Leading Through the Leap: The Power of Pacing, Perspective, and Purpose

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