Accomplished Arizona business leaders often embrace bold career pivots, leveraging experience, resilience and fresh perspective to reinvent themselves and ultimately achieve greater purpose, growth and long-term success. Here’s a look at some career pivots that paid off.
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Amy Abdo, director, Fennemore: “My interest in justice and investigative work made me laser-focused on pursuing a career with the FBI. I attended law school to satisfy the FBI’s hiring requirements, but took a detour into private practice. That unexpected turn led me to a rewarding career I’m passionate about — one that allows me to strategically advocate for my wonderful clients.”
Victoria Coley, CEO, Banner|Aetna: “In college, I had my heart set on joining the FBI as my career. After I graduated and got my first insurance role in 1999, I found my passion for problem solving and team leadership translated very well, and I never looked back.”
Emily Ho, MD, breast surgeon, Ironwood Cancer & Research Center: “Medicine is a second career for me. Previously, I was an engineer.”
Tara Ostrom, MD, senior medical director, Optum Arizona: “My first career choice was Egyptology. I remain fascinated by the advanced knowledge of this ancient civilization. An ambulance ride and a three-week hospital stay changed my mind toward a career in medicine and the eventual leadership role.”
Elizabeth M. Shabaker, co-CEO, Versant Capital Management: “In high school, I dreamed of becoming a dentist. Life guided me toward a career helping people achieve their financial and life goals. I still care about making people smile — but now it’s through building trust, growing our client’s wealth and supporting families through every stage of their journey.”
Gary M. Smith, partner, Guidant Law Firm: “When I graduated high school, I wanted to pursue science, but I couldn’t do calculus, so I had to rethink my path. Thankfully, I always had strong logic and verbal skills and crushed the reading/writing portion of the SAT.”
