This event consisted of a two-session program over summer on June 15, 2022, and September 14, 2022.

Session 1: Negotiating Time & Happiness | June 15, 2022

Time is our most valuable resource. Yet, working women are more time poor than working men, are less likely to negotiate for time on adjustable deadlines at work and are less likely to delegate tasks. Women also spend more time on non-promotable assignments. In this session, Prof. Whillans discussed her research on time-use and happiness.

Session 2: Deflecting Power Moves | September 14, 2022

At work, we are often in situations where powerful people try to change our minds. How can we stand-up for ourselves to live our best lives in line with our values? In this session, Prof. Whillans discussed research on how to recognize “power-moves” and how to deflect them in service of acting in line with our values and goals at work and outside of it.

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Ascend is an inclusive program with a curriculum geared toward established lawyers looking to further their careers.  People of all gender identities are encouraged to register for this event.

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About the Speaker: 

Ashley Whillans is the author of the book TIME SMART: How to Reclaim Your Time and Live a Happier Life (October 6, 2020) published by Harvard Business Publishing. She is an assistant professor at Harvard Business School where she teaches the Negotiations and Motivation and Incentives courses to MBAs and Executives. Prof. Whillans is also a leading scholar in the time and happiness research field. She earned her PhD in social psychology from the University of British Columbia. Whillans was twice named a Rising Star of Behavioral Science by the Behavioral Science & Policy Association. In 2016 she cofounded a “behavioral science department,” namely, the Department of Behavioral Science in the Policy, Innovation, and Engagement division of the Public Service Agency in the British Columbia government. She is part of the Global Happiness Council and the Workplace and Well-Being Initiative at Harvard University, and she advises on workplace and well-being strategies for numerous nonprofit and for-profit partners. Most recently, she is part of the Lancet’s COVID-19 mental health commission. She has written about her research for the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal.

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About Ascend:

As their careers are rising, lawyers often face competing opportunities and shifting priorities as they gain a more precise definition of career success and excellence. Whether the goal is a partnership, independence, entrepreneurship, or career transition, the Center for Women in Law Ascend program helps established lawyers explore the opportunities and challenges of furthering their careers through promotions, pivots, and reimagining. People of all gender identities are welcome.