Episode 839 • May 18, 2026 • 26 min
When the Path Diverges and Converges — Eliene Augenbraun
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Show notes
Eliene Augenbraun was a science and medical journalist for two decades and has since turned her attention to teaching and coaching scientists and physicians on how to communicate better. She is also launching a podcast about intergenerational trauma called The Aspen Forest. Over the course of her career, she has led many creative teams and built technical spaces like studios and labs.
In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how reframing professional challenges as civil rights issues can become the foundation of lasting leadership and business success.
Eliene and I discuss:
- How Eliene's varied career path came together [02:14]
- The moment that redirected her entire career [04:00]
- Why the shiny coin isn't always the best coin [08:32]
- How reframing problems as civil rights issues changed outcomes [10:02]
- What business really is [13:36]
- Learning financial literacy as a scientist [14:31]
- The most important thing you can do when starting out [16:45]
- What role trusted peers and thinking partners play [20:15]
- Why your partners need to believe in you, not like you [22:09]
- What Eliene is building now [22:41]
Learn more about Eliene at https://www.the-communicationclinic.com/
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About Smashing the Plateau
Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses.
Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you.
We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success.
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