Life is a series of transitions; allow yourself to reinvent your identity and career as your circumstances and passions evolve.

The connections you build with people, whether family, friends, or colleagues, can profoundly impact your life journey. Cherish and nurture these relationships.

Recognizing and affirming your self-worth early on can empower you to make confident decisions in personal and professional relationships.

Moving to a new country can be challenging, but it can also offer new opportunities for growth and acceptance, especially for those with unique needs.

Don’t hesitate to switch paths if your current one no longer fulfills you. Explore what truly resonates with your values and interests.

Difficult experiences, such as loss, can prompt profound reflection and lead to new directions in life, including giving back to the community.

Choose careers that allow you to build relationships and make a difference in people’s lives, as this can lead to greater job satisfaction.

Skills developed in one profession, such as empathy and patience in healthcare, can be invaluable in entirely different fields, like consulting.

Step outside your comfort zone and try new things. Engaging in diverse experiences can enrich your life and broaden your perspective.

Your actions can create a ripple effect; consider how you can contribute positively to your community, whether through personal initiatives or professional endeavors.

Dr. Veronica Valencia-Victoria grew up in Palmyra, Colombia, surrounded by family, which fostered a strong sense of community and happiness in her childhood.

At just eight years old, she and her cousin started a massage business to earn money for candy, showcasing her early interest in entrepreneurship.

Growing up with her older sister who had Noonan syndrome instilled in Veronica a protective nature and a sense of responsibility, shaping her empathetic character.

At age 12, Veronica moved to Florida, initially struggling with the transition but eventually finding a sense of belonging and support for her sister in the U.S.

Despite the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language, she became valedictorian of her high school, driven by a family legacy of high achievement and a belief in her capabilities.

Veronica attributes her success to her family’s emphasis on education and a growth mindset, particularly influenced by her grandmother’s encouragement that they were “smarter than average.

Following her academic success, she pursued a career in physical therapy, mirroring her mother’s profession and reinforcing her commitment to helping others.

Veronica spent four years working in rehabilitation and sports medicine, gaining valuable experience and further solidifying her passion for healthcare.

Enrolling in the MBA program at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, she embraced opportunities for personal and professional growth, continuing her journey of reinvention.

Throughout her experiences, Veronica has maintained a belief in the importance of movement and well-being, sharing her physical therapy insights to help her peers manage the demands of their academic and professional lives.

The speaker’s grandparents, despite limited education, emphasized the importance of education, leading their children to achieve college degrees, setting a strong foundation for future generations.

The speaker’s mother became a single parent after a divorce, facing immense challenges while raising a child with special needs in Colombia, where support systems were lacking.

Recognizing the limitations of their life in Colombia, the mother decided to immigrate in search of better opportunities for her children, embodying the belief in the power of reinvention.

The speaker draws inspiration from their mother’s journey of learning a new language and revalidating her professional credentials, demonstrating the belief that one can start anew regardless of age or circumstances.

A formative experience in high school, where the speaker confidently ended a relationship over a lack of respect, reflects the values instilled by their mother about recognizing personal worth.

Initially pursuing pre-med due to societal pressures around financial stability, the speaker felt compelled to choose a career that could support their family, especially after the loss of their sister.

The tragic loss prompted a reevaluation of career goals, leading the speaker to realize their desire for meaningful patient relationships, ultimately switching to physical therapy in their third year of college.

The speaker found joy in treating vertigo patients, appreciating the immediate and significant impact they could make in their lives, reinforcing the belief in the importance of meaningful work.

The pandemic provided an opportunity for deep reflection, revealing that neither advanced clinical nor management paths in physical therapy would bring fulfillment, leading to the decision to pursue an MBA.

The speaker’s journey illustrates a commitment to continuous self-reinvention and the pursuit of passion over financial security, inspired by their mother’s resilience and dedication to family.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of healthcare providers, leading to a profound realization of the fragility of life, especially after losing a close friend, a frontline nurse, to the virus.

In response to grief, the speaker and friends initiated a scholarship in their friend’s honor, recognizing the importance of supporting future nurses and finding purpose beyond their immediate roles in healthcare.

The experience of creating the scholarship sparked a desire for personal growth and exploration beyond the confines of being a physical therapist, planting the seed for pursuing an MBA.

Upon entering the MBA program at Fuqua, the speaker discovered a supportive community of fellow clinicians, including nurses and MD/MBA students, which alleviated feelings of isolation and reinforced the idea of making impactful changes in the healthcare sector.

Initially focused on management roles within healthcare, the speaker shifted interest towards consulting, recognizing it as a pathway to acquire essential business skills and insights from various industries that could benefit healthcare practices.

The speaker completed a summer internship with Deloitte in consulting, contrasting the structured, patient-focused environment of physical therapy with the dynamic, meeting-heavy world of consulting, highlighting adaptability and learning curves.

The speaker identified key transferable skills from physical therapy to consulting, such as strong interpersonal abilities, patience, and the capacity to read and respond to clients’ unspoken concerns.

As the MBA journey neared its end, the speaker reflected on the invaluable relationships formed at Fuqua, emphasizing the diverse backgrounds of classmates and the shared experiences that fostered deep connections.

The MBA experience encouraged the speaker to embrace new challenges and adventures, exemplified by participating in a drag show, an activity they had never considered before, showcasing personal growth and openness.

With graduation approaching, the speaker expressed a commitment to carry the adventurous spirit and willingness to explore new interests into their next chapter, aiming to continue making meaningful contributions in the healthcare field.

The belief that pursuing personal interests, regardless of their perceived silliness, can lead to fulfillment and happiness in life.

Understanding that not every activity needs to be career-oriented; engaging in what brings joy can enrich life experiences.

Sharing this perspective with others, as demonstrated by congratulating Veronica, promotes a supportive community that values individual passions.

The philosophy of “just do it” emphasizes the importance of taking initiative and stepping out of comfort zones to explore new interests.

Recognizing and celebrating achievements, no matter how small, fosters a positive mindset and encourages continued exploration.

Acknowledging that life is not solely about career success; personal fulfillment plays a crucial role in overall happiness.

Engaging in personal passions often leads to meeting like-minded individuals, enriching one’s social life and support network.

Pursuing diverse interests contributes to personal growth, expanding skills and perspectives that can indirectly benefit one’s career.

The journey encourages reflection on what truly matters in life, guiding decisions towards more meaningful pursuits.

By sharing experiences and insights, there’s potential to inspire others to pursue their own passions, creating a ripple effect of positivity and exploration.

– Veronica grew up in a small city, Palmyra, Colombia, where everyone knew each other, contributing to a strong sense of community.
– She had a happy childhood, feeling fortunate to grow up with her grandparents, sister, and cousins.
– As a child, Veronica and her cousin started a massage business at the age of eight, charging $5 for 20-minute massages.
– Despite being the younger sister, Veronica often felt like the older sister due to her responsibility to care for her sister with special needs.
– The transition from Colombia to Florida was challenging initially, with both sisters longing to return home, but they eventually came to feel at home in the U.S.
– Veronica’s sister, who has Noonan syndrome, found more acceptance and opportunities in the U.S., including participation in her high school’s fashion club.
– Veronica comes from a family of high achievers, with a strong emphasis on education and success instilled by her grandmother.
– Her grandmother consistently reinforced the belief that Veronica and her cousins were “smarter than average,” fostering a growth mindset.
– Veronica enjoys dancing, particularly bachata, which reflects her cultural roots and personal interests.
– She has a Fashion Pass subscription, indicating her interest in fashion and style, and likely enjoys experimenting with different looks.

– The guest’s grandparents emphasized the importance of education despite only completing elementary school themselves.
– The guest’s mother was a single parent who worked long hours, including night shifts, to support her family.
– The guest has a sister who passed away, which significantly influenced their career path and perspective on money and fulfillment.
– The guest initially pursued a pre-med track in college, motivated by the idea of financial stability, but later shifted to physical therapy.
– The guest found inspiration in their mother’s ability to reinvent herself after immigrating to a new country and learning a new language.
– The guest has a strong sense of self-worth, demonstrated by a confident breakup with their first boyfriend over household responsibilities.
– The guest’s favorite condition to treat as a physical therapist was vertigo, due to the rapid improvements patients could experience.
– The guest took multiple certification courses specifically for treating vertigo conditions.
– The guest decided to pivot from physical therapy to pursue an MBA after reflecting on their career during a furlough caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
– The guest values relationships with patients and believes in the meaningful impact that healthcare professions can have on individuals’ lives.

– The guest experienced profound grief during the pandemic after losing a close friend who was a frontline nurse, which motivated them to create a scholarship in his honor.
– They initially felt lonely and unsure about their decision to pursue an MBA, as they didn’t know anyone with a similar background.
– Upon joining the Health Sector Management Program, they were pleasantly surprised to find other clinicians, such as nurses and MD/MBAs, making similar career transitions.
– The guest realized that their role as a physical therapist could extend beyond clinical practice, inspiring them to explore more impactful avenues in healthcare.
– They switched their internship focus from healthcare management to consulting to acquire essential business skills and learn from various industries.
– A typical day as a physical therapist involved one-on-one patient sessions, treating a diverse range of conditions, while their consulting internship was characterized by extensive travel and numerous meetings.
– The guest identified transferable skills between physical therapy and consulting, particularly in understanding and addressing clients’ needs and emotions.
– They expressed that the people they met at Fuqua made their experience truly special, highlighting the diverse backgrounds and commonalities among classmates.
– One memorable experience they had was participating in a drag show, where they dressed as a drag king, which they described as incredibly fun and outside their comfort zone.

– Veronica believes in pursuing interests that may seem silly or unrelated to career advancement.
– She emphasizes the importance of doing things simply for personal enjoyment.
– Veronica values the concept of taking time for oneself amidst a busy schedule.
– She encourages others to follow their passions, regardless of societal expectations.
– Veronica has a positive outlook on trying new things without the pressure of success.
– She likely has a playful side, as she mentions “silly” activities.
– Veronica appears to prioritize personal fulfillment over traditional definitions of success.
– She seems to have a supportive attitude towards others’ endeavors and interests.
– Veronica’s approach suggests she values creativity and exploration in life.

Veronica was born and raised in Palmyra, Colombia, where she enjoyed a close-knit family life with her mother, grandparents, and sister, fostering a happy childhood.

At the age of eight, Veronica and her cousin launched a small massage business, charging neighbors $5 for a 20-minute massage, marking her first venture into entrepreneurship.

Growing up with her older sister, who had Noonan syndrome, instilled in Veronica a strong sense of responsibility and protectiveness, especially in an environment that was often unkind to individuals with disabilities.

At age 12, Veronica and her sister moved to Florida to reunite with their mother after a four-year separation, initially struggling with homesickness but gradually adapting to their new life.

After about a year in Florida, both sisters began to feel at home, with Veronica’s sister receiving better support for her disability and participating in high school activities like the fashion club.

Despite the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language, Veronica excelled academically, becoming the valedictorian of her high school after just six years in the U.S.

Inspired by her family background and her mother’s profession as a physical therapist, Veronica decided to pursue a career in physical therapy, completing four years of work in the field.

Seeking to reinvent herself and expand her career opportunities, Veronica applied to the Fuqua School of Business, where she is currently a second-year MBA student.

At Fuqua, Veronica has embraced her diverse background and experiences, contributing to the school community while also advocating for physical wellness among her peers.

Looking ahead, Veronica is excited about leveraging her unique journey and skills, aiming to make a meaningful impact in her future career post-Fuqua.

The speaker’s grandparents, despite only completing elementary school, instilled the value of education in their children, leading to all of them, including the speaker’s mother, earning college degrees.

The speaker’s parents divorced when she was young, and her mother, a single parent, worked long hours, including night shifts, to support her family, particularly in caring for her child with special needs.

The speaker’s parents divorced when she was young, and her mother, a single parent, worked long hours, including night shifts, to support her family, particularly in caring for her child with special needs.

Realizing that her hard work wouldn’t enable her child to attend college and that life was challenging in Colombia, the speaker’s mother decided to immigrate to a new country for better opportunities.

The speaker draws inspiration from her mother, who moved to a new country in her thirties, learned a new language, and revalidated her therapy license, showcasing the power of reinvention.

In high school, the speaker exhibited confidence, illustrated by a memorable breakup where she asserted her worth, which reflects the values instilled by her mother.

The speaker graduated as valedictorian of her high school, marking a significant academic milestone inspired by her mother’s sacrifices.

Initially, the speaker pursued a pre-med track in college, influenced by societal messages about financial success in medicine, not wanting to follow directly in her mother’s footsteps in physical therapy.

The passing of the speaker’s sister prompted a reevaluation of her career goals, leading her to seek a profession in healthcare that allowed for meaningful patient relationships, ultimately switching to physical therapy in her third year of undergrad.

Initially, the speaker pursued a pre-med track in college, influenced by societal messages about financial success in medicine, not wanting to follow directly in her mother’s footsteps in physical therapy.

The speaker found fulfillment treating vertigo patients, appreciating the rapid improvements she could facilitate in their lives, highlighting her passion for impactful healthcare.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, after being furloughed and reflecting on her career, the speaker recognized that neither advanced clinical roles nor management in physical therapy would bring her happiness, prompting her decision to pursue an MBA for a new professional direction.

During the early days of the pandemic, healthcare providers faced significant challenges, particularly the lack of personal protective equipment, leading to feelings of vulnerability among frontline workers.

The passing of a close friend and frontline nurse during the pandemic profoundly impacted the speaker, highlighting the fragility of life and the risks faced by healthcare workers.

In response to grief, the speaker and friends established a scholarship in honor of their friend to support aspiring nurses, fostering healing and a sense of purpose beyond clinical roles.

Inspired by the scholarship experience, the speaker contemplated a broader impact beyond physical therapy, leading to the decision to enroll in business school.

Upon entering the MBA program, the speaker discovered a community of fellow clinicians making similar career transitions, alleviating feelings of isolation.

Initially focused on healthcare management roles, the speaker shifted interest towards consulting to gain valuable business skills and insights applicable to the healthcare sector.

The speaker completed an internship at Deloitte, experiencing a stark contrast in work-life dynamics compared to physical therapy, including extensive travel and numerous meetings.

Throughout the internship, the speaker identified transferable skills from physical therapy, such as strong interpersonal skills and patience, that contributed to success in consulting.

As graduation approached, the speaker expressed that the relationships formed at Fuqua were the most cherished aspect of the experience, emphasizing the diverse backgrounds and commonalities shared with classmates.

The speaker highlighted personal growth during their time at Fuqua, becoming more adventurous and open to trying new things, exemplified by participating in a drag show, an experience they never anticipated.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of pursuing personal interests, regardless of their impact on career advancement.

They highlight that engaging in seemingly silly activities can lead to personal fulfillment and happiness.

The conversation includes a congratulatory note to Veronica, suggesting she has recently accomplished something noteworthy.

The speaker expresses appreciation for Veronica’s willingness to share her insights and experiences on the podcast.

The discussion reinforces the idea that pursuing passions can be just as valuable as traditional career paths.

The podcast serves as a platform for sharing stories and building connections among individuals with diverse interests.

The message encourages listeners to take risks and follow their dreams, fostering a culture of creativity and self-expression.

The dialogue illustrates how stepping outside of one’s comfort zone can lead to unexpected opportunities and personal development.

The conversation hints at a forward-looking perspective, inspiring others to think about what they might want to pursue next.

The session wraps up with a sense of camaraderie and encouragement, leaving listeners motivated to take action in their own lives.