My career has been anything but linear. Over the years, I’ve gone from engineering to lean operations to healthcare, consulting, and now entrepreneurship. Each pivot has been fueled by curiosity, growth, and the desire to tackle challenges that matter to me. I’ve learned a lot along the way—about myself, about resilience, and about the beauty of building a career like a mosaic, one piece at a time.
The Pivots That Shaped Me
Each pivot in my career came with its own unique opportunities and lessons. Moving from engineering to lean operations allowed me to see a different side of the business. It wasn’t just about designing systems anymore; it was about optimizing them and making them work better for people. When the chance to move into healthcare came along, I jumped at it. I wanted to contribute to a field where the stakes were so deeply
personal and impactful.
Later, life changes—getting married and relocating—led me into consulting. It was a perfect fit, offering the flexibility to live anywhere while continuing to grow my skills. But the most transformative pivot came when I decided to step into entrepreneurship.
That shift wasn’t just about career growth; it was about purpose. I wanted to work on challenges that aligned with my values, collaborate with more BIPOC-serving organizations, and close gaps I’d seen in Black and Brown communities.
The Challenges of Building from Scratch
Of all the pivots I’ve made, moving from corporate to entrepreneurship has been the toughest. In corporate roles, there’s a structure, a team, and a roadmap to follow. As an entrepreneur, you have to create all of that from scratch. Overnight, I became the client delivery expert, operations leader, and strategic visionary, all while trying to grow a business bootstrapped on determination and belief.
There were days when it felt like too much—like I was juggling too many balls and dropping all of them. But here’s the thing about being stretched so thin: it teaches you exactly where you need to grow. It forces you to get creative, to find solutions you didn’t think were possible, and to celebrate every small win because those wins add up.
Building Skills Like Legos
Looking back, every role I’ve had feels like a building block. Each one has stacked on top of the other, creating a stronger and more versatile foundation. My engineering background taught me how to analyze and solve complex problems. Lean operations helped me see inefficiencies and design solutions. Healthcare gave me a deep appreciation for human-centered approaches, and consulting sharpened my ability to adapt and innovate.
Now, as an entrepreneur, I draw on all of those experiences daily. When you know one thing really well, you tend to approach every problem through that lens. But when you’ve had varied experiences, you see problems more holistically, and that’s where the magic happens.
Advice for the Pivot-Curious
If you’re thinking about pivoting in your career, here’s my advice:
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- Understand Your Why: Be clear on what’s driving your desire to pivot. Is it
growth? Passion? Opportunity? Knowing your why will guide you when things get
tough. - Consider the Risks: Ask yourself, “What’s the worst that could happen?” If you can live with that outcome, you’re ready to take the leap. And remember, it might go better than you ever imagined.
- Bet on Yourself: You are more capable than you think. Don’t underestimate the value of your existing skills and experiences. They’re not starting over—they’re building blocks.
- Understand Your Why: Be clear on what’s driving your desire to pivot. Is it
Aligning Purpose with Action
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of aligning purpose with action. Over my career, I’ve observed a disconnect between some consultancies contracted with organizations serving underserved communities. These consultancies lacked the resources, understanding, and cultural humility needed to create lasting change. That gap is what pushed me toward entrepreneurship—to ensure these organizations and the communities they serve get the support they deserve.
Growth Through Discomfort
If there’s one thing I’ve embraced, it’s that true growth happens in discomfort. Lifelong learning isn’t just about formal education; it’s about immersing yourself in the unknown and the uncomfortable. Every time I’ve pivoted, I’ve stepped into something unfamiliar, and every time, I’ve come out stronger.
So, if you decide to pivot, my advice is to, step into the unknown boldly, be okay with
the range of outcomes aware that learning is for certain and let the journey shape you.
Because sometimes, the best way to find your purpose is to create it.