It feels simple, easy, and built on trust: you and your business partner shake hands, agree on the basics, and get to work.

No paperwork. No problem... until there is one.

I've seen too many entrepreneurs learn the hard way that verbal agreements aren't enough to protect your vision, time, or money. If you're serious about building a sustainable business, your contracts can't live in your DMs.

The Problem with Handshake Deals

Handshake deals and verbal agreements may be legally recognised in some cases, but that doesn't mean they're strong. The lack of clarity around terms, responsibilities, timelines, and consequences makes enforcement tricky. If something goes sideways, you’re stuck in a "he said, she said" nightmare with no paper trail. Even with the best intentions, misunderstandings can ruin a great working relationship.

Why a Written Contract is a Must

A written contract is more than a formality. It's your blueprint for clarity, boundaries, and growth. It outlines:

• Exa

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"There’s a difference between not knowing something… and hiding when you do." 

If you’ve been sitting on your brilliance—nervous to say the thing, launch the offer, or take up a little more space—this one’s for you.

Let’s be real: Playing small isn’t humble. It’s self-sabotage. And it’s costing you way more than you think.

In Episode 4 of the Sovereign Conversations podcast, I break down what “playing small” actually looks like in business. Spoiler alert—it’s not just about being quiet or shy. It’s about:

• Shrinking your pricing out of fear

• Saying yes when you mean no

• Over-preparing instead of launching

• Waiting for a sign, permission, or perfect plan before you move

Sound familiar?

That used to be me. I told myself I wasn’t “ready” yet, that I needed to earn my place or be chosen by someone else before I could lead. Meanwhile, people who weren’t any more qualified than me were out there doing the thing I was dreaming of.

What changed? I stopped waiting ...

 "Sovereignty is the shift from doing what you think you should, to doing what your soul knows you must."

What if your entire business began with one radical question: Who’s really in charge here?

So many entrepreneurs start off chasing freedom, only to find themselves shackled by invisible obligations: other people’s expectations, outdated business rules, or fear of what might happen if they say no. That kind of hustle might get you somewhere fast—but usually, it’s somewhere you didn’t actually want to be.

That’s where the mindset of sovereignty comes in. It’s not just a buzzword or a trendy spiritual flex. It’s a practical and profound shift that changes the way you do business, make decisions, and experience freedom.

Sovereignty isn’t about doing everything alone, grinding yourself into the ground, or rejecting help. It’s about standing in your own authority, making aligned decisions from a place of clarity instead of chaos, and choosing your path with full self-leadership.

Hey there, it’s Vanessa, and I’m bursting with excitement (and a fair bit of revolutionary fervor) to share something incredible with you. After a reflective hiatus, my podcast, Sovereign Conversations with the Soul Attorney, is making a grand comeback. And trust me, it’s not just a return—it’s a full-on renaissance.

Why Now? Why now, you ask? Well, let’s just say that the world didn’t pause its chaos, but I took a moment to step back, not to retreat but to reload. In these turbulent times, the call for sovereignty—true, deep, and unapologetic self-rule—has never been louder or more necessary. So, I’ve reshaped and refined my vision to bring you something that doesn’t just scratch the surface but dives deep into the realms of what it means to truly lead oneself in a world that’s too busy telling us who to be.

A Journey into Sovereignty: Sovereignty. It’s a big word, isn’t it? Often tossed around in discussions about nations and states, but here’s the scoop—sovereignty is deeply perso...

 Here’s the truth: your values aren’t just something to hang on your office wall or scribble down during a branding workshop. 

They’re the essence of your business, the invisible threads connecting your work to your identity. Without them, it’s all too easy to end up building a life that looks amazing on the outside but feels exhausting on the inside.                                                                                                                                

I know this because I’ve lived it. As a lawyer navigating a high-stakes career while balancing life as a partner, dog mom of two, and business owner of two, I spent years chasing goals that didn’t align with what I truly valued. The result? A constant state of burnout and a creeping sense that I was living someone else’s dream.

 When I founded Soul Attorney, it wasn’t just to help others with legal and business strategy. It was to create a movement around building businesses that honour who you truly are—busin...

Forget the complicated legal lingo—here’s what you actually need to know. 

When I first entered the world of entrepreneurship, I came straight from my last traditional law firm job as an employee, where structure and rules were the norm. Every decision I made was scrutinized and micromanaged, and my personal boundaries were hard to hold. But, the tradeoff for that was this idea that the corporate machine was a buffer between me and the outside world.

It didn’t take me long to realise that entrepreneurship was a completely different arena—one where I was metaphorically stark-naked in front of “the marketplace” and all of a sudden had to stand firm in my own legal foundations, set my own rules, and protect my hard work without the cushion of a corporate machine behind me. 

Those early lessons taught me that running a successful business isn’t just about growth and passion. It’s about ensuring you’re legally protected so that you can scale with confidence. It’s when you can transition ...

 Entrepreneurs, if you’re running your business based on what others expect or following “rules” that don't resonate, it’s time to make a shift. True sovereignty in business isn’t about simply “being in control”—it's about reclaiming the power to run things on your terms, from start to finish and about forgetting all of the conscious and unconscious programming you’ve been following because of your belief that you “should”.

At its core, sovereignty means the freedom to make decisions that align with your values, without being influenced by external pressures or expectations. It’s about having the authority to lead your business, set your boundaries, and move boldly in the direction of your vision. Sovereignty means making unapologetic decisions that align with your purpose, support your growth, and allow you to be a self-determining entity with the full faith that you back yourself.

This isn’t just a concept for me; it’s a journey I know firsthand.

Let’s dive into why sover...

Discussing estate planning with your parents may feel uncomfortable, but it's an essential conversation that can protect your family relationships and safeguard against potential consequences. In this blog post, we'll provide you with practical tips for breaking the ice and offer conversation starters to discuss estate planning with your parents.

Approach the conversation with empathy, understanding that discussing estate planning can be sensitive. Express your concern for your parents' well-being and emphasize that this conversation is about securing their wishes and protecting their legacy. Share your genuine intention to ensure their wishes are respected when the time comes.

Broach the topic of Powers of Attorney with your parents, emphasizing the importance of having someone they trust make decisions on their behalf in case they become incapable. Highlight the role of a Power of Attorney over Property and Personal Care, explaining their legal rights and responsibilities. Share re...

As a former commercial and civil litigator, I've seen it all when it comes to the risks of cutting corners in business. From the hundreds of hours and tens of thousands of dollars spent on legal fees, to the emotional stress and energetic vacuum that is the essence of a lawsuit, I have seen businesses collapse, families torn apart, and people lose it all because they tried to cut corners around the legal side of their life.

As someone who cares deeply about making sure people avoid this particular brand of pain, today I'm here to shed some light on the impact cutting corners in legal can have on new entrepreneurs in particular. It’s not worth you risking everything you’ve built only to have someone screw you on a technicality you would have picked up on if you’d hired a lawyer.

So, buckle up and get ready for some real talk about the importance of legal support. I know it’s not sexy, and legal isn’t out here making you multiple 6 figures. But what it will do is save you from lo...

Welcome, fellow trailblazers! It's been an exhilarating journey as I embarked on the wild ride of owning my own law firm, Locicero Legal PC at The Soul Attorney.

As a female lawyer and entrepreneur, I've had the privilege of supporting incredible female entrepreneurs with their business law needs, contracts, and wills. Today, I want to share with you the top lessons I've learned during my first year, as well as an exciting announcement about our expanded practice areas that now include real estate. So, fasten your seatbelts, and let's dive in!

1. Embrace Your Uniqueness: As you transition from the corporate 9-5 grind to becoming a business owner, it's crucial to embrace your unique value/selling proposition ("USP") and building a brand. I focussed on building the Soul Attorney brand for almost 2 years before I went solo. I started my podcast, and my instagram page, and started showing up to tell my community who I was, what I stand for, and what I'm passionate about. For me, it mean

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