The Charlene Gisele Show From Struggling with ADHD to Building a Successful Law firm with Jodie Hill
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In this powerful episode, I sit down with Jodie Hill — employment lawyer, law firm founder, and mental health advocate — to unpack her incredible journey from breakdown to breakthrough, and how she's revolutionizing the legal profession one vulnerable conversation at a time.
From undiagnosed ADHD to founding her own progressive law firm at just 29, Jodie gets brutally honest about her mental health struggles, the shame of panic attacks, and why traditional legal culture is toxic for so many brilliant minds.
Whether you're struggling with burnout, suspect you might have ADHD, or want to create a more human workplace, this episode pulls no punches.
What we cover:
✔️ The real story behind her mental breakdown and recovery
✔️ How undiagnosed ADHD was fueling her anxiety for years
✔️ Why ADHD medication is a stimulant (and how it actually works)
✔️ The toxic culture of billable hours and utilization targets
✔️ How she built a law firm with zero billable hour requirements
✔️ Why taking breaks makes you a better leader, not a weak one
✔️ Her daily ADHD management strategies (from yoga to surfing)
✔️ How to create psychological safety in high-pressure environments
Jodie doesn't just talk about change — she's living proof that you can build a thriving business while prioritizing mental health and authentic leadership.
Timestamps:
00:00 – From working class to law firm founder
05:53 – The mental breakdown that changed everything
12:45 – Living with undiagnosed ADHD in a high-pressure career
20:26 – The shame, guilt, and imposter syndrome cycle
26:17 – How ADHD medication actually works (spoiler: it's not what you think)
32:00 – Daily ADHD management: movement, routine, and self-awareness
36:27 – Why she replaced HIIT classes with yoga and surfing
41:36 – "You're always on holiday" — dealing with judgment as a leader
45:20 – Breaking the billable hours culture at Thrive Law
50:48 – How progressive clients are driving legal industry change
Resources:
Discover Jodie's work: https://thrivelaw.co.uk
Follow Jodie on Instagram: @iamjodiehill / https://www.instagram.com/iamjodiehill/
Connect on LinkedIn and TikTok: @iamjodiehill / https://www.tiktok.com/@iamjodiehill
Thrive Law socials: @thrive_law / https://www.instagram.com/thrive_law/
📲 Connect with Me:
🌍 Website: https://charlenegisele.com
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/charlenegisele
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charl%C3%A8ne-gis%C3%A8le-bourliout/