Well-known in the Greater Mankato community, Julia Ketcham Corbett has more than 25 years of experience helping clients navigate the complexities of family and employment law. Did we mention she was recently named one of Minnesota’s Top Women in Law? A force to be reckoned with in and out of the courtroom, we’re excited to share more about Julia on a personal and professional level.
What was the best business advice you’ve ever received? Never let your competition outwork you.
What drives you? Helping businesses and people with their challenges and building relationships as a result.
What was the biggest challenge you’ve faced? Juggling a busy professional career and parenting.
How do you overcome obstacles? I try to figure out if it’s an obstacle I must go through or over, or if can just go around it. Often, with creative thinking, you can figure out ways to remove the obstacles from your path without having to go through or over them.
What’s the most recent book you’ve read? “Postcards from Within: Random Ramblings of an Ordinary Human” by my friend and law school classmate, Savita Harjani. Even though she’s my friend, I wouldn’t give the book a glowing recommendation if it didn’t deserve it. It’s an excellent book of introspection into relationships, caregiving, life, and death. It’s an easy read with a lot of great takeaways. I highly recommend it!
What’s the most used app on your phone? When my kids were at home, it was Cozi family calendar. Now it’s probably Pinterest (or deep confession……. Candy Crush).
What’s your favorite quote? “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it.” Also – “If you are looking to be offended, it is easy to have your expectations met. Assume people are acting from a place of positive intentions.”
Who is the smartest person you know? My late grandpa – James Lesh. He was a physicist and brilliant. He was very kind and humble.
What skill would you like to master? Golf – it’s a humbling game.
What qualities do you look for in a friend? Loyal, fun-loving, and that they bring positive energy rather than negative. Life’s too short to have friends who sap your energy.
What causes are you passionate about? Organizations that make our community a better place for those who live and work here.
What is at the top of your bucket list? A trip to Ireland with our adult kids or a trip to Africa.
What do you think is the most essential professional skill? Organization and attention to detail.
What was the worst job you ever had? Every job has been good in some way – primarily because of the people I got to work with– but the hardest, “yuckiest” job was definitely working sweet corn pack.
Are you an early bird or a night owl? Early bird (except on Saturday and Sunday.) I like my sleep-in days.
Do you think self-care is important? How do you practice self-care? Making time for the things that de-stress me – exercise, reading, sitting on my deck in the morning, playing piano, alone time, or time with friends and family.