In this inspiring episode of UnCeiling You, Natalie sits down with Pamela, a trailbFlazer who has successfully navigated the unique challenges and rewards of working in both small startups and large corporations. Together, they delve into Pamela's career journey, from her beginnings in small lab startups to her current role in a division of a global organization.

The Transition from Small to Large Companies

• Pamela shares how working in small companies taught her to wear multiple hats and stay nimble, while large companies required her to adapt to a structured hierarchy and embrace compliance at scale.

The Power of Saying Yes Before You're Ready

• Pamela's story exemplifies the importance of embracing opportunities—even when you feel unprepared. She discusses how leaning into challenges helps you grow personally and professionally.

Lessons on Change and Adaptability

• Discover how Pamela managed transitions in organizational growth phases and overcame resistance to change. Her advice? Stay open, advocate for yourself, and be excellent in every opportunity.

The Value of Vision and Intrinsic Growth

• Natalie and Pamela explore how stopping to reflect on your dreams and goals can lead to meaningful growth and clarity. A guided meditation experience highlights the importance of aligning your life with your aspirations.

Thinking Outside the Box

• Learn how Pamela and her team used innovative approaches, like bringing a compliance officer to sales calls, to stand out in the industry and build credibility.

The Importance of Supportive Relationships

• Pamela emphasizes surrounding yourself with people who uplift you and allow you to process challenges aloud without judgment. She also highlights the impact of Natalie’s encouragement throughout her journey.

• Pamela: "If you feel drawn to an opportunity, even if you don’t know it yet, say yes. It’s all part of learning and growing into the person you’re meant to be."
• Natalie: "It’s an experience trap if you think you have to do it before you can do it. Sometimes, you just have to take the leap."
• Pamela: "Be your own advocate. Speak up, prepare well, and show your value. You can’t rely on others to always see it."

• Small companies foster creativity and rapid learning, while large companies require adaptability and a strategic approach to growth.
• Confidence often comes after you say yes to new opportunities, not before.
• Quiet reflection and targeted goals are essential for meaningful growth.
• Building a support system of trusted, uplifting individuals is crucial for navigating challenges and staying inspired.

Resources Mentioned

• Gabby Bernstein Cards – Inspiration cards that Pamela loves: https://a.co/d/56VAvvF
• Learn more about compliance and leadership transitions in UnCeiling Your Career – At Any Age: https://unceilingyou.com/

Join the Conversation

What’s the biggest opportunity you’ve said yes to before you felt ready? Share your story with Natalie on social media!

🎙️ Subscribe to UnCeiling You and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. Don’t forget to follow for updates and resources to help you embrace your ambition! https://UnCeilingyou.com

Join the UnCeiling Zone Membership Site: https://unceilingzone.com/

🌐 Website: https://unceilingyou.com/

💖 Support the Show:...

Is ambition a dirty word? Not in this conversation! In this episode, Kara Taylor joins Natalie Luke, PhD to redefine ambition through the power of imagination, mindset shifts, and courageous action. Kara shares her expertise in transformational success and dream building, drawing from her background in clinical social work, military leadership, and coaching to help women break free from societal expectations and step into their boldest dreams.

If you've ever felt like your inner critic is holding you back or that your ambitions are too big, too bold, or too unrealistic, this episode is for you. Learn how to shift your mindset, embrace small, consistent steps, and turn fear into fuel for your dreams.

✅ Why imagination is the gateway to redefining ambition

✅ The role of the inner critic in shutting down big dreams—and how to silence it

✅ How small, consistent daily steps create massive transformation over time

✅ The science behind convergent vs. divergent thinking and how it impacts success

✅ Why fear is actually a sign you’re on the right path

✅ How to align ambition with values to build a lasting legacy

💡 “Ambition isn’t a dirty word. It’s a declaration of possibility.” – Kara Taylor

💡 “If you’re not feeling fear, you’re not dreaming big enough.” – Natalie Luke, PhD

💡 “Your thoughts shape your reality. If you want to see your future, look at your current results.” – Kara Taylor

📌 Join her free Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/KaraTaylorCoaching

📌 Follow on Instagram: @KaraTaylorCoaching

✨ Your support makes a difference! If you’ve found value in UnCeiling You, consider contributing to help amplify the voices of ambitious women. Every donation fuels more inspiring content! https://unceiling-you.captivate.fm/support

✨ Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalielukephdbcmas/

✨ Subscribe & Leave a Review – If you loved this episode, let us know! Your reviews help amplify women’s voices in career growth, ambition, and personal development.

📌 Tag us on social media! Share your biggest takeaway from this episode using #DareToDream #UnCeilingYourAmbition

🔥 Are you ready to dream bigger and break the mold? Listen now and start taking those bold steps toward your dream life! 🚀

Mentioned in this episode:

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🎙️ Welcome to Episode 5 of UnCeiling Your Career!

In this inspiring episode, Natalie Luke, PhD, sits down with Dr. Mona Jhaveri, founder of Music Beats Cancer, to discuss how ambition and resilience can create transformative change. Dr. Jhaveri’s journey from scientist to entrepreneur to nonprofit leader highlights the power of turning setbacks into stepping stones for innovation.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The Valley of Death in Biotech:

• What it is and why it’s a barrier for so many innovative cancer therapies.
• How Mona’s firsthand experience with Foligo Therapeutics shaped her understanding of this critical funding gap.

The Birth of Music Beats Cancer:

• How Mona created a crowdfunding platform that empowers donors to support early-stage biotech entrepreneurs.
• The importance of “passion capital” in fueling life-saving solutions.

Resilience in Action:

• Mona’s mindset on fear as a motivator for ambition.
• Lessons from her journey, including the value of embracing failure as a stepping stone to success.

Innovation Meets Philanthropy:

• How Music Beats Cancer shifts the focus from “research for a cure” to “entrepreneurs for cures.”
• The role of donors in shaping the future of cancer treatment.

Ambition with Purpose:

• Mona’s take on redefining ambition and inspiring others to make a difference.
• Her vision for creating systemic change in the fight against cancer.

About Dr. Mona Jhaveri

Dr. Mona Jhaveri is a scientist, entrepreneur, and nonprofit leader who has dedicated her career to bridging the funding gap in biotech innovation. With a PhD in biochemistry and extensive research experience, Mona founded Music Beats Cancer, a platform that connects donors with entrepreneurs working on life-saving cancer solutions.

Quotes to Remember

• “The Valley of Death is where great ideas go to die. It’s not just a lack of money—it’s a lack of relationships.” – Dr. Mona Jhaveri
• “Ambition isn’t just about success. It’s about the courage to keep going despite the setbacks.” – Dr. Mona Jhaveri
• “We’re not just funding research for a cure. We’re supporting entrepreneurs for cures.” – Dr. Mona Jhaveri

Connect with Dr. Mona Jhaveri

• Website: MusicBeatsCancer.org
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monajhaveri/

Resources and Links

• Learn more about Music Beats Cancer and explore their campaigns: https://musicbeatscancer.org/all-campaigns/
• Follow UnCeiling Your Career for updates and more inspiring episodes. https://unceilingyou.com/
• Join the Unceiling Zone: https://unceilingzone.com/

Subscribe & Leave a Review

🎧 Don’t miss future episodes of UnCeiling Your Career! Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review to help us reach more listeners.

✨ If this episode inspired you, share it with your network!

🎙️ UnCeiling Your Career: Where ambition meets inspiration.

💡 Love the show? Help keep it going! Your support allows me to continue creating inspiring and valuable content. Donate here: https://unceiling-you.captivate.fm/support