RAA Talks

More Than a Job: Finding Fulfillment and Prioritizing Mental Health in Your Career

Are you feeling lost in a career transition, struggling to prioritize self-care, or trapped in a toxic work environment and unsure how to move forward?
 
Then this episode of RAA Talks with host Raihana, featuring Kimberly Weiderhold is a must-listen! Kim's powerful story demonstrates how to navigate these challenges, prioritize your well-being, and create a fulfilling life, even when things feel overwhelming.
 
What can you expect from this episode?
You'll hear how Kim followed her curiosity to a career in science, earning a PhD in cell and molecular biology, and how she navigated a shift in her career when she realized that traditional research was not her passion.
You'll learn how Kim navigated the challenge of realizing that a traditional research role wasn't the right fit for her, and how she pivoted to a new career direction.
Kim will share her experience navigating a toxic work environment and the difficult decisions she made to prioritize her mental and physical health. She will describe how she left a job, even when it meant taking a step down in her career, because it was the best decision for her.
You'll discover how her decision to pursue an MBA helped her grow both personally and professionally, leading her to a leadership role she loves.
You'll gain practical advice on how to find mentors, build genuine relationships, and create a supportive network to help you on your path.
Kim will share her strategies for prioritizing mental health including creating slow mornings, setting clear boundaries, and making time for hobbies and social activities.
What can you gain from this episode?
Validation that you are not alone: Kim's story will reassure you that many women experience career transitions, struggle with self-care and navigate toxic work environments. You'll hear that it's okay to change paths and prioritize your well-being.
Empowerment to prioritize your well-being: You'll learn from Kim’s experience the importance of recognizing when a work environment is detrimental to your health and how to make the difficult decision to leave.
Inspiration to take control: You'll be inspired to take control of your career, make your own rules and find the best path for you by focusing on what you want, rather than what is expected.
Strategies for self-care: Kim shares practical strategies for prioritizing mental health and well-being, so you can make time for joy and self-care which is essential for living a fulfilling life.
A reminder to embrace change: Kim's journey demonstrates that life is not a vertical climb and that it's okay to take detours, steps sideways, or even downwards to reach your destination.
The confidence to create your own path: You'll gain the confidence to pursue your goals, build a life you love, and to take action to create positive change in your own life, and for others.
This episode is about self-discovery, finding your own path, and the importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being.
 
Kim's journey will remind you that you are the creator of your own life and you can navigate challenges with resilience, and create a life that feels fulfilling and authentic.
 
Follow me on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rfaggarwal
Instagram: https://instagram.com/raacoaching | @raacoaching
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@raacoaching 
Visit me at: www.raacoaching.com
Featured Guest:  Kimberly Weiderhold, Ph.D., MBA
About Kimberly (Kim): 
Kim graduated from St.Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas with a bachelors of science in Biochemistry.  She moved to Houston in 2005 to pursue a PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology. 
Kim decided that she wanted to find a place to support science but not do science, which lead her to research administration where she worked in helping faculty obtain various materials, industry funding, data, and collaborate with other scientists around the world via research contracts.  She has spent the majority of her career at Baylor College of Medicine, with some time spent at other Texas Medical Center (TMC) institutions. 
In 2021, Kim earned her MBA to help with vertical growth in her industry and is now the director of our academic research contracts group within our office of research at Baylor College of Medicine.
Connect with Kim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyweiderhold/LinkedIn

Beyond the System: How One Woman is Redefining Success

Get ready for an inspiring episode of RAA Talks with host Raihana, featuring the remarkable Anita Johnson, a Coast Guard veteran turned data activist.
Anita shares her incredible journey, beginning with her desire to escape her small town, which led her to the Coast Guard, where she broke barriers as a boatswain's mate, a non-traditional role for women at the time.What can you expect from this episode?
You'll hear how Anita's passion for justice was ignited when her daughters were denied math classes in school, sparking her to advocate for change in her community.
You'll learn how she turned that moment into a catalyst for her own growth, inspiring her to return to school to pursue a math degree, with a goal of becoming a data activist.
Anita is now on a mission to empower others to understand data and challenge misinformation.
What can you gain from this episode?
Inspiration to take action: Anita's story demonstrates that one person can make a difference, and that it is possible to create positive change in your own community when you see an injustice.
Empowerment to break barriers: You'll learn about the power of challenging the status quo and finding ways to navigate systems that may seem insurmountable.
Understanding of the importance of community: Hear about how connections with others can be transformative and how building your own "village" can be a key to success.
Motivation to pursue your goals: No matter your age or background, Anita's journey serves as a reminder that it is never too late to learn, grow and pursue your passions.
A reminder to question data: Anita will inspire you to question the information you see and hear, and to seek out the real meanings behind the data.
This is a story about taking control, breaking barriers, and the power of community. You will gain insights on how to be your own advocate and how to help others and empower yourself.
Anita's journey proves that you can create change, one step at a time, in your own life, and for others.
Follow me on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rfaggarwal
Instagram: https://instagram.com/raacoaching | @raacoaching
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@raacoaching 
Visit me at: www.raacoaching.com
Featured Guest:  Anita Johnson
About Anita: Veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, Anita served as a boatswain's mate, a non-traditional role for women at the time. Driven by her commitment to education and equity, Anita is now pursuing a second bachelor's degree in mathematics and plans to become a data activist.
Anita is passionate about empowering individuals to understand data, challenge misinformation, and overcome systemic barriers. Her experiences as a military veteran and advocate for her children have fueled her determination to create positive change in her community and beyond.
Connect with Anita:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnsonconsultinggroup/ 

RAA Talks Podcast Trailer

This podcast is a space for women to share their stories, talk about their struggles, and celebrate their triumphs. We'll also explore how allies play a crucial role in supporting women's success.Whether you're a woman looking for inspiration, or an ally seeking to learn and grow, this podcast is for you.