Episode 16

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Published on:

21st Apr 2025

Beyond the Breaking Point: How Bad Leadership Sparked a Bold Career Reinvention

In episode 16, Dr. Natalie Luke speaks with Dr. Patricia Stepp about her experiences with toxic leadership, the importance of resilience, and the pivotal moments that shaped her career. They discuss the dynamics of leadership, the necessity of networking, and the challenges women face in the workplace. Dr. Stepp shares her journey from biomedical research to intellectual property, emphasizing the value of authenticity and the importance of embracing change. The conversation underscores the importance of standing your ground, learning from experiences, and the value of self-trust in navigating career paths.

Key Takeaways:

  • Knowing your worth is crucial in the workplace.
  • Toxic leadership can have lasting impacts on careers.
  • Resilience and self-trust are key to career success.
  • Networking is about building genuine connections.
  • Leadership dynamics can influence career decisions.
  • Being comfortable with discomfort can lead to growth.
  • It's essential to discuss workplace challenges.
  • Authenticity is vital for long-term success.
  • Women face unique challenges in leadership roles.
  • Embracing change is crucial for both personal and professional growth.

Sound Bites

"You have to talk about it to fix it."

"Be comfortable with being uncomfortable."

"You need to be willing to learn new things."

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Mentioned in this episode:

Thrive in 25

Let's Thrive in 25. https://unceiling-you.captivate.fm/thrive-in25

Thrive in 25

Thrive in 25

Let's Thrive in 25. https://unceiling-you.captivate.fm/thrive-in25

Thrive in 25

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About the Podcast

Career Advancement for Ambitious Women: UnCeiling You
Ambition Unleashed
UnCeiling You Podcast

Are you interested in breaking barriers, redefining success, and embracing the boldness of your ambition? UnCeiling You is the podcast for people who are ready to silence their inner critic, tackle workplace challenges, and unlock their full potential.

Who Is This Podcast For?
UnCeiling You is tailored for ambitious people across various stages of life:

-> The mid-career professional looking to advance.
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-> The working mom balancing career and family.
-> Women navigating workplace dynamics, self-doubt, and ambition.

This podcast is for you if you're ready to take radical responsibility for your growth and be inspired by the journeys of women who've redefined their ceilings.

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This podcast combines solo episodes with interviews with accomplished people. In Season 1, we’ll explore the internal barriers professional, honest, hardworking people face in the workplace, exploring themes like silencing your inner critic, navigating ambition, and embracing imagination. Each episode is 30 minutes long, perfect for your commute to work or a quick dose of inspiration during your day.

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We cover a range of topics to help you grow personally and professionally, including:

-> Breaking through self-doubt and imposter syndrome.
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About your host

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Natalie Luke

As a woman who has experienced multiple career transitions and climbed the ladder in various industries, I stand before you as a living testament to the incredible potential within each of us. From starting as a high school science teacher to pursuing a Ph.D. and exploring new business opportunities for the companies that employed me, my journey has taken me through roles in sales, sales training, marketing, and clinical research in the healthcare industry. I have faced challenges and moments of self-doubt throughout my career, but I have always embraced resilience and adaptability to grow and reinvent myself. Now, as the author and founder and host of the UnCeiling You Podcast, I am dedicated to empowering women like you to unlock your true potential, overcome obstacles, and create fulfilling careers. With our episodes, resources, and supportive community, we will embark on a transformative journey together, UnCeiling the limitless possibilities within each of us. Let's embrace this opportunity for growth, connection, and transformation as UnCeil our potential and let the ripple effect unfold!