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.
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Episodes
Friday Apr 25, 2025
Friday Apr 25, 2025
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.
Connect with Anne on LinkedIn
Friday Apr 11, 2025
Friday Apr 11, 2025
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