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 welcomes Elise Holtzman, former practicing attorney turned executive coach, consultant, and founder of The Lawyer’s Edge. Elise shares her unconventional journey from pre-med student to Big Law associate, and ultimately to a thriving career helping lawyers become confident leaders and rainmakers.
With humor and candor, Elise opens up about the challenges of leaving law, the mindset shifts required to embrace coaching, and the ripple effect of empowering women lawyers through her signature Ignite program. She also dives into the importance of investing in your own career development—even if it’s just two hours a quarter—and why law firms must rethink how they train and retain talent.
Whether you’re a seasoned partner, a rising associate, or someone considering a pivot, Elise’s story is a masterclass in clarity, courage, and career ownership.
Topics Covered:
- Elise’s shift from pre-med to law—and why physics sealed the deal
- Navigating identity after leaving Big Law
- The founding of The Lawyer’s Edge and discovering coaching
- Why specializing in lawyers has been all upside
- The intersection of leadership and business development
- Recurring themes in coaching women lawyers
- Generational shifts and the power of investing in young talent
- The importance of career “power hours”
- Advice Elise would give her younger self
Connect With Elise Holtzman:
- Website: The Lawyer’s Edge
- LinkedIn: Elise Holtzman
- Podcast: The Lawyer’s Edge Podcast
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