From Corporate IT to Entrepreneurial Freedom: My Journey to Finding Purpose and Passion

Sometimes, the path to finding your true calling isn’t a straight line—it’s a winding road full of risks, reinvention, and rediscovery. That’s exactly how my journey unfolded.

In 2016, I made a life-changing decision: I quit my corporate IT job at a CRM company. To put it bluntly, I hated it. The work felt impersonal, uninspiring, and disconnected from anything meaningful to me. I knew I wanted something more, something that aligned with my values and gave me a sense of purpose.

So, I took a leap in the complete opposite direction. I enrolled in holistic nutrition and culinary arts school, followed by functional nutrition school. It was a bold move, but it was exactly what I needed. Through that journey, I began to see myself in a new light. I launched a business as a therapeutic personal chef and functional nutritionist, and for the first time, I felt like my work truly mattered.

I loved creating personalized healing menus and coaching plans that genuinely contributed to a person’s well-being. It was deeply fulfilling work, but something unexpected happened along the way: I discovered the power of networking.

Through networking, I found a sense of community I had never experienced in the corporate world. It wasn’t just about making connections—it was about contributing to each other's growth, supporting people who shared my values, and building genuine relationships. Networking became a critical part of my journey, and little did I know, it would lead me back to technology in a way I never imagined.

One of my networking partners, recognizing my tech background, asked if I could help with some CRM work. I reluctantly said yes, unsure if I wanted to revisit the world of tech. But to my surprise, something clicked. This time, the work felt different. I was using my skills in a personalized, relationship-first way that was completely unlike my corporate experience.

That one project reignited my love for technology. Referrals started coming in, some of my networking partners became clients, and before I knew it, I had shifted my focus to CRM consulting. The flexibility of working from anywhere in the world was an added bonus, but more importantly, I found joy in helping businesses grow through CRM technology.

If I could clone myself, I’d still be working in the health industry—I loved that field too much to ever fully leave it behind. But the opportunities in CRM consulting were too good to pass up. And in many ways, I’ve realized the two industries aren’t all that different.

At the heart of both careers is the same core value: building genuine relationships. Whether I’m creating a healing menu or designing a CRM solution, my goal is always to truly understand my client’s challenges and craft a custom solution that helps them reach their goals. That collaborative process is what drives me, and I love being able to empower my clients to succeed.

With CRM consulting, I get to use technology to make people’s lives easier. By helping clients streamline their businesses, they can save time—time that can be spent focusing on what they do best, or simply enjoying life with family and friends. In a way, I’m still contributing to their health and wellness by giving them the gift of balance and efficiency.

Looking back, I realize that taking the risk of quitting my corporate job was the best decision I ever made. It set me on a path to becoming the person I truly enjoy being—a person who values relationships, personal growth, and meaningful work.

Today, I see CRMs as more than just tools for managing customer data. To me, they’re about finding a balance between technology and relationship-building. When used the right way, they create opportunities for growth—not just for businesses, but for the people behind them.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that taking risks can lead to incredible rewards. My journey wasn’t easy or straightforward, but it brought me to a career I love, a community I cherish, and a life I’m proud of.

What about you? Have you ever taken a leap of faith that changed everything? I’d love to hear your story—let’s keep the conversation going. And if my journey resonates with you, feel free to share this with someone who might find it inspiring.

Here’s to growth, connection, and taking the bold steps that lead us to where we’re meant to be.

Email me at [email protected] or book at chat with me at https://link.healthydataguy.com/widget/booking/NorRuHuhw5gtauapLfdT

I enjoy connecting with service-based professionals, discovering their unique journeys and passions, and finding meaningful ways to collaborate and support each other’s growth.