Elise Holtzman is the CEO of The Lawyer’s Edge®, an executive coaching and consulting firm where she and her team have spent over 16 years helping law firms build thriving businesses by transforming lawyers into better business developers and leaders. A former practicing attorney, Elise brings first-hand knowledge of the legal profession’s demands and a strategic focus on rainmaking, leadership, and visibility.

Elise is the creator of the Lawyers Making Rain® program and the Ignite Women’s Business Development Accelerator, both designed to help attorneys at all levels grow their impact and client base. She is also the host of The Lawyer’s Edge podcast and a frequent speaker for law firms and bar associations. Her insights have been featured in Law.com, Law360, and other leading legal publications.

She holds a B.A. in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and a J.D. from Columbia Law School, where she served as a senior editor of the Columbia Law Review. She is currently Vice President of the Columbia Law School Association. Before launching The Lawyer’s Edge, Elise practiced commercial real estate law at Fried Frank and Morgan Lewis.

Insights from Elise Holtzman on Developing Rainmakers and Leaders

Elise Holtzman joins The Dealmakers’ Edge to share practical leadership insights tailored for high-performing professionals in commercial real estate and beyond. A former Biglaw attorney turned executive coach, Elise now helps professionals elevate their leadership, grow their visibility, and develop sustainable business development strategies.

In this episode, she and host Aaron Strauss explore how top performers can create intentional growth, avoid burnout, and evolve into impactful leaders. From rethinking productivity to building a culture of strategic delegation, Elise offers a powerful framework for dealmakers looking to lead with clarity and purpose.

0:27 – Meet Elise Holtzman and her journey from Biglaw to leadership coaching

3:32 – Common struggles high achievers face beyond technical execution

5:22 – Early signs of burnout and how they show up in professionals

7:10 – Using “act one and act two” to create presence and personal balance

10:06 – Lessons from mentors and models of sustainable success

12:47 – The role of self-awareness in avoiding burnout and staying aligned

17:16 – Shifting from doer to leader and learning to let go

22:47 – Why intentional reflection drives growth and innovation

Mentioned In Leadership Lessons for Dealmakers with Elise Holtzman

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