In this episode of Around the Ladder, host Erika Steinberg welcomes Judy Schoenberg and Linda Lautenberg, co-founders of EvolveMe, for a candid conversation about career reinvention in midlife. Together, they explore the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women looking to relaunch, pivot, or level up their careers, and discuss how EvolveMe is helping women thrive in an ever-evolving world of work.

1. Nonlinear Career Paths

• Erika, Judy, and Linda reflect on their own journeys, emphasizing that career paths are rarely linear. Judy shares her transition from a long tenure at Girl Scouts of the USA to entrepreneurship, while Linda recounts her pivot from finance to co-founding EvolveMe after a significant career break.

2. Facing Fear and Embracing Reinvention

• Both guests discuss the fears they faced—loss of professional identity, fear of being “too late,” and uncertainty about what’s next—and how embracing their past accomplishments and taking small steps helped them move forward. They highlight the importance of owning one’s value and successes as fuel for reinvention.

3. Systemic Barriers & Ageism

• The conversation addresses systemic challenges such as ageism and societal expectations for midlife women. Judy and Linda note the positive shifts in workplace flexibility and the normalization of career breaks, but also acknowledge ongoing barriers. They offer strategies for navigating these obstacles, including embracing one’s unique strengths and maintaining a growth mindset.

4. The Power of Community

• EvolveMe’s cohort-based model is designed to combat the isolation of career change. Judy and Linda explain how group support, mutual accountability, and cross-industry perspectives foster confidence and momentum, helping women see possibilities they might not have considered on their own.

5. Inspirational Stories

• Linda shares the story of a former cohort member, an attorney who initially sought to pivot to nonprofit work but ultimately found renewed purpose by niching down in her legal practice. Her journey exemplifies the self-discovery and transformation possible through EvolveMe’s approach.

6. Advice for Younger Selves

• Both guests reflect on what they wish they’d known in their twenties: careers don’t have to be linear, building diverse networks early is crucial, and paying attention to what brings you energy can guide future pivots. They encourage younger professionals to seek mentors and stay open to new opportunities.

“It doesn’t have to always be this grand statement of reinvention. It could be a 10% pivot. It doesn’t have to be a 360-degree pivot.” – Judy Schoenberg

“You can’t Google your way into a career reinvention… That’s why we created a community, so women don’t have to do it alone.” – Linda Lautenberg

“At every career stage, you have something special and unique that you’re bringing. In midlife, it’s perspective, wisdom, and resilience—you can see the forest for the trees.” – Linda Lautenberg

• EvolveMe: Learn more about EvolveMe’s programs for midlife career reinvention.

• Connect with Judy & Linda on LinkedIn.

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