Meet Lisa Underwood, MBA, MS, RDN, whose fascination for science and patient care led her to her path as a dietitian. Lisa is an entrepreneur and savvy networker which has helped her successfully grow her private practice and career. – Sarah What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics? My initial career path and chosen field of study was medicine, but one life changing day I met a Registered Dietitian and enrolled in her course, “Introduction to Nutrition”. Fascinated with the blend of science and patient care, I immediately transferred to the University of California at Davis to study nutrition science.

Your Job Title? Owner, RDN Nutrition Consulting

Company you are with now? RDN Nutrition Consulting

Website:
www.rdnnutrition.com

Social Media:
 – Facebook: www.facebook.com/RDNnutrition
 – LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/launderwood

Describe a typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you? As a business owner, a typical day is based upon the needs of my client’s projects and the future growth of the business.   Business projects vary from the preparation of a corporate wellness workshop, nutrition research to client marketing and business planning.

How did you get your current job in dietetics? RDN Nutrition Consulting is a nutrition based consulting business specializing in patient and business consulting. After 10 years of practicing dietetics followed by 15 years of global medical marketing, I decided to launch my own business that would blend the skills of both nutrition science and marketing communications.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way? From a young age, I was attracted to sales and marketing based activities and held a job in the jewelry industry that funded my college education. During my undergraduate and graduate education, I enjoyed the business classes as much as the clinical nutrition courses. A blend of clinical and creative (marketing/sales) experience affords me the expertise of translating difficult nutrition topics into simple and memorable communication messages. All professional work experiences and education can one day be leveraged in a professional career.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you?  My advice for all nutrition professionals can be summed up in one word: NETWORK. Your network is your most valuable asset. Develop your network through volunteering with professional organizations such as your state affiliate or any other organizations that will support your career growth and interests.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what  would it be? If I had the luxury of working without the need to be compensated, I would want my compensation to be donated to a local food pantry that helped alleviate food insecurity for children.

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.