One Year After My Mid-Career Pivot: What I’ve Learned

This month, Claire Windeyer reflects on some of the things she’s learned a year into a major career pivot. She steps back to reflect on how to work, regardless of what you are working on.

Key Takeaways

• There’s more than one path to meaningful, impactful work. Stepping away from one field of work can open up a different way to apply expertise.

• Good teamwork is intentional. Collaboration works best when people share expertise freely, communicate openly, and focus on common goals rather than individual recognition.

• How we work matters as much as the work itself. Purposeful meetings, clear expectations, and proactive communication can make work faster, more effective, and more rewarding.

• Learning to value your own expertise can be transformative. Recognizing time and knowledge as valuable professional assets can change how you approach your work and career.

What Are We Reading This Month?

Effect of farmer-guided farm tours on public knowledge of and attitudes toward dairy cattle welfare, dairy product quality, and environmental sustainability in Canada

In a nutshell: This study explored how farmer-led dairy farm tours influence public perceptions of the dairy industry, and whether different communication styles affect those outcomes. The tours generally improved visitors’ perceptions of cow welfare, dairy product quality, and farmers’ environmental responsibility. However, some of those gains faded within two weeks, particularly around concerns such as cow-calf separation and lack of outdoor access. The findings suggest farm tours can build knowledge and short-term trust, but lasting public confidence may require ongoing engagement that goes beyond simply providing information.

Real-World Resources

Website
Farmed Animal Antimicrobial Stewardship Initiative

Everyone who uses or prescribes antimicrobials has a role to play in fighting the spread of antimicrobial resistance. The Farmed Animal Antimicrobial Stewardship (FAAST) initiative is a comprehensive suite of learning modules, videos, podcasts, and case studies meant to tackle resistance head on through education, collaboration, and engagement across the value chain.