Explore every episode of the podcast Climbing the Corporate Ladder without Breaking a Heel
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setback To Success: Latha Jay | #8 | 22 Oct 2025 | 00:51:30 | |
What if every setback youâve 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 mastering the art of manifestation, Latha shares how following joyânot perfectionâled her to purpose. Youâll learn how to:
By the end, youâll see that the life you want isnât out of reachâitâs already within you, waiting to be claimed. đż   Connect with Latha Jay: đď¸ Connect with host Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn
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| Reinvention After 50: Sally Mueller | #7 | 15 Oct 2025 | 00:44:30 | |
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 menopauseâand a massive gap in products, education, and honest conversation. So she built the solution herself. In this inspiring episode, Sally shares how she launched a movement for #Menopositivity, started a venture-backed company in her late 50s, and redefined what it means to thrive in midlife. Youâll hear:
This is the episode every ambitious woman needs to hearâwhether youâre in midlife, approaching it, or simply ready to embrace your next chapter with confidence. đ Connect with Sally Mueller: đď¸ Connect with host Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer: | |||
| Put Yourself First: A Doctorâs Cancer Wisdom: Dr. Tiffany Troso-Sandoval | #6 | 08 Oct 2025 | 00:53:20 | |
Too often, women sacrifice their own health for the sake of othersâsometimes 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 âputting yourself firstâ isnât selfishâitâs lifesaving. Dr. Troso unpacks her mission to empower women through personalized cancer care, second opinions, and prevention strategies, while Cynthia shares her perspective as a breast cancer survivor. Together, they explore the life-changing impact of prioritizing your health, seeking support, and embracing prevention. Key themes include:
This is more than a conversation about cancerâitâs a call for women everywhere to own their health and their future. Connect with Dr. Tiffany Troso-Sandoval: Â Connect with Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer:
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| Burnout, Boundaries, and Being âDifferent, Not Brokenâ: Lauren "L2" Howard | #5 | 01 Oct 2025 | 00:57:33 | |
What if burnout isnât about the job itself, but the culture around it? In this episode, Lauren âL2â Howardâmental health advocate and founder of LB Healthâopens up about walking away from a âdream job,â 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 syndrome, and the rise of late-life neurodivergence diagnoses. Youâll hear:
This conversation is real, raw, and packed with hope for anyone struggling to feel enough. Listen in and remember: you donât need permission to be kinder to yourself. ⨠Connect with Lauren âL2â Howard: LinkedIn | Instagram  | |||
| The Leading Voice Shaping Tomorrowâs Leaders: Donna Hicks-Mitchell | #4 | 24 Sep 2025 | 00:41:02 | |
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 womenâs advocacy. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities leaders face in building organizations that donât just succeedâbut truly transform the people and communities they touch. Key themes include:
This conversation will leave you inspired to expand your influence, elevate your leadership, and embrace your role in shaping a better future. đ Connect with Donna Hicks-Mitchell: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnahicksmitchell/ https://donnahicksmitchell.com/] đ Connect with Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer: Â | |||
| Unlocking the Curiosity Curve: Dr. Debra Clary | #3 | 17 Sep 2025 | 00:47:50 | |
What if the single most powerful leadership skill isnât having the answersâbut asking better questions? In this episode, Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer sits down with Dr. Debra Claryâexecutive leader, keynote speaker, and author of The Curiosity Curve. With decades of experience at Frito-Lay, Coca-Cola, Jack Danielâs, and Humana, Debra reveals how curiosity transforms organizations, drives retention and engagement, and helps leaders play the long game. Youâll learn:
Debraâs insights will inspire you to lead differently, spark growth in your teams, and approach your workâand lifeâwith a renewed sense of wonder. đ Connect with Dr. Debra Clary: debraclary.com  | |||
| The Power of the Irreversible Step: Amy Lessinger | #2 | 10 Sep 2025 | 00:51:25 | |
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 â 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 company without knowing what would come next. Together, they unpack:
This is a conversation about courage, growth, and designing a life by choice â not default. If youâve been waiting for a sign to take your next step, this is it. Â đ§ Connect with Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer: Website: https://www.bentzenperformancepartners.com/ LinkedIn: @drcynthiabentzenmercer Instagram: @drcynthiabentzenmercer | |||
| The $500Kâ$1M Executive Accelerator: Christy Rutherford | #1 | 03 Sep 2025 | 00:55:45 | |
Either youâre moving the piecesâor youâre 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 commander rank, to building a global reputation for creating million-dollar executives, Christy shares the mindset shifts and strategies that turn ambition into unstoppable success. Key themes youâll hear:
Christyâs no-nonsense wisdom will challenge you to stop waiting for permission and start playing to win. If youâve been craving clarity, courage, and a concrete path forwardâthis conversation is your wake-up call. đ Connect with Christy: đ Connect with Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer: Â | |||