Meet Vandana Sheth, RDN, CDE, FAND, who is extremely captivating and kind. She is such an inspiration to our industry and full of positive energy. Her expertise in the media has helped build her brand and her practice. Learn how you can grow yours, too. - Sarah


What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics?
Growing up in India, I definitely noticed a connection between how I performed as a dancer and the food my Mom prepared for me. I loved science and helping people. However, I did not want to be a physician. When I learned that I could enjoy a career in the field of nutrition and dietetics, talk about food all day, and make a positive difference in people’s lives - it was a no-brainer.

Your Job Title?
Dietitian in Private Practice, Author, Speaker, Entrepreneur and National Media Spokesperson

Company you are with now?
Self-Employed

Website:

http://www.Vandanasheth.com

My Indian Table: Quick & Tasty Vegetarian Recipes Cookbook

Social Media:

- Facebook: https://facebook.com/VandanaShethRDCDE/

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vandanasheth/

- Instagram: https://instagram.com/vandanasheth/

- Twitter: https://twitter.com/vandanashethrd

Describe a typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you?
I love the flexibility of being an entrepreneur and being fully in-charge of my schedule. I don’t have a typical day as every day is different. My current work-life includes:

Private Practice - I see clients at least three times per week either in my office or virtually. This role also involves admin stuff, marketing, etc.

Speaker - I do corporate wellness talks either in person or via webinars as well as speak at conferences. I have a few set presentations and I also spend time creating new ones based on client requests.

Author - I released my first cookbook, My Indian Table: Quick & Tasty Vegetarian Recipes, this year and also write for various online and print outlets. The book is available on Amazon.

Media Spokesperson - I am doing media interviews by speaking to journalists on a regular basis spontaneously depending upon the day or working on radio or TV segments. This role allows me to communicate my messages to a much larger audience and I love it.

Recipe Developer - I love cooking and coming up with creative but simple ways of amping up flavor.

Regardless of what the day has in store for me, I always start my day with a cup of strong coffee or chai and spend some time reflecting on the upcoming day with gratitude. I then go for a walk with our dog Shadow. During my walk I video-chat with my Dad in India, and listen to podcasts. I then enjoy breakfast and map out my day whether it is seeing clients in my office or virtually, working on projects (speaking/writing), social media, or doing media interviews. When I get home in the evening, I love spending time with my husband in our backyard sipping some delicious wine and enjoying a quick and tasty homemade dinner. We have young adult sons in college and so I eagerly look forward to times we are all together as a family.

How did you get your current job in dietetics?
I have worked in many different settings as a dietitian. Like many others, I started my career as a clinical dietitian at a community hospital and this was a great starting point. It allowed me to strengthen my clinical knowledge and skills. I also worked in dialysis centers, worked for a home health agency (primarily did telehealth sessions), and at an outpatient diabetes center. Although I enjoyed the variety of settings, I especially enjoyed working one on one with my clients and being able to help them prevent and better manage their health conditions in an outpatient setting. I also enjoyed speaking/writing and was doing freelance work simultaneously with some of my other roles. I fell into the media spokesperson role as I started speaking to reporters when I was working as a clinical dietitian. All of these led to my decision to start my private practice and become an entrepreneur.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way?
I was born with an ability to easily connect with people. I thrive on human interactions.

Being creative, insightful, empathetic and flexible.

Skills I have learned and continue to learn along the way:

Business skills - learning all the different aspects of running a business.

Marketing, especially social media.

Learning to slow down (I get easily caught up in my excitement of new ideas) and focusing on my goals.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you?
Be open to opportunities. Be ready and willing to learn and grow as the field is constantly evolving. Find mentors and coaches to help guide, support, and motivate you. Surround yourself with people who inspire you.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what
would it be?
If I could be paid for my job with something other than a paycheck, it would be the ability to travel around the world with my family and create special memories with flavorful vegetarian food, wine, and fun.