Around the Ladder with Madeline Schwarz

Host: Erika Steinberg
Guest: Madeline Schwarz, Communication Coach

Episode Overview

Welcome to Around the Ladder, the podcast exploring the unexpected twists and turns of real career journeys. In this episode, host Erika Steinberg sits down with Madeline Schwarz, a communication coach who specializes in helping creatives and introverts find their voice and confidence in professional settings.

About the Guest

Madeline’s career path is anything but linear. She began in book publishing, transitioned into designing window displays and brand experiences, and ultimately found her calling as a communication coach. Madeline’s unique background in storytelling—whether in print, three-dimensional displays, or public speaking—shapes her approach to coaching leaders and teams at organizations like Mastercard, Airbnb, the Mellon Foundation, Etsy, and JPMorgan.

Key Topics Discussed

• Nonlinear Career Paths:
  Madeline shares her journey of career changes, including pivotal moments such as being laid off and overcoming injuries, which led her to entrepreneurship and coaching.

• The Power of Storytelling:
  From book publicity to window displays, Madeline explains how storytelling is at the heart of every career chapter and how those skills translate into her coaching work today.

• Overcoming Public Speaking Fears:
  Madeline and Erika discuss the common fear of public speaking, the myth that only extroverts excel at it, and practical ways to build confidence, especially for introverts.

• Mindset Shifts:
  The importance of mindset in communication—how beliefs about oneself can either undermine or bolster confidence in high-stakes situations.

• Supporting Introverts:
  Strategies for introverts to leverage their strengths, such as listening and observation, and to reframe introversion as an asset rather than a disadvantage.

• Handling Interruptions:
  Madeline shares actionable advice for reclaiming authority and managing interruptions in meetings, including the use of polite redirects and building supportive team dynamics.

Notable Quotes

“I’ve been telling stories my entire career—just in a lot of different mediums.”

“The problem isn’t being introverted. It’s if you think that being introverted puts you at a disadvantage.”

“If you’re going to have the awkward experience, do you want it to be in front of the clients, or do you want to do it now?”

Practical Takeaways

• Practice public speaking in safe environments to build confidence before high-pressure situations.

• Reframe introverted qualities—like listening and observation—as communication superpowers.

• Use positive, polite redirection to handle interruptions and reclaim your voice in meetings.

• Advocate for inclusive meeting guidelines that support all communication styles.

Connect with Madeline Schwartz

Madeline works with individuals and teams to elevate their communication skills and confidence. Her clients call her a “career therapist,” “lifesaver,” and “secret weapon” for a reason. 

Connect with Madeline on LinkedIn

Host’s Reflection

Erica credits her own breakthroughs in public speaking to working with Madeline, highlighting the transformative power of coaching and mindset work.

Listen & Subscribe

Subscribe to Around the Ladder for more inspiring conversations about unconventional career journeys and practical advice for navigating your own path.