Listen "Stop Climbing the Ladder: How to Build a Jungle-Gym Career You Love (with Adriane McFetridge)"
Episode Synopsis
Have you ever wondered: Do I really have to keep chasing titles to grow? What if my next best move is sideways—or smaller?If you’re a woman in tech feeling stuck after a layoff, debating a pivot, or just restless in your current role, this episode will help you rethink career growth—beyond the ladder.🎧 I sit down with Adriane McFetridge — former Engineering Director at Netflix, public board director, CTO, and today a builder tackling new tech (and training for a half-Ironman!) — to unpack why your career can be a jungle gym: messy, fun, unexpected… and yours.In this episode, you’ll learn:Jungle-Gym Strategy: What it is and how it accelerates growth compared to the traditional ladder.Impact > Title: How to evaluate roles by learning, impact, and joy—not team size or prestige.After a Layoff: Practical questions to reset your search: What do I want to learn next? What impact do I want to have?Pivoting with a Story: How to craft a narrative that translates your skills across functions (engineering → product, business, etc.).Risk & “Step-Backs”: When a smaller title or team is actually a step forward.Speak Your Ambition: Why telling your manager (and skip-level) what you want creates opportunities—and advocates.Who this is for:Women in tech leaders (and rising leaders) who want real growth without burning out or waiting for permission. If you’re asking “Is this it?”—this conversation gives you the mindset, language, and next steps to make your move.👩💻 Want more support to grow as a leader?📥 Download my free guide: https://limorbergman.com/careersteps/📰 Get weekly tips & insights: https://limorbergman.com/newsletter/📬 I’m also on Substack (more personal notes): https://limorbergman.substack.com/Ready to get promoted without burnout?👉 Join the waitlist for the Strategic Influence & Executive Presence Accelerator: https://limorbergman.com/accelerator📲 Stay Connected🌐 Podcast hub: https://limorbergman.com/podcast🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/limorbergman📸 Instagram: @limorbergman▶️ YouTube: @LimorBergmanAbout Adriane McFetridgeAdriane is a global technology leader and advisor with deep experience across engineering leadership, payments, e-commerce, and platform reliability. She’s led revenue & growth engineering at Netflix, served as a public board director, operated as a CTO, and today is hands-on building new products—proving that persistence (not perfection) is a superpower.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianemcfetridge/
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