PROLOGUE: I first met Sarah briefly at FNCE 2012 when I had a booth at the Member Product Marketplace next to Stacey Dunn-Emke of NutritionJobs.com, who Sarah does consulting work for.  Then we met again at the DBC Communications Camp in Napa when we had the chance to get to know each other a little better.  Sarah has a truly warm smile and warm personality – so easy to talk with.  I loved learning about her “non-traditional” entry into the world of nutrition and am very impressed with how much she’s done in the field in such a short time.  I am so pleased to share her story here with you!

PROLOGUE: I had the pleasure of meeting Keri at FNCE 2011 in San Diego.  As a fairly new Academy Spokesperson at the time, I was fortunate to not only meet, but to talk with and get to know many of the past Academy Spokespeople.  My first impression of Keri was that she was very distinct and original (and classy, of course).  Over the next couple of years, the more I talked with Keri at various conferences, I noticed that despite her high profile and huge success, she’s very warm and nurturing toward others.  Maybe it’s the yoga (she loves it) or maybe it’s just who she is.  Either way – she is fabulous!  And I can just hear her say, “As it should be!”

PROLOGUE: I was introduced to Neva at a conference by fellow RDN and friend Angela Lemond.  She said, “You two have to meet!”  It may sound corny, but I knew instantly that we were “soul sisters”!  We have many similar views and passions about food and nutrition.  We hit it off immediately and the more I get to know of Neva, the more I want to know.  Of course, I had to interview her for my blog and share her stories and insights with you.  I hope you enjoy learning about her and all the fun and fascinating work she is doing!

PROLOGUE:  I had the pleasure of meeting Tina at a recent nutrition conference.  When we struck up a conversation during break time I learned about her background and the path that led to her landing a much-coveted job as Joy Bauer’s editorial director.  I found her to be both fun and funny.  Of course I had to interview her for my blog to share her story and insider tips with other dietitians. 

1. I’m the Guilt-Free RD – “Because food shouldn’t make you feel bad!” TM. So, on my Food for Thought blog I’m exploring the secret ingredients needed to enjoy your food with health in mind. And on my Sound Bites Podcast I delve into the science, psychology and strategies behind good food and nutrition. Join me as I interview fun and fascinating food experts, researchers, authors, and of course, dietitians! 2. Lights, Camera, Nutrition! I’m a “Dietitian Enthusiast” so I’m showcasing interviews with dietitians who share their food philosophies, services and stories, as well as some insider tips to inspire other RDs in nutrition communications. 3. My speaker, spokesperson and communications coaching services. As a nationally recognized food and nutrition expert with more than 20 years’ experience, I promote sound science, smart nutrition and good food. In addition to my speaker and spokesperson work, I enjoy coaching other food, nutrition and wellness experts on media, social media and public speaking skills with an emphasis on creating and delivering meaningful messages…

PROLOGUE: I met Sheila at FNCE Philly in 2012 when we shared a booth at the Member Product MarketPlace.  I had seen her NE EML request to share a booth to save money and thought: What a great idea!  We had to work together to fill out paperwork and meet deadlines for the booth reservation, but everything went smoothly and when we finally met in person at the booth, Sheila was so kind and helpful.  Throughout the day I got to know her better and learn about her amazing tours.  Months later we still remained in contact, and Sheila generously offered to write a guest blog for me and interview one of her favorite RDs, Sandra Frank.  Now, it’s my turn to interview Shelia!

If you’ve seen the Chipotle Scarecrow video (no, I’m not hyperlinking to it) that recently went viral, then you may agree with me that it is 3 minutes and 23 seconds of your life you’ll never get back….Okay, maybe that’s a bit too harsh.  I mean, it’s not as bad as the Miley Cyrus VMA performance, right?  No, I’m not hyperlinking to that, either.  But I digress.  If you’ve seen the Chiptole Scarecrow video, you really should invest another 2 minutes and 11 seconds to watch the Funny or Die parody video.

PROLOGUE: I met Leah back in early 2001 after we both started working as supermarket RDs.  We were part of a small group of dietitians who were hired to work with various retailers across the country as part of a new wave of grocery store nutrition programs.  Following in the footsteps of a few very early pioneers, we were excited about new career opportunities in our field and hopeful that more retailers would see the value of the RD and that the public would benefit from more access to credible nutrition information.  We worked hard to lay the groundwork and pave the way for future dietitian opportunities in the grocery industry.

PROLOGUE: I met Toby at a recent nutrition conference and was immediately struck by how down to earth and easygoing she is. I was familiar with her work and her brand, but eager to talk with her and get to know her better. I hope you enjoy reading this interview as much as I did conducting it!

As a media coach I get a lot of questions about using food and props on TV and video segments.  This is the first in a series of “How-To” videos on media and communications skills. 

PROLOGUE: Kathleen Zelman is certainly one of the most well-known RDs in the field – if not the most well-known.  Highly visible to both the public and her peers, she has earnestly and effectively embraced nutrition communications.  I have only recently had the opportunity to sit down with Kathleen and get to know her and her story.  The more I know, the more I like!  So, I wanted to share some of her expert insight and guidance with you in this blog.

PROLOGUE: I’ve yet to meet Margie in person.  But I can feel her exuberance through the phone and through cyberspace.  She’s full of life and lessons that she wants to share with others which makes her a perfect addition to my blog interview lineup.  Her message and her mission are simple yet understandably complex. Her story is unique yet also familiar.  Her advice here is free, but it is priceless.  Listen to her story and take her words to heart.  Then get out there and do what you love.  Now!

To learn more about Melissa check out the following links: Melissa’s current bio – download here More about Melissa – Sound Bites web page Melissa’s Media Trainings & Workshops Page 1 – download Page 2 – download   Melissa’s Spokesperson/Speaker Services: Page 1 – download Page 2 – download Articles about Melissa: Outstanding Dietitian of the Year: Enjoyment is Essential Best Food Facts Expert – Meet Melissa Dietitian Career Spotlight on NutritionJobs.com Networking tips from top dietitians on NutritionJobs.com Inside the Fridge interview on RobinsBite What Registered Dietitians Feed Their Kids interview on The Lean Green Bean Nourish & Nurture Series interview by Angela Lemond – Mommy Dietitian Rebel Rockstar Dietitian Interview Promoting Careers in Nutrition in the Chicago Tribune Nutrition and Diabetes Education Work Brings Rewards and Awards

Welcome to the second half of “Do YOU Lean In?”  Three more women share their takeaways and thoughts on the subject of women, work and the will to lead, and I share some thoughts on negotiating and career advice.  Be sure to check out part one here.

In case you haven’t heard, Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook and one of Fortune’s 50 Most Powerful Women has written a book.  Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead has sparked much conversation, and some controversy.  I read it.  I liked it.  It made me think.  But most of all it made me want to know what other women are thinking.  So I asked some of my colleagues and was blown away at the response.  Hence, this post.