In this powerful and deeply reflective episode, host Artemis Evangelidi speaks with Mel Storey (@theinhouselawyer) about her journey from burnout in corporate law to rediscovering alignment, creativity, and purpose. Mel opens up about her decision to take an extended break from legal practice — a process of deprogramming long-held beliefs around productivity, value, and success. Together, Artemis and Mel explore the challenges lawyers face in embracing rest, letting go of perfectionism, and cultivating self-awareness in a profession built on control and certainty. Mel shares how reconnecting with her core values led her to redefine success on her own terms, and how she now helps other professionals do the same. She also discusses her upcoming projects, including practical guides for lawyers navigating toxic workplaces and new frameworks for law students exploring values-aligned careers. This conversation is an invitation to pause, reflect, and imagine a more conscious and compassionate way of leading and living — both within and beyond the legal field. ________________________ Mel is a lawyer turned creative entrepreneur and mentor. After 15 years in corporate legal leadership, she recently stepped away to build a portfolio career centered on meaning, creativity and contribution. Through her platform Counsel Media, @theinhouselawyer on social media and her “Career Big Sis” mentoring brand, Mel helps professionals reconnect with their values, find clarity in transition and lead with authenticity. Her work blends legal wisdom, storytelling and human insight to explore what modern leadership and identity look like beyond the structures of certainty and control. Mel hosts The Counsel Podcast and creates digital tools, courses and community experiences for lawyers and professionals navigating change. She lives in Meanjin (Brisbane) and is passionate about grounded leadership, creative practice and the slow process of becoming who you are again. Connect with Mel on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theinhouselawyer/