Taking a Step Back to Move Forward w/ Marlena Linzner Scherf

Have you ever felt like leadership wasn't bringing you joy? That climbing the corporate ladder was draining rather than fulfilling? My guest this week, Marlene Linzner Scherf, faced that very dilemma—and did something truly courageous. Thrown into leadership at a young age, Marlene quickly realized that it wasn’t the right fit for her at the time. She made the bold decision to step back, not out of failure, but as a strategic move to rediscover what leadership meant to her. She went back to being an individual contributor, pursued coaching certification, and embarked on a journey of personal and professional growth. This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt stuck in a role that no longer serves them but fears what stepping back might mean. In this episode, we discuss: • The challenges of being thrown into leadership without guidance • The power of listening to your gut and knowing when to pivot • How crisis communication skills shape great leadership • The courage to take a step back in order to move forward • How investing in personal growth leads to long-term success Marlene’s journey proves that leadership isn’t always about moving up—it’s about moving in the right direction for you. More about Marlene Marlene is the founder of Ripe Consulting, a business specializing in brand experience, digital strategy, and coaching. She believes in empowering professionals to cultivate their best selves and navigate their careers with confidence. Originally from Austria, she now resides in the Netherlands and works globally to help individuals and teams thrive. You can connect with Marlene on LinkedIn or visit her website at ripemcc.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please: • Share it with someone contemplating a career change • Subscribe to Reflect Forward on your favorite podcast platform and YouTube • Leave a review or comment—I’d love to hear your thoughts Listen now for an inspiring conversation about redefining leadership and having the courage to design a career that truly fits you. Don’t forget to subscribe to Reflect Forward on your favorite podcast platform or YouTube. Visit my website, kerrysiggins.com, to explore my book, The Ownership Mindset, and get more leadership resources. Let’s connect on LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok! Find Reflect Forward on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kerrysiggins-reflectforward Find out more about my book here: https://kerrysiggins.com/the-ownership-mindset/ Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-siggins/ Please order my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn. Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO! And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!