

How to Win Respect Without Losing Yourself — with Elena Kohn
5 snips Jun 2, 2025
Elena Kohn, in-house counsel at AdventHealth and co-author of 'Women in Law: Discovering the True Meaning of Success,' shares her journey as a first-generation lawyer. She discusses embracing authenticity in high-stakes environments and let go of the pursuit of a 'perfect professional' image. Elena emphasizes the power of humor and emotional resilience, advocating for genuine connections in negotiations. The conversation is a refreshing reminder to show up as your true self and engage more effectively with others, whether in law or beyond.
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Embracing Authenticity in Law
- Elena Kohn shared how she initially tried to be a "Harvey Specter" type lawyer but realized it wasn't authentic for her.
- Embracing her accent, humor, and identity helped her find confidence and professional success.
Validation Through Accent Recognition
- Elena recounted a moment when a receptionist recognized her by her accent on a call, which felt validating.
- This small interaction gave her permission to embrace her natural self professionally.
Accept Imperfect Popularity
- Accept that not everyone will like you and that’s okay.
- Focus on being authentic to naturally attract the right people and repel those who aren’t compatible.