Leaping for Family, Leading with Heart

Leaping for Family, Leading with Heart

Two moms, two lawyers, and the power of building a life that fits.

Guests: Khatidja Soofi Vellani & Nadia Lakhani

In this episode of 'Leap to Empower,' host Shaila Lalani is joined by Nadia Lakhani, a personal injury attorney, and Khatidja Soofi Vellani, a real estate attorney, who share their journeys of carving out successful legal careers while balancing motherhood. 

Nadia and Khatidja discuss their respective paths from law school to founding their own practices, overcoming gender biases, and managing the challenges of entrepreneurship. They emphasize the importance of support systems, embracing flexibility, and the need for self-belief. 

The conversation is inspirational, focusing on how these women have taken bold steps to ensure both professional success and quality family time. The episode concludes with a rapid-fire segment, offering empowering advice and mantras to listeners.

00:00 Welcome to Leap to Empower

00:11 Meet Our Inspiring Guests: Nadia and Khatidja

00:22 Nadia's Journey: From Paralegal to Personal Injury Attorney

00:52 Khatidja's Path: From Law Firms to Founding Vellani Law

01:25 Balancing Motherhood and Career

02:06 Starting Their Own Law Firms

06:05 Challenges and Triumphs in Entrepreneurship

09:00 Work-Life Balance: The Struggle and Success

10:53 Empowerment and Self-Worth in the Legal Field

15:15 Advice for Future Generations

16:44 Rapid Fire: Soul Sparks

Thanks for tuning into Leap 2 Empower for real stories of real people who dared to leap.

Follow along on Instagram @leap2empowerpodcast for updates!

If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs it. And remember your leap doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.

Transcript

Shaila 0:00

Hello Leapers and welcome to our new episode of Leap to Empower. I'm Shaila Lalani, and this podcast is to honor the real life stories of people who dare to leap into the unknown. In this episode, we're joined by two incredible women who have carved their own path in the legal world while raising families and staying true to their purpose. My first guest, Nadia Lakhani, is a personal injury attorney and co-founder of Lakhani McGrath. She began her legal journey as a paralegal in 2005, fueled by passion for advocacy. With over a decade of experience, including time spent defending major insurance companies, she now fights for everyday people with heart and strategy. She's a devoted mom of two, A grounded leader and a living example of what it means to take the leap into your own power. My second guest Khatidja Soofi Vellani is a real estate attorney, escrow officer, and the founder of Vellani Law. With over 16 years of legal experience and more than 2 billion in close transactions. She's not just a leader in her field, she's a community advocate who deeply believes in giving back. Her journey from working at law firms to building her own practice is rooted in service, strength, and a whole lot of soul. She's a loving mother of two daughters and deeply grounded in family life. We'll explore what it means to leap into entrepreneurship, manage the juggle of motherhood, and redefine success through their eyes. Welcome, Nadia and Khatidja. So nice to have you here today.

Nadia 1:37

Thank you Shaila, for having us. Super duper excited to be here and I'm loving what you're doing, with this podcast and just so honored to be here.

Khatidja 1:45

Thank you Shaila, for having us. We both are very excited and I'm so proud that you took this leap to start, this leap to empower. Because I can just see it exploding and helping so many people take the next step.

Shaila 1:59

Thank you so much for your kind words. I wanted to start off with your story. So tell us how you guys started from school to corporate America to where you're today and we wanna know everything.

Khatidja 2:12

Okay, I'll go first. So, funny story, I didn't even know I wanted to go to law school, right? And so after I graduated undergrad, my parents were like, okay, don't, just take a regular job. They wanted me to, my dad always emphasized higher education, higher education, higher education, and that's how I picked the legal profession. And so now I joke with my kids and I'm saying, see, look at me now. I listen to my parents, so you should do the same. But anyways, so you know, I went to law school at the University of Houston and then after graduation I worked at a large firm, or mid-size to large firm. And I was working a lot, 2000 billable hours and just working, working, working. And at some point I thought, okay, I wanna get married. I wanna have kids. And this doesn't seem the place where I could balance. And in that I went to a more boutique firm and that I was still working a lot do, doing the daily grind and just thinking to myself, if I'm working so much for somebody else, why wouldn't I work for myself? And that's how we decided to create Vellani Law.

Shaila 3:19

Seems like there was always a spark into you and it's like, well, I put it out there and if I can put the value towards myself.

Nadia 3:26

So my story is a little different. Unlike Khati, I always knew I wanted to be a lawyer. That's one thing I knew for sure. So I was, I don't know why I was in such a rush. I sped through undergrad, finished it in three years so I could start law school. Started law school. I graduated from South Texas and I wanted to be a DA. I really wanted to work at the District Attorney's office. I wanted to be a prosecutor. I wanted to make a difference what I saw in law and order. I was infatuated by it. But when I graduated, Harris County was having a hiring freeze and I could not find a job as a prosecutor. And that's all I wanted to do ever since I was young. So here I am just applying for jobs. I landed with an insurance defense firm. We did first party claims. I was in downtown for five years. I learned a lot. I was billing like crazy. I think after five years I had just gotten complacent and comfortable and I needed to like every day felt the same and I needed to learn something. I think I had maxed out there. So then I started applying elsewhere. So then I started with another law firm, and now this time I'm doing third party claims. I'm doing litigation still just not in the courtrooms, defending criminals, but I'm defending corporate companies, all my clients, our corporations, and just on the civil side. I worked as an associate attorney. I did that for eight years. I learned a lot. So this time has third party claims. And I got married I had two kids and life was good. But then Covid happened. Covid happened and we were really busy, but my husband also is really busy. He also travels a lot. Mm-hmm. And my job was demanding more and more of me, but so was my other side of me as a mother. I have a 7-year-old and a 3-year-old. He was one at the time. I'm like, I just can't juggle all of this and I don't wanna travel a lot. I wanna spend more quality time with my kids. So, there was another associate and we were like, you know what, we can do this on our own. Let's, let's, let's just try it. Mm-hmm. And we can have our own schedule. Mm-hmm. So, me and him decided to start this journey together and yeah. That's, that's kind of a short version of my story.

Shaila 5:48

Both of you have been very inspiring, you are mothers and you have a family life and now you have your own business and they're all demanding. But before we get into all of that, I do want to talk a little bit about making that transition. How was it for y'all mentally and emotionally and even physically? And financially, right? What were some challenging things that you went through while making this transition in those aspects, and how did you overcome that to where you are today in your business?

Khatidja 6:19

I think for us it was a lot of research and support from the people that we trust. A lot of encouragement and, emotionally, just the support system that we had through our family and friends. That's kind of what put us through. And the fact that I had just had a child and there was no room for failure. So it was just like, we will succeed. And I think it's that positive attitude and the motivation of not having anything else? Right. We, my husband and I both left our jobs and we started this together. So there was no steady paycheck coming from the back end. It was, this is it. We have to succeed and that's what we did.

Shaila 7:05

I have goosebumps just listening to that because the only option was to succeed in this, and that was it. And that's the perseverance and persistence you went with. What about you, Nadia?

Nadia 7:16

That's super inspiring, Khati. So mine was a little bit different. Like I said, I was with this firm forever. I was very comfortable. I knew what I was doing, but it was just getting demanding and it was hard to balance the motherhood and the workload. So it was, it started off as an idea. Literally, me and my partner were just talking about it, and then the idea grew bigger and bigger. And honestly, my husband, he's been telling me to do this for years, and we just kept on talking about it and we're like, you know what? We can actually make this happen. And one day we were like, let's go put in our notice. If you do it, I'll do it. Let's do it. Instead of talking about it, let's do it. And of course, there's a lot of financial struggles too, because when you start your own business, you don't really see a paycheck for a very long time. And I was used to having a paycheck every two weeks for as long as I've worked. Right. So it was very, very hard. But, when we made that decision, we knew that, we won't see a steady paycheck, but we were confident and we just wanted to try something different. Yeah. And if I don't do it now, it was, I'm never gonna do it. Yep And I had a good support system.

Shaila 8:26

That's great nadia and for both of you, you had a good support system and it seems like your husbands supported and empowered you to say, Hey, take that leap to that next step. I know you're capable of it. You can do it and you can succeed in it. And that shows empowerment in even within them. To, for you to take this next step and within you as well, right because you have many different hats that you wear. So talking about motherhood, I feel like y'all are superwoman. Juggling family life and actually managing your own business and doing this and that and having younger kids, it just never stops for y'all. How do you manage work life balance?

Nadia 9:07

Thank, thank you, Shaila. That's, that's very sweet. It is a struggle every day. I think the beauty of all of this, and the reason why I chose this is because now I can go to my kids' field trips if I want to. I can drop off my kids if I want to. I don't have to depend on anyone else, but in turn, there is a price to pay. I'm up late nights, I'm up, I'm I'm there during the weekends. You just have to find a way to make it work. But the beauty of it is we get to spend, I mean, I think I speak for Khati as well. We get to spend time with our kids and we find our own balance. So yeah, every day looks completely different, especially the month of May. There's a lot of events going on in school. But we get to be there. Yeah. Where we wouldn't have been before. So I think we just have to find the time to make it work. Mm-hmm.

Khatidja 9:55

I totally mimic that. Having a business takes a lot of sacrifice and a lot of adaptability. You have to be very flexible and, I think that gives us the time to be there for our children's performances, but also know that okay, sometimes we are working at one in the morning or, the third day when I had Rena and took her to the doctor. After that I had the rockn play and went to the office for a meeting. So sometimes, you have to put in that sacrifice and in return you get the flexibility. And I think that was really important to me to be there for all the big moments for my children and I think I have gotten to be.

Shaila 10:34

That's great. From a positive standpoint, it is having that flexibility when you have your own business. Definitely that plays a part. So talking about your business, how did you guys manage the ups and downs, and how did you stay grounded? Because, it's definitely not a full rosy story going through and starting your own business. There's a lot of challenging moments and also being a woman how did you stand up for your self worth? That's gotta be challenging, right?

Khatidja 11:01

So I think one, as a woman, we do have to prove ourself, more than men do. And I think, just putting good quality work out there. Putting yourself out there and believing in yourself and not shying away from these challenges, I think helps the other side. See, okay, these women are just as superior as the men in the industry. And I think that's kind of my motivation. As I said, there was no room for failure, right? So it was, had to put all my eggs in my basket this time and just stand strong. Yeah. Shoulders back. Head up.

Shaila 11:38

Yeah. So it seems like you're saying your work and your value had to speak for yourself more than anything and that's how you stood up for your self-worth. Yes.

Nadia 11:49

And I completely second that and these challenges just didn't arise when my law firm came. Especially being a litigation attorney, a female. Indian litigation attorney. I had to make space from day one. This is a very male, centric courtroom. I've been in courtrooms with 20 guys and I'm the only girl where people have mistaken me for a secretary, where people have mistaken me as a first year attorney, when I've been practicing for over a decade. So you have to speak up for yourself and make that space. Mm-hmm. Because nobody, if you don't, then you'll just be on the sidelines. So I think from day one when I was put in this field, I got a rude awakening, whereas I'm not on the same little playing field. You have to find that. And that has definitely helped me when I started my own law firm, because I had done that previously when I was working in corporate America as well. Mm-hmm.

Shaila 12:45

Do you face any challenges today in your current business as far as being looked at a woman versus where a male in your business would've been treated completely different.

Khatidja 12:56

There are people that will change and there are people that are just gonna be set in their ways and you're just gonna move past them and just realize that those are not the clients that are meant for you.

Shaila 13:06

Mm. That's, that's really good. That shows how you value yourself and you stand up and, and so does your husband, right? Because you're in this business together and he stands up for that value as well.

Nadia 13:17

And I a hundred percent agree. Every single day we kind of face those struggles because my partner, he is a male, so he'll be able to settle a case that I can't just because I'm a girl. We shouldn't be complacent about it. We make sure you've tried your best. Mm-hmm. But like Khati said, those are not your clients. Just do the best that you can do. Right. And everything else will fall for itself.

Shaila 13:41

Yep. Yep. You do your best to make that mark, to make that difference so that people after you, your kids coming after, you don't have to face what you have to face. Right. So when it comes to business, definitely money's a big part. I have a quick question for you? What if money was to walk into the door right now, what kind of relationship would you have with money?

Khatidja 14:01

I would say welcome.

Nadia 14:03

As a lawyer, I'd be like, um, is this shady? Are you legit? Can you keep him? As a mom I spent, spent it, you know, there's extracurricular activities. My daughter wants to be a dancer today and, a gymnast tomorrow, so, yeah.

Shaila 14:16

Yeah. Yeah. And so talking about your kids, what do you want to leave for your kids? What do you want them to see today?

Nadia 14:23

Just want them to make sure that, hey, I can do whatever I want to. There is nothing stopping me. And if I put my mind to it, it can happen. So I don't want anyone to say Hey, you know what? You're not good enough for this. No. Whatever you set your mind to, you can do it. Oh, that's good. And Nadia, that's very inspiring.

Khatidja 14:42

I would want my kids to be the best version of themself. I want them to be the best version of themself. That's exactly it.

Shaila 14:50

Hmm, that, so it's really interesting. I've done a few of these and the main thing people talk about is that they, they can be whatever they want to be, but the best version of themself doing it. And that's perfect. So as we come to a quick wrapping point, what would you tell the woman? What would you tell the little Nadias and the little that were 20 years ago in your spot? What advice would you give them so that they can take that leap, push them off the edge?

Khatidja 15:21

I would tell them to jump.

Nadia 15:23

A hundred percent jump and super high. I would also tell the old me that, hey, this is a journey, and this journey is what got you here. Mm-hmm. Because for me, I wouldn't have been able to take this leap if I hadn't worked at all those places, had gone through all that stuff. So you know what you're going through now. There is a better future and it's gonna be worth it. Just if you're thinking about it, do it.

Shaila 15:49

I love how you have connected the dots from your past and talked about your challenges and your ups and downs, and how you have stayed grounded and in a balanced life with your kids. Seems like to me, the most important thing for you to transition was to spend more family time. And that's what I got. And that's beautiful. It's amazing to hear that we have empowered women who are not just working, but building their own companies, but also not forgetting that they have a family life and they're staying balanced. And that is true empowerment to me and. You inspire me. I still dunno how you do it, but I'm so happy that you are taking it one step at a time and being successful at it every day. So we'll get into this rapid fire now, which I call soul sparks. And these are just quick thoughts that come to you as I ask this question. And we'll go with what you think is the best answer for you. One thing that brings you back to yourself?

Khatidja 16:47

Friends and family time.

Nadia 16:50

Same my children.

Shaila 16:51

Okay. What does empowerment mean to you?

Khatidja 16:54

It means receiving and accepting the tools to become a better version of myself and providing the same to the others so they can succeed as well.

Nadia 17:02

I think it's taking that next step, taking that leap, whatever it is, even if it's like small as, Hey, I need to cover this deposition that I've never done before. Whatever it is. It doesn't have to be going and opening your firm, but whatever that small step is, just taking that

Shaila 17:18

Beautiful. Coffee or matcha?

Khatidja 17:21

Coffee.

Nadia 17:22

Coffee, a hundred percent.

Shaila 17:23

Any mantra or quote we live by?

Khatidja 17:25

You can't climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pocket.

Nadia 17:30

This too shall pass.

Shaila 17:31

What do you tell your younger self so that you can push her off the edge to take the leap?

Khatidja 17:37

Believe in yourself. You got this.

Nadia 17:39

Everything you prayed for. If it's gonna happen.

Shaila 17:42

Oh, both of you goosebumps. Okay. So if you were to au authentically look at yourself in the mirror today, what truth would you want to come from your core?

Khatidja 17:50

You're much stronger than you thought you were.

Nadia 17:52

You got this. The whole journey is worth it at the end.

Shaila 17:56

One bold thought or empowering thought you want to leave for the listeners?

Khatidja 18:00

Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Nadia 18:03

If you have an idea, make it a reality.

Shaila 18:06

Ooh, it was such a pleasure having you both on the show today. Thank you for joining us for this Heart centered Truth filled episode of Leap To Empower. Nadia and Khati reminded us that courage doesn't mean the absence of fear. It means choosing yourself anyway. If this conversation sparks something in you, share it with someone who needs it. And remember, your leap doesn't have to be perfect. It has to be yours. Until next time, keep leaping, keep believing in your magic.