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What if the key to lasting success isn’t going faster—but knowing when to slow down?
In this episode, Melanie Steinbach, Chief People Officer at MasterClass, shares how courage, clarity, and career pacing have shaped her journey across executive roles at McDonald’s, Cameo, and now one of the world’s leading learning platforms.
You’ll hear how Melanie’s career has been marked by bold leaps, personal reinvention, and a commitment to learning over knowing. She opens up about navigating imposter syndrome, recovering from a painful setback, and what it really takes to lead with integrity through change.
Tune in to discover how to build confidence through curiosity, lead with self-awareness, and embrace the power of purpose at every stage of your career.
Key Takeaways:
- Leap Before You’re Ready – Why courageous action often comes before confidence
- Pace, Don’t Push – How to build a sustainable career without burning out
- Learning Over Knowing – Why curiosity is the superpower of modern leadership
- Build Your Circle – The power of connection, community, and having trusted allies in your corner
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Highlights
The key moments in this episode are:
[00:00] Introduction to Beyond Barriers Podcast
[00:27] Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
[01:15] Meet Melanie Steinbach
[03:27] Melanie's Career Journey
[05:21] Career Lessons and Family
[06:53] Navigating Career Challenges
[17:28] The Importance of Learning
[23:57] Daily Habits for Success
[27:03] Management Hygiene and One-on-One Meetings
[27:50] Research on Manager-Employee Relationships
[30:49] Overcoming Failures and Setbacks
[35:20] Creating Safe Work Environments
[43:07] The Importance of Continuous Learning
[46:09] Lightning Round and Final Thoughts -
Lightning Round
Q: What book has greatly influenced you?
A: The Covenant of Water by Abraham VergheseQ: What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?
A: Do the best you can until you know better. When you know better, do better.Q: What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself?
A: Woman of Action
Q: What is one change you've implemented that made your life better?
A: Drinking more water
Q: What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?
A: Holiday by Madonna -
Quotes
My confidence doesn’t come from knowing. It comes from learning.
Melanie Steinbach
I don't actually know how to do a lot of the jobs I’ve been put in. I just know that I know how to learn.
Melanie Steinbach
Learning is the key for me to overcoming that imposter syndrome.
Melanie Steinbach
Pacing your career is an important skill that those of us who want long careers are going to have to be excellent at.
Melanie Steinbach
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About
Melanie Steinbach is CPO at MasterClass where she drives HR strategy and operations, recruitment and culture initiatives. Prior to MasterClass, she served as CPO at Cameo. Mel has years of experience at the intersection of talent and business strategy including as SVP and CPO, McDonald's USA, VP and Global Chief Talent Officer, McDonald's Corp. and CHRO at Milliken. She also spent 15 years in the consumer, retail and marketing sectors at executive search firms, Russel Reynolds Associates and Spencer Stuart.
She received her AB Political Science from Duke University. Mel serves on the Board of Directors of the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas and on the Board of Stonehurst Group.