What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics? I was a personal trainer for 10 years and I realized that a degree in nutrition was the missing component to my work. I already had two Bachelor degrees, so I wasn’t going to go back to school in my 30’s without coming out with a Master’s. Dietetics seemed like the logical choice since I wanted to be seen as an expert.

Your Job Title? Private Practice Entrepreneur, President of the Diablo Valley District of the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and Outpatient Dietitian

Company you are with now? My company: Fit and Healthy Nutrition

Website:
http://www.fitandhealthynutrit... 

Social Media:  
– Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/fitan... 
https://www.facebook.com/Diabl...

Describe a typical (or not so typical) day-in- the-work- life for you? I wake up, do a workout at home, get my kids to school, and then start my work day anytime between 8-9:00 am. I spend the first part of the day following up on emails, some social media (I need to get better at this), and doing any work as President of DVD CAND that needs to be done. Then I either see clients, or chart on clients I have just seen, or some combo of the two. After this, I spend a lot of time hustling. My brain is on overdrive and I am constantly thinking of new ways to make connections. Somewhere in there, I do mommy chores and then I pick my kids up by 4 or 5:00 pm.

How did you get your current job in dietetics? Since I already owned a personal training business, private practice always seemed viable and necessary. I love being my own boss and creating my own schedule.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way? I am pretty naturally empathetic, but my connection to people has improved through my previous business and through practicing motivational interviewing skills with my clients. Patience has been a struggle for me. I like for all things to be done ASAP, however, with age (and children), I have gotten much better at this. Assertiveness is naturally in me, but the older I get the more confident, I am in everything I do. I think this really shows in all the different hats I wear.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you? Be patient. Be kind. Pay it forward.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what would it be? Beach Vacation, no doubt.

Sarah Koszyk is founder of Family. Food. Fiesta. A family-based wellness program and blog focusing on recipes, family health tips, and videos with kids cooking in the kitchen. She is a Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Coach specializing in sports nutrition and adult and pediatric weight management. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or LinkedIn.