There was a moment when a role I had been preparing for didn't come together as expected. While disappointing, it became a catalyst for reassessing where I could create the most value. Instead of pursuing a linear path, I invested in cross‑functional experience and took on roles requiring clarity, coordination, and disciplined execution. That pivot strengthened my leadership approach and sharpened my ability to operate at the intersection of strategy and execution. The experience reinforced an important leadership lesson: setbacks are often signals to elevate perspective, not retreat from ambition.

No matter where you begin, what you've faced, or how long the journey takes; your purpose remains yours to build.

There was a time when I was up for a promotion and had been told I would interview for that position. It took four months for them to schedule an interview. During that time, I had a chance to evaluate what I had where I was at and the people I worked with. I did do the interview, and it was a great experience, but I ultimately turned down the position. Was there people mad at me and disappointed, yes. I was able to get a promotion in the office where I was at within a year and continued on my path to be a project manager in what I think was a better office. You don't always have to do what is expected of you and you don't need to be in a hurry to move up the success ladder. Sometimes, staying where you are at for a bit will get you where you want to be with more experience behind you. Delay is not Denial as a friend of mine always says.

I didn't follow a traditional path and for a long time, I thought that might hold me back. I became a caregiver for my mom during her chemotherapy while I was still in high school. To be there for her, I transitioned to homeschooling so I could stay home and help. Over time, that path shifted, and I ultimately made the decision to leave school and earn my GED so I could support myself and begin pharmacy technician training. At the time, it didn't feel like a bold move, it felt like survival. That experience is what first pulled me into healthcare. Being on the patient side of the system, advocating for someone you love, gives you a completely different perspective. It wasn't just about medications; it was about access, understanding, and showing up for people during some of the hardest moments of their lives. As my career progressed in inpatient pharmacy, I attempted to go back and pursue a more traditional path by working toward a bachelor's degree. When that didn't work out, I initially saw it as a setback. Over time, I realized it was actually a turning point. I focused on what I could control like my work ethic, my ability to learn, and the relationships I built along the way. I stayed curious, took on challenges, and consistently delivered results. Those choices opened doors that a traditional path might not have. Looking back, what felt like detours were actually defining moments. They forced me to build resilience, trust my instincts, and create my own path forward. If there's one thing I've learned, it's this: your path doesn't have to look like anyone else's to be successful; it just has to be yours.