Gretchen A Schoser

I attribute my success to a combination of resilience, self-awareness, and a genuine commitment to helping others.

In 2022, I experienced a significant personal turning point that forced me to pause and ask myself a difficult question: Where is the hope that things can get better? That moment became a catalyst for change. It reshaped how I approach both my life and my work and ultimately led me to build a career more aligned with purpose, impact, and authenticity.

I also believe my ability to connect with people has played a major role. I am both an extrovert and an empath, which allows me to build trust quickly and truly understand the challenges others are facing. Whether someone is navigating a complex technology implementation or feeling overwhelmed by change, I can meet them where they are because I have been there myself.

Throughout my career, I have leaned into vulnerability rather than avoiding it. By openly sharing my experiences, I have been able to build stronger connections, foster trust, and encourage more honest conversations, particularly around mental health and growth.

At the core, my success comes from a continuous desire to learn, grow, and show up for others. I do not see success as a destination, but as an ongoing commitment to doing meaningful work that helps people move forward.

The best career advice I’ve received came in two parts, and together they have shaped how I approach both my work and my life.

The first was to find my own path and not measure my success against anyone else’s. It reminded me that growth isn't linear, and that trying to keep up with others can pull you away from what actually matters to you. Learning to trust my own journey has allowed me to make decisions that are aligned with my values, not just external expectations.

The second was to find joy in everything I do. That doesn’t mean every moment is easy, but it does mean being intentional about where I invest my energy and how I show up. When you connect your work to something meaningful, whether it’s helping a client, supporting a team, or making someone feel seen, it changes the experience entirely.

Together, those two pieces of advice have helped me build a career that is not only successful but also sustainable and fulfilling.

Trust yourself enough to define your own path.

It’s easy to feel pressure to follow a traditional route or meet other people’s expectations, especially early in your career. But the most meaningful and sustainable success comes from understanding what truly matters to you and having the courage to pursue it, even if it looks different from what others expect.

I would also encourage you to prioritize joy and purpose over chasing titles or money alone. Financial stability is important, but it will not carry you through the harder moments. What will sustain you is doing work that feels meaningful, where you can see the impact you’re making and feel connected to it.

Finally, don’t be afraid to evolve. Your path will change, and that’s not failure; it’s growth. Give yourself permission to pivot, to learn, and to build a career that reflects who you are, not just what you think you’re supposed to be.

One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is standing out in an increasingly crowded and noisy market. With the rise of consulting services, AI tools, and digital platforms, there is more access than ever, but also more confusion for organizations trying to determine what truly adds value.

At the same time, this creates a significant opportunity. Companies are no longer just looking for technical expertise; they are seeking partners who can connect systems, people, and culture in meaningful ways. There is a growing demand for solutions that not only improve efficiency but also address employee well-being, burnout, and long-term sustainability.

Another challenge is navigating the constant influx of outreach and sales-driven interactions, particularly on platforms like LinkedIn. It can be overwhelming, especially for those building a business, and it highlights a broader industry issue around trust and authenticity.

For me, the opportunity lies in doing things differently, building genuine relationships, staying grounded in purpose, and creating solutions that are accessible and human-centered. As more organizations recognize the importance of mental health and employee experience, a real shift is underway, and I see that as one of the most important opportunities in our field today.

Integrity is at the core of everything I do. Doing the right thing, even when no one is watching, is not optional to me. That means being honest, following through on commitments, and never cutting corners, whether in my work or in my personal life.

Equally important is kindness and respect for others. I believe in treating people with dignity, supporting those around me, and building relationships based on trust and authenticity. At the end of the day, it really comes down to something simple: being a good human.

I also value self-awareness and personal responsibility. Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of others. When you are grounded, healthy, and aligned, you show up better in every area of your life, whether that is leading a business, supporting a client, or being present for the people who matter most.

These values guide how I make decisions, build relationships, and define success, both professionally and personally.