Public Health SPOTlight Podcast

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 interacted with via phone calls and messaging/email, but this was the first time they both "saw" each other (virtually), so it was a special conversation. Anjum’s advocacy and leadership work is also something that Sujani has been inspired by over the years.The conversation with Anjum is not only jam-packed with inspiration and motivation to be a leader in public health but also weaves tangible first steps for all of us to take.Public health needs many strong leaders to push agendas forward, and we hope that by sharing stories like that of Anjum's, you walk away feeling like you too can be a leader in public health.You’ll LearnHow Anjum defines leadershipWhether she intentionally chose to become a leader in her space, or it naturally occurredA bit about the young Anjum, her first memory of thinking that she could be a leader, and how her dad was an inspiration to her, which has resulted in the work she does in her communityAttributes of a good leader (skills to build on for anyone wanting to be a leader in their space), and skills Anjum wished she had gained early onThings students can focus on specifically while in school to set themselves up to become a strong leaderStep-by-step how we can go from feeling passionate about a topic/issue/cause to taking incremental action that leads to change. Whether leadership only comes from a management/senior-level role (hint: no it doesn’t)Whether leaders are born OR if leadership can be learnedChallenges Anjum faces as a leader in her spaceA final example where Anjum showed that she is a leader in her space: she talks about her journey first authoring Canada’s First Feminist Recovery Plan.It is the first nationally-focused one in the country and possibly the worldShe encourages the PH SPOT community to read it, make it your own, and reach out to her should you be interested in taking actionSupport the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: A global membership community where public health professionals connect, learn, and support each other in building meaningful and impactful careers. Go from feeling confused, alone and overwhelmed, to feeling confident and in control of your life and career!

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 research and analyses of clinical and population health datasets in the areas of reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health, as well as nutrition in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Ethiopia and other low- and middle-income countries.In 2018, Nadia was identified as a Canadian Women Leader in Global Health, and in March 2019, she was awarded the 2019 Emerging Public Health Leader Alumni Award from the Public Health Alumni Association of the University of Toronto.We speak about the leadership drive Nadia possesses, when she decided she wanted to become a leader in her space, and whether you need to be in a management position to be a leader, amongst other topics. And of course, I couldn’t let her go without asking about her multiple meetings with Bill Gates, to present and collaborate on some of her work.You’ll LearnThe leadership drive, and what it isWhat leadership means to NadiaHow and when Nadia decided that she wanted to become a leader in this space she was passionate aboutWhether one needs to be in a management position to be a leader (hint: absolutely not)Natural born leaders versus people given the right opportunities to become a leaderHow Nadia goes about seeking new opportunities (as she is someone who thrives on being challenged and stimulated)A glimpse into the career path she took: from Biostatician at SickKids, to Global Health Research at SickKids, then to Harvard, and now at Gates VenturesHow her view of leadership has changed over timeVerbal Communication and its importance in good leadershipA leader Nadia looks up to: Dr. Zulfiqar ButtaReflections from her meetings with Bill Gates to present her research and work together on countries that have managed to reduce child stuntingSupport the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: A global membership community where public health professionals connect, learn, and support each other in building meaningful and impactful careers. Go from feeling confused, alone and overwhelmed, to feeling confident and in control of your life and career!

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 healthWhy it's absolutely necessaryThe specific leadership skills you need to developHow you can build leadership skills — even if you’re just starting outJoin the Public Health Career Club for leadership development resources, mentorship opportunities, and community support: phspot.org/club.Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: A global membership community where public health professionals connect, learn, and support each other in building meaningful and impactful careers.Go from feeling confused, alone and overwhelmed, to feeling confident and in control of your life and career!

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 settingNew Co-working sessions on May 7th and 28th using the Pomodoro technique to help you focus on important tasks"Doing Good and Doing Well" workshop on May 15th with Dr. Darla Bishop exploring financial strategies for public health professionalsOffice hours with mentors Dr. Marissa Robinson (May 19th) and Megan Haffey (May 27th) for personalized career guidanceLive Resume Review Clinic on May 21st with Latika, offering real-time feedback on job applicationsFinal session of our "Launch Your Idea" workshop series, focusing on post-launch discussion and next stepsCheck out phspot.org/club to learn more about our light and premium membership tiers. Connect with us on LinkedIn or email [email protected] with any questions about joining our community!Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: A global membership community where public health professionals connect, learn, and support each other in building meaningful and impactful careers. Go from feeling confused, alone and overwhelmed, to feeling confident and in control of your life and career!

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 accuracyDigital health communications specialists managing online campaigns and combating health misinformationBehavioral science consultants designing programs to change health behaviorsPublic health data storytellers turning complex statistics into compelling visual narrativesGlobal health logistics coordinators ensuring medical supplies reach their destinationsInfection prevention and control practitioners reducing healthcare-associated infectionsPolicy analysts working in non-governmental organizations and think tanksCorporate social responsibility managers with health focus leading community investmentHumanitarian health coordinators working in crisis zonesPublic health entrepreneurs creating innovative health solutions independentlyYour challenge this week is to research one of these roles that sparked your curiosity. Explore organizations hiring for that position, read job descriptions, and potentially connect with professionals in that field. Share your discoveries with us by tagging PH SPOT on social media, and don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and check out our Public Health Career Club community at phspot.org/club.Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: A global membership community where public health professionals connect, learn, and support each other in building meaningful and impactful careers. Go from feeling confused, alone and overwhelmed, to feeling confident and in control of your life and career!

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 boardsYour network already exists—start by auditing connections from school, past jobs, and online communitiesApproach informational interviews with genuine curiosity and specific questions after doing your researchBe active in online communities like LinkedIn groups or the Public Health Career ClubFollow up consistently and look for ways to provide value to your connectionsEveryone has something to offer regardless of career stage—fresh perspectives are always valuableNetworking doesn't require extroversion—one-on-one conversations and quiet consistency work just as wellThis week, take one small action: reach out to someone you admire with a genuine, specific question about their work and see where the connection leads. Join the Public Health Career Club at phspot.org/club for more support in building your public health career.Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: A global membership community where public health professionals connect, learn, and support each other in building meaningful and impactful careers. Go from feeling confused, alone and overwhelmed, to feeling confident and in control of your life and career!

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 burnoutAsk yourself key questions to recognize if you're in a plateau: Am I growing? Am I being challenged? Am I excited about my work? Do I feel clear about my future?Reassess your career goals by considering how your interests may have changed since entering the fieldExpand your skill set through courses or certifications that align with areas you're curious aboutSeek guidance from mentors or career coaches who can provide perspective and help change your mindsetNetwork beyond your organization to discover new opportunities and paths within public healthMake small career moves like taking on new projects, volunteering, or applying for short-term consulting rolesReconnect with your "why" – the values and motivations that initially drew you to public healthAttend conferences to meet like-minded professionals and immerse yourself in the energy of the fieldDevelop a passion project related to public health to channel creativity and reignite enthusiasmChoose one action step from today's episode and commit to doing it this week. Share your experience or thoughts on LinkedIn or through the podcast feedback feature. Remember – don't navigate career plateaus alone, and be patient and kind to yourself through the process.Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: A global membership community where public health professionals connect, learn, and support each other in building meaningful and impactful careers. Go from feeling confused, alone and overwhelmed, to feeling confident and in control of your life and career!

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 concepts into reality - Part 2 & 3 continues this month (April 1 & 12)New member orientation (April 3)Peer session on global mental health (April 5)Monthly social hour for networking and connection (April 17)Office hours with mentors specializing in job applications, industry transitions, and policy (April 23, 29, 30)Special presentation on the Consumer Drug Take Back program (April 24)Head over to phspot.org/club to learn more about the community and sign up for the seven-day free trial of either the premium or light membership.Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: A global membership community where public health professionals connect, learn, and support each other in building meaningful and impactful careers. Go from feeling confused, alone and overwhelmed, to feeling confident and in control of your life and career!

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 skillsPresenting skills-based experiences with action-oriented language on your resumeTailoring applications to mirror job description terminology and sector-specific languageBuilding relationships through informational interviews rather than just applying to posted jobsCreating your own experience through volunteering, writing, and continuous learningStaying motivated during your job search by actively developing skills and connectionsJoin our Public Health Career Club for our upcoming workshop on translating volunteer activities into evidence-based experience on your resume! The doors are now open for enrollment!Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: A global membership community where public health professionals connect, learn, and support each other in building meaningful and impactful careers. Go from feeling confused, alone and overwhelmed, to feeling confident and in control of your life and career!

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 professionals build meaningful careers• The Public Health Career Club has opened 2025 enrollment with workshops, office hours, and networking eventsJoin us in the Public Health Career Club to connect with like-minded professionals and accelerate your career development. Find us on LinkedIn to share your thoughts on future episode topics!Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: A global membership community where public health professionals connect, learn, and support each other in building meaningful and impactful careers. Go from feeling confused, alone and overwhelmed, to feeling confident and in control of your life and career!

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 making a meaningful impact and touch upon the multifaceted nature of public health careers that are often characterized by an ongoing process of learning, adapting, and seizing opportunities explore the significance of community empowerment in making a meaningful impact. This episode not only serves as a compass for those looking to forge a career in global health but also highlights the collective mission of improving community health and shaping policy. You’ll LearnGlenn’s first experience volunteering in Sri Lanka and how that has led to a lifelong passion and a career in international healthThe lifestyle choices inherent in a global career that demands international mobility and the enriching experiences it can offerHaving direct experience in field work and using your assets to provide a competitive edge in the public health fieldFactors to consider when thinking about continuing postgraduate studiesEmpowering communities to have more voice and authority about projects that will influence their livesUnderstanding what it is you want to achieve in public health to figure out how you can make the most impactThe pivotal role that personal connections and networking play in professional developmentToday’s GuestDr. Glenn Laverack is a social scientist and an international leader in health promotion and empowerment with a distinguished career for 40 years as a practitioner, an academic, researcher and consultant in more than 50 countries. Dr Laverack has been an advocate for the value of ordinary people at the centre of health promotion and has developed several innovative solutions to co-create successful programs in different cultural contexts. He formerly worked as a Coordinator (Empowerment) in neglected tropical diseases at WHO, Geneva and as a research fellow at Flinders University, Australia. Dr Laverack has managed several large-scale health programs including in Ghana and India and worked as a consultant on more than 100 contracts worldwide. He has a wide range of publications including 26 books, 12 in English and 14 in other languages including in Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, French, Farsi, Italian, Chinese and Thai. Dr Laverack has been a visiting professor at 6 universities in Denmark, Italy, the UAE and the UK and was the Director of Health Promotion, University of Auckland, New Zealand. His PhD investigated the collaborative role of communities in health promotion programs in Fiji and is presently an independent adviser with the UN, governmental and international development agencies.ResourcesConnect with Glenn on LinkedIn and find his work on ResearchGateLearn more aSupport the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: A global membership community where public health professionals connect, learn, and support each other in building meaningful and impactful careers. Go from feeling confused, alone and overwhelmed, to feeling confident and in control of your life and career!

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 emphasizes the dynamic nature of professional and personal evolution, encouraging listeners to embrace change and growth. You’ll LearnChristie’s path into public health through a passion for human rights and social justiceHer work in South Africa with the Peace Corps and international health Building a strong network to open up doors to new opportunitiesDealing with toxic workplaces and how Christie founded her consulting businessHow education has been a common factor throughout all of Christie’s career and how her love for teaching led to a decision to pursue a DrPHDeciding between a DrPH and PhD and figuring out which path is best for youFinding your niche in public health, staying true to yourself, and traversing your journey at your own paceToday’s GuestChristie is a seasoned public health consultant with 20 years of experience. In 2015, she founded CVH Consulting, LLC., offering services to create impactful health education and training experiences for her clients. Christie has worked with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), the New York State Department of Health, the Hemophilia Federation of America, and many more organizations to design, develop, and update programs. She is also a subject matter expert on the social determinants and health equity for many continuing education projects for community-based organization staff and healthcare professionals. From her time in the Peace Corps in South Africa to teaching at Vassar College and all the career experiences in between, Christie's dedication to public health shines. Last year, she was recognized with the prestigious ATHENA Award, an international honor for women who demonstrate excellence in their profession, community service, and mentorship of future leaders. One of her current volunteer roles is serving as the Vice-Chair of the National Women’s Health Network Board of Directors. In August, Christie will start her Doctor of Public Health degree at Tulane University, specializing in Equity, Leadership, and Advocacy. She resides in the Hudson Valley, NY, with her beloved pups and husband.ResourcesFollow Christie on LinkedIn and Instagram Learn more about CVH ConsultingSupport the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: A global membership community where public health professionals connect, learn, and support each other in building meaningful and impactful careers. Go from feeling confused, alone and overwhelmed, to feeling confident and in control of your life and career!

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 paths, particularly for international students and professionals in new environments. His career transformation teaches us that with resilience, the right mindset, and community support, we can navigate through uncertainty and emerge with renewed purpose and aspirations.You’ll LearnHow the COVID pandemic led Yasir to public and global health and steps he took to transition into the field from dentistryYasir’s experience continuing his education and career as a refugee in Canada, how he persevered through the uprooting of his life, and how his background shaped his current interest in refugee and global healthBuilding and relying on a social support group and mentors to achieve your dreams and other ways to visualize your goalsTips for international students and remembering to take the time to care for yourself in a new countryUsing LinkedIn with intentionality as a tool to network, facilitate advocacy, tell stories, and make an impactToday’s GuestYasir is a former refugee from Afghanistan who holds an MSc in Global Health from McMaster University.Prior to moving to Canada, he lived as a refugee in Tajikistan after fleeing Afghanistan. During his time as a refugee, he continued to share his lived experience of refugee life.Currently, he works as a Research Assistant at Western University in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and as a Community Scholar at the University of Calgary. Additionally, he holds a visiting academic position with the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Southampton. Yasir’s professional journey is marked by an unwavering commitment to knowledge and a passion for making a real-world impact. His scholarly work has been published in prestigious journals such as The Lancet, BMJ, and PLoS. He is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP®) and holds multiple certificates from Wayne State University, the University of Geneva, McGill University, and the LinkedIn Learning Academy.During his tenure as a Research Assistant at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, he focused particularly on tuberculosis research, further enriching his expertise in infectious disease research.Yasir is always eager to connect with like-minded professionals, share insights, and explore collaborative opportunities. He is open to guest lecture invitations on the topics of refugees, mentorship, and global health.ResourcesConnect with Yasir on LinkedIn Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: A global membership community where public health professionals connect, learn, and support each other in building meaningful and impactful careers. Go from feeling confused, alone and overwhelmed, to feeling confident and in control of your life and career!

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 the importance of small, consistent steps toward facing and overcoming fears. Her transformation led to better engagement in conversations, more profound connections with colleagues, and the ability to speak up in meetings, which were once daunting tasks. By sharing her story, Sujani hopes to inspire listeners to embark on their own journeys of self-improvement and career advancement, proving that the challenges we face can become the catalysts for our triumphs.Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: A global membership community where public health professionals connect, learn, and support each other in building meaningful and impactful careers. Go from feeling confused, alone and overwhelmed, to feeling confident and in control of your life and career!

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. Huntley delves into the importance of communication in public health and the gratification of specializing her consulting services to aid BIPOC organizations. Join us as we draw inspiration from Dr. Huntley's narrative, illustrating the power of readiness for opportunities and the joy of a career intertwined with core values.You’ll LearnDr. Huntley’s work in microbiology and healthcare and her pivot into epidemiology and community healthGlobal health and the pharmaceutical industry Dr. Huntley’s start in podcasting and how it grew into a thriving businessCOVID’s impact on Dr. Huntley’s new company and how it has evolved since then to primarily serve BIPOC communitiesGlance into the making of Dr. Huntley’s upcoming book on public health entrepreneurshipToday’s GuestDr. Charlotte Hughes Huntley, MPH is a public health entrepreneur and recognized leader in the public health industry. She has over 20 years of experience as an accomplished epidemiologist, microbiologist, consultant, and podcaster. Dr. Huntley is the CEO at DrCHHuntley, LLC, a public health and epidemiology consulting firm supporting large nonprofit organizations and government agencies that serve black, indigenous, and people of color commonly referred to as BIPOC communities. Her team is often invited to support tribal organizations and are always humbled and honored to serve. Through another arm of her business, Dr. Huntley and her team also provide resources and support to public health entrepreneurs.ResourcesConnect with Dr. Huntley on LinkedInLearn more about DrCHHuntley Consulting and listen to the Public Health Epidemiology Conversations podcast Learn more about Public Health Entrepreneurs, the Mastermind program, and listen to the Public Health Entrepreneurs podcast Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: A global membership community where public health professionals connect, learn, and support each other in building meaningful and impactful careers. Go from feeling confused, alone and overwhelmed, to feeling confident and in control of your life and career!

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 workshops and special talks that promise to keep your professional growth on a constant upswing. If you're listening from April 10th to 12th, 2024, don't miss this golden opportunity to become a part of the Public Health Career Club. Let's roll up our sleeves and make a difference together!Featured on the Show:Connect with Sujani on LinkedInEmail us at: [email protected] us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and TwitterSupport the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: A global membership community where public health professionals connect, learn, and support each other in building meaningful and impactful careers. Go from feeling confused, alone and overwhelmed, to feeling confident and in control of your life and career!

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 relationships and expand your professional network in ways you never imagined. Let's get ready to transform the way you think about networking in public health. Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: A global membership community where public health professionals connect, learn, and support each other in building meaningful and impactful careers. Go from feeling confused, alone and overwhelmed, to feeling confident and in control of your life and career!