Around the Ladder
Around the Ladder
Podcast Description
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.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers themes of career development, personal growth, and entrepreneurship, with episodes discussing topics such as career pivots illustrated by Anne Ryan's transition from tech to coaching, the importance of reframing resumes, and creating supportive environments for personal development.
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.
In this episode of Around the Ladder, host Erika Steinberg sits down with Meg Pritchard, founder of Create Communications, to explore what it truly means to build a career “around the ladder” rather than climbing it. Meg’s journey takes us from her early days as a litigation associate, through unconventional choices shaped by circumstance and self-awareness, to her current role leading a boutique content consultancy for major law firms. This candid conversation is packed with insights on embracing uncertainty, redefining success, and finding your own way to the top—whether in law, business, or life.
Notable Quotes
“There’s more than one way to get to the top.”
“I’ve never been fully qualified for any job I’ve actually taken.”
“You get to determine what success looks like for yourself.”
Episode Highlights
Unconventional Choices: Meg shares how her career path veered from the expected “big law” trajectory, starting with her decision to stay at a boutique firm and later co-found a new office for a Chicago firm.
Life Events as Catalysts: How motherhood, a premature baby, twins, and a divorce led Meg to make bold career pivots—including stepping off the traditional legal path.
Embracing Uncertainty: Meg’s philosophy that “panic is an excellent motivator” and her advice to take opportunities even if you’re not 100% qualified.
Rock Climbing as a Metaphor: Drawing parallels between climbing and careers, Meg explains that there’s no single “right” route to the top—everyone must find what works for them.
Authenticity in Business: Why Meg believes in being herself—fast-talking, candid, and sometimes unconventional—and how that attracts the right clients.
Networking and Relationships: Every client Meg has ever worked with has come through personal connections, emphasizing the power of relationships in business growth.
Takeaways
Success is Personal: There is no universal definition of career success—define it for yourself.
Growth Happens Outside Your Comfort Zone: Don’t wait to be “fully qualified” before taking a leap.
Relationships Matter: Building a network and maintaining authentic connections can open doors you never expected.
Embrace Change: Life’s unexpected turns can lead to new opportunities and even better outcomes.
Connect With Meg Pritchard
Website: https://www.create-cmm.com/
Thank you for listening, if you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, and share it with someone navigating their own unconventional career path. Stay tuned for more stories about forging your unique journey.
Disclaimer
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