I recently sat down with Travis Schultz, a name deeply respected in the Queensland legal market and the founder of Travis Schultz and Partners. This episode is about leadership in personal injury law, what it takes to build a firm with a strong culture, and how to stay commercially sound without defaulting to the usual corporatised playbook. Travis and I go back to 1988 when we finished school, and we start by tracing his path from going straight into articles to stepping into partnership and management early, and what that hands on start taught him about both law and the business of law.

We then unpack the origin story of Travis Schultz & Partners, including the market context in Queensland and the events that led Travis to start again after the Slater and Gordon acquisition of Schultz O’Brien. Travis shares what he set out to build, how the firm evolved, and why relationships and reputation still matter more than most people admit.

Finally, we talk culture and leadership. Travis reflects on the choices he has made around how the firm operates, the behaviours he has tried to leave behind, and the practical lessons he has learned about autonomy, accountability, and addressing issues early. If you’re interested in the realities of running a modern law firm, this conversation is a grounded look at what that actually involves.

Links:

https://www.schultzlaw.com.au/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/travis-schultz-law/

Website | LinkedIn | YouTube

Sitting down with Lara Wentworth, former lawyer turned coach and founder of Coaching Advocates, was a timely reminder that many in the legal profession spend years occupying a chair that doesn’t quite fit. Lara’s journey from legal practice to coaching is a testament to the value of self-discovery and the courage to carve out a new path. Through Coaching Advocates, she has created a space where lawyers can seek clarity, direction and genuine growth, guided by coaches who have walked the same path and understand the unique challenges of the profession.

Our conversation explores the real difference between mentoring and coaching. While mentoring is often about offering advice, coaching is about facilitating self-reflection and unlocking potential. Lara emphasises the importance of accredited coaching, ensuring that lawyers receive support from those who not only understand the law but are also trained to guide meaningful change. We discussed the perfectionism that is so common among lawyers and how coaching can help address the deep-seated beliefs and behaviours that hold people back, fostering resilience and a healthier approach to both career and life.

What resonated most was the growing recognition that well-being and professional success go hand in hand. Lara’s work, including her podcast The Speed Coach, is helping to demystify coaching for lawyers and encourage the profession to embrace new ways of working and thinking. In a legal world where career paths are no longer linear, finding your own chair and having the right support to do so has never been more important. If you are feeling out of place in your current role, perhaps it is time to consider what coaching could unlock for you.

Links:

https://www.larawentworth.com.au/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lara-wentworth-265864b5/

https://coachingadvocates.com/legal-career-accelerator/

Website | LinkedIn | YouTube

I recently sat down with Shannon Fentiman, Former Queensland Attorney-General, Queensland’s Shadow Treasurer, Shadow Minister for Women and Member for Waterford since 2015. Shannon’s journey from employment lawyer and community advocate to holding some of the state’s most significant ministerial portfolios is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership. Raised on the Gold Coast and deeply committed to social justice, Shannon has always called Queensland home. Her early influences, a family of strong women and a pioneering aunt in the legal field, set her on a path to fight discrimination and unfairness, both in the workplace and the wider community.

Shannon’s legal background, with degrees from QUT and the University of Melbourne, provided a strong foundation for her political career. Before entering Parliament, she worked as an employment lawyer and volunteered with organisations such as the Centre Against Sexual Violence and the Centre for Women in Logan. Her ministerial experience is extensive, having served as Attorney General, Minister for Child Safety, Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Small Business, Employment and Training and Health. Throughout, Shannon has been at the forefront of major reforms, including the Women’s Safety and Justice Task Force and voluntary assisted dying legislation. She spoke candidly about how her legal training sharpened her negotiation skills and ability to navigate the emotional and practical complexities of policy reform. Empathy, she noted, is central to her leadership, an approach shaped by her years of community work and her commitment to visibility and compassion in public life.

Now serving in opposition, Shannon reflected on the transition from government to holding government to account. While the pace may be different, she’s found space for reflection, critical thinking and personal renewal, balancing family time and personal pursuits with her ongoing passion for policy and reform. Our conversation was a powerful reminder of the impact empathetic, principled leadership can have on both legal and political landscapes and left me inspired by Shannon’s clarity of purpose and optimism for the future.

Links:

https://www.shannonfentiman.com/

Website | LinkedIn | YouTube