Climbing the Corporate Ladder without Breaking a Heel

Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer
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Climbing the Corporate Ladder Without Breaking a Heel is the podcast for high-achieving women who refuse to leave their future to chance. Hosted by executive coach, bestselling author, speaker, and Human Capital Strategist Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer, each episode explores leadership, career agency, personal growth, and the choices that shape our lives and careers. Through candid conversations with accomplished leaders, experts, and trailblazers, you'll gain practical insights to help you navigate change, strengthen confidence, build influence, and create meaningful momentum. At the heart of the show is a simple belief: success should not come at the expense of your well-being, purpose, or authenticity. Drawing on the principles behind Stop Drifting: The Discipline of Direction™, the 7-Minute Pivot™, and decades of executive leadership and coaching experience, Dr. Cynthia helps listeners recognize the patterns that pull them away from what matters most—and take intentional steps toward the future they want to create. Whether you're pursuing your next promotion, leading through uncertainty, exploring what's next in your career, or simply seeking greater alignment in your life, this podcast will equip you with practical tools and inspiring stories to help you move forward with intention. Because the goal isn't to do more. It's to move with purpose.

  1. 2d ago

    Your Leadership Starts at Home

    Success at work doesn't happen in a vacuum. The way we communicate, resolve conflict, share responsibility, and support one another at home often shapes the leaders we become at work. In this episode of Climbing the Corporate Ladder without Breaking a Heel, Dr. Cynthia is joined by leadership consultants, therapists, and authors Drs. Jake and Jennifer Dean Hill for a conversation about the connection between healthy relationships and effective leadership. Drawing from more than 25 years of clinical experience and research in global leadership, the Hills share their journey of building a nontraditional "peer marriage," where both partners intentionally shared leadership, parenting, and career ambitions. Along the way, they introduce their powerful Two Crowns philosophy, the belief that leadership is not a limited resource and that both people in a partnership can thrive without diminishing one another. Together, they explore: Why power is not a zero-sum game in relationships or leadership How home life directly influences workplace performance The "Concentric Circles of Mattering" framework for balancing self, relationships, and shared purpose How couples can create vision statements, core values, and intentional strategies for their family, just as successful organizations do Why mutual submission, trust, and collaboration create stronger partnerships and better leaders Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder, leading a team, growing a business, or simply striving to build healthier relationships, this conversation offers practical wisdom for creating a life where success at work and fulfillment at home reinforce one another rather than compete. If you've ever wondered whether you can pursue ambitious goals without sacrificing your relationships, or whether your personal life influences your professional leadership more than you realize, this episode will challenge the way you think about both. CONNECT WITH DR-CYNTHIA LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drcynthiabentzenmercer/ Instagram: instagram.com/drcynthiabentzenmercer Facebook: facebook.com/drcynthiabentzen TikTok: tiktok.com/@drcynthiabentzenmercer

    51 min

  2. Jun 23

    The High-Achiever's Guide to Healthy Love

    Why do so many successful women thrive in their careers but struggle to find the same fulfillment in their relationships? In this episode of Climbing the Corporate Ladder Without Breaking a Heel, Dr. Cynthia sits down with relationship and emotional healing expert Mina Yang to explore the unique challenges high-achieving women face when it comes to love, dating, and partnership. Together, they unpack why the skills that drive professional success, such as managing, problem-solving, and overperforming, can create unexpected obstacles in relationships. Mina challenges the common belief that successful women are "too intimidating" and explains why the right partner won't be threatened by your ambition, confidence, or success. The conversation also dives into the deeper emotional patterns that may be shaping your relationships, including childhood beliefs about love, self-worth, and safety. Mina shares how healing subconscious wounds can help women stop chasing validation, recognize red flags earlier, and build healthier connections. You'll also hear practical advice on dating with intention, prioritizing compatibility over chemistry, and creating space for love without sacrificing who you are. If you've ever wondered why success feels easier at work than in your personal life, this episode is for you. In this episode: • Why high-achieving women often overfunction in relationships • The truth behind the "successful women intimidate men" narrative • How childhood experiences shape adult relationship patterns • Why compatibility matters more than chemistry • Practical strategies for intentional dating • What to start, stop, and continue doing to build healthier relationships Because the goal isn't choosing between success and love. It's creating space for both. CONNECT WITH DR-CYNTHIA LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drcynthiabentzenmercer/ Instagram: instagram.com/drcynthiabentzenmercer Facebook: facebook.com/drcynthiabentzen TikTok: tiktok.com/@drcynthiabentzenmercer

    46 min

  3. Jun 16

    The Biggest Dating Mistakes Successful Women Make

    In this episode of Climbing the Corporate Ladder Without Breaking a Heel, Dr. Cynthia sits down with renowned dating coach and relationship expert Evan Marc Katz to discuss why finding love can feel especially challenging for high-achieving women and what it takes to build a healthy, lasting relationship. Evan shares the philosophy behind his "GPS for Love" approach, encouraging women to become the CEO of their love life by making intentional, strategic decisions about dating. Together, they explore why many women struggle not because they can't find good partners, but because their "picker" may be focused on the wrong qualities. The conversation tackles modern dating apps, common misconceptions about successful women intimidating men, the importance of character over credentials, and the five relationship traits that matter most for long-term happiness: kindness, consistency, communication, commitment, and character. Whether you're navigating the dating world, re-entering the scene after a breakup, or simply curious about the dynamics of modern relationships, this episode offers practical insights and a fresh perspective on finding the right partner without settling for the wrong things. CONNECT WITH DR-CYNTHIA LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drcynthiabentzenmercer/ Instagram: instagram.com/drcynthiabentzenmercer Facebook: facebook.com/drcynthiabentzen TikTok: tiktok.com/@drcynthiabentzenmercer

    51 min

  4. Jun 9

    How to Advocate for Yourself at Work and Lead with Confidence

    In this episode of Climbing the Corporate Ladder Without Breaking a Heel, Dr. Cynthia sits down with leadership coach and BAM Leadership founder Brandon Maslan for a powerful conversation about personal agency, self-advocacy, and what it really means to lead with courage. Brandon shares his journey from overcoming childhood bullying and self-doubt to becoming a trial attorney, executive coach, and passionate advocate for gender equity in the workplace. Together, he and Dr. Cynthia explore the internal narratives that hold professionals back, the importance of challenging your own limiting beliefs, and how authentic leadership begins with owning your voice. They also discuss why allyship is a behavior, not a title, how AI can help professionals better articulate their accomplishments, and why sometimes the most courageous career move is refusing to play small, even if it means being "spectacularly fired." Whether you're navigating self-doubt, advocating for yourself, or striving to become a better ally and leader, this episode offers practical insights and a powerful reminder: you're probably not as alone as you think. Sometimes leadership starts with being the first person willing to speak up. CONNECT WITH DR-CYNTHIA LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drcynthiabentzenmercer/ Instagram: instagram.com/drcynthiabentzenmercer Facebook: facebook.com/drcynthiabentzen TikTok: tiktok.com/@drcynthiabentzenmercer

    59 min

  5. Jun 2

    The Leadership Skill Nobody Taught You

    Most leaders believe they're good listeners. Few have ever been taught how to listen strategically. In this episode of Climbing the Corporate Ladder Without Breaking a Heel, Dr. Cynthia sits down with Christine Miles, Founder and CEO of The Listening Path and author of What Is It Costing You Not to Listen?, to explore why intentional listening may be one of the most overlooked leadership skills in business today. Together, they unpack the hidden costs of miscommunication, the "listening gap" that exists between what is said and what is understood, and why our natural tendency to fix problems often prevents us from truly hearing others. Christine shares her practical Compass Framework, a six-question approach designed to uncover the story beneath the surface, along with her powerful Flashlight Technique for building trust, influence, and understanding. You'll learn: • Why listening is a competitive advantage for leaders • How closeness bias limits curiosity and decision-making • The difference between listening and advising • How intentional listening helps both introverts and extroverts increase their influence • Ways to apply listening skills to your team, your relationships, and even yourself Whether you're leading an organization, managing a team, or looking to strengthen your own leadership presence, this conversation will challenge the way you think about communication and reveal why listening may be your most valuable professional superpower. CONNECT WITH DR-CYNTHIA LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drcynthiabentzenmercer/ Instagram: instagram.com/drcynthiabentzenmercer Facebook: facebook.com/drcynthiabentzen TikTok: tiktok.com/@drcynthiabentzenmercer

    57 min

  6. May 26

    Your Resume Is Missing the Most Important Number

    Most women have been taught to negotiate with confidence. Cynthia Barnes says that's the wrong starting point. In this episode of Climbing the Corporate Ladder Without Breaking a Heel, Dr. Cynthia sits down with Cynthia Barnes, founder of the Black Women's Wealth Lab, to unpack the difference between the wage gap… and what Barnes calls the extraction gap. This conversation explores the hidden financial value women create inside organizations, why more education doesn't always lead to equitable compensation, and how women can begin documenting their true economic impact with hard data instead of assumptions. Barnes breaks down her "Value Audit" methodology, the forensic process used to calculate a professional's measurable contribution to a company, and explains why many women discover they've generated millions more in value than they were ever paid. Plus: one practical habit every professional should start immediately to build a paper trail of their impact, negotiation leverage, and long-term career protection. This episode will change the way you think about compensation, contribution, and your worth in the workplace. CONNECT WITH DR-CYNTHIA LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drcynthiabentzenmercer/ Instagram: instagram.com/drcynthiabentzenmercer Facebook: facebook.com/drcynthiabentzen TikTok: tiktok.com/@drcynthiabentzenmercer

    43 min

  7. May 19

    Building Wealth Without Losing Yourself

    In this episode of Climbing the Corporate Ladder without Breaking a Heel, Dr-Cynthia sits down with Mary Lyons, founder of WealthWoman, to discuss financial agency, abundance, and what it really means to build a life that feels aligned. Together, they unpack the pressure many high-achieving women feel to prove their success, the mindset shifts required to move from scarcity to abundance, and why wealth should be viewed as a tool for freedom rather than just a number on a spreadsheet. Mary also shares practical strategies for building long-term financial confidence, overcoming shame around money conversations, and defining success using your own scorecard instead of someone else's expectations. This episode is a reminder that your dream life is built through intentional decisions, not external validation. CONNECT WITH DR-CYNTHIA LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drcynthiabentzenmercer/ Instagram: instagram.com/drcynthiabentzenmercer Facebook: facebook.com/drcynthiabentzen TikTok: tiktok.com/@drcynthiabentzenmercer

    1 hr

  8. May 12

    What It Really Takes to Earn a Seat at the Table

    In this episode of Climbing the Corporate Ladder Without Breaking a Heel, Dr. Cynthia sits down with Dr. Keith D. Dorsey, founder and CEO of Boardroom Journey, to unpack what it actually takes for women to intentionally position themselves for corporate board service. From early-career professionals to seasoned executives, this conversation breaks down the long game behind building influence, visibility, and strategic leadership capital. Dr. Dorsey introduces his framework of the Five Capitals that shape a successful boardroom journey: • Human Capital • Social Capital • Director Capital • Cultural Capital • Commitment Capital Together, they discuss why waiting until you "feel ready" is one of the biggest mistakes ambitious women make and how intentional career decisions today can shape opportunities decades down the road. CONNECT WITH DR-CYNTHIA LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drcynthiabentzenmercer/ Instagram: instagram.com/drcynthiabentzenmercer Facebook: facebook.com/drcynthiabentzen TikTok: tiktok.com/@drcynthiabentzenmercer   CONNECT WITH DR. KEITH D. DORSEY LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-keith-d-dorsey-798a2681

    54 min
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About

Climbing the Corporate Ladder Without Breaking a Heel is the podcast for high-achieving women who refuse to leave their future to chance. Hosted by executive coach, bestselling author, speaker, and Human Capital Strategist Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer, each episode explores leadership, career agency, personal growth, and the choices that shape our lives and careers. Through candid conversations with accomplished leaders, experts, and trailblazers, you'll gain practical insights to help you navigate change, strengthen confidence, build influence, and create meaningful momentum. At the heart of the show is a simple belief: success should not come at the expense of your well-being, purpose, or authenticity. Drawing on the principles behind Stop Drifting: The Discipline of Direction™, the 7-Minute Pivot™, and decades of executive leadership and coaching experience, Dr. Cynthia helps listeners recognize the patterns that pull them away from what matters most—and take intentional steps toward the future they want to create. Whether you're pursuing your next promotion, leading through uncertainty, exploring what's next in your career, or simply seeking greater alignment in your life, this podcast will equip you with practical tools and inspiring stories to help you move forward with intention. Because the goal isn't to do more. It's to move with purpose.

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