We often think career success is about moving faster, achieving more, and checking off the next goal. But real leadership isn’t just about forward momentum—it’s about pausing to reflect.

In this special Breast Cancer Awareness Month episode, Stephanie opens up about her personal journey through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery—and the profound lessons it revealed about faith, leadership, and what truly matters. She shares how facing cancer reshaped her values, priorities, and approach to leading others, offering an honest reflection on resilience, grace, and the courage to live and lead with intention.

What does it really take to walk away from a stable career, and step into the unknown? In this episode of Next Step Career Corner, I sit down with Meghan McCaffery, a former teacher and nurse turned career coach, who now helps women craft purposeful, fulfilling work lives.

In this episode of Next Step Career Corner, I sit down with Laura Hill, former Chief Information Officer of the U.S. Forest Service, Army veteran, and trailblazing woman leader. Laura takes us through the crucibles of her career: joining the Army ROTC to escape a turbulent home life, breaking barriers in a male-dominated military, leading high-stakes IT operations at the White House after 9/11, and navigating the complexities of federal leadership.

Leaders aren’t hired for tasks, they’re hired for outcomes. In this solo episode, career coach Stephanie Renk shares how to stand out right now, in a market with slower hiring, more selective searches, and a premium on measurable results.

I sit down with Angie Callen - engineer-turned-career-coach, founder of Career Benders, and creator of the Modern Coach platform. We explore the messy middle of leadership—imposter syndrome, ambition, boundaries, and burnout—and how women can rise without losing themselves.

In this episode, I sit down with Keri-Lynne Shaw, founder of The Salary Bump and former Chief People Officer, to explore what it really means to own your worth in today’s job market. With deep experience in HR and career strategy, Keri-Lynn has helped countless professionals navigate high-stakes negotiations, career pivots, and transformative growth. We talk about why so many people under-advocate for themselves, what holds them back from asking for more, and how to shift that mindset using clarity, confidence, and strategy. KL shares practical advice for anyone preparing for a raise conversation, considering a job offer, or looking to design a career path that reflects their full value. Whether you’re entering negotiations or just starting to rethink your worth, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and actionable takeaways.

Julie Roberts is a powerhouse in tech leadership, balancing her role as VP of Engineering at Presidio with raising school-age kids, caring for her aging parents, and championing women in technology. With over two decades of experience in network engineering and program leadership, Julie has built high-performing teams, guided complex projects, and created space for women to lead boldly. In this episode, we explore how she navigates leadership through personal and professional transitions, what hiring managers are really looking for, and how she empowers women to own their careers and rise with confidence.

Are you a leader feeling unsure how to show up in today’s job market? Whether you're navigating a career transition, eyeing a board seat, or simply ready for your next chapter, this episode is for you. Join career coach Stephanie Renk as she is interviewed by a fellow coach and dives into what it truly takes for leaders to stand out in the job search. From owning your leadership brand to showing strategic value in interviews, Stephanie shares the most common mistakes she sees and how to fix them.

In this episode of Next Step Career Corner, I sit down with Michelle Choate - facilitator, keynote speaker, and executive coach with over 25 years of experience in leadership development, organizational culture, and emotional intelligence. Michelle shares how self-leadership and emotional intelligence can help women reclaim their power, navigate volatile work environments, and lead with clarity and compassion.

In this episode, I sit down with Shelly Niehaus - a mom, entrepreneur, and branding expert - to talk about the real-life juggle of raising a family while building a business. Shelly shares her journey of launching a career while raising kids, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and how she’s helped others create standout personal brands that reflect both their values and their goals. Whether you're a working mom, a business owner, or someone trying to build a brand with authenticity and purpose, this episode is full of real talk and actionable takeaways.

In this episode, I sit down with Cammas Freeman, founder of Stackrock Talent, to explore the recruiter's perspective on today’s job search landscape. Cammas pulls back the curtain on what it’s really like to sort through résumés, screen candidates, and make those all-important calls.

In this inspiring episode of Next Step Career Corner, Stephanie sits down with the Executive Director of PARWCC, Margaret Phares, to talk about what it means to lead with authenticity while navigating the ever-evolving journey of motherhood. From executive meetings to bedtime routines, this honest conversation explores the realities of wearing both the leader and mom hats - often at the same time. You’ll hear real stories, lessons learned, and powerful takeaways on setting boundaries, leading with empathy, and redefining what success looks like at work and at home. Whether you're a working parent, an emerging leader, or someone seeking more balance, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and empowered.

In this episode, Lili Foggle, an interview coach and member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches, joins me in discussing the critical role of confidence in job interviews and tips on how women and marginalized groups can project confidence. We also tackle the implications of AI in the modern interview process - is it as bad as we think?

In this episode, I discuss leadership qualities from the perspective of a non-profit executive director - Stephanie Pearl of A New Beginning Adoption Agency. We also talk about team dynamics, board member selection, and the culture at a non-profit agency. Stephanie shares insights into her flexible management style, the importance of collaboration, and the nuances of working in the nonprofit sector.

In this episode, I will chat with Denise Bittler, founder of Resume Interview Success, about how we can help our leaders, especially women, stand out. We’ll discuss executive differentiation, the unique challenges women leaders face in their career journeys, and practical strategies for enhancing resumes. We’ll also offer actionable advice for women to advance their careers and establish a compelling executive presence.

In our very first episode, I chat with Mark Misiano, founder of Résumé Ready. We will discuss the importance of strategic job searching, emphasizing relationship building and the effective use of LinkedIn. We will also cover job search timelines, continuous education, and tips for maintaining visibility and managing a job search, especially for introverts and those balancing full-time work.