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.  

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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