Meet Sharon Secondus | Healthcare Growth Strategist | International student career coach | Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sharon Secondus and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sharon, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk-taking has been a continuous thread throughout my growth. One of the biggest risks I ever took was following my passion for healthcare technology by moving to the US. While living comfortably in England, UK, I yearned for a more fulfilling experience in this field.
I was determined to merge my software engineering background with healthcare technology, I took a leap of faith and pursued a second MSc degree in Health Informatics. It wasn’t always easy; there were challenges and moments of doubt. However, the rewards far outweighed the difficulties, and it ultimately became one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The journey had its ebbs and flows, but now my career in healthcare technology is thriving.
Taking risks often leads to slow and steady rewards. Embrace the fear that comes with it – it can be a powerful propeller for growth.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My healthcare journey across three continents – working on the payer, provider, and patient sides – has given me a unique perspective on tackling healthcare technology challenges and promoting health equity. It’s incredibly fulfilling to work in this field and improve patient experiences.

Early in my career, I was data-focused, glued to the computer, and quite shy. (We all have starting points!) I missed out on career growth because I wasn’t aware of work culture nuances – the subtle interactions that build your personal brand and enhance your work life. With the help of mentors and a personal board of directors, I learned to reframe rejections as growth opportunities and see myself as a brand while maintaining excellent performance. As an immigrant professional, work environments felt unfamiliar. Struggling with small talk and speaking up in meetings, I knew I needed to own my voice. Through consistent practice and a willingness to confront limiting beliefs, I found my voice, transformed my career path and embraced my uniqueness as well as my international experiences.

Now, I empower international students and immigrant professionals through consulting services, helping them navigate the job search and excel in professional settings by leveraging their unique strengths. My challenges fueled my passion to support others, and I actively participate in panels and mentor students and early-career professionals.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I really enjoy midtown/ downtown atlanta, there is so much to do in that area. I will are definitely go to Piedmont park, beltline, inman park during the weekdays after work now the weather great for walking/mini bits/activities, Poor Calvin, South City Kitchen are great options for dinner. The weekend will be museums, ponce city market, botanical garden, maybe a game at the arena. The cool thing about Atlanta is so many entertainers always have concerts, we would definitely do a concert and then the sunday brunches – Toast on Lenox will be a staple.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My faith is such a huge aspect of my life (shoutout to God). Special shout out to my family, friends who became family and my community of mentors either through LinkedIn, professional societies or just people I have met through the walks of life. Shoutout to other people’s stories I have taken lessons from.

Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonsecondus/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonsecondus/

Other: https://topmate.io/sharon_secondus_samuel