My Journey
As the eldest of four, I naturally embraced leadership roles across sports, academics, and professional life. With a psychology degree and 20+ years in law, I’ve served as a civil litigator, child mental health counselor, and guardian ad litem. I rose to partner at an AmLaw 100 firm and built its Tennessee office from the ground up. In doing so, my goal was to build something different than any other AmLaw 100 firm: create an environment supportive of the whole-person. And I focused initially on one particular group typically left behind in BigLaw: women. I built a team of strong, smart, inspiring women — many of whom had been pushed out of the practice of law when they had children, some of whom had been chased away from law firm life by bad behavior of more senior attorneys, and some of whom thought the practice of law simply was not for them. To each, I said “I think you just have not found the right law firm” and invited them to come try “something different.” Ultimately, our “something different” appealed not only to the women but also to the men who wanted more than just being a cog in the wheel. Our team grew exponentially, with women always being more than 50% of our team and with extremely low turnover, and became one of the largest firms in Tennessee.
My foundation in law and psychology provided a unique vantage point to see how leadership could revolutionize personal and professional realms. My leadership strategies are rooted in authenticity, connection, and flexibility. Driven to challenge norms, I founded The Real Rising to help leaders break free from limiting beliefs, rediscover their purpose, and lead boldly — encouraging them to rise with intention and inspire others to do the same.
My Purpose
My Sacred Calling is to help others define and build what I call the Very Best Life. My mission is to synthesize my experiences in leadership, law, and psychology to guide others to rise to their full potential, personally and professionally, so they can build theirs. I am passionate about helping leaders cultivate happy, healthy teams and fostering environments where not only the leader but every person being led has the resources and is inspired to define and live their Very Best Lives. Let’s rise together, authentically and powerfully.
Foundations of the Process
Proven Expertise
Harnessing over 20 years of strategic leadership, I empower professionals and organizations to forge confident, dynamic leaders.
Holistic Coaching
With a focus on personal and professional development, my strategies help you and your team thrive in all facets of life.
Tailored Strategies
Every leader faces unique challenges; we deliver customized strategies that lead to personal growth and team success.
Transformational Results
Our strategies lead to transformational change across data points: deeper meaning and fulfillment personally and professionally, increased team member engagement and productivity, improved work-life balance, decreased turnover, and, to those in the room focusing on the dollar, increased revenues.
Focus on Connection
Connection with leadership and peers inspires loyalty and a desire to perform well, increasing productivity and quality. Building environments centered on empathy and collaboration and fostering psychological safety are the keys to creating connected teams.
Long-Term Impact
Sustainability in leadership is vital. Our programs instill lasting habits for ongoing success and cultural transformation.
Why Partner with Heather?
Experience and Expertise
With a rich background in building and leading teams, she offers insights gained from over 25 years of diverse professional experiences. When told she could not do something, usually because it was different than the way it had always been done, Heather said “watch me” and has time and again established the “impossible” is certainly possible.
The Beginning
Before founding The Real Rising, Heather built a successful legal career spanning over two decades, becoming a partner and leader in an AmLaw 100 firm. As a first-generation college graduate and attorney, she experienced firsthand the pressures of traditional legal culture. Early in her career, she noticed a lack of emphasis on the human side of leadership — connection, personal growth, and authenticity. With a passion for people and foundation in psychology and mental health counseling, she saw an opportunity to lead differently and bring change to the legal profession from within.
The Transformation
Over time, Heather’s leadership philosophy evolved. She launched and led a thriving law office built on two mantras: “It takes a village” and “I will meet you where you are to the best of my ability.” To say practicing law and working in a law firm is demanding is an understatement, and it takes a village to do all the things. She insists her team understand each person is just as valuable and valued as the next and that every team member is necessary to successfully accomplish whatever mission is at hand. She also recognizes everyone has challenges and responsibilities they must manage outside of work, and those challenges and responsibilities may impact a person’s career. In meeting people where they are, Heather prioritizes getting to know what challenges and responsibilities each team member has and then crafting a work environment that sets each up for success. What it looks like for one person simply might not work for another, so she found she must meet people where they are. In this role and through her coaching certification, Dare to Lead™ training, and lived experience, she discovered the power of holistic leadership. These experiences gave birth to The Real Rising — a movement grounded in the belief that when leaders rise authentically, their teams rise with them.
The Mission
Today, The Real Rising is more than a coaching practice and consulting firm — it is a call to reimagine leadership. As a transformational leadership coach, Heather now guides leaders and organizations in cultivating cultures where people feel valued, connected, and empowered. Her mission is to help leaders break free from outdated norms, lead with empathy, and create environments that foster sustainable success. Coaching has allowed Heather to live her Sacred Calling: helping people lead their Very Best Lives, not just in the office, but in every aspect of who they are.