NutritionJobs: What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics? Judes Scharman Draughon, MS, RDN, LD: I realized as early as Junior high school that how I ate affected my ability to do sports and feel energetic enough to function at my best.

Your Job Title? Corporate Wellness Specialist

Company you are with now? Nutrition Educational Solutions, LLC (DBA Foods With Judes)

Website:
FoodsWithJudes.com 

Social Media:
– Facebook: Foodswithjudes
– Twitter: @foodswithjudes
– Instagram: @foodswithjudes
– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/foodswithjudes/

Describe a typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you? I’m either presenting or preparing to speak to groups and businesses. I also spend considerable time preparing posts and video segments for social media and my blog. And I also enjoy developing recipes from time to time.

How did you get your current job in dietetics? It was ironic actually. I started a private practice in 2013, and with one free presentation at a neighborhood country club, I ended up filling the year with corporate presentations. The sister of someone who set up wellness programs for businesses happened to attend that free event and recommended me to her sister. As I was working with these companies and some CEOs, I came up with a 12-Fix Lean Life Plan and wrote the book, Lean Body Smart Life: 12-Fix Plan for a Leaner, Healthier, Happier Life as a format for clients both in group and individual settings.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way? I’m outgoing, passionate about nutrition and wellness, and am willing to step out of my comfort zone. Those traits helped get me in front of groups to practice connecting with audiences as I passionately shared my messages.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you? Be open to constructive criticism along the way but be courageous! Do work you want to do without second guessing yourself, even if you lack experience. You don’t have to be perfect at any anything EVER to be effective. Just be you and let your passion come out.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what would it be? Successfully motivating others to change & adventures.

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.