Getting to Know Our Conference Speakers -Lori Mihalich-Levin
We are so excited to have an amazing line-up of prominent leaders and trailblazers speaking at our 2018 Annual Conference Diversity + Flexibility = Embracing Change on Thursday, September 27. We’ll be introducing these dynamic and engaging speakers throughout the summer and sharing their diversity and flexibility insights here on our blog. We’ve asked our speakers to answer a few questions about themselves, their approach to their career, and their lives. Our first “Getting To Know Our Conference Speakers” post highlights Lori Mihalich-Levin, Partner at Dentons.
Diversity & Flexibility Alliance: What’s the most important message you hope attendees will learn from your presentation?
Lori Mihalich-Levin: That there are law firms that are committed to creativity when it comes to flexible arrangements, and that these arrangements can play a huge role in retaining talent. There are also clients that are extremely supportive of flexibility, and it’s quite possible to have stellar client relationships and a flexible schedule.
DFA: What was the most meaningful piece of leadership advice you received?
LM-L: Recognize your worth, value, and what you bring to the table. For example, you know all those skills you’re gaining in parenthood? They are, in fact, useful in the workplace, too!
DFA: How do you recharge? Where and when are you most content?
LM-L: I recharge every day in two key ways. In the morning, before breakfast, I do 15 minutes of yoga and meditation on the dining room floor. Yes, I’m sometimes interrupted (and climbed on!) by my kids, but I keep at it. And after work, I recharge by turning off all electronics between 5 and 8pm to really be present with my husband and two boys. I am most content when my day includes both meaningful connections with people I care deeply about and some alone time.
DFA: What do you know now that you wish you knew then?
LM-L: That my career would turn out just fine, without my knowing every detail in advance. I want to tell the 5th grade me who checked a huge book out of the library on various careers, read it cover to cover, and insisted she decide on one, that she should go outside and play!
DFA: How do you pay it forward?
LM-L: I pay it forward by committing to helping new parents navigate the rocky terrain of those early years of working parenthood. I do this not only through the Mindful Return program I founded, but by intentionally connecting with and mentoring new parent colleagues at my office.
DFA: What can we be doing to create more inclusive organizations?
LM-L: We can relax our grip on the belief that there is one, and only one, “way it’s done.” Being open to creative approaches makes an organization more appealing to those who may not “fit the mold.”
Join us on September 27th as Lori accepts our 2018 Flex Success Award with her client, Dr. Cindy Kelley of Summa Health, and shares her insights and advice on achieving flex success while providing excellent client services and achieving partnership.
