Sophie Mathur ON: Breaking the Bias and Becoming a Leader
After the Bar - Stories from the Legal Industry
Shownotes Transcript
After the Bar is back with Season 3! And this time, we're delving into the theme of navigating transitions. Join Shulin as she speaks with lawyers from various walks of life – past, present, and future – to explore their journeys in law, with a special focus on the pivotal moments in their careers and personal lives.
In our season opener, Shulin is joined by Sophie Mathur, a Mergers and Acquisitions lawyer and the Asia Head of Corporate with Linklaters.
Sophie takes us on a journey through her evolution in the legal industry – from starting her legal career in London, to achieving partnership, leadership, and motherhood. Along the way, she’s shattered conventions and forged her own path.
You will hear her share invaluable insights into personal branding, business development (without wining and dining!), and she even gives a masterclass on how to give feedback.
Sophie opens up about the unique challenges she faced as an Asian woman of colour in the corporate realm. Through her candid reflections, she sheds light on the psychological barriers that often hinder us from realizing our full potential.
Join us for the kickoff of Season 3, as Sophie shares her remarkable insights, lessons learnt, and the incredible journey she's charted.
Follow Sophie Mathur:
LinkedIn - https://sg.linkedin.com/in/sophie-mathur-090356)
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/c4B56soGrno)
Videos with Sophie Mathur:
Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/)
More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg)
What to listen for:
00:00 Start of Episode
00:58 Introduction
02:10 What is a Merger and Acquisition (M&A) Lawyer?
02:42 Being an Asian Woman of Colour in the Legal Industry
07:19 Having Self-Confidence
11:19 Being Smiley but Firm
14:23 Being Afraid to Ask for a Favour
19:55 The Problem with Chasing Perfection
21:33 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
24:26 The Feeling of Not Being Good Enough
25:56 Dealing with Negativity
31:24 Good Intentions but Bad Results
35:13 The Feeling of Winning Over the Support of the Team
38:24 Getting Feedback from Your Kids
40:51 Ingraining Giving Feedback in a Team’s Culture
44:54 Sophie’s Drivers for Career Pivots
48:40 Matching the Right Job to the Right Person
50:40 Knowing When to Pivot
51:44 How Becoming a Mom Affects Your Career Perspective
55:45 Sophie’s Surprise Baby
57:26 Networking Without Wining and Dining
1:00:20 Alternative Methods of Business Development
1:01:41 Advice for your Younger Self
1:02:34 Rapid Fire Round
1:04:39 Outro