When I started thinking about leaving academia, I was having a hard time imagining what else I might do. I was also struggling with my confidence and had begun to question what I really had to offer outside that environment.

Anna Marie helped me see things differently. She picked up on things I'd said in passing and pointed out where I seemed particularly excited about something, or where I might be underselling a skill I had. Those conversations really shook something loose for me. I started to recognize that the way I'd been measuring my own professional value wasn't the only frame of reference there was.

She didn't tell me what to do next. What she gave me was a greater sense that I actually had choices. That gave me the confidence to keep exploring, talking to people, and letting the picture emerge. Eventually, that process led me to a new career that's been a very good fit.