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 firm life, and how she now guides attorneys through career transitions-especially in today’s climate of uncertainty.

Key Topics Discussed

• Shauna’s Career Journey: Shauna describes her path from law school to practicing law in firms and in-house, and ultimately stepping off the partnership track to pursue her passion for coaching and professional development. She reflects on the challenges of making unconventional career choices and the importance of following her instincts-even when it meant leaving the “brass ring” of partnership behind.

• The Reality of Law Firm and Corporate Environments: Drawing on her experience as a Chief Legal Talent Officer and Chief Diversity Officer, Shauna discusses the difficulties of driving change in risk-averse, conservative environments. She highlights the challenges of implementing lasting diversity and inclusion initiatives and the disappointment of seeing progress rolled back.

• Current Legal Market Trends: Shauna shares insights into the current legal job market, noting a surge in government and public sector lawyers seeking new opportunities amid layoffs and uncertainty. She observes increased risk aversion among lawyers and a general sense of fear about the future, leading many to reconsider job changes or prepare for worst-case scenarios.

• Coaching Lawyers Through Uncertainty: Shauna explains her approach to coaching lawyers who are anxious about the future. She emphasizes the value of process and structure-helping clients distinguish between rational and irrational fears, and building practical roadmaps to address their concerns. Her method involves partnering with clients to break down overwhelming challenges into manageable steps.

Notable Quotes

“I had so many people tell me, ‘You’re crazy to not want this [partnership].’ And I just kept thinking, I just don’t want this for me, and I don’t want this for my life. So I’m very happy that I followed my heart, and that brought me into the work that I do now in lawyer development, career development, and all of that.”

“Law firms tend to be really risk averse settings, and they tend to be very conservative in their decision making. It is really, really hard to effect change, even minor changes.”

“One of the major things that I’m seeing in this market is fear. Fear of the uncertainty… And I think this is one of those moments where lawyers’ risk aversion, sort of by nature, by training, might actually be helping them because they are really thinking about worst case scenarios and preparing for them.”

Actionable Takeaways

• For lawyers feeling uncertain about their careers, it’s helpful to separate rational from irrational fears and use structured planning to regain a sense of control.

• Change in traditional environments is difficult; real progress requires deeply embedded values, not just performative programs.

• Nonlinear career paths can lead to greater fulfillment-trusting your instincts and being open to new opportunities is key.

Listen & Subscribe

• Connect with Shauna on LinkedIn
• Bryce Legal

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Around the Ladder for more conversations about unconventional career journeys and practical wisdom for navigating change.

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.

1. Nonlinear Career Paths

• Erika, Judy, and Linda reflect on their own journeys, emphasizing that career paths are rarely linear. Judy shares her transition from a long tenure at Girl Scouts of the USA to entrepreneurship, while Linda recounts her pivot from finance to co-founding EvolveMe after a significant career break.

2. Facing Fear and Embracing Reinvention

• Both guests discuss the fears they faced—loss of professional identity, fear of being “too late,” and uncertainty about what’s next—and how embracing their past accomplishments and taking small steps helped them move forward. They highlight the importance of owning one’s value and successes as fuel for reinvention.

3. Systemic Barriers & Ageism

• The conversation addresses systemic challenges such as ageism and societal expectations for midlife women. Judy and Linda note the positive shifts in workplace flexibility and the normalization of career breaks, but also acknowledge ongoing barriers. They offer strategies for navigating these obstacles, including embracing one’s unique strengths and maintaining a growth mindset.

4. The Power of Community

• EvolveMe’s cohort-based model is designed to combat the isolation of career change. Judy and Linda explain how group support, mutual accountability, and cross-industry perspectives foster confidence and momentum, helping women see possibilities they might not have considered on their own.

5. Inspirational Stories

• Linda shares the story of a former cohort member, an attorney who initially sought to pivot to nonprofit work but ultimately found renewed purpose by niching down in her legal practice. Her journey exemplifies the self-discovery and transformation possible through EvolveMe’s approach.

6. Advice for Younger Selves

• Both guests reflect on what they wish they’d known in their twenties: careers don’t have to be linear, building diverse networks early is crucial, and paying attention to what brings you energy can guide future pivots. They encourage younger professionals to seek mentors and stay open to new opportunities.

“It doesn’t have to always be this grand statement of reinvention. It could be a 10% pivot. It doesn’t have to be a 360-degree pivot.” – Judy Schoenberg

“You can’t Google your way into a career reinvention… That’s why we created a community, so women don’t have to do it alone.” – Linda Lautenberg

“At every career stage, you have something special and unique that you’re bringing. In midlife, it’s perspective, wisdom, and resilience—you can see the forest for the trees.” – Linda Lautenberg

• EvolveMe: Learn more about EvolveMe’s programs for midlife career reinvention.

• Connect with Judy & Linda on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Around the Ladder, share it with a friend, and leave a review.

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 purpose-driven entrepreneurs discover and articulate the magic in their message.

Key Topics & Highlights:

• Career Pivots and Defining Moments: Laurel recounts her transition from social services to entrepreneurship, sparked by a pivotal experience in a challenging work environment and encouragement from her network to pursue her entrepreneurial instincts.

• Building a Business from Scratch: The story behind Pearl Consulting NYC’s launch, starting with a single client, and how Laurel and Charles turned a guest blogging experiment into a full-time business.

• Leveraging Transferable Skills: Laurel discusses how her background in social work-especially skills like interviewing, relationship-building, and technical writing-proved invaluable in branding and copywriting.

• Partnership Dynamics: Insights into Laurel and Charles’s complementary working styles, blending journalistic rigor with people-focused networking and business development.

• Navigating Challenges and Pivots: The realities of losing major clients, building a client base through networking groups like BNI, and adapting service offerings in response to market changes and the pandemic.

• The Evolution to Branding and Messaging: How client needs and market trends led to the creation of their signature “Reveal Your Brand” process, focusing on helping clients differentiate themselves in a crowded, often AI-influenced marketplace.

• AI in Copywriting: Laurel’s nuanced take on using AI as a tool for amplifying original brand voice-not for replacing it-and the importance of human creativity and specificity in messaging.

• Client Personas and Targeting: Why fleshing out detailed, psychographic client personas is essential for effective branding, and practical tips for entrepreneurs on interviewing clients to refine their messaging.

• Staying True to Your Niche: The importance of working with clients and industries that align with your strengths and passions, and letting your brand language both attract and repel to ensure the right fit.

Memorable Quotes:

"It was an experiment that ended up turning into a full-time business. It's been six years and I haven't looked back."

"AI is never going to substitute for a creative human brain... I'm really pro original creative thought, especially when it comes to branding."

"Let the language both attract and repel clients for you-better to know before you start working with them."

About the Guest:

Laurel Carpenter is a brand strategist and copywriter dedicated to helping coaches, creatives, and consultants turn generic copy into powerful, specific messaging that reflects their values and drives business growth. As co-founder of Pearl Consulting NYC, she partners with her husband, Charles Herold, blending their backgrounds in journalism, social work, and creative storytelling.

Connect with Us:

• Connect with Laurel on LinkedIn
• Pearl Consulting NYC

• Enjoyed this episode? Share it with your network and subscribe for more stories of unique career journeys.

• Have feedback or a guest suggestion? Reach out to the Around the Ladder team!

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 a career, and how resilience, adaptability, and self-compassion are key to thriving in any field.

Key Topics & Highlights:

• Redefining Career Paths: Erica and Candice discuss the concept of “going around the ladder” and forging a non-linear career. Candice shares how, after 25 years as an employee, she discovered her entrepreneurial spirit and founded her own consulting firm.

• Early Career Risks: Candice describes being tasked with building an audit program for law firms at a major bank early in her career-a role she accepted despite limited experience. She reflects on the value of taking risks and how this “sink or swim” moment became a defining point, putting her on the executive radar and opening doors for further growth.

• Learning from the Legal Industry: Candice explains how working with law firms revealed the complexities of running a business as a lawyer and the importance of separating the practice of law from the business of law. She shares stories and lessons from her time auditing law firms, emphasizing the value of viewing problems from multiple angles.

• Transitioning to Entrepreneurship: The conversation explores Candice’s move from a corporate environment to consulting, the challenges of adapting to new roles, and the importance of learning from clients as much as teaching them.

• Resilience and Work-Life Integration: Candice opens up about balancing a growing business, young children (including twins and a third baby soon after), and community leadership. She offers practical tips on time-blocking, prioritizing, and embracing “work-life integration” over the elusive idea of balance.

• Turning Setbacks into Opportunities: Candice recounts losing a major client shortly after becoming a mother of twins, only to find that this setback allowed her to deepen relationships with other clients and ultimately led to better opportunities.

• Advice to Her Younger Self: Candice reflects on the importance of self-compassion and giving oneself grace during tough times. She encourages listeners not to stress over every setback, as each experience contributes to growth and future success.

Memorable Quotes:

“When you get that opportunity to sink or swim, if you really have the guts to do it, it could change the course of your career.”

“I hate the term work-life balance… it’s about work-life integration and figuring out what’s truly important to you.”

“If you don’t ever look back on a conversation or decision and cringe, then you’re either not reflecting and growing, or you’re a narcissist.”

About the Guest:

Candice Miller is the founder of Miller Strategic Advisory Group, specializing in fractional COO, CSO, and business development coaching for professional service firms. With over 15 years’ experience across banking, accounting, tax, finance, and law, Candice is also a dedicated mentor and board member with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie, Niagara, and the Southern Tier, earning “Big of the Year” in 2024.

Connect with Us:

• Connect with Candice on LinkedIn
• Miller Strategic Advisory Group

• If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with others and subscribe for more inspiring career journeys.

• Have feedback or want to suggest a guest? Reach out to us!

Thank you for listening to Around the Ladder-where we celebrate the winding paths to success!

Host: Erica Steinberg Guest: Morgan Katz, Founder & CEO of Ticketnology

Episode Title: Revolutionizing Live Event Ticketing & Finding Purpose Beyond the Ladder with Morgan Katz

Episode Summary: 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 conversation covers the challenges and rewards of pivoting careers, lessons learned from leading a tech company, and the importance of clarity, adaptability, and compassion in both business and life.

• Introduction to Morgan Katz

  • Founder & CEO of Ticketnology, a platform transforming how businesses manage live event tickets

  • Background in live events with sports teams, venues, and corporate hospitality

  • Frequent speaker on client experience, event strategy, and business growth

• Gunny’s House: A Mission of Compassion

  • Morgan’s charity for senior and medically challenged rescue dogs

  • Focus on providing a loving, quality life for dogs who are often overlooked in shelters

  • The inspiration behind the charity and the impact it’s making

• Morgan’s Career Journey

  • Early career in live events, always “with a walkie talkie”

  • Transition from employee to entrepreneur after a major shift in company leadership

  • Realization of her entrepreneurial spirit and how it shaped her approach to business

• Building Ticketnology

  • Started as a consulting and ticket brokerage in 2019

  • Pivoted to a tech platform during the COVID-19 pandemic in response to industry shifts

  • Launched the software in April 2021, focusing on client experience and data-driven solutions

• Lessons in Entrepreneurship

  • Embracing the “big picture” mindset and learning to communicate vision clearly

  • Navigating the challenges of not being a technical founder

  • The importance of a strong development team and customer-first product design

• Personal Growth & Reflections

  • Discovering new strengths through entrepreneurship, such as strategic planning and self-regulation

  • The ongoing journey of balancing doubt, adaptability, and purpose

  • The value of combining diverse skills, big-picture thinking and attention to detail-in building successful ventures

“I’ve always been kind of that out-of-the-box thinker, but I never just titled it as an entrepreneur… Once that happened and it was time to figure out my next move, that’s when I really started to understand and invest in my side of being an entrepreneur.”

“Gunny’s House mission is to extend the life for a dog… taking those dogs that have medical issues that are not adoptable and letting them enjoy the rest of their quality of life at a nice place.”

“Being clear is being kind. If I haven’t fully explained the mission or the vision or what we’re trying to do, we’re not going to get anywhere.”

• Ticketnology: Learn more about Morgan’s platform for live event ticket management.

• LinkedIn

Thank you for listening to Around the Ladder, where we celebrate the unexpected and inspiring career journeys that don’t always go straight up. Subscribe for more stories of reinvention, resilience, and purpose!

Host: Erika Steinberg Guest: Dr. Erika Powell

Episode Summary

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 transformative, people-centered approaches.

Key Topics Discussed

• Nonlinear Career Paths: Dr. Powell discusses her unconventional journey, combining elements of anthropology, linguistics, and education, and how her natural affinity for art became central to her work.

• Blending Art and Leadership: She explains why traditional leadership models often fall short in today’s complex, rapidly changing work environments, and how integrating creativity and art unlocks deeper, more authentic engagement.

• The Power of Authenticity: The conversation explores the cost of compartmentalizing one’s professional and personal selves, and the importance of leading from a place of authenticity and emotional awareness.

• Facilitating Transformative Workshops: Dr. Powell shares a detailed story of a workshop with an executive team, where art-based exercises (like sculpting with clay) helped surface unspoken tensions and foster genuine breakthroughs in team dynamics.

• Navigating Layers and False Positives: The discussion highlights the layered nature of emotional work in organizations, the risk of “false positives” in group settings, and why ongoing, iterative conversations are necessary for real change.

• Designing for Emotional Safety: Dr. Powell describes how she intentionally designs workshops to accommodate participants who may be reluctant to engage emotionally, using activities that gently open up space for genuine connection.

Notable Quotes

“Work and what we're seeing today in the world is really inviting us to marry the intuitive and the practical. It can't just be, ‘I thought my way through this.’ There’s a big feelings piece that's still very much there.”

“Our best solutions for ourselves and for our teams are found when we go into that heart space with each other.”

Takeaways

• Creativity and art can be powerful tools for surfacing truths, resolving tension, and fostering authentic connection in teams.

• Real transformation in organizations is a layered process that requires ongoing dialogue and willingness to explore beneath the surface.

• Emotional intelligence and authenticity are as crucial as technical skills in effective leadership today.

Next Steps

Subscribe to Around the Ladder for more conversations about unconventional career journeys and the power of authenticity at work. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your network!

Host: Erika Steinberg Guest: Anne Ryan, Resume & LinkedIn Coach

Episode Summary

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.

Key Topics Discussed

• Anne’s Career Pivot: Anne recounts her transition from a 20-year career in software and tech to resume coaching. As a hiring manager, she noticed how many qualified candidates were overlooked due to poorly crafted resumes, inspiring her to start offering workshops and eventually launch her own business1.

• From Rejection to Success: Anne shares a powerful client story: someone who sent out 300+ job applications with no luck. After working with Anne to reframe his resume for the tech industry, he quickly landed interviews and a job offer. Anne emphasizes the importance of marketing your skills in the right language1.

• Entrepreneurial Fears & Lessons: Both Erica and Anne discuss the fears and hesitations that come with starting a business. Anne introduces her concept of “FOMAM” (Fear of Making a Mistake) and recounts the advice that helped her move forward: “You’re going to launch wrong, but do it anyway.” She highlights the support she received from entrepreneurial friends and the transformative effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on her career path1.

• Superpowers & Coaching Philosophy: Anne credits her yoga teacher training for teaching her the importance of “holding space” for clients—creating a supportive, encouraging environment. She aims to make professional development fun and approachable, and values the feedback that she inspires and energizes her clients1.

• Favorite Audiences & Workshops: Anne has a special place in her heart for working with students and young professionals. She shares stories from her workshops, including a creative session at the Society of Women Engineers conference where she presented a resume workshop themed around Ken from the Barbie movie—complete with costume1.

• Defining Moments: Anne reflects on the pivotal moments that pushed her to entrepreneurship, including encouragement from mentors and the ease of officially starting her business. She describes entrepreneurship as “the most fun I’ve ever had, and the hardest I’ve ever worked”1.

Memorable Quotes

“You’re going to launch wrong, but do it anyway.” — Advice that helped Anne overcome her fear of making mistakes and start her business1.

“I want to make resumes and LinkedIn profiles fun. If you have to do it, you might as well have a good time.” — Anne Ryan on her coaching philosophy1.

“It’s the most fun I’ve ever had, and it’s the hardest I’ve ever worked.” — Anne on being an entrepreneur1.

In this inaugural episode of Around the Ladder, Erika Steinberg welcomes Shaari Gross Cohen.

In this episode we talk about:

• Knowing Your Worth – But not overselling yourself

• Creating Non-Negotiables in life– What are you not willing to let your career take the place of

• 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.

• Walk through all open doors – Take advantage of the opportunities in front of you and try out new things as much as you can.

• Be Relatable – The way to grow your business and build relationships is to take the time to get to know your clients and relate to them.

• Adapting to Change – Staying relevant in evolving industries through li

This episode is packed with practical advice and insights to help entrepreneurs at all stages navigate their careers with confidence.

Connect with Sharri on LinkedIn