Around the Ladder with Candice Miller

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

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