Today’s inspirational guest is an experienced and inspirational global health professional. A consultant for the World Health Organization (WHO), Stefanie Freel shares her outstanding story about carving out an authentic career and embracing open-mindedness and resilience in the workplace.

 

Stefanie developed a passion for psychology in high school but never imagined she would be involved in creating global action plans supporting dementia and health caregivers. After kicking off her career with the Ministry of Health in Toronto, she shares how not just being open to opportunities but pro-actively creating them for yourself has been key to her academic and professional success.

 

Stefanie’s journey emphasizes the value of resourcefulness and taking initiative, and she details specific strategies students (and professionals!) can use to do the same. She shares a lot of insights for building resilience and breaking the stigma around reaching out to people for help. A few of our favorites:

 

“Be humble, don’t expect too much, view everything as an opportunity and try your best to build on your work and the skills you already have.”

 

“There are always going to be challenges you will have to overcome and new skills and knowledge to learn.”

 

Skills takeaway: Open-mindedness, flexibility, and being proactive

 

From deciding to go to university in a different country to leaving a stable, high-ranking job to pursue her passion, Stefanie’s journey illustrates that staying true to your interests and seeking to continuously learn above all else lead to good things. You won’t want to miss this one!