Think back to when you decided to become a lawyer. What inspired you to pursue the path? Was it the prospect of becoming a high-flying solicitor – and all the challenges and rewards that come with the position? Or was it the promise of helping others?
John Poulsen, founder and principal of People, Passion and Performance, was once a top-performing lawyer and leader of law firms. When he started his career in 1984, he was driven to achieve and succeed. But almost 40 years later, he ditched the fancy cars, flashy titles, and the chronic stress that came with it all. And he’s never been happier.
We spoke with John about his story so far – and his mission to redefine success for a more sustainable, empowering and enjoyable legal career.
Sights set on success
Like many young lawyers, John Poulsen had ambition in spades when he first started out.
“From the moment I started my career in Perth, I was in a hurry,” he laughs. “I wanted to become a partner as quickly as possible, so I worked around the clock.”
That drive saw him elevate quickly through the ranks. He was seconded to his firm’s Sydney offices, and the title of partner was within his grasp. His only hurdle? A particularly challenging manager – whose command-and-control leadership style infected the workplace.
“This manager liked to play people off each other and overwork us completely. My son had just been born, and I hardly had any time with him for his first six months of life. So, I quit – with no backup plan in place.”
Thankfully, unemployment didn’t last long. John joined a prominent new firm and, shortly after, became a partner.
“I was still driven by the need to achieve and succeed, but after my experience at my first firm, I also wanted to create a workplace that delivered value and looked after its people. And I had the chance to do so during my first major project: building a finance practice from scratch.
"I read a lot about servant leadership, which is about fostering trust and empowerment in teams. With a lot of hard work, we created a thriving, happy and productive team of 20 people.”
Frustratingly, though, he led his high-functioning team within a discombobulated organisation. Staff engagement and turnover were 50% at the time – and revenue was significantly down. So, the partners engaged a consultant to help turn the ship around.
The result? John was promoted to Managing Partner.
A values-first approach
As Managing Partner from 2005 to 2011, John transformed the firm’s structure and culture. Revenue jumped by 48%. Staff turnover was reduced to 12%. And staff satisfaction rose to 89%.
“We were a humming, happy and high-functioning ship. The firm won many awards, including a work-life balance award, and our people lived to our values. I loved the job.”
And it was due – in no small part – to John’s leadership style, which he honed throughout the years.
“During that time, I created my Flow of Success model, which outlines three steps for generating organisational change. First, you get the right people in the right seats and empower them to be the best they can be. Then you focus on clients by creating relationships of trust through communication and delivering value.
“Finally, you turn your attention to systems, processes and governance. If you get those three areas right, the finance will look after itself.”
The team also looked at what makes a high-performing partner – from team leadership style to knowledge management. And built a value-based assessment for partners to ensure they continued to align with the firm’s values. It was a winning combination.
As John explains, “financial success flowed after that.”
But of course, nothing stays the same forever. The firm split when it merged with a large international law firm. Some staff joined the new entity, and others embarked on a separate venture.
“That was the hardest moment of my career. I told our team that it would be difficult and that I didn’t have all the answers. But if we worked together, we could get through it. And I think that helped us along.”
The firm stabilised. Then, it expanded. Before long, it employed 200 people across Australia and hundreds more around the globe.
A new chapter begins
To say John was successful might be an understatement.
“I had two children by this point, a big house by the beach, nice cars. But my head was always whirring with thoughts. And when cultural challenges arose at the firm’s Sydney outpost, I grew anxious and depressed.
“After months of work, the situation was not improving. I was out of alignment with my values and beliefs, so I quit. Again, without a backup plan.”
And this is where John’s story takes a turn. At age 58, with no job or income, and a big mortgage, he was forced to do some soul-searching. What did he really want to do? And what was he truly good at?
“I had dinner with an old mentee, and he said I should consider becoming a consultant focusing on aligning people around purpose and values. So, I left the law, registered my business name and started an entirely new career in coaching.”
He started where experience told him every business should. With values.
“In 2018, I did the Barrett Values Centre’s Personal Values Assessment and BVC Certification. It was transformational. I realised my purpose was to help people step into their values, let go of fear and find deeper purpose, meaning and joy in their lives.
“My work was no longer just about making a living. It was about making a positive difference for others – and from that moment on, the work flowed in the door.”
A new meaning of success
This journey led John back to the very place he never expected: himself. And he now says that’s the foundation for creating a balanced, meaningful career – and life.
“You need to look hard to see yourself clearly. But when you do, you can start to change your mindset, which leads to behaviour change.”
So, what exactly did John change?
“I started to take care of myself properly. I stopped smoking, started meditating and painting, began exercising more frequently and working according to my values. I also let go of a lot of fear, which has allowed me to help others.
“In essence, I’m far more present in my life. And I think that’s what success truly is."
In his consulting and coaching career, John says he shines a light for individuals to discover their own values and purpose. Sometimes, that means leaving particular jobs. Other times, it’s about creating holistic strategies that allow for greater presence.
“I love to see people having that lightbulb moment. When they suddenly realise they have the choice to do things differently. Their perspective changes and they become more empowered.”
Fostering success at the organisational level
Change at the individual level is powerful. However, change needs to occur at the organisational level for the legal profession to thrive.
“Many people are facing stress and burnout in the legal sector. And while individuals can learn to take care of themselves, companies – and the leaders who sit at the top – need to do more to foster positive work environments.
“This is about more than awareness. It’s about action. Doing everything possible to create a trust-based culture. And when both are functioning well, it’s like the yin and yang of wellbeing. Financial success will flow after that.”
How this works in practice
John shares several practical tips to help you create lasting wellbeing – in your career and life.
- Notice your body: How do you feel when you're at work? Is there tension in your back, or is your mind ruminating? These are red flags – so pay attention to them.
- Familiarise yourself with your values: A personal values assessment can be a great starting place. The sooner you understand what drives you, the sooner you can find peace.
- Create a holistic career strategy: You can do this alone or with help from a coach like John. It should honour your values, support your wellbeing and give you a blueprint for daily life.
About John Poulsen
John Poulsen is the Founder and Principal of People, Passion and Performance. He works with individuals and teams to improve their professional and personal wellbeing and transform workplace cultures.
Before transitioning to coaching, John was the Australian Managing Partner and CEO of Squire Patton Boggs, where he successfully led the firm to be one of the fastest-growing law firms in Australia.
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