I am an attorney, licensed in Georgia and days away from being licensed in Illinois.
I am a writer. My current project involves overcoming our fears. It's about living each and every day with no fear. It is not about bungee jumping or walking on hot coals or playing with snakes. It is about how you and I face the things that make up our lives without fear. This website is in some ways the test kitchen for many of the ideas and concepts that will make the book.
I have been a trial lawyer for 18 years. Over that time, I was coached and mentored by a dozen excellent attorneys and I coached and mentored dozens of young attorneys. I learned from some of the best lawyers, bankers and other professionals about what works and what does not work in law and in life.
I am a coach. I primarily work with young lawyers who seek assistance with client development, goal setting, job satisfaction, and career development. I think of myself in the Coach K, Bela Karolyi, Mike Ditka school - arms flailing, face turning red, shouting at the refs, prodding my charges, carrying them up to the medal podium, or standing to the side with a proud smile as they make an acceptance speech. Whatever it takes.
I own the "Have No Fear" concept. Seriously. Not "own" as in have title to it, or I'll sue you if you use it. I "own" it as in I live it, breath it, and can explain it as good as anyone can. Now, in my late 40's, I am making my living doing what I have always wanted - helping others overcome their own fears. I help people attain career goals that previously eluded them. I help people with presentation skills training. I help people find new jobs. I work with young attorneys on career development. I help them deliver the most compelling story about who they are and why they became attorneys.
But I truly own the "Have No Fear" concept when it comes to public speaking. I lived a 33 year phobia - a serious fear of talking in front of groups of people - that I learned how to overcome. Now I teach others to do the same.Mackenzie & Welsh, LLC is a comprehensive career coaching and consulting company. We are legal recruiters. We also work with professionals on transition skills if they are new to a career, or on job placement, resume review, interviewing and presentation skills, business development and practice management.
I have been very fortunate in my life. I have had wonderful role models - teachers, coaches, friends, colleagues and family - from whom I have learned how to live. I have had great opportunities for education - I graduated from Duke University Law School in Durham, NC with a JD in 1993. I graduated from Auburn University in Auburn, AL, summa cum laude, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1990.
My son (LG on twitter feeds) and I make our home in suburban paradise north of Chicago, after years in Chicago, New Jersey and Atlanta. He keeps me on my toes and every single day he gives me a reason to strive to be great at what I do!
One day my son, the "Mackenzie" of Mackenzie & Welsh, LLC, will be a United States Senator, an astrophysicist or perhaps a Nascar driver. For now he is eleven going on fifteen.
I enjoy reading, golf, soccer, hiking, traveling, wine, and good draft beer. I really enjoy teaching and speaking to groups on topics I can get fired up about. Life is too short not to be passionate about the journey!
