The Charlene Gisele Show

What happens when a traditional profession meets generative AI, and now agentic AI? In this episode, I’m joined by Sam Dixon (Chief Innovation Officer) to unpack how law firms can adopt GenAI responsibly, train teams to critically evaluate outputs, and use AI to deliver more value, without burning out in the process.We cover what GenAI is (and isn’t), why humans must stay in the loop, how to overcome resistance to change, the reality of “hallucinations,” and what the next phase, agentic AI, could mean for legal research, negotiation simulation, and early-talent development.Timestamps 0:00 – Intro 1:39 – Sam’s role as Chief Innovation Officer & how he defines innovation5:29 – Getting partners to embrace change (and what actually works)8:39 – Why GenAI adoption is different from past legal tech waves10:26 – Explaining AI to senior leaders (without the jargon)14:49 – “Human in the loop” + the risks of over-trusting AI19:26 – GenAI vs Agentic AI: what changes, and why it matters22:46 – New lawyers, verification skills, and “AI makes people lazy?”33:11 – Simulation: negotiation practice, interviews & training with GenAI47:02 – AI & well-being: tool or threat?What we coverThe real job of innovation inside a law firmHow to get buy-in from busy, skeptical stakeholdersThe difference between AI, ML, GenAI, and Agentic AIWhy hallucinations are misunderstood, and why that mattersGuardrails: verification, accountability, and client expectationsThe future of training: simulations for negotiation, interviews, and client conversationsAI and burnout: productivity vs cognitive load and recoveryInnovation isn’t just tech, sometimes it’s removing a step entirely.GenAI adoption is faster because users can get value immediately, unlike tools that require heavy setup.Agentic AI adds value through multi-step planning, not just answering prompts.“Hallucinations” aren’t a rare bug, GenAI always generates probabilistically; the key is how you manage risk.The winning model is human + AI, where each catches different kinds of errors.As outputs become “more accurate,” verification discipline becomes even more critical, not less.AI may improve efficiency, but well-being depends on how work is redesigned, not just sped up.Guest ResourcesSam Dixon’s Legal Firm: https://www.womblebonddickinson.com/uk/people/sam-dixonSam Dixon’s LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/innovationinlawConnect with Me🌍 Website: https://charlenegisele.com📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/charlenegisele💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlène-gisèle-bourliout/✉️ Subscribe to my Life Less Burnt Out NewsletterTimestamps What we coverKey takeawaysGuest Resources

In this eye-opening clean health episode, I sit down with Ashley Deeley, clean beauty expert and wellness educator, to uncover the hidden toxins quietly impacting our skin, hormones, thyroid, and overall wellbeing, often without us realizing it.From exposing where heavy metals, forever chemicals, and endocrine disruptors hide in everyday products to explaining how “natural,” “fragrance,” and “long-lasting” labels can be misleading, Ashley breaks down how modern living is contributing to inflammation, fatigue, skin issues, and hormonal imbalance.Whether you’re a high-performing professional dealing with unexplained exhaustion, someone struggling with thyroid or skin concerns, or simply trying to make healthier choices without extremes, this conversation will completely change how you think about your bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen.Ashley doesn’t promote perfection, she teaches practical, realistic upgrades that protect your health without adding stress.What we cover:• Why “clean beauty” is about what you remove, not what you add• How forever chemicals hide in makeup, floss, and waterproof products• The connection between fragrance, hormones, and thyroid disruption• Why many anti-aging products actually accelerate aging• Heavy metals in cookware, glassware, and kitchen appliances• What to know about mattresses, bedding, and fire retardants• How synthetic dyes affect skin and immune function• Why detergents and cleaning products matter more than you think• Travel hacks to reduce toxic exposure on the road• How to read labels without needing a chemistry degree• Small, realistic changes that make the biggest impact over timeTimestamps,00:00 - Introduction06:00 - Forever chemicals explained: where they hide in beauty & daily products14:00 - Bedding, mattresses & fire retardants: what you’re breathing at night22:00 - Cookware, slow cookers & air fryers: hidden lead and heavy metals31:00 - Daily exposure overload: detergents, fragrance & “natural” marketing traps40:00 - Skincare myths: retinol, vitamin C, collagen & what actually works50:00 - Botox, anti-aging & safer alternatives for skin health57:00 - Thyroid health, blue light & hormone disruption1:03:00 - Travel hacks: reducing toxin exposure on the road1:07:30 - Final takeaways: small upgrades that make a big differenceKey Takeaways:For High-Performers: You can’t outwork environmental stress. Hidden toxins quietly drain energy, disrupt hormones, and slow recovery, even when your habits look “healthy.”For Thyroid & Hormone Health: Everyday products can interfere with endocrine function. Reducing exposure often matters more than what you add.For Skin & Aging: What you put on your skin matters just as much as what you eat. Clean ingredients support regeneration; synthetic ones can accelerate inflammation and aging.For Sustainable Wellness: Health isn’t about doing everything, it’s about removing what doesn’t belong and upgrading gradually.Ashley doesn’t just talk about clean beauty, she provides a grounded framework for creating a healthier environment that supports long-term energy, sleep, and resilience.Guest Resources:🌿 Ashley Deeley’s Website:  https://www.ashleydeeley.com/▶️ Ashley Deeley on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@ashleydeeley📱My Home Ready Fertility E-Book: https://charlenegisele.com/your-fertility-ready-home/Connect with Me:🌍 Website: https://charlenegisele.com📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/charlenegisele💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlène-gisèle-bourliout/

In this LinkedIn strategy masterclass, I sit down with William Peake, Global Managing Partner at Harneys, who transformed from standup comedian to one of legal's most influential voices on social media. We expose why traditional law firm marketing keeps partners invisible and reveal how real human communication can transform your professional presence.William reveals why boring announcement posts destroy your credibility. He explains how he posts twice daily while running a global law firm without spending hours online. He breaks down the myths around LinkedIn perfectionism and shows you exactly how busy lawyers can build authentic connections that actually drive business results.Whether you're a senior partner posting obligatory updates once a month, a legal marketing director fighting partner resistance, or a lawyer who thinks you're too serious for social media, this conversation will change everything. It proves that LinkedIn success has nothing to do with becoming an influencer. It's about showing up as an actual human being.What we cover:Why speaking like a real person beats polished corporate speak every timeThe fatal "delighted to announce" mistake that kills your engagementWilliam's twice daily posting routine that takes under a minuteStrategic content timing: nostalgic Sundays, professional mornings, lighthearted afternoonsDrawing boundaries between personal life and professional contentWhy ghostwritten posts fail but AI editing assistance worksTurning vulnerability into your most powerful content hookThe discipline system that prevents burnout in demanding leadership rolesTimestamps:07:12 Attention spans are dead: you must hook readers in the first line22:18 Why "delighted to announce" posts are completely pointless24:57 Posting twice daily: the actual time investment is under 45 seconds29:00 Ghostwritten content fails: people can smell inauthenticity immediately35:14 Burnout prevention: drinking less, eating well, exercising consistently58:15 Conference post formula: lead with "I'm nervous" to create instant connection01:04:25 His proudest post: vulnerability about grief created unexpected human connectionResources:William Peak on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-peake-368953143/Harneys Law Firm: https://www.harneys.com/Sahar Farooqi on LinkedIn (legal industry LinkedIn pioneer): https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sahar-farooqi📲 Connect with Me:🌍 Website: https://charlenegisele.com📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/charlenegisele💼 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/charlènegisèlebourliout

I sat down with Mike Fave, metabolic health coach and bioenergetics expert, to expose the dark side of keto, carnivore, and intermittent fasting.Mike reveals why high-performers are wrecking their metabolisms while thinking they're "optimizing" and explains how stress hormones literally cannibalize your body tissue. He destroys the insulin hypothesis myth and shows you how to reclaim your energy, fertility, and thyroid function through strategic carbohydrate refeeding.Whether you're a burnt-out executive, a former keto dieter who can't lose weight despite eating 1200 calories, or someone terrified that sugar will give you diabetes, this conversation will revolutionize how you understand metabolism.Why keto works initially but destroys you long-termHow energy deficits force your body to shut down reproduction and digestionWhy low-carb crashes your thyroid functionThe fertility-metabolism connectionSugar fear deprogramming: the two-week experimentReal vs fake carbs: why orange juice heals but blueberry muffins harmExecutive meal strategies and practical solutions0:02:06 The common journey: paleo → keto → IF → OMAD → carnivore → disaster0:04:29 Why keto feels amazing initially: stress hormones and confirmation bias0:14:04 The insulin hypothesis: elegant theory, wrong conclusion0:20:02 Stress hormone breakdown: how cortisol cannibalizes protein tissue0:24:33 Reproductive and digestive shutdown: your body's non-negotiable cuts0:31:08 Meet Jessica: the attorney archetype (stubborn weight, fertility, thyroid)0:38:03 Why forcing T3 on a low-carb body backfires0:42:36 Breaking the sugar fear: the two-week experiment framework0:51:03 The muffin myth: "high-carb" processed foods are actually high-fat0:53:00 Body composition wins: DEXA scans reveal muscle loss on keto0:56:22 Stress management through carbs: why cravings are intelligent1:01:42 Executive snack strategies: dried fruit, chocolate, macadamias1:08:04 Meal prep solutions: restaurants, shakes, personal chefsMike Fave's Website: https://mikefave.com Mike Fave on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@mikefave🌍 Website: https://charlenegisele.com 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/charlenegisele 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlène-gisèle-bourliout/#ProMetabolic #ThyroidHealth #KetoRecovery #MetabolicHealth #Bioenergetics #ThyroidHealing #FertilityJourney #HighPerformers #BurnoutRecoveryKey Topics:Timestamps:Resources:Connect with Me:

In this guided sleep meditation episode, I transport you to a cozy wooden chalet hidden in the snow-covered mountains. This immersive winter journey is designed to quiet your racing thoughts and guide you gently into deep, restorative sleep.This isn't a conversation or interview. This is your personal sleep escape. I walk you through a richly detailed winter wonderland, from the first crunch of snow beneath your boots to the hypnotic dance of firelight and the breathtaking beauty of northern lights painting the night sky. Each sensory detail is carefully crafted to slow your thoughts, warm your body, and dissolve the day's tension.Whether you struggle with overthinking at bedtime, need help transitioning from your busy day to rest, or simply want to experience the most peaceful sleep possible, this meditation will transport you far from stress and deep into winter's embrace.What this winter journey includes:Breath foundation: Gentle settling into comfort and easeCozy chalet arrival: Warm timber walls and golden firelightSnow walk meditation: The hypnotic crunch of footsteps in fresh snowForest encounter: A peaceful moment with a wise reindeerFireside relaxation: Watching flames dance while rocking gentlyWarm drink ritual: Sipping comfort as heat spreads through your bodyNorthern lights display: Ribbons of green, violet, and pink across the night skyDeep sleep descent: Sinking into bed as the fire crackles softlyThis meditation uses no music, only the sound of my voice painting each winter scene. You don't need to stay awake until the end. You don't need to remember the words. If your mind drifts, if images soften, if sleep arrives early, that is exactly how this recording is meant to work.How to use this meditation:Listen lying down in bed, ready for sleepClose your eyes and let the visualization unfold naturallyDon't try to stay awake, let sleep come whenever it's readyPerfect for bedtime, middle of the night waking, or restless eveningsCan be used nightly as your winter sleep companionBest for:Anyone who struggles with racing thoughts at bedtimeThose who respond well to detailed visualizationsPeople who find nature sounds and imagery calmingAnyone experiencing stress or anxiety interfering with sleepThose seeking a magical escape from daily pressuresPeople who love winter, snow, and cozy atmospheresStep into the snow. Feel the warmth of the fire. Watch the northern lights dance. And drift into the deepest sleep.Sweet dreams and deep rest await you in your winter chalet.📲 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/

In this guided relaxation episode, I guide you out of constant thinking and into direct sensory experience. This meditation uses memory-based anchoring through all five senses to help you shift from mental overwhelm into embodied calm.This isn't a conversation or interview. This is your personal relaxation companion. I walk you through a scientifically grounded technique that activates your parasympathetic nervous system by anchoring awareness in sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Each sensory memory creates a physiological shift toward ease and presence.Whether you're stuck in analysis paralysis, feeling disconnected from your body after hours of screen time, or simply need a midday reset, this meditation will help you transition from the thinking mind to the feeling body. And the beauty is that these anchors become yours to use anytime, anywhere.What this meditation includes:Breath foundation: Gentle settling through extended exhaleVisual anchoring: Recalling a calming place from your own experienceAuditory anchoring: Bringing to mind soothing sounds that signal safetyOlfactory anchoring: Accessing comfort through remembered scentsGustatory anchoring: Tasting memories of warmth and enjoymentKinesthetic anchoring: Feeling supported through touch sensationsIntegration: Blending remembered calm with present moment awarenessGrounded return: Coming back feeling steady, clear, and centered

In this raw conversation recorded in New York City, I sat down with James Sexton, a leading divorce attorney and bestselling author with 25 years of frontline experience through thousands of failed marriages. What sets this episode apart is James's unflinching honesty about what actually ends relationships, not the polite narratives people tell themselves.James dismantles the prenup myth keeping couples financially vulnerable. He maps the marriage patterns where high performers consistently fail. And he reveals why understanding the full ecosystem you're marrying into matters more than the romantic connection that brought you together.This is not theoretical relationship advice. This is data from a man who has an unavoidably honest seat to what destroys marriages. From Wall Street titans to A-list celebrities to world-class surgeons, James has identified the patterns most people only recognize when it's too late.Everyone has a prenup: the government wrote yours and can change it without your permissionThe only good reason not to have one: when you're marrying for money and want maximum entitlementHigh-performer marriage patterns: why two Type-A partners almost always failThe civilian advantage: why actors married to teachers succeed where actor-actor marriages collapsePolarity matters: why lack of balance creates endless unhealthy competitionWork as narcotic: addiction isn't just drugs—it's any behavior to avoid feelingThe musician's trap: touring schedules that breed sex and substance addictionCEO's stimulant cycle: from Adderall to alcohol to benzos on repeatSex, money, power: everything is about sex except sex, which is about powerThe pairing principle: learning what love is by experiencing what it isn'tMarriage as technology: a structure we built over love that gives false securityTradition as peer pressure: wisdom from ancestors or pressure from dead people?Red flag #1: any plan contingent on someone changingRed flag #2: any plan contingent on someone never changingRed flag #3: forgetting you marry the ecosystem, not just the personThe interview question: "Why are you getting married?" should never be rude86% remarry: not insanity, but proof of how desperately we want loveDivorce as asset: viewing failed marriages as PhD programs in relationshipsThe wine pairing wisdom: learning what works by experiencing what's wrongChapters not failure: relationships are parts of your life's novel, not pass/fail tests[15:30] – The worst time to learn to fight is when you're in a fight[17:45] – Everyone has a prenup: the government wrote it for you[20:12] – The only valid reason not to want a prenup[25:15] – Enough vs not enough: the only two amounts of money[31:20] – 50/50 custody: what men actually mean when they say it[38:15] – Work as favorite narcotic: the addiction question[58:15] – Sex, money, power: which one matters most?[01:02:30] – Everything is about sex, sex is about power[01:08:45] – What percentage of divorces involve sex? All of them.[01:15:20] – Couple archetypes most likely to divorce[01:23:15] – Two Type-A's: the endless competition that kills love[01:28:40] – Marriage as structure over love: the false security[01:36:20] – Three red flags James watches for[01:42:10] – 86% remarry within five years: hope or insanity?[01:48:15] – Wine pairing wisdom: learning by experiencing wrong pairingsJames Sexton's website: https://nycdivorces.comThe Sexton Show on YouTube: https://sextonshow.comInstagram: @nycdivorcelawyerBooks by James Sexton:If You're in My Office, It's Already Too Late: A Divorce Lawyer's Guide to Staying TogetherHow to Stay in Love: Practical Wisdom from an Unexpected Source📲 Connect with Me:🌍 Website: https://charlenegisele.com📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/charlenegisele💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlène-gisèle-bourliout/What we cover:Timestamps:Resources:

In this episode focused on holistic skincare and anti-aging, I talk with Chris Gibson, a best-selling author and renowned YouTube personality. Chris, who looks decades younger than his 61 years , shares the powerful strategies he developed after struggling with persistent acne for over a decade. His journey led him to a career as a holistic esthetician and a deep understanding of how internal health, diet, and stress manifest on the skin.Chris reveals the simple but non-negotiable routine that keeps his skin youthful. He shares the crucial connection between high stress, cortisol, and inflammatory skin conditions (acne, eczema, rosacea) and why "beauty sleep is a real thing".For high performers struggling with skin issues, this is a masterclass in holistic self-care.The Acne Breakthrough: How a simple three-day fast proved his long-term acne was rooted in diet, specifically sugar and antibiotic use.Botox Alternative: How the peptide Argireline acts as "Botox in a bottle" to relax muscles, and the power of facial yoga to reverse muscle weakening from prior Botox use.The Neck Lift: Chris demonstrates the "swallowing" 3-in-1 face yoga exercise to tone the jaw, chin, and vertical neck muscles.Immune Response & Stress: Why ongoing stress and high cortisol trigger inflammation, leading to rashes, flare-ups, and breakouts.Micro-Infusion & Collagen: How at-home stamping stimulates collagen, and the power of daily bovine collagen peptides (amino acids) to aid overnight repair.Sunscreen Safety: Why Hybrid Sunscreens (mineral + chemical) are the safest choice and why you don't need an SPF higher than 45.Skincare Misconceptions: Debunking social media "BS" like using lemon juice and toothpaste on your skin.The Body Routine: The benefits of beef tallow for deep hydration and using a turmeric soap and Goshi shower towel for body exfoliation.Sleep Environment: Why you should switch to a silk or bamboo pillowcase to avoid wicking away skincare products and prevent dynamic wrinkles.02:21 Chris's 11-year struggle with acne and discovering the link between diet and gut health.06:33 The shocking reveal: Chris's age is 61 (no Botox, no fillers).14:43 The Argireline peptide as a gentle, effective alternative to Botox.16:06 The power of micro-infusion stamping to stimulate collagen production and fade wrinkles.17:20 Retinols, Tretinoin, and the next big thing: Exosomes.20:29 How facial yoga and massage lifted Charlene's wrinkles after quitting Botox.25:39 Chris's simple daily routine: cleanse, treat, protect, hydrate.38:33 The direct link between stress, cortisol, and skin inflammation.43:59 Why silk pillowcases are a non-negotiable for skin and hair health.52:38 Why to use olive oil or castor oil for cleansing, but avoid coconut oil on acne-prone skin.1:04:47 The biggest skincare BS on social media (lemon juice and toothpaste).Chris's Work & Products:YouTube Channel: Chris Gibson Live (1700+ videos on all things skincare): https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisGibsonLiveClear Revolution Skincare Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisgibsonfriendsFacebook: Chris Gibson Friends Fan Page🌍 Website: https://charlenegisele.com 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/charlenegisele 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charl%C3%A8ne-gis%C3%A8le-bourliout/What We Cover:Timestamps:Resources:📲 Connect with Me:

In this deeply raw conversation, I sit down with Quinn Stanfield Bruce, former corporate executive turned humanness visionary, for the most vulnerable episode we've ever recorded. Quinn shares his decades-long battle with cocaine addiction. And I reveal my own work addiction that enabled my ex-husband's substance abuse.Quinn exposes the uncomfortable truth about enablement: staying with an addict isn't love, it's codependency. I share what it's like to mix drug cocktails at 3am because you're too afraid to call an ambulance. And together we unpack why workaholism is just as destructive as substance abuse—it's just socially acceptable.This isn't a conversation about recovery as a destination. It's about recognizing that any time you use something outside yourself to change how you feel—whether it's cocaine, work, or status—you're running from the same core wound: I am not enough.The Core of Addiction: Why the decision to use drugs or alcohol is simply wanting to change how one feels, regardless of the substance.The Escalation: How drug use went from early experimentation (weed) to a cocaine habit, which allowed for staying awake and creating maximum damage.The Deadly Cocktail: The reality of co-addiction, using massive doses of sedatives like Valium to cope with stimulant use.Enabling vs. Love: Why the only loving action for a partner of an addict in active addiction is to leave and shut the door.Workaholism as an Addiction: The "insidious" parallel between drug use and work as a form of escapism and a void filler.The Sneaky High: How sneaking into the office at the weekend provides an adrenaline kick and thrill similar to having an affair or taking drugs.Self-Worth and Conditional Love: The root cause of high-performance addiction and finding worth in professional status rather than unconditional love.The Path to Change: Being willing to change everything in life and what that first step looks like.Quinn doesn't sugarcoat recovery. He reveals that he'd rather have been dead than continue living as a functioning addict with house, car, marriage, kids, and job intact. And I share the painful realization that my work addiction fed his cocaine addiction in a toxic codependent dance.05:25 The brutal truth: addiction was never recreational, just a way to change how he felt.08:16 The breaking point: realizing the rest of his life would be spent routinely taking drugs to cope.09:39 The drug of choice: why cocaine was "amazing" compared to weed and alcohol.12:00 The cocktail: taking up to 110 milligrams of Valium in one night to sleep.16:27 The hard truth about leaving: why anything but walking away is enabling.19:25 The connection: how a partner's workaholism bred codependency and guilt.25:26 The amazing parallel: sneaking into the office felt like an affair and gave an adrenaline high.28:03 The real dishonesty: using work to alter a state and fulfill a void.31:28 Parenting and pride: learning to tell children you are proud of them just because.Quinn's Work:Humanness: Quinn helps leaders and businesses rebuild cultures with empathy, creativity, and purpose.Show Sponsor:CaptureBee.io: A done-for-you outreach service that books warm leads and gets you featured on leading podcasts.🌍 Website: https://charlenegisele.com 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/charlenegisele 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charl%C3%A8ne-gis%C3%A8le-bourliout/What we cover:Timestamps:Resources:📲 Connect with Me:

Burnout, Work Addiction & Marriage: How to Navigate Stress at Home & Work