claire's story
from corporate missteps to career clarity
Claire Steichen
Founder
After earning my MBA from Columbia, I did what lots of ambitious people do: I took a job that looked great on paper. The company was a leader in my chosen industry, the people were amazing. The only trouble was that after two years, I realized the job was totally wrong for me. Feeling stuck, I made a decision from fear. I jumped to another company, hoping it would buy me time to figure things out.
It didn’t. I got fired after two months.
I quickly found another role through my network but I still hated the work. Yet I stayed for three years. Why? Because I was afraid that leaving too soon would make me look like a failure.
Eventually, I took what I called a “gap year.” I took a short trip, then freelanced. I tried lots of things and gave myself space to think. And I got clear. Not on what looked good on paper. Not on what others wanted for me. I got clear on what I wanted. And for the first time, I listened to the voice inside me and made a choice from wisdom, not fear.
I took a job at a fragrance house, and everything changed. My boss and I built a powerful partnership. We took our account from $3M to $14M in three years.
That experience taught me two things I now share with every client:
- The organization is not your mom or dad. They might offer guidance, but it’s up to you to take ownership of your path.
- The same talented person can succeed—or struggle—based entirely on the environment and their own sense of agency.
My approach to supporting leaders was born of my own experience. I help ambitious professionals who feel like I once did — burned out, stuck, or doubting their potential. I understand my clients and their needs because I’ve been in their shoes.
Together, we build the tools, confidence, and strategy they need to take charge of their career and thrive—on their terms.