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The Idea of Freedom Sounds Great - Have it Work for You

There’s a lot of excitement around the idea of freedom in remote work.

Freedom to travel.
To build your own schedule.
To log in from anywhere.

But here's the truth that doesn't get talked about enough:
Freedom without a sense of direction can feel like floating.

You can have flexibility, but still feel like you're not actually going anywhere.

That’s what pushed me to make a more intentional shift – to combine the benefits of flexibility with the clarity of purpose.

Choosing Purpose Over Auto-Pilot

Before I made that shift, I’d worked in multiple geographic markets – New York City, Nashville, and the Midwest.

Each place brought a different lens to the way I thought about business, leadership, and impact.

But when I started to consider my next step, I didn’t just look for the next role. I paused to reflect.

What do I care about?
What kind of work will help me grow and contribute at a higher level?

That mindset led me back to school for an MBA – with a specific focus on healthcare strategy and leadership.

Why I Chose the Southeast - and In-Person Over Online

I had plenty of options.
MBA acceptances in different cities. The ability to stay remote. The allure of flexible, online programs.

But I chose the Southeast – specifically Vanderbilt – because it felt like the right mix of challenge, connection, and opportunity. It had what I was looking for: a strong healthcare ecosystem, a program rooted in values, and a place where I could build real relationships.

I wanted to immerse myself – not just in classes, but in real-world conversations and experiences.

Because sometimes, learning doesn’t come from a screen. It comes from walking into the room, listening closely, and seeing how decisions are made.

Finding the Right Fit Through Exploration

During the program, I made it a priority to explore all corners of healthcare.

From hospital systems to investment firms to medtech, I built relationships and asked questions. I didn’t limit myself to what I already knew.

Eventually, I landed with Edwards Lifesciences – a company that aligned with my goals but also pushed me to stretch. It wasn’t the obvious choice. But it was the right one.

In a Fast-Changing World, Design Matters

We’re in an era where entire industries are shifting.
Tech, healthcare, education – all transforming in real time.

And while it’s tempting to wait for the market to settle before making a move, here’s what I’ve learned:

• Career paths take multiple routes.
  The most rewarding paths often involve trying new things and pivoting as you go.

• The journey is uniquely yours.
  Follow the path that aligns with your goals, vision, and motivations.

• Change is not only normal – it’s healthy.
  The version of success you had five years ago may not match what matters to you today.

Own Your Career - No One Else Will

You don’t need to follow someone else’s idea of success.
You don’t need all the answers before you begin.

What you do need is the willingness to take ownership of your path.

That means:

• Being curious.
  Explore new roles, industries, and locations – even if they feel unfamiliar.

• Staying flexible.
  The world’s changing. You should feel empowered to grow and reach, too.

• Taking responsibility.
  Your career is yours to lead. No one will build it for you.

Final Thought: The Right Path Is the One You Build Yourself

No two journeys look the same.

Whether you’re building a remote business, joining a leadership development program, or moving to a new region to grow – it’s all valid.

When you’re ready to take the next step, keep in mind:

• Reflect on what energizes you – and what doesn’t

• Try out new industries, locations, or ways of working

• Use the market as a guide, but make decisions based on what matters to you

The most meaningful career is the one that fits your life – not the other way around.