“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”
~ Neale Donald Walsch
Have you ever stood at a crossroads, feeling the weight of years spent in a career that defined you, yet knowing deep down it was time for a change? That was me a year ago. After nearly two decades in the fast-paced world of medical device sales and marketing, I found myself at a pivotal moment, ready to shift gears and prioritize the things that truly mattered to me.
Leaving behind my role as Director of Marketing at LivaNova wasn't a decision I made overnight. It was a gradual realization I needed to recalibrate my priorities. The travel time away from my family, the endless and often pointless meetings, the dedication to a corporate structure that seemed to veer away from the things I cherished most—family, health, community, and personal fulfillment—became glaring.
This wasn't my first experience with a significant career shift. Sixteen years ago, I took a leap from an IT background to sales and marketing in the medical device industry. I've come to understand expertise isn't solely about what we know, but about our ability to adapt and become the expert in any field necessary. Being an expert is less important than perfecting the ability to become an expert, especially in an ever-changing, ever-evolving industry.
Stepping into retirement from that world left a void I can’t quite explain. I missed my cardiac family—the camaraderie, the shared dedication to saving lives. I wasn’t sure how, but I knew I had to fill the void in my sense of purpose. It didn’t take long before my path became clear. Now, in a new capacity, I'm thrilled to be able to work with and serve people in another way.
Assisting my husband in his real estate business initially seemed like a temporary measure until I figured out my next steps. But fate had other plans for me. The synergy we found working together was undeniable. It felt right, it felt natural. And before I knew it, I found myself diving headfirst into the world of real estate, obtaining my license to expand my horizons and skills.
The transition from corporate executive to real estate agent was eye-opening. I thought I knew the industry, but the reality hit me hard—I was now navigating a rollercoaster of change, pouring my time, energy, and personal investment into a 100% commission-based career. It was tougher than I ever imagined, yet more fulfilling than anything I'd experienced.
Every day brought a new lesson, a new challenge, and an opportunity for growth. The corporate expectations of profit margins and investor priorities were replaced by something more profound—the genuine care and priority for our clients. It was a refreshing shift, focusing on their dreams and aspirations.
Yes, it's been a whirlwind. Yes, it's been exhausting. But it's also been transformative. My growth has been exponential. I'm healthier, happier, and more balanced than I've been in years. Stepping into the unknown and embracing change was daunting, but it opened doors I never knew existed. I wouldn’t change a single thing about the past year of my life, and I absolutely cannot wait to experience what comes next.
As a tribute to where I came from, I'm excited to announce a special promotion for the entire year of 2024. Any LivaNova employee, past or present, or any healthcare professional working in the cardiac space is eligible for a generous special rebate offer as a token of my appreciation for you, what you do, and what that part of my career means to me. Call or email me directly for more details.
So, here's to stepping out of comfort zones, to embracing change, and to finding true happiness in the midst of it all. You never know when your next chapter could be your greatest masterpiece!
Cheers!
