their values and preferences.
"I think I'm the perfect guest for this show because my career is a demonstration of what you can do with a law degree in many instances," explains Dena Lefkowitz, on this episode of You Are a Lawyer.
Dena's emphasis on the importance of self-awareness, values assessment, and soft skills development underscores the idea that a law degree equips individuals with valuable skills that are transferable across different industries. The ability to advocate, analyze complex information, and communicate effectively are skills that can be applied in diverse roles, from coaching to executive positions. Dena's journey showcases that with introspection and a willingness to explore new opportunities, individuals with a law degree can carve out fulfilling and successful careers in non-traditional fields.
Dena Lefkowitz's journey from a disillusioned litigator to a successful career coach and author is a testament to the power of self-reflection and perseverance. After experiencing the stress and dissatisfaction of practicing law, Dena made a pivotal decision to invest in herself by hiring a career counselor. This decision led her to discover her values and make strategic career moves, ultimately finding fulfillment as general counsel for various organizations. Dena's transition from law to coaching was not without challenges, but her dedication to personal growth and improvement propelled her to success.
“It's not too late for you to have a great career,” shares Dena Lefkowitz in Episode 136 of You Are a Lawyer.
In her role as a career coach and author, Dena emphasizes the importance of soft skills and self-awareness in navigating the complexities of professional life. Through her book, "Winning in Your Own Court," Dena provides valuable insights on curating a fulfilling career and honing essential soft skills for success. Her experiences, including learning from a client interaction that could have derailed her career, have shaped her approach to coaching and writing. Dena's journey serves as an inspiration for individuals seeking to make meaningful career changes and find fulfillment in their professional endeavors.
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Dena Lefkowitz is not currently licensed to practice law in any state.
Kyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast.
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