Purpose Over Perfection: How Stephanie Lieb Defines Success Now

Stephanie Lieb on Purpose, Resilience, and Living Fully Now Stephanie Lieb — shareholder at Trenam Law and newly inducted Fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy — joins Salene for a deeply human conversation about ambition, grief, motherhood, leadership, and redefining success in midlife. With more than two decades of experience in creditors’ rights and bankruptcy law, Stephanie reflects on the unexpected path that led her into insolvency practice after Hurricane Katrina — and the personal loss that later reshaped the way she approaches life itself. What emerges is a conversation about intentionality: building a meaningful career while refusing to postpone joy, family, or fulfillment for “someday.” A powerful episode about resilience, grace, perspective, and choosing to live fully now — not later. ✅ NOTES Today on The Pivot Playbook, Salene speaks with Stephanie Lieb, shareholder at Trenam Law in Tampa, Florida. Stephanie’s practice includes: Creditors’ rights and bankruptcy litigation Representation of financial institutions and commercial landlords Fiduciary work Real estate and title litigation Buyer-side asset acquisitions in bankruptcy General counsel work for the Diocese of St. Petersburg She also serves as: Fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy (2024) Chair of the Business Law Section of the Florida Bar representing more than 6,000 attorneys A highly respected 20-year practitioner deeply rooted in the Tampa Bay community ⭐ IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER: 1. Falling Into Bankruptcy — and Never Leaving Stephanie never planned to become a bankruptcy lawyer. As a law student at Tulane University, Hurricane Katrina abruptly displaced her from New Orleans and sent her back home to Tampa. Looking for available coursework, she enrolled in a bankruptcy class taught by Judge Alexander Paskay. That decision changed the trajectory of her entire career. She went on to: Intern for Judge Paskay Clerk for two bankruptcy judges Build a long-term practice in insolvency and restructuring “I had never even heard of bankruptcy… and I’ve never really looked back.” 2. A Practice Built on Variety and Curiosity One of the things Stephanie loves most about bankruptcy law is that no two cases are ever the same. Because insolvency touches nearly every industry and legal discipline, the work constantly exposes her to new businesses, operational structures, and challenges. From agriculture and manufacturing to aviation startups and technology companies, every engagement becomes an education. “You learn about everything — sausage factories, tech companies, agriculture… it’s never the same twice.” That intellectual variety is what has kept the work engaging for more than twenty years. 3. Why Diversification Makes Better Lawyers Stephanie intentionally built a diversified practice over time. In addition to creditors’ rights litigation, her work includes: Bankruptcy acquisitions Complex litigation Fiduciary matters General counsel representation for the Diocese of St. Petersburg That role, which supports Catholic schools and diocesan operations across multiple counties, has become one of the most meaningful parts of her professional life. Her philosophy is simple: “Doing different types of work makes you a better lawyer.” 4. A Case That Reinforced Her Sense of Purpose One of Stephanie’s most memorable cases involved an elderly blind woman who had been defrauded out of her life savings. The litigation required years of persistence and asset tracing. Although the client passed away before the matter concluded, Stephanie ultimately recovered assets for the woman’s family. The experience left a lasting impression. “It felt like we were doing right by her.” Moments like that continue to shape how Stephanie thinks about advocacy, purpose, and responsibility. 5. The Personal Pivot That Changed Everything Stephanie’s most defining pivot was not professional — it was personal. Ten years ago, her father passed away suddenly at age 67. He had done everything “correctly”: Worked hard Saved responsibly Retired at 65 But he only had two years to enjoy retirement. That loss fundamentally changed Stephanie’s relationship with time. “I’m not going to wait to do the things I want to do.” Since then, she has intentionally prioritized: Meaningful travel Family experiences Presence over postponement Living fully in the present “We’re not promised tomorrow.” 6. Redefining Success in Midlife Stephanie’s definition of success has evolved significantly over the years. Today, success means: Raising healthy, grounded children Supporting her partners and colleagues Serving clients well Keeping commitments Giving herself grace Most importantly, she’s learned to release the pressure of excelling in every role simultaneously. “Some days I’m a great mom. Some days I’m a great lawyer. They’re not always the same day — and that’s okay.” It’s one of the most honest and resonant moments of the episode. 7. Practical Advice for Creditors and Debtors Stephanie also shares grounded advice for businesses and individuals facing financial distress. Her perspective: Bankruptcy can create structure It can provide breathing room But it does not magically erase underlying problems She encourages clients to stay realistic, solution-oriented, and proactive. “Bankruptcy is a place to consolidate problems — not eliminate them.” 8. Leadership Through Service and Community Stephanie’s leadership extends well beyond her practice. At Trenam Law, she values the firm’s deep investment in the Tampa Bay business community — supporting local companies, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. Her broader leadership includes: Chairing the Florida Bar Business Law Section National bankruptcy leadership roles Mentorship of younger attorneys Service-oriented professional leadership Community, for Stephanie, is not separate from professional success — it is part of it. 9. Living with Intention At the center of Stephanie’s philosophy is intentionality. She believes in: Being fully present Investing deeply in relationships Pursuing meaningful work Experiencing joy now, not later Outside of work, balance comes through: Yoga and power flow classes International travel Supporting her children’s activities and sports “I love culture shock. I love figuring things out.” That curiosity and openness to experience continues to shape both her career and her life. 🔥 MEMORABLE QUOTES “I fell into bankruptcy — and never looked back.” “We’re not promised tomorrow.” “Don’t wait to do the things you want to do.” “Bankruptcy consolidates problems — it doesn’t eliminate them.” “Some days I’m a great mom. Some days I’m a great lawyer.” “Would I be proud of this decision?” 🎯 THE PIVOT PLAYBOOK — FOUR PIVOTS Pivot She’s Most Proud Of Motherhood. Practice That Keeps Her Grounded Yoga — especially hot yoga and power flow. Principle That Guides Her Decisions “Would I be proud of this decision?” Person Who Changed Her Trajectory Judge Roberta Colton — mentor and guiding influence. 🌿 FUN FACTS Half Peruvian and fluent in Spanish Loves Latin music, including Danza Kuduro Passionate international traveler Favorite unexpected destination: Ecuador Upcoming destination: Japan Enjoys sci-fi and fantasy series, including Stranger Things Proud “professional spectator” of her children’s sports and activities ✅ CALLS TO ACTION Connect with Stephanie Lieb through Trenam Law. Follow her work and leadership through: The Florida Bar Business Law Section The American College of Bankruptcy If you’re a business owner, creditor, or professional navigating financial distress: Be proactive Be realistic Seek experienced guidance early A deeply human conversation about grief, growth, ambition, leadership, and the decision to fully live now — not someday.