In this episode, I sit down with Kristin Anderson, PhD, a K to R Essentials graduate and assistant professor at the University of Virginia. Kristin shares her inspiring journey from an uncertain start to a clearly defined and purpose-driven research career, rooted in her personal mission to develop cancer therapies for women’s health.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

• How Kristin’s vision drives her research focus, and how articulating her goals has led to powerful, serendipitous collaborations.

• How the transformative shift from "meeting mode" to "writer mode" allowed Kristin to protect her best creative energy for grant writing and development.

• Practical strategies for protecting time and energy as a faculty member, including thoughtful ways to say no and manage requests from colleagues.

• How Kristin’s “inner mentor” provided her with a strong foundation for self-trust, enabling her to make decisions that align with her goals and capacity.

Join us to hear how Kristin’s journey offers valuable insights on leading a fulfilling research career and embracing the growth and changes that come with it.