Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text! Last week I talked about " Leadership Skills Every Public Health Professional Should Develop " and mentioned two episodes from 2020 where I sat down with two amazing guests to discuss leadership. This week, I wanted to make sure you had a chance to listen to the second one of these episodes - with Anjum Sultana. -------- In this episode, Sujani sits down with Anjum Sultana. Anjum is someone Sujani has known for a number of years and has ...
May 20, 2025•54 min•Ep. 173
Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text! Last week I talked about " Leadership Skills Every Public Health Professional Should Develop " and mentioned two episodes from 2020 where I sat down with two amazing guests to discuss leadership. This week, I wanted to make sure you had a chance to listen to one of these episodes - with Dr. Nadia Akseet. -------- In this episode, Sujani speaks Dr. Nadia Akseer, an Epidemiologist-Biostatistician who has spent over 10 years leading researc...
May 13, 2025•44 min•Ep. 172
Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text! Leadership in public health transcends job titles—it's about how we inspire action, communicate vision, and guide others regardless of our position. This essential skillset helps navigate the complex, messy work of creating healthier communities through building trust and mobilizing stakeholders toward common goals. Discussed in this episode: What leadership really means in public health Why it's absolutely necessary The specific leaders...
May 06, 2025•32 min•Ep. 171
Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text! We're back with our monthly update on what's happening inside the Public Health Career Club - our membership community designed to support you in building your dream public health career. Whether you're looking for accountability partners, financial guidance, or mentorship opportunities, our May 2025 lineup has something to help you advance your career goals. Social Hour on May 6th - connect with peers in public health in a casual settin...
Apr 30, 2025•15 min•Ep. 170
Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text! Public health careers extend far beyond traditional roles, with exciting opportunities in tech, communications, behavioral science, and entrepreneurship that offer both impact and excellent compensation. The roles explored in this episode include: UX designers in health tech creating intuitive tools while ensuring clinical accuracy Digital health communications specialists managing online campaigns and combating health misinformation Beh...
Apr 22, 2025•25 min
Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text! Networking isn't about schmoozing with random people or handing out business cards—it's about building genuine relationships rooted in curiosity, generosity, and mutual benefit that can transform your public health career journey. What we talk about in today's episode: Up to 80% of jobs are filled through networking connections rather than job boards Your network already exists—start by auditing connections from school, past jobs, and on...
Apr 14, 2025•31 min•Ep. 168
Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text! Career plateaus in public health are common experiences that leave professionals feeling stuck and unmotivated, but with reflection and strategic action, they can become springboards for renewed passion and growth. What's discussed in this episode: Four main reasons career plateaus happen: outgrowing your current role, lacking career clarity, not seeing growth opportunities, and experiencing burnout Ask yourself key questions to recogniz...
Apr 07, 2025•39 min•Ep. 167
Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text! This is a new monthly series to provide you with updates on events happening inside the Public Health Career Club community: The Public Health Career Club has moved to an always-open enrollment model to provide support whenever public health professionals need it, with a new seven-day free trial available for both premium and light memberships. Here's what to expect in April: Four-part workshop series on "Launch Your Idea" for turning co...
Mar 31, 2025•17 min•Ep. 166
Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text! Landing that first public health job can feel impossible when every posting requires experience you don't yet have. We explore four powerful strategies to break this cycle and position yourself as a strong candidate even without traditional job experience. Reframing what counts as experience beyond full-time paid positions Using course projects, volunteering, internships, and part-time work to showcase relevant skills Presenting skills-b...
Mar 25, 2025•23 min•Ep. 165
Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text! The PH SPOT podcast returns after a ten-month unplanned break with host Sujani sharing personal updates and outlining future plans for the show. • Unexpected 10-month podcast hiatus • Solo episodes will be the primary format moving forward to accommodate scheduling constraints • Selected recordings from Public Health Career Club events may be released as podcast episodes • PH SPOT is simplifying its approach to helping public health prof...
Mar 24, 2025•9 min•Ep. 164
Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text! In this episode, Sujani sits down with Glenn Laverack, a seasoned public health professional whose career has spanned continents and been shaped by his diverse experiences. His early years engaged with grassroots initiatives laid the foundation for a deep understanding of the local context, an asset that would become invaluable as he navigated the complex world of global health. They explore the significance of community empowerment in m...
May 15, 2024•47 min•Ep. 163
Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text! This week, our guest Christie VanHorne shares her career trajectory into public health from a background in history and involvement in humanitarian efforts. From working as a health educator to creating her own public health consulting business and teaching at Vassar College, Christie's story highlights how hard work, staying true to yourself, and having a solid network are all crucial to building your dream career. Her journey emphasize...
May 08, 2024•58 min•Ep. 162
Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text! In our latest podcast episode, we delve into a story of transition, courage, and the unwavering human spirit as our guest, Yasir Essar, swapped his dentistry scrubs for a career in public health amid the chaotic backdrop of a global pandemic and geopolitical turmoil. Yasir shares how visualizing achievements can provide a push to overcome challenges and demonstrates the powerful role mentors and community support play in guiding career p...
May 01, 2024•44 min•Ep. 161
Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text! In this episode, Sujani delves into her personal struggles with speaking in public and how it affected her career in public health. She reflects on her initial reluctance to speak in various settings and her journey of self-improvement through the creation of her podcast. Sujani shares that by creating opportunities to practice speaking, she was able to progressively build confidence and improve her communication skills. She emphasizes t...
Apr 25, 2024•9 min•Ep. 160
Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text! Today's episode features Dr. Charlotte Huntley, a public health entrepreneur and leader. We peel back the layers of her dynamic journey from a liberal arts and microbiology background to an influential career in epidemiology and entrepreneurship. Our dialogue uncovers her dive into the pharmaceutical industry and how the entrepreneurial flame was kindled within her. As we pivot towards the impact of her work during a global pandemic, Dr....
Apr 17, 2024•41 min•Ep. 159
Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text! Welcome to the Public Health Career Club. From sitting down with accomplished public health professionals who will spill the beans on making the most of your degree, to personalized career advice during our office hours – it's all happening here. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. We've packed our calendar with monthly resume clinics, mentorship sessions, and social mixers to spark lifelong connections. Stay tuned for our weekly wor...
Apr 10, 2024•11 min•Ep. 158
Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text! This week Sujani unveils the transformative power of weaving relationship-building into the very fabric of your daily life. From striking up a conversation with a colleague to reaching out to a professional you admire online, I'll demonstrate the omnipresence of networking opportunities. Whether you're taking your first steps in public health or you're a seasoned expert, this episode promises to revolutionize your approach to building re...
Apr 03, 2024•13 min•Ep. 157
Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text! Have you ever found yourself at a career crossroads, contemplating a leap into uncharted territory? Join us as we navigate the captivating realm of public health careers with Dr. Vinu Ilakkuvan. She shares her remarkable shift from engineering to public health, shedding light on the serendipitous ways that one's professional journey can unfold. We discuss the strategic reframing of skills that allow for such shifts, and the interplay bet...
Mar 27, 2024•43 min•Ep. 156
Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text! Unlock the code to public health job success with Zoila Reina of Public Health Hired, who graces our podcast with expert tips on mastering the language of the sector. If you've ever felt lost in a sea of job applications, Zoila's creation, the Public Health Key Terms Guide, is your beacon. We zero in on the power of terms and how they're not just buzzwords but keys to your next career move. From decoding job descriptions to enhancing you...
Mar 20, 2024•22 min•Ep. 155
Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text! Our guest this week, Angeza Mohammed, is a testament to the power of aligning one's passions with their profession. Follow her strategic yet dynamic career path and learn how mentally and physically envisioning her ideal life, strategic networking, and taking risks led to her creating The Consulting Nest and How did you learn to do that?, The Successful Candidate. You’ll Learn How Angeza was first introduced to public health Why Angeza p...
Mar 13, 2024•40 min•Ep. 154
Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text! In this episode, we lift the veil on public health salaries and discover how transparency in salary discussions can pave the way for more informed career decisions in public health. Sujani walks us through her own career, from initial salary to current earnings, and discusses starting income ranges of other public health professionals collected from a LinkedIn post and how factors like sector, region, and experience play pivotal roles in...
Mar 06, 2024•22 min•Ep. 153
Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text! Today, unlock a world of innovation at the crossroads of entrepreneurship and public health consulting with Leah Roman and Vinu Ilakkuvan. They bring to light the motivations behind a groundbreaking survey on self-employed public health professionals, revealing the often hidden sides of self employment. Through candid conversations, we learn about the economic prospects of consulting and the pressing need for more academic training and s...
Feb 28, 2024•48 min•Ep. 152
Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text! Imagine catapulting your career to new heights by harnessing the transformative power of personal branding. That’s exactly what we're unpacking today with leadership coach Richa Bansal, whose insights into professional presence are nothing short of game-changing. Our conversation delves into the nuances of how you're perceived and the pivotal role of aligning your self-image with external perspectives. And for those just starting out, we...
Feb 21, 2024•34 min
Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text! Embark on a transformative journey with Tasha Whitaker, a seasoned Community Health Worker whose heart beats for public health education and advocacy. From her initial dreams of trauma nursing to becoming a beacon of hope and change within her community, Tasha's story is a testament to the power of passion and persistence. Uncover the nuanced dynamics of Community Health Workers, the unsung heroes who bridge gaps between healthcare syste...
Feb 14, 2024•44 min•Ep. 150
Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text! In this episode, Sujani discusses the launch of the Public Health Career Club, a membership-based community dedicated to empowering public health professionals. The Career Club, which opened its doors in October 2022, has quickly become a hub for professionals seeking personalized support, job opportunities, networking, and guidance on their career paths. Sujani shares her personal journey, highlighting a period of reflection during her ...
Feb 07, 2024•21 min•Ep. 149
Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text! In this episode, Sujani breaks down the different places you can look for public health jobs. She breaks down the following four categories with specific places (20 in total) to look for opportunities: Generic Job Search Engines Public Health Job Boards Straight to the Source Hidden Job Market Happy job searching! BONUS: Before the episode wraps up, Sujani shares a convo with Allie (one of the first members of The Public Health Career Cl...
Jan 31, 2024•35 min•Ep. 148
Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text! Have you ever caught a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and noticed something new? That's what happened to Sujani when she revisited the Gallup Clifton Strengths Finder Test 10 years later. Years of nurturing a public health career have surprisingly added strategic thinking to my skill set, alongside my core abilities in execution and relationship building. Join Sujani as she reveals how personal strengths are not set in stone but evolv...
Jan 24, 2024•15 min•Ep. 147
Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text! Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of public health, Sujani reflects on the past year's growth and anticipates the exciting new horizons that await in 2024. This episode is a celebration of the milestones achieved and a teaser of the novel ventures on the horizon for PH SPOT. It's a narrative that intertwines personal growth with professional development, underlining the importance of taking a step back when needed and returning stro...
Jan 12, 2024•21 min•Ep. 146
Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text! In this episode, Sujani shares 5 reminders for anyone applying for jobs, especially during this period of economic uncertainty. What You’ll Learn from this Episode: The five reminders when applying to jobs: Network. Start today. Having a community around you on this journey will be key. Keep an eye on industry trends. Be informed on changes and developments in the public health field. Be flexible. Consider all types of experience (part-t...
Dec 13, 2023•11 min•Ep. 145
Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text! In this episode, Sujani sits down with Dr. Peter Singer, the Former Special Advisor to the Director General of the WHO and cofounder of Grand Challenges & UofT Joint Centre for Bioethics. They walk through Peter’s careers as a professor, cofounder of various organizations, and work in the WHO, using your lived experiences to find problems, and steps to take to solve these problems. You’ll Learn How finding problems and solving them d...
Dec 06, 2023•47 min•Ep. 144
