The sweet aroma of success isn’t always found in a chemistry lab. Just ask Carol Raithatha, who traded in her lab coat for a career that blends the precision of science with the art of understanding people. In this episode of .team Talks!, “Building beyond the Lab,” Carol shares her fascinating journey from food scientist to qualitative researcher and coach, proving that the most flavorful careers often come from unexpected ingredients.
Carol’s story begins in the suburbs of San Francisco, where a young scientist-to-be faced a fork in the road. “My first love when I was still at high school was psychology,” Carol reveals. But fearing limited job prospects, she initially veered towards chemical engineering. It wasn’t long before she realized that despite her aptitude for math, engineering wasn’t her true calling.
Fate intervened in the form of an elective course in food science. This serendipitous choice allowed Carol to combine her scientific background with her passion for understanding people through sensory evaluation – the study of how people perceive food and drinks. It was here that Carol found her first professional home, working in food analysis labs and conducting sensory testing.
From Sugar to Strategy
The Leap to Independence
Sometimes, the most significant career moves aren’t by choice. When her department closed, Carol found herself at another crossroads. Rather than seeing it as a setback, she embraced the opportunity to go independent. “I felt like time where everything fit together that I could go independent,” she reflects. This decision allowed her to leverage her unique background in sensory evaluation while exploring new avenues.
Carol’s journey into self-employment wasn’t without its challenges. She emphasizes the importance of networking and maintaining relationships, which became her primary source of projects. “I think you need initially a good break,” she advises, recalling how two substantial projects kept her afloat in the early days.
The Art of Listening: From Research to Coaching
As Carol’s career evolved, she discovered that her skills in qualitative research translated beautifully into a new passion: coaching. “I was doing some mentoring as a volunteer and realizing that the listening skills I developed from qualitative research really helped in mentoring,” she explains. This realization led her to pursue coaching formally, adding another dimension to her already diverse skill set.
Carol’s approach to coaching is rooted in empowerment. She creates a structure for people to explore their career goals and aspirations, helping them develop meaningful objectives and action plans. “After the first couple of sessions, they’re like, ‘Oh, wow, that’s really amazing. I started there and then I thought this and then I came up with this and now I have these things I can go and do,'” Carol shares, highlighting the transformative power of her coaching style.
Balancing Act: Consulting and Coaching
Today, Carol juggles her roles as a qualitative researcher and career coach with finesse. She notes the interesting dynamic of working with clients in both capacities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining objectivity while leveraging her industry knowledge. “We walk a tightrope,” she explains, “if I become too much like part of that organization, then I can’t really have the same kind of relationship they need”.
Carol’s journey from the lab to leadership in qualitative research and coaching is a testament to the power of following one’s passions and embracing new opportunities. Her story offers valuable insights for professionals at any stage of their career, demonstrating how diverse experiences can converge into a fulfilling and impactful professional life.
Are you hungry for more career wisdom? Tune in to the full episode of .team Talks! “Building beyond the Lab” with Carol Raithatha to feast on more insights about career transformation, the value of diverse experiences, and the art of empowering others through coaching. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career journey, Carol’s story will inspire you to look beyond the conventional and create a career that truly satisfies your appetite for growth and fulfillment.