Lawyerist Podcast How Sponsorship, Empathy, and Failure Shape Great Leaders, with Michael Cohen
In episode 576, learn how to lead with empathy, build trust, and create space for growth by embracing both mentorship and sponsorship. Stephanie Everett talks with Michael Cohen, partner at Duane Morris and leadership coach, about what it really takes to inspire and support a team.
Mike shares his journey from employment litigator to building a training and coaching practice focused on culture, mental health, and leadership. He explains why sponsorship goes further than mentorship, how to adapt your style to truly know your people, and why allowing room for failure is essential to innovation.
Drawing on stories from coaching his daughters’ softball team and lessons inspired by The West Wing, Mike highlights how intentional check-ins, vulnerability, and empathy can transform leaders into authentic allies. You’ll leave with practical strategies to foster stronger workplace cultures, empower people to advocate for themselves, and lead with greater humanity in challenging times.
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Chapters/Timestamps:
00:00 – Growth, AI & Leadership at Lawyerist
06:01 – Small Team vs. Large Team Leadership
08:10 – Meet Michael Cohen
12:05 – From Litigator to Leadership Coach
22:02 – Lessons from Coaching & Embracing Failure
34:46 – West Wing Parable & Final Takeaways