Next Step Career Corner

By Stephanie Renk

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 r... more

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FAQs about Next Step Career Corner:

How many episodes does Next Step Career Corner have?

The podcast currently has 24 episodes available.

Next Step Career Corner episodes:

January 20, 2026 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
...more
33min
January 06, 2026 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
...more
15min
December 16, 2025 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
...more
30min
December 02, 2025 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
...more
39min
November 18, 2025 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
...more
21min
November 04, 2025 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
...more
30min
October 21, 2025 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
...more
20min
October 07, 2025 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
...more
28min
September 16, 2025 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
...more
27min
September 02, 2025 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
...more
29min

FAQs about Next Step Career Corner:

How many episodes does Next Step Career Corner have?

The podcast currently has 24 episodes available.