In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary interviews neuro coach and Neuro Savvy founder Keshawn Hughes. Drawing from her own experience with burnout, Keshawn shares how neuroscience-based coaching can help lawyers and other professionals manage stress, improve leadership, and foster healthier workplace cultures. The conversation covers practical tools like the SCARF model, breathwork, and visualization, emphasizing self-awareness, intentional breaks, and connection. Keshawn encourages listeners to find fulfillment beyond competition and perfectionism, while Gary highlights the importance of collaboration and self-care for a more rewarding legal career.
Keshawn Hughes, M.S. is a NeuroLeadership Strategist, Executive Coach, and Founder of NeuroSavvy® Leadership, a Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)- and Women-Owned Small Business-certified firm transforming workplaces through brain science and authentic leadership. With two decades of experience guiding global brands, Keshawn integrates neuroscience, communication, and business strategy to help corporations improve employee productivity, retention, and engagement.
Known for her ability to make complex brain science deeply practical, Keshawn equips HR and Tech leaders with proven strategies to enhance well-being, fuel performance, and develop cultures of high-impact leadership. She is certified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and actively involved with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Association for Talent Development (ATD).
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Keshawn lives with her husband and daughter, and brings heart, clarity, and bold insights to every stage she steps on.
Here is her free Breakout from Burnout Guide- https://keshawnhughes.com/breakout-from-burnout-guide
Keshawn’s Background and Burnout Journey (00:00:54)
What is Neuro Coaching? (00:04:16)
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Neuroscience for Managing Lawyer Stress (00:06:24)
Keshawn’s Personal Burnout Story (00:10:00)
Why Lawyers Struggle with Communication and Leadership (00:13:14)
The SCARF Model and the “SCARF Trap” (00:16:43)
SCARF in Law Firms: Competition and Perfectionism (00:17:57)
Threat Detection and Decision-Making Under Stress (00:22:19)
Applying Neuroscience to Difficult Interactions (00:23:51)
Practical Tools: Nature, Breathwork, and Box Breathing (00:26:38)
Visualization and the Brain (00:29:42)
Connect Before You Correct: Feedback and Delegation (00:31:40)
Building Trust and Overcoming Micromanagement (00:34:27)
Finding Fulfillment and Mindfulness Practices (00:37:13)
Would you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-free
Would you like to schedule a complimentary discovery call? You can do so here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-call