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 Shabnam Irilian for an honest conversation about what happens when a career that once felt right starts to feel misaligned. Shabnam shares her experience of stepping away from a successful, linear career after realizing that burnout, exhaustion, and a lack of fulfillment had taken over. Together, they explore the emotional weight of leaving behind a path that others may see as successful, even when it no longer feels sustainable from the inside.
The conversation goes beyond career change and into the deeper stories we tell ourselves about work, worth, and success. Shabnam opens up about the beliefs that kept her going for so long, the idea that hard work would always be rewarded, that gratitude should keep her from asking for more, and that being dependable meant carrying more than she should have. Erika draws out thoughtful reflections on burnout, identity, and the pressure many high-performing professionals, especially eldest daughters and first-generation women, carry throughout their careers.
They also discuss the shift toward building a portfolio of income instead of relying on a single job or title. Shabnam talks about creating a more intentional life through consulting, board work, teaching, and creative projects, while Erika reflects on the importance of choosing work that feels aligned and sustainable. The episode closes with a powerful reminder that career clarity often begins by paying attention to what does not feel right, asking better questions, and giving yourself permission to choose differently.
Connect with Shabnam:
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.