Climbing the Corporate Ladder without Breaking a Heel

In this episode of Climbing the Corporate Ladder Without Breaking a Heel, Dr. Cynthia sits down with Heather McGowan (named one of Forbes' top futurists), a sought-after strategist, keynote speaker, and two-time bestselling author, to unpack what the future of work actually looks like and why our most valuable advantage isn't technical… it's human. Heather challenges the fear-driven narrative that...

What if the reason you're not getting promoted isn't your performance… but your presence? In this episode of Climbing the Corporate Ladder Without Breaking a Heel , Dr. Cynthia sits down with Lorraine K. Lee, bestselling author of  Unforgettable Presence: Get Seen, Gain Influence, and Catapult Your Career , keynote speaker, Stanford Continuing Studies instructor, and LinkedIn Learning educator. Lo...

In a world of constant disruption, leaders are under pressure to execute bold transformation strategies faster than ever. But what happens when strategy moves ahead without bringing people along? In this episode of Climbing the Corporate Ladder Without Breaking a Heel , Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer is joined by Jen Fisher to explore why compliance may drive short-term results but ultimately undermin...

In this episode of Climbing the Corporate Ladder Without Breaking a Heel , Dr. Cynthia sits down with Mel Stanley , author of Success Without Compromise and founder of First Woman. With more than 25 years of experience as a C-suite marketer in the UK, Mel brings an honest, lived-in perspective on what it really takes for women to rise into leadership and what they are often asked to give up along...

In this special holiday bonus episode of Climbing the Corporate Ladder Without Breaking a Heel, Dr. Cynthia is joined by her two children, Jordyn and Jacob, for a deeply personal conversation about leadership, identity, and the ways a career can shape a family. Jordyn reflects on her journey through motherhood, divorce, and returning to the workforce after years as a stay-at-home mom. She shares w...

This week, Dr. Cynthia is joined by Melissa Aarskaug, Executive Vice President of Strategy & Growth at Druva, author of Renaissance , and a true architect of a career designed on purpose. Melissa challenges one of the most common myths about success: that it's defined by titles. Instead, she shares how real momentum emerges when values, energy, and calendar align—and how her biggest breakthroughs...

What happens when life brings more than you ever asked for... and you choose to rise anyway? In this powerful episode of Climbing the Corporate Ladder Without Breaking a Heel , Dr. Cynthia sits down with keynote speaker, New York Times bestselling author, and human behavior expert Kim Becking for an unforgettable conversation on resilience, reinvention, and unstoppable momentum. From a breast canc...

In this episode, Dr. Cynthia sits down with career strategist and author John Tarnoff to explore what it really looks like to reinvent yourself mid-career. John shares why your 40s, 50s, and beyond are actually your most strategic years and why resilience isn't about enduring more, but realigning your work with who you've become. Together, they unpack: • how to pivot without "starting over." • why...

What if the voice in your head telling you "you're not ready"... is simply wrong? This week, Dr. Cynthia is joined by Nina Blackshear, who breaks down the truth about imposter phenomenon and the sneaky ways it undermines even the most accomplished leaders. Together, they explore why your brain sends false danger signals, how to separate facts from fear, and the mindset shifts that help leaders ris...

We're entering a new era of leadership—one where connection isn't "nice to have," it's the entire strategy. In this episode, Dr. Michelle K. Johnston shares why the old command-and-control playbook is collapsing and how leaders who prioritize authentic human connection are winning in culture, retention, impact, and well-being. She breaks down the seismic shift happening inside organizations today...

What if happiness isn't something you chase—but something you build? In this uplifting episode, Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer sits down with Michele Phillips, author of Happiness Is a Habit and Energize Your Happiness, to unpack the neuroscience behind joy, resilience, and energy.   Michele shares how micro-habits can rewire your brain, boost your performance, and transform your energy from the insid...

What if you never had to feel "stuck" in your career again? In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer sits down with Gavriella Schuster, a visionary tech executive and former Microsoft leader who reinvented herself 14 times in 25 years. Gavriella shares how she charted her path with intention—from mapping her next two jobs in advance to creating her own part-time role before "flex...

When life falls apart, how do you find your way forward?   Former USA gymnast, Emmy-winning news anchor, and bestselling author Nina Sossamon-Pogue joins Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer to share her powerful T.H.I.S. framework — a science-backed roadmap for navigating life's toughest chapters with resilience and grace. From career setbacks and divorce to rediscovering joy in midlife, Nina reveals how t...

What if every setback you've had was actually part of your success story? In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer sits down with Latha Jay, a spiritual manifestation coach and Ayurvedic practitioner who blends neuroscience, spirituality, and ancient wisdom to help people consciously create the lives they desire. From leaving medical school and launching multiple careers to maste...

What if your biggest reinvention came after 50? Sally Mueller, Co-founder & CEO of Womaness, is on a mission to flip the script on menopause and aging. After a powerhouse career with brands like Target, Who What Wear, and VERSED, Sally found herself navigating menopause—and a massive gap in products, education, and honest conversation. So she built the solution herself. In this inspiring episode,...

Too often, women sacrifice their own health for the sake of others—sometimes with devastating consequences. In this powerful episode, Dr. Tiffany Troso-Sandoval, a board-certified oncologist with over 25 years of experience, joins Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer to share why "putting yourself first" isn't selfish—it's lifesaving. Dr. Troso unpacks her mission to empower women through personalized cance...

What if burnout isn't about the job itself, but the culture around it? In this episode, Lauren "L2" Howard—mental health advocate and founder of LB Health—opens up about walking away from a "dream job," navigating toxic workplaces, and building a neuroaffirming clinic that helps people reclaim their worth. She and host Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer dive into the hidden roots of burnout, imposter synd...

What does it take to lead with cultural impact, empower women, and create sustainable change? In this episode, Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer sits down with Donna Hicks-Mitchell, a global voice in cultural sustainability, leadership development, and women's advocacy. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities leaders face in building organizations that don't just succeed—but truly transfo...

What if the single most powerful leadership skill isn't having the answers—but asking better questions? In this episode, Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer sits down with Dr. Debra Clary—executive leader, keynote speaker, and author of The Curiosity Curve. With decades of experience at Frito-Lay, Coca-Cola, Jack Daniel's, and Humana, Debra reveals how curiosity transforms organizations, drives retention a...

What if the whisper you keep ignoring is actually your invitation to transformation? In this episode, Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer sits down with Amy Lessinger — former President of RE/MAX, billion-dollar brokerage builder, strategist to top executives, and author of The Irreversible Steps. Amy shares the pivotal choices that shaped her career and life, including the bold decision to sell her compan...

Either you're moving the pieces—or you're the one being moved. In this bold and energizing episode, Dr. Cynthia sits down with powerhouse executive advisor Christy Rutherford, a former U.S. Coast Guard commander, Harvard grad, and author of 12 books who has helped leaders worldwide generate over $421 million in raises and revenue. From breaking barriers as one of only 13 Black women to ever reach...