Can you describe your current role and what your typical day looks like?
With LaterAcademia, I coach research academics who want to pivot their careers into the public or private sector, and consult with scientist-founded early stage companies looking to grow their sales/commercial functions. There’s no “typical” day, but early on it could involve a few initial introductory calls with scientist founders or academic researchers to gauge what they need, and if we’d be a good fit for each other. If the client and I decide to move forward, I begin delivering my services (whether consulting for companies or working 1:1 coaching research academics), and that can go on anywhere from one to three months. In between, I volunteer my time as Co-Chair of the Sponsorship Committee of Women in Bio Chicago, securing partnerships with amazing sponsors who allow us to execute on our mission and enrich the life sciences ecosystem here in Chicago.
What is your educational background and experience, and how did it prepare you for this career?
I’d been in Sales/Business Development roles for over 11 years within Biotech & Life Sciences and most recently transitioned into a Product function the last two years. Throughout my career I’ve volunteered my time in professional organizations learning and mentoring others, as well as selling and building products for scientists. Starting LaterAcademia was a natural evolution of that. For mentoring, I was always paired or connected with research academics that wanted to explore what their careers could look like outside of academia. I found that a lot of people were struggling with the same types of issues I had almost a decade prior when I made my own pivot. I love advising people in this way, especially since there’s so many parallels to my own lived experience, and I get to show people their dreams are possible with the right coach and strategy!
What is your proudest achievement in your career so far?:
I play a key role in helping scientists on how best to get it out into the world. It is truly so much fun.
This year’s theme is “From Dreams to Reality: Dynamic Women in STEM.” Is this your dream career? If not, how do you plan to turn your dreams into reality?
This may go against the grain, but I don’t have a dream career — I have a dream life. With rapidly changing and evolving job markets and advancements in science & technology, the world is truly your oyster. Only doing one function, title, or industry in your lifetime seems like such a waste. My adaptability and willingness to explore my curiosities have opened doors to opportunities I never would’ve considered otherwise. I’ve managed to work in fields that make products and solutions that impact the everyday health of people. In working in these fields, I’ve been able to provide for myself and my family a more than decent living, which has allowed us to explore everything positive this world has to offer. I am well aware of how rare it is to make a living in way that both provides for yourself and has a meaningful impact in the everyday lives of people. I try to never take it for granted. As long as those two elements continue in everything I do, I’m happy!
How do you think your work impacts the broader community or the world?
So many academic researchers struggle seeing how their expertise could work outside of an academic context. Scientist founders are so zeroed in on the science, they don’t even know where to begin on getting their knowledge out to the world. I’m able to play such an impactful role in helping scientists identify their zone of genius and put it out into the world in such a way that potentially millions benefit from it. It’s such an awesome feeling and beneficial to the community as a whole. There’s some truly life saving therapies and solutions being developed in the sciences.
What are some strategies you use to maintain resilience and persistence in the face of obstacles?:
I always have to check myself and think “there was a time in your past when you wanted what you have now,” and it’s such a great way to instill gratitude and grace for yourself. We live in a world that’s constantly sending you messages of always being behind, or not being where you’re supposed to be at X age, degree, or arbitrary milestone. Having ways or people you go to that will remind you of how far you’ve come does wonders for your confidence and builds you up so do feel prepared to tackle what comes. Having an adaptable enough mindset that lets you off the hook when you finally reach a milestone and realize “hey, I don’t actually want this anymore,” and you feel empowered enough to do the work to gain that clarity. You also don’t feel the need to double down on the thing you don’t actually want because you worked so hard to get it.
What are the emerging trends or technologies in your field that excite you?
The good and bad thing about professional coaching is that it is entirely unregulated and up to you. As a consumer, you must decide what is best for you. I’ve seen coaches with zero “certifications” perform miracles with their clients, and coaches with multiple certifications really fail in helping their clients. It’s a field where the compatibility between coach and client.
What advice do you have for other women or nonbinary individuals considering this field?
Talk to other people that followed the path you’re trying to follow. If you can find people that came from a similar background to you that’s even better. Ignore the opinions of everyone else, even if they’re your loved ones. Sometimes people close to us, with the best of intentions, give us advice that isn’t relevant or is not coming from an informed place because they simply haven’t walked the path you’re trying to go in. It can be difficult to filter out the solicited (and sometimes unsolicited) advice, but being able to cut through the noise and identify the people that can provide you relevant and actionable advice is a GOLDEN skill.