The Evaluation Couch

What happens when a skilled evaluator realizes she knows more than she gives herself credit for? In this episode, we sit down with Hairat, a consultant and evaluator passionate about racial equity and justice, who completed The Evaluator's Edge coaching program. Hairat shares how she went from feeling stuck being too senior for junior roles, too junior for senior ones, to confidently articulating her unique value and making intentional career moves. She opens up about the mindset shifts that came from the program, how she learned to ask for what she needs (from organizations and volunteer opportunities), and why building community has become central to her career growth strategy. Learn more about The Evaluator's Edge here: https://mariamontenegro.ca/pages/join-the-evaluators-edge www.mariamontenegro.ca | www.linkedin.com/in/mariamontenegro  

In this episode, Maria sits down with Doaa Abou Hussein, co-founder of Kindred Purpose Consultants, to explore what it truly means to build a business around your values. Doaa shares her journey from evaluation professional to entrepreneur, including the pivotal moment in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon that solidified her mission, why she made the bold decision to brand her company as openly pro-Palestine, and how emotional intelligence and compassion are not soft skills but essential tools for ethical, human-centered evaluation. From working with marginalized communities and newcomer women experiencing gender-based violence, to nurturing a growing team through collective trauma, this conversation is a masterclass in courageous leadership, decolonial practice, and the power of betting on yourself. www.mariamontenegro.ca | www.linkedin.com/in/mariamontenegro  

This episode is the first one of a series celebrating International Women's Month. Maria sits with Claudia Olavarría, an evaluator from Chile with 15 years of experience in international development. Claudia shares her journey navigating a career as a mother of four, building a consultancy while balancing caregiving responsibilities, and the support networks that made it possible. Together they explore feminist evaluation — what it means, why it matters, and how Claudia defines it as simply good evaluation — covering key competencies like cultural responsiveness, participatory methods, and transformative practice. The conversation also touches on the emotional realities of fieldwork, protecting communities and evaluators from vicarious trauma, and Claudia's call to action for a more inclusive, gender-responsive field. www.mariamontenegro.ca | www.linkedin.com/in/mariamontenegro  

In the third episode of the "One Year On" series, Beeta Tahmassebi shares her journey from 25-year organizational leader to first-time entrepreneur. After leaving her role amid widespread sector upheaval and USAID's shutdown, Beeta founded Illuminate, a consulting firm and learning center built on urgency, resilience, and community. In this conversation with Maria, she reveals the realities of launching a business during crisis, the "100 calls" strategy that shaped her path, navigating consultant rates in a constrained market, balancing hope with countless rejections, and learning to find energy in uncertainty. Beeta offers practical advice for evaluators considering independent consulting, discusses AI adoption in evaluation work, and reflects on recreating professional community after institutional loss. Whether you're navigating career disruption, building an independent practice, or simply trying to find your footing in a transformed field, this episode delivers honest insights and actionable strategies for moving forward when the ground shifts beneath you.

In the second episode of the One Year On series, the Canadian Evaluation Society (CES) President Matt Sanscartier reflects on the impacts to the field of evaluation over the last twelve months. Matt discusses the differences between ideological attacks on evidence in the US versus fiscal pressures in Canada, CES's strategic response through advocacy and expanded membership outreach, and the organization's commitment to equity-centered work and reconciliation. Despite mounting anxieties around job security and shrinking budgets, Matt delivers a rallying message: evaluation is not a luxury but a fundamental tool for democratic accountability, and the CES community of over 1,500 members stands ready to demonstrate that our work has never been more essential. Resources:  Learn more about the CES 2026 conference here. www.mariamontenegro.ca | www.linkedin.com/in/mariamontenegro  

In this episode of the "One Year On" series, Maria speaks with Karen Jackson, the 2025 President of the American Evaluation Association (AEA), about navigating one of the most disruptive years in the field of evaluation. Karen reflects on leading AEA through multiple crises while balancing roles as university faculty and consultant. She discusses the October 2025 "Morning After Coalition" call to action, emphasizing the need for evaluators to collectively respond rather than "adapt quietly" to threats against evidence-based practice. Karen highlights key lessons from her presidency, including the importance of curiosity, community-engaged leadership, relationship building, and recognizing evaluators' power to shape how the world values evidence. She also stresses that professional associations like AEA are member-led ecosystems requiring active participation from the entire evaluation community. Resources:  Read Karen's call to action here. www.mariamontenegro.ca | www.linkedin.com/in/mariamontenegro  

Adding "learning" to a job title doesn't mean learning is actually happening. In this episode, Florence Randari breaks down what it really takes to operationalize the "L" in MEL. Florence explains why MEL systems often fail to support learning even when rebranded as "MEL," and what needs to change. Florence discusses the difference between evaluation questions and learning questions, the competencies needed to facilitate learning, and provides practical tools and processes for embedding learning in your work.  Resources:  Follow Florence Randari to learn more about integrating Learning in MEL. Susbcribe to the Learn Adapt Manage (LAN) Network here.  Read some of the articles discussed in this episode:  Designing for Decisions: How to Build Learning Systems That Actually Lead to Action | LinkedIn Small Shifts That Made My Learning Workshops Actually Work | LinkedIn What makes a Pause and Reflect Meeting Different?.....The Agenda | LinkedIn Check out the BetterEvaluation Career in Evaluation page.    www.mariamontenegro.ca | www.linkedin.com/in/mariamontenegro 

In this episode, Maria shares how she fast-tracked her evaluation career in under four years without needing the typical 8-10 years of experience. She breaks down the "career growth fallacy" that holds many evaluators back and discusses six key strategies that accelerated her journey. This episode offers practical insights on how to create meaningful growth without waiting for arbitrary experience milestones. Register for the Own Your Edge Masterclass happening on January 20, 2026 here.  Resources Listen to Maria's episode on Planned Happenstance here.  Check out the BetterEvaluation Building a Career in Evaluation page here. 

Do you ever wonder if your personality is "right" for leadership in evaluation? In this episode, Maria challenges the myth that only certain personality types belong in leadership roles by exploring what research says about personality and leadership, why extroverts are overrepresented in leadership positions, and how introverts can be just as effective depending on the team context. Using the D.O.P.E. framework—Dove, Owl, Peacock, and Eagle—she breaks down four personality types and how they show up in evaluation work, discussing their natural strengths, potential challenges, and specific skills they can develop to become more effective leaders. This episode will help you understand how to work with your natural personality while building the skills you need to thrive in leadership.  Register for the Own Your Edge Masterclass happening on January 20, 2026 here.  Resources Take the Test - D.O.P.E. Personality D.O.P.E. Personality - Home D.O.P.E visual   www.mariamontenegro.ca | www.linkedin.com/in/mariamontenegro

In this episode, Maria interviews Slavica Stevanovic from Qatalyst Research Group, about the integration of artificial intelligence in evaluation consulting. Slavica shares how Qatalyst's early investment into technology allowed it to adopt artificial intelligence to streamline processes and deliver client solutions. The discussion covers the implications of artificial intelligence on evaluation consulting, the importance of human judgment and critical thinking, and practical strategies for professionals to stay relevant and adaptable in a rapidly changing field. Resources Check out Qatalyst's reports dicussed in this episode: Beyond the Hype: The Threat AI Poses for Consulting Firms  A Survival Guide for Consulting Firms: Responding to the Threat Posed by AI  Download your free workbook to become a confident evaluator who attracts top opportunities in 4 steps here.  www.mariamontenegro.ca | www.linkedin.com/in/mariamontenegro 

In this episode, evaluator Cecilia Eva Beloqui shares her inspiring journey of building visibility and community through daily posting on LinkedIn. She reflects on the discipline and consistency it took to commit to sharing resources every day for a year, the challenges of creating meaningful content, and the powerful connections and collaborations that emerged as a result. Cecilia discusses how curating and amplifying others' work has strengthened her own evaluation practice, helped her communicate more effectively, and opened doors to new opportunities. Her story highlights the value of visibility, generosity, and authentic engagement in shaping both careers and the broader evaluation field. To learn more about Cecilia, follow her on LinkedIn.  Download your free workbook to become a confident evaluator who attracts top opportunities in 4 steps here.  www.mariamontenegro.ca | www.linkedin.com/in/mariamontenegro   

In this episode, Mishkah Teladia shares her journey into a portfolio career, discussing her transition from a long-standing role in international development to exploring diverse opportunities that align with her purpose. She emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, the value of relational intelligence, and the need for flexibility in today's evolving work landscape. Mishkah also reflects on the emotional challenges of navigating career transitions and the joy that comes from integrating work and life. Download your free workbook to become a confident evaluator who attracts top opportunities in 4 steps here.  www.mariamontenegro.ca | www.linkedin.com/in/mariamontenegro     

In this episode, Maria Montenegro is joined by Kelsi Kriitmaa to explore the concept of portfolio careers. They discuss the evolving landscape of work, particularly in the social impact sector, and how portfolio careers can offer flexibility and diverse opportunities. Kelsi shares her personal journey from a traditional career path that started in evaluation to embracing multiple roles, including coaching, consulting, and community building. The episode covers the challenges and benefits of portfolio careers, offering insights for those considering this path in a rapidly changing job market. Resources Learn more about Kelsi's work and her group coaching program for consulting here.  Learn more about Kelsi's coach Amanda Goetz here.  Download your free workbook to become a confident evaluator who attracts top opportunities in 4 steps here.  www.mariamontenegro.ca | www.linkedin.com/in/mariamontenegro   

Live from Eval25 in Kansas City, Maria sits down with Denise Baer, Nathan Varnell, and Nina Sabarre for a dynamic conversation on the future of evaluation. Together, they explore why advocating for evaluation has never been more critical in the face of recent disruptions to the field. The guests reflect on what makes these challenges unique, highlight opportunities to strengthen the case for evaluation, and share practical strategies for communicating its value across diverse spaces. Along the way, they discuss how we can support one another as a community and ensure evaluation continues to thrive in times of disruption.  Download your free workbook to become a confident evaluator who attracts top opportunities in 4 steps here.  www.mariamontenegro.ca | www.linkedin.com/in/mariamontenegro   

In this conversation, Mahesh Krishnan Ramesh shares his journey of pursuing a career in public policy and evaluation. He discusses the cultural challenges of becoming an evaluator in India, the innovative approaches he has taken in his career, and the significance of mentorship and networking. He concludes with valuable advice for emerging evaluators on advocating for evaluation in various sectors. Resources Mahesh4World - YouTube Learn more about Mahesh's FIME awards project here.    Download your free workbook to become a confident evaluator who attracts top opportunities in 4 steps here.  www.mariamontenegro.ca | www.linkedin.com/in/mariamontenegro 

In this episode, Maria shares actionable strategies to help you interview with confidence and land the evaluation roles you're ready for. She breaks down the three most common types of interview questions, what interviewers are really looking for with each, and how to tailor your responses using real evaluation examples. You'll learn a simple framework to structure your answers with clarity and see it in action in real-life examples from interview answers of experienced evaluators. Download your free workbook to become a confident evaluator who attracts top opportunities in 4 steps here.  www.mariamontenegro.ca | www.linkedin.com/in/mariamontenegro 

This episode focuses on how to answer the common interview question, "Tell me about yourself." Maria explains why this question is important, outlines common mistakes evaluators make when answering this question, and introduces a simple framework for structuring your answer. The episode includes examples from three evaluators, with feedback on what worked and what could be improved. Throughout the episode Maria provides specific examples of how you can answer this question with you edge, communicating what makes you stand out among other evaluators applying for the same role. Download your free workbook to become a confident evaluator who attracts top opportunities in 4 steps here.  www.mariamontenegro.ca | www.linkedin.com/in/mariamontenegro     

This episode focuses on how evaluators can apply the principles of logic models to their own career development. Maria shares how using logic models to map our our career helps us better understand the inputs, activities, and outputs essential to achieving our career goals. The episode discusses the default logic model most people hold about how their actions lead to outcomes in their careers. She then introduces an extended logic model and discussess each of the inputs, activities, and outputs included in it. The episode underscores the need of constantly revisiting and updating this career logic model to adapt to changing circumstances and goals. *Join The Evaluator's Edge waitlist here to be the first to hear when doors open and get a special discount.   Download your free workbook to become a confident evaluator who attracts top opportunities in 4 steps here.  www.mariamontenegro.ca | www.linkedin.com/in/mariamontenegro 

In this episode, Maria discusses six common myths that can hold back careers in evaluation including the belief that you need a PhD, must specialize, or need to keep collecting credentials to succeed. This episode explores where each of these myths come from, how they impact career growth and satisfaction, and why letting go of them can open up new possibilities. Through real-world examples and practical advice, you'll learn how to navigate your unique path in evaluation with more confidence, clarity, and purpose. Resources:  Canadian Evaluation Society Fellows.  The Generalist World.  GEI Evaluation Competency Framework.  *Join The Evaluator's Edge waitlist here to be the first to hear when doors open and get a special discount.   Download your free workbook to become a confident evaluator who attracts top opportunities in 4 steps here.  www.mariamontenegro.ca | www.linkedin.com/in/mariamontenegro 

In this episode, Maria speaks with researcher and evaluation expert John LaVelle about their study on the imposter phenomenon among evaluators. They explore why feelings of imposterism are common among evaluators and how professional identity and community influence these experiences. The conversation highlights the unique challenges evaluators face and the strategies they use to cope with imposterism, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, open dialogue, and community support in fostering confidence and growth. Resources:  The research study discussed in this episode can be found here.  The book Maria discusses is The Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman.  Download your free workbook to become a confident evaluator who attracts top opportunities in 4 steps here.  www.mariamontenegro.ca | www.linkedin.com/in/mariamontenegro 

In this episode, Paul Bakker joins The Evaluation Couch to share his insights on how a sales pipeline can support an evaluator's independent consulting business. Paul explains how he tracks different types of leads—open RFPs, vendor-of-record opportunities, and sole-source contracts—assigning the likelihood of these materializing into contracts. He shares how he has used a sales pipeline to project his income and guide business development efforts. He emphasizes the importance of networking, building relationships, and diversifying sources of work to maintain income stability and mitigate the risks associated with consulting. Resources Learn about Paul's consulting business Social Impact Squared The AI tools referenced in this episode can be found here: Logical Outcomes Nonprofit AI Workspace Access the American Evaluation Association's Independent Consulting Topical Interest Group videos here Learn more about the Canadian Evaluation Society's Independent Consulting Community of Interest (ICCI) here.  Learn about the book Paul referenced by Gail Barrington here.  Download your free workbook to become a confident evaluator who attracts top opportunities in 4 steps here.  www.mariamontenegro.ca | www.linkedin.com/in/mariamontenegro 

In this episode, Allison Prieur joins Maria to discuss her experience participating in the Evaluation Capacity Case Challenge (EC3). Allison shares how she overcome her hesitation to apply to the program and how this experience has changed her evaluation practice. Maria and Allison share their reflections on applying the learnings from EC3 in their practice including the successes and challenges they face as they both try to build evaluation capacity in different settings.  Resources:  Learn more about Allison's consulting here: About Us — DARE Impact Consulting Learn more about The Evaluation Capacity Case Challenge here: Evaluation Capacity Case Challenge (EC³) | Max Bell School of Public Policy - McGill University   Download your free workbook to become a confident evaluator who attracts top opportunities in 4 steps here.  www.mariamontenegro.ca | www.linkedin.com/in/mariamontenegro   

In this episode, Maria discusses how our brains are designed to make meaning out of our experiences and our place in the world. She shares three personal stories when she held narratives that hindered her career growth. She shares how building her confidence, expanding her knowledge of the field of evaluation, and an unexpected life experience can shift these beliefs. The episode concludes with advice and resources to help others identify and overcome their own limiting stories including Maria's free workbook to become a confident evaluator.  Download Maria's free workbook Evaluator Career Edge: 4 Steps to Become a Confident Evaluator Who Attracts Top Opportunities here. 

In this episode, Maria shares the importance of detaching one's identity and self-worth from job titles. She discusses how job titles are arbitrary, often don't reflect actual skills or responsibilities, and can negatively impact mental health by fostering unhealthy comparisons. She offers practical tips on how to focus on one's achievements, skills, and contributions instead of job titles, and how to effectively communicate one's value in different contexts. Maria uses her personal experiences and examples to illustrate the harmful effects of over-identifying with job titles and provides strategies for more meaningful ways of introducing ourselves without them. 

In this episode, Corey Newhouse and Komani Cedano join Maria to share their experiences and practices to improve compensation in their businesses. They share their personal journeys, challenges faced, and steps taken towards transparent compensation practices, including setting salaries, yearly raises, and benchmarking. They both highlight the need for transparency, equity, and continuous improvement in compensation policies. The episode also offers practical advice for both evaluators and business owners hoping to promote improved compensation practices within evaluation.   

In this episode, Maria discusses the importance of adopting a proactive job search approach instead of a passive one to improve employment outcomes. Maria shares four key strategies to improve your job search process: obtaining real-world information about posted jobs, proactively exploring opportunities, accessing the hidden job market, and using strategic visibility. Each of these are detailed with examples from Maria's career and tips to help you implement them into your job search strategy.  The meta-analysis referenced in this episode is found here. 

In this episode, Maria shares how her participation in the Evaluation Capacity Case Challenge (EC3) was a turning point for her career.  EC3 is an experiential learning program hosted by the Max Bell School of Public Policy at McGill University. This program focuses on developing evaluation capacity building skills while supporting real organizations through tailored plans. For four months, Maria represented her organization and worked closely with academics to shape the case challenge provided to participants. In this episode, she discusses four key reflections: embracing curiosity, collaborating with academic perspectives, the value of external assessments, and what it truly means to build evaluation capacity. Resources:  Learn more about The Evaluation Capacity Case Challenge here.  Learn about the current literature on evaluation capacity building here and more broadly about evaluation capacity building here.   

In this episode, Maria reflects on her experiences in academia and how they've shaped her perspective on whether a PhD is needed for a career in evaluation. She shares the moment she first recognized the deep-rooted imposter syndrome in the evaluation community for those without a PhD. She shares her personal academic journey, including a challenging master's thesis in Peru, experiences with supervision, and ethical dilemmas in research. Maria explores her decision-making process of whether to pursue a PhD, weighing career impact, intellectual curiosity, and financial costs. She closes the episode with a call to action, urging evaluators to challenge limiting narratives around academic credentials and define success on their own terms.

In this episode, Maria reflects on her experience of losing her beloved dog and the deeper impact it had on her sense of identity. She draws parallels between how her dog Safi shaped her identity and how our evaluation careers shape our identities. She discusses why change can sometimes bring its own kind of grief throughout our career. She shares five key reminders this period of grief has given her: prioritizing what truly matters, embracing self-care, valuing intentional learning, leaning into your support network, and letting your core values guide you.     

In this episode, Melissa McGuire and Liz Martin of Cathexis Consulting reflect on their journey as a certified B Corporation. Cathexis, an independent evaluation firm based in Canada, has been B Corp certified since 2019. This episode describes what it means to be a B Corporation and why the certification matters. Melissa and Liz share insights from Cathexis's own certification process, including their learnings and the improvements they've made in their social and environmental practices. Listeners will hear examples of initiatives Cathexis has implemented, and how being part of the B Corp community has supported their growth. The episode wraps up with practical advice for organizations considering the path to certification. Resources Learn more about Cathexis Consulting here and check out their Reconciliation Action Plan 2022-2024.  Learn more about the B Corp Certification here. 

This episode features Giovanna Montagner, an evaluator and Integrated Life Advocate with Third Path Institute. Giovanna shares her insights on work-life integration, contrasting it with the commonly discussed work-life balance. She explains work-life integration as an ongoing process to align work, family, community, and self-care according to personal priorities. Giovanna recounts her personal journey towards better work-life integration, including her shift from a demanding job to a lifestyle more aligned with her values through flexible work arrangements. She also discusses the challenges and strategies for setting boundaries, especially for women, and emphasizes the role of organizations in fostering a culture that supports sustainable work practices. Practical strategies for evaluators and employers to improve work-life integration are discussed, along with the potential benefits for both personal well-being and professional effectiveness. Resources Learn more about Third Path Institute on their website, LinkedIn, or Facebook.

In this episode, Maria reflects on her experience of becoming a Credentialed Evaluator through the Canadian Evaluation Society (CES) and explores the evolving professionalization of the evaluation field. She examines both the support and skepticism surrounding the credentialing process, presenting key arguments for and against the program. Drawing from her own journey, Maria offers thoughtful insights into the tangible and intangible benefits of earning this designation. She also provides considertions for anyone considering this path, encouraging a careful assessment of the long-term commitment and financial investment involved. Resources: Maria used a few resources to prepare this episode including this paper and this paper.  She strongly advices anyone interested in accurate information about the Credentialed Evaluation Program to visit the Canadian Evaluation Society website.  The evaluation competency framework used for the Credentialed Evaluation Program can be found here.  Still trying to decide whether you should become a Credentialed Evaluator? Access Maria's decision aid tool on her website.     

In this episode, Maria explores how evaluation competencies can help you grow into a stronger evaluator. She breaks down what evaluation competencies are and offers practical advice on selecting a framework to guide your career development. Maria also discusses how these competencies can ease the sense of overwhelm that often comes with building an evaluation career, allowing you to focus your efforts and seek guidance more effectively. Drawing from her own experiences, Maria shares examples of the competencies she has worked on at various stages of her journey.   Resources Learn more about evaluation competencies here.  Learn about evaluation competency frameworks here.  Complete the exercise "Finding a competency framework that suits you" if you are struggling to select a competency framework.  Finally, check out Maria's favourite cookies recipe here.     

This episode series features inspiring women who are transforming the way evaluation businesses work by creating workplaces that are people-centered. In this episode, Nina Sabarre, founder and CEO of Intention 2 Impact (I2I), discusses the values-driven approach of her social impact consulting firm. Nina reflects on her past experiences with leadership and the importance of creating a supportive, inclusive workplace culture. She emphasizes the significance of embedding transparency and care into recruitment processes and how she has benefitted from being part of community of evaluation firm owners. Nina shares her progress on learning how companies can support employees amid climate emergencies and offers advice for job seekers to actively question and assess potential employers' values and practices during interviews. Resources:  Learn more about Intention 2 Impact and sign up for their monthly newsletter here.

This episode series features inspiring women who are transforming the way evaluation businesses work by creating workplaces that are people-centered. In this episode, Monique Liston from Ubuntu, an organization dedicated to racial equity, shares insights into Ubuntu's mission, practices, and organizational philosophy. Monique talks about her abolitionist leadership and how Ubuntu aims to create a world free of anti-Black racism by focusing on liberation and creating a workplace that enables collective healing and well-being. Monique discusses Ubuntu's innovative hiring practices, which promote transparency, reciprocity and cultivate community. The episode concludes with advice for job seekers to remain authentic in their application process.  Resources: Ubuntu Research and Evaluation, LLC is on a mission to reach 1,000 followers on LinkedIn. Enjoyed what you heard? Show your support and give them a follow!

This episode series features inspiring women who are transforming the way evaluation businesses work by creating workplaces that are people-centered. In this episode, Kat Haugh from Convive Collective shares her journey of creating a people-centered workplace that embraces flexibility, authenticity, and well-being. She discusses the principles of human design and how they have helped her create an environment where her staff can step into their unique gifts and strenghts. Maria and Kat discuss Kate's approach to recruitment and organizational learning. Kat also shares valuable career advise, especially for those currently affected by the foreign aid crisis.  Resources:  Learn more about Convive Collective here.   

In this episode, Eric Barela shares his career journey spanning 20 years in various sectors, including non-profits, foundations, and corporate settings. Eric discusses his roles in differet organizations and his recent shift to consulting. Eric reflects on the importance of support systems, both personal and professional, and emphasizes the need for evaluators to remain adaptable and continuously learning. He also touches on the challenges and opportunities that come with transitioning between different sectors and how his evaluation practice has evolved throughout these changes. Eric concludes with advice for those facing career transitions, encouraging them to understand interconnectedness and context within organizations. He motivates us to see transitions as opportunities for growth, continous learning, and to fall in love with our evaluation profession all over again. Resources Follow Eric Barela on LinkedIn. Learn more about Visionary Evaluation in Eric's AEA365 blog post.       

In this episode, Ratiba Taouti Cherif joins Maria to share insights from her 20 years of experience in international development. Together, they explore Ratiba's learnings from navigating uncertainty in this space:  Your industry is not your identity You will lose networks and build new ones  Diverisying income isn't a backup plan. It's a power move The future of work is independent and global Sitting on both ends of the table changed everything Stability isn't a job. It's adaptability.  Where to start Resources To learn more about Ratiba, follow her on LinkedIn. Her podcast is available on all major audio platforms #RethinkSocialChange and on YouTube. Learn about ReThink Social Change Cards here.   Find The Bloom's pro bono support for those affected by the humanitarian crisis here. 

In this episode, Maria interviews Veronica Olazabal about transitioning as an evaluator into the private sector, focusing on philanthropy and corporate philanthropy. Veronica shares her experiences, the skills required for such transitions, and the differences evaluators may face in corporate settings. She also offers key advice for those considering this transition such as understanding different terminologies, aligning skillsets to new roles, the importance of conflict resolution, communication, and risk management. Veronica emphasizes the significance of resilience, adaptability, and effectively positioning oneself for the few available but impactful roles in the corporate sector.  Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by Veronica in this episode are solely her own and do not reflect the views of any organizations she is or has been affiliated with. Resources:  Follow Veronica on LinkedIn Read the AEA365 blog "Understanding the Emerging Field of Evaluation in Corporate Social Good" by Jared Raynor, Lisa Frantzen, and Morgan Buras-Finlay here.           

This episode features Libby Smith, Deven Wisner, and Tiffany Tovey who share about their new community of practice for higher education evaluators and assessment professionals. This episode discusses alignment with our values, the value of collaborative reflective practice, and the role of community in navigating professional challenges.  Resources Learn more about... Libby's work through her website: workwithlibby.com  The community of practice here: https://viableinsights.com/community-of-practice/ Libby, Deven, and Tiffany's collaborative reflective practice through their podcast  Radical (Re)imagining  

This episode features Torriel Harris, a career coach who is on a mission to help 500 women in their careers. The episode starts with a discussion of how community can help us heal from career related events. Then, Torriel shares her views on building community, how community has played a role in her career, and how she is incorporating community in her coaching program "Command the Room, Sis!". Maria and Torriel end the episode with practical tips for people wanting to start building their own communities to support their careers.  Follow Torriel Harris on LinkedIn to learn more about her work and programs.  Learn more about The Bloom, the community for social impact careers where Torriel and Maria met. 

In this episode Maria shares stories of her experieces negotiating job offers. The episode starts with statistics and research findings related to women and men's perceptions and experiences towards negotiating. Then, Maria shares stories from her career when she negotiated a salary offer and the lessons she learned from each of those experiences.    Resources:  The book Maria references in the episode is Women Don't Ask: Negotiation and the Gender Divide Learn more of the Vanderbilt Business research study here The study providing evidence on the backlash account towards women's assertiveness during negotiations can be found here. 

In this episode, Shelby Corley and Stephanie Mui join Maria to discuss myths and questions about resumes based on their perspectives hiring for evaluation positions. They discuss their preferences when reviewing applications and provide valuable tips for those seeking to apply to evaluation jobs.     

This episode covers why cover letters are important and provides guidelines to write them effectively. Maria shares examples of effective cover letters she has written in the past. This episode also includes an exercise you can work through to identify effective stories for your cover letters.  The statistics mentioned in this episode come from this study.   

In this episode, Diego Luces shares a story about how he knocked on a company's door and ended up landing on a job when he was still a fairly new immigrant in Canada. Diego shares what motivated him to take this risk and how he maintained a positive mindset after being rejected in his job search process. He offers useful advice to help others navigate the job search process. This episode discusses the importance of diversifying our job search strategies as well as barriers faced by immigrants in searching jobs in a different country. 

In this episode, Maria provides useful content to help you transform your resume. This episode covers the cognitive processes behind common resume tips, general rules for effective resumes and how to organize your information. Maria shares three frameworks you can adopt to write effective work experience content. She also shares things to avoid using real-life examples to showcase how to improve your resume content. She ends with a few strategies you can use to maintain updated and effective resumes. 

This episode features several attendees of Eval24, the 2024 American Evaluation Association conference that took place in Portland, Oregon. Maria engaged several attendees to ask them about risks they have taken in their careers, goals they are working towards and advice they would give their younger selves.  This episode features several amazing evaluators. I am grateful for their generosity with their time and wisdom.  Featured evaluators in alphabetical order: Allison Prieur, Angela Suarez, Audacity Nadler, Bijan Kimiagar, Carolyn Haythorn, Eddah Kanini, Elizabeth DiLuzio, François-Daniel Portelance, Gabriela Castro, Gladys Rowe, Grace, Joanna Hillman, Olivia Melvin, Prabin Nanicha, Rachael Kenney, Theodore Theoharis, Tian Ford, Veronica Olazabal, Vivien Ahrens, Zach Tilton.

This episodes focuses on our experiences of getting stuck when deciding whether to apply to a job or not. Maria shares experiences when getting stuck and building scenarios based on speculation have led her to not take action. She explains how our brain makes decisions and discusses some narratives or biases that can promote the decision loop that might lead to inaction. Finally, she shares a framework that can support your decision-making process to avoid getting stuck.  Resources:  Thinking, fast and slow by David Kahneman Maria's CARE to Apply Decision Tree

This episode is a how-to guide for tailoring your job application. Maria provides an overview of why it is important to tailor your application and how to overcome barriers getting in the way of creating a relevant and concise application. She demonstrates the process she would follow to tailor an application by using a real job posting as an example. The episode discusses Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools that can make the process more efficient and how you can use them.    Resources: The job posting used in the example was retrieved on November 13, 2024 from Indeed.  This post includes the keywords results from Copilot, Teal, and JobScan. 

This is the last episode in the series dedicated to healthy job search mindsets. In this episode, Maria discusses the importance of developing your story, the narrative that describes your uniqueness and the value you add to a job. This episode focuses on an important component of your story: your strengths. Reconnecting with your strenghts will not only allow you to stand out but will also increase your resilliency. Maria shares an excercise to identify your strengths and shares an example from her career to show how it works.  Other resources you can use to develop your story:  The Simple, Powerful Method to Find your "Why"  Values Excercise  Why work in evaluation: Excercises and Resources