Next Step Career Corner

Next Step Career Corner

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Next Step Career Corner episodes

  • Ep 24: Leading Through Differences: The Art of Collaboration and Mentorship
    In this episode, Erika Ivanyi joins me to talk about what real leadership looks like when ideas collide. We explore how to lead through differences, bring opposing viewpoints together, and guide teams toward a shared finish line. Erika also shares her insights on people leadership – what it takes to manage with empathy, mentor the next generation of women leaders, and help others take risks that lead to growth.
    Connect With Us
    Erika Ivanyi
    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erika-ivanyi/
    Stephanie Renk, MBA, CPCC, CERW
    Website: www.nextstepcareerservices.com
    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-renk Connect With the Host
    Stephanie Renk, MBA, CPCC, CERW 
    Website: www.nextstepcareerservices.com
    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-renk 
    🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get
    $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5894927649996800
    33 min
  • Ep 23: The Job Search Reset - How to Start Strong in 2026
    Welcome to a brand-new year of Next Step Career Corner! In today’s episode, Stephanie breaks down how to reset your job search for 2026 with clarity, confidence, and a practical plan that actually works. If your search slowed down at the end of 2025—or if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the market—you’re not behind. This is your fresh start.
    Learn the three essential steps to get aligned, get organized, and make real progress toward your next role.
    What You’ll Learn in This Episode
    What’s been happening in our job market over that last 5 years
    The #1 thing job seekers must do before applying to any roles
    How to refresh your résumé and LinkedIn profile for 2026 hiring trends
    A simple weekly job-search rhythm to avoid burnout
    Mindset reminders to stay motivated when the market feels slow
    Links & Resources
    ✔️ Book your Free Consultation: https://nextstepcareerservices.com/co...
    ✔️ Download your free résumé guide: https://next-step-career-services.kit...
    ✔️ Join my job seekers email list: https://next-step-career-services.kit... Connect With the Host
    Stephanie Renk, MBA, CPCC, CERW 
    Website: www.nextstepcareerservices.com
    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-renk 
    🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get
    $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5894927649996800
    15 min
  • Ep 22: From Nurse to Visionary: Wendy Sclafani’s Journey to Executive Leadership (1)
    Wendy Sclafani is a seasoned healthcare executive and clinical operations leader who brings over two decades of leadership to the table. Her career spans roles in hospital-based specialties, clinical management, and administrative oversight, with a strong emphasis on innovation, fiscal stewardship, and team development.
    She served for more than 22 years at Children’s National Hospital, where she advanced through several operational and business leadership roles, including Director of Business and Operations. Most recently, she held the role of Vice President of Clinical Operations at Uncommon Cures.
    She currently leads clinical operations at a local hospital, focusing on driving systemic growth, pioneering clinical programs, and bridging collaboration across clinicians, leadership, and staff.
    Connect With Us
    Wendy Sclafani, RN
    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-sclafani-233334185/
    Stephanie Renk, MBA, CPCC, CERW
    Website: www.nextstepcareerservices.com
    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-renk
    🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5894927649996800 Connect With the Host
    Stephanie Renk, MBA, CPCC, CERW 
    Website: www.nextstepcareerservices.com
    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-renk 
    🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get
    $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5894927649996800
    30 min
  • Ep 21: Leading Through the Seasons: Motherhood and the C-Suite
    What does leadership look like when your life is measured not only by quarterly reports but by school years, graduations, and growing independence? In this heartfelt conversation, Shannon Keenan, CFO of Artemis Factor, opens up about her journey balancing motherhood and an executive career through three stages of parenting — from toddlers to teenagers to young adults. Together, we explore how leadership evolves as both a mom and professional, what’s changed in her approach over the years, and the lessons she hopes to pass on to other women navigating both boardrooms and family rooms.
    🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5894927649996800 Connect With the Host
    Stephanie Renk, MBA, CPCC, CERW 
    Website: www.nextstepcareerservices.com
    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-renk 
    🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get
    $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5894927649996800
    39 min
  • Ep 20: Why Your Cover Letter Still Matters in the Age of AI
    In this episode of Next Step Career Corner, Stephanie breaks down why cover letters are far from outdated—and why most AI-generated versions fall flat.
    If you’ve ever wondered whether hiring managers actually read cover letters, what they’re looking for, or how to make yours sound like you instead of a template, this conversation will give you clarity, confidence, and a fresh approach.
    Stephanie shares:
    - The biggest gaps in generative AI cover letters
    - Why branding yourself in a cover letter matters more than ever
    - How to highlight your unique value in a way AI can’t replicate
    - The simple structure that turns your cover letter into a compelling narrative
    - The mindset shift every job seeker needs to bring their story forward
    You’ll leave this episode with practical, human-centered strategies to elevate your cover letter, strengthen your personal brand, and stand out in a crowded job market—no matter how much AI evolves.
    Whether you’re actively job searching, updating your materials, or supporting others through their career journey, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
    🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5894927649996800 Connect With the Host
    Stephanie Renk, MBA, CPCC, CERW 
    Website: www.nextstepcareerservices.com
    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-renk 
    🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get
    $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5894927649996800
    21 min
  • Ep: 19: From Passion to Purpose: Building a Career in Sustainability
    Ayse Trail is an energetic ESG and sustainability leader who bridges science, business, and innovation to drive environmental impact. Currently serving as Sustainability Manager at TE Connectivity, she leads global initiatives that integrate sustainability into complex manufacturing systems.
    Her path spans nonprofits, startups, academia, and government — from championing circular economy initiatives and achieving B Corp certification at Lovevery, to launching reusable product innovations at Don’t Waste Durham. A Duke-trained sustainability strategist, Ayse brings a pragmatic yet passionate approach to embedding ESG, net zero strategies, and environmental stewardship into everyday operations.
    Connect With Us
    Ayse Trail
    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ayse-trail/
    Stephanie Renk, MBA, CPCC, CERW
    Website: www.nextstepcareerservices.com
    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-renk
    🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5894927649996800 Connect With the Host
    Stephanie Renk, MBA, CPCC, CERW 
    Website: www.nextstepcareerservices.com
    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-renk 
    🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get
    $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5894927649996800
    30 min
  • Ep 18: The Power of Reflection in Your Career

    In this solo episode of Real Life. Real Leadership., host Stephanie Renk shares why reflection is the missing link between disruption and alignment in your career. You’ll learn how reflection builds self-awareness, uncovers patterns, and helps you lead with authenticity. 

    Stephanie also offers simple, practical reflection practices you can start today—whether you have ten minutes or a full hour to pause and reset. 
     

    Connect With the Host

    Stephanie Renk, MBA, CPCC, CERW 
    Website: www.nextstepcareerservices.com
    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-renk 

    🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5894927649996800

    20 min
  • Ep 17: What Cancer Taught Me About Leadership and Life
    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. Connect With the Host
    Stephanie Renk, MBA, CPCC, CERW 
    Website: www.nextstepcareerservices.com
    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-renk 
    🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get
    $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5894927649996800
    28 min
  • Ep 16: From Nurse to Coach: Embracing Career Change with Clarity and Confidence

    We explore what it means to pivot professionally when you're unsure of what’s next, and how vision, values, and joy can guide the process. Meghan shares the seven key life areas she walks clients through before diving into the job search, and how blending mindset with strategy builds the foundation for lasting change. Whether you're contemplating a career shift or coaching clients through one, Meghan’s story and insights offer encouragement, perspective, and a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to realign your work with who you are. 

    Connect With the Guest

    Meghan McCaffery, CPCC 
    Website: https://coachingwithmeghan.com 
    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-mccaffery 

    Connect With the Host

    Stephanie Renk, MBA, CPCC, CERW 
    Website: www.nextstepcareerservices.com
    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-renk 

    🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5894927649996800

    27 min
  • Ep 15: Leading Through Fire: Laura Hill’s Journey from Combat Zones to the CIO Office

    We talk about the highs and the heartbreaks. She opens up about healing, humility, and redefining leadership on her own terms. Whether you’re a woman in leadership, a veteran finding your voice, or someone seeking resilience after a setback, this conversation will inspire you to lead with courage and live with authenticity. 

    Connect With Us

    Laura Hill 
    Website: www.linkedin.com/company/idavets-strategic-it-llc 
    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/laura-hill-b09b9212 

    Stephanie Renk, MBA, CPCC, CERW 
    Website: www.nextstepcareerservices.com 
    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-renk 

    🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5894927649996800

    Connect With the Host

    Stephanie Renk, MBA, CPCC, CERW 
    Website: www.nextstepcareerservices.com
    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-renk 

    🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5894927649996800

    29 min

About Next Step Career Corner

From the publisher's feed

Next Step Career Corner helps job seekers navigate today’s job market with clarity, confidence, and practical strategy. Hosted by career coach and résumé expert Stephanie Renk, each episode delivers…