Around the Ladder
Welcome to Around the Ladder – the podcast where we explore the twists, turns, and unexpected detours of career journeys. Many of us are familiar with the phrase ”climbing the corporate ladder,” but what happens when your path doesn’t follow a straight line? I became fascinated by the idea of going around the ladder – carving out a different kind of career path. My own journey took this route. After 25 years as an employee, I stepped away for a year and emerged as a consultant and business owner. And along the way, I realized I’m not alone. There are so many people out there whose careers have taken unconventional, surprising, and inspiring directions. In this podcast, you’ll hear conversations with people who have traveled paths of all shapes and sizes. Sometimes you backtrack or move sideways; other times, you need someone to lift you up or simply sit with you right where you are. No matter where you are on your journey, you’re not alone. So, whether you’re rethinking your next step or just curious about the many ways a career can unfold, you’re in the right place. This is Around the Ladder – let’s explore the journey together.
Episodes
In this episode of Around the Ladder, Erika Steinberg welcomes business development expert Steve Fretzin to discuss unconventional career journeys, particularly in the legal industry. Steve shares his unique path from sales professional to renowned coach for attorneys, emphasizing that career success often comes from zigzags and pivots rather than a straight climb. Together, Erika and Steve explore why lawyers strug...
Host: Erika Steinberg Guest: Merrilyn Gibbs, Founder of Assistants4Hire
Episode Title: Carving Your Own Path: From College Golf Coach to Entrepreneur with Merrilyn Gibbs
Episode Summary
On this episode of Around the Ladder, host Erika Steinberg welcomes Merrilyn Gibbs, founder of Assistants4Hire, to share her inspiring journey from college golf coach and pro g...
Host: Erika Steinberg Guest: Madeline Schwarz, Communication Coach
Episode Overview
Welcome to Around the Ladder, the podcast exploring the unexpected twists and turns of real career journeys. In this episode, host Erika Steinberg sits down with Madeline Schwarz, a communication coach who specializes in helping creatives and introverts find their voice and confidence in professional ...
On this episode of Around the Ladder, host Erika Steinberg welcomes Erin Alli, founder of Essential Assistance, to discuss the realities of entrepreneurship, the importance of operational support, and how to build a business that allows for true freedom. Erin shares her journey from sales and management to becoming a fractional COO and operations expert, and offers actionable advice for business owners at every stag...
In this episode of Around the Ladder, Erika Steinberg welcomes Shauna Bryce, a Harvard Law School and Johns Hopkins graduate, and the founder of Bryce Legal. Shauna shares her journey from a traditional legal career to becoming a renowned coach and consultant helping lawyers achieve success, fulfillment, and happiness. Their conversation explores how Shauna’s career path defied expectations, the realities of law fir...
In this episode of Around the Ladder, host Erika Steinberg welcomes Judy Schoenberg and Linda Lautenberg, co-founders of EvolveMe, for a candid conversation about career reinvention in midlife. Together, they explore the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women looking to relaunch, pivot, or level up their careers, and discuss how EvolveMe is helping women thrive in an ever-evolving world of work.
Key Top...In this inspiring episode of Around the Ladder, host Erika Steinberg sits down with Laurel Carpenter to explore her unconventional career journey from nonprofit leadership and social work to thriving as a brand strategist and copywriter. Laurel shares how pivotal moments, unexpected challenges, and a willingness to pivot led her to co-found Pearl Consulting NYC with her partner, Charles Herold. Together, they help p...
In this episode of Around the Ladder, host Erika Steinberg welcomes Candice Miller, a dynamic professional whose career has spanned banking, strategy, and the legal industry. Candice shares her journey from a traditional corporate path to entrepreneurship, highlighting the twists, risks, and lessons that shaped her along the way. Listeners will gain insight into how unexpected opportunities and setbacks can redefine...
In this episode of Around the Ladder, host Erika Steinberg sits down with Morgan Katz, founder and CEO of Ticketnology, to explore her unconventional career path from live event management to tech entrepreneurship. Morgan shares insights on identifying as an entrepreneur later in life, building a tech platform from scratch, and her passion project-Gunny’s House, a charity for senior rescue dogs. The conversat...
In this episode of Around the Ladder, host Erika Steinberg sits down with Dr. Erika Powell, a coach, facilitator, and consultant celebrated for her unique blend of connection, creativity, and authenticity in leadership development. Dr. Powell shares her journey from a diverse academic background in anthropology, linguistics, education, and art, to a career dedicated to helping leaders and teams thrive through transf...
In this episode of Around the Ladder, host Erika Steinberg sits down with Anne Ryan, a resume and LinkedIn coach who has helped thousands—from students to executives—unlock their unique strengths and land meaningful roles. Anne shares her unconventional journey from two decades in tech to entrepreneurship, her passion for helping others find purpose, and the superpowers she’s discovered along the way.
In this inaugural episode of Around the Ladder, Erika Steinberg welcomes Shaari Gross Cohen.
In this episode we talk about:
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Knowing Your Worth – But not overselling yourself
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Creating Non-Negotiables in life– What are you not willing to let your career take the place of
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There are no Do-Overs with Family – Take the time you need to in order to be with them. Everything else will still get done.
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Walk through all open door...
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