Rinse, Repeat, or Leap? How Dr. Christine May Built a Career Without a Roadmap

Send a textIn this episode, we explore career transitions, building something from scratch, and embracing ambiguity with Dr. Christine May — founder of Evolve Consulting and former Head of Behavioral Science at Noom. Christine’s story is a blueprint for moving beyond traditional paths — from a nearly tenured academic career to leading behavioral science in tech, and now to running her own consulting business. We unpack how she’s built teams and companies without a roadmap, what she’s learned about navigating uncertainty, and why strong opinions (loosely held) are essential for entrepreneurs and scientists alike.In This Episode, You’ll LearnWhy Christine left a near-tenure academic career in 2020 to pursue the unknownHow she built Noom’s behavioral science division from the ground upWhy “ambiguity tolerance” might be the strongest predictor of entrepreneurial successPractical advice for academics transitioning into industryHow to network authentically — and why warm introductions matter more than résumésWhat it really means to run your own consulting business (hint: accounting, sales, and all)Featured Guest: Dr. Christine MayChristine May, PhD, is a behavioral scientist, entrepreneur, and founder of Evolve Consulting, where she partners with digital health companies and academic teams to bring evidence-based behavioral interventions to life. Before launching her own business, she spent several years at Noom, where she built and led their behavioral science division. Christine now co-leads the IGNITE Bootcamp alongside Val Silfee, helping academics and clinicians navigate industry transitions. She’s passionate about women’s health, evidence-based design, and empowering scientists to step into leadership.Highlights & TakeawaysKnow when “stability” becomes risky: When the rinse-and-repeat cycle outweighs growth, it’s time to move.Plan loosely, act decisively: Have a plan — but hold it lightly. The ability to pivot fast is your edge.Ask, don’t dictate: Great leaders and scientists gather data through questions, not assumptions.Ambiguity is the job: Whether in startups or entrepreneurship, there’s no roadmap — you’re building it as you go.Reverse vs. irreversible decisions: Christine’s framework for deciding when to analyze deeply vs. act fast.Build your network like a scientist: Collect data, connect authentically, and offer value first.Entrepreneurship ≠ freedom only: It’s accounting, operations, and constant context-switching — but also creative autonomy and deep fulfillment.Resources & MentionsEvolve Consulting with Val SilfeeWorkshops for Academics Get in TouchHave thoughts about this episode? Connect with Dr. Michelle Handy on LinkedIn and follow Deep Thoughts for more insights at the intersection of behavioral science, tech, and design. Deep Thoughts with Michelle Handy explores the intersections of behavioral science, tech, and design through engaging conversations with thought leaders. Whether you're building products, leading teams, or navigating your own career journey, each episode delivers practical insights to inspire personal growth and drive innovation.