Change is constant
Just as the sun sets each day,
change is constant.
In March 2023, I made a bold decision to step away from a career trajectory I once believed was my forever path. After 11 years at Coca-Cola, it’s safe to say I had built a substantial tenure. Coca-Cola was an incredible place to work, filled with exciting milestones and memorable moments. I still remember my first week—Coke Zero had just celebrated becoming a billion-dollar brand, and the office buzzed with celebration, complete with free Chick-fil-A sandwiches. Each holiday season, Santa himself would visit to take pictures with employees and their children. I had the honor of participating in a panel discussion alongside Sheryl Sandberg and enjoyed a one-on-one lunch with Kathy Waller, then CFO of Coca-Cola. Moments like these left me starstruck and deeply energized by the possibilities of a career at such an iconic company.
However, life presented me with an opportunity to make a change, supported by a financial cushion and a deep reflection on my values. My partner and I took a hard look at how we wanted to spend our time and what truly mattered to us. Together, we determined it was time to take a risk and live with greater intention. We envisioned a life rooted in cooler weather, mountain views, and an outdoor lifestyle. That vision brought us to Golden, Colorado.
This journey has been transformative, not just geographically but personally. I’m no longer the newcomer climbing the corporate ladder. Over time, I became someone colleagues sought out for advice and someone trusted to set strategic direction at Coca-Cola. Leveraging that invaluable experience, I decided to align my professional life with my personal values. That’s how CSY Impact Consulting was born. From the start, I’ve been fortunate to work with clients who share my passion for circularity and waste reduction—work that fuels my purpose.
This isn’t the first major change I’ve navigated—and it certainly won’t be the last. During my time at Coca-Cola, I experienced at least six reorganizations, each requiring resilience and adaptability. I was consistently guided to “focus on the work” and deliver value. But beyond professional shifts, life’s personal changes have shaped me profoundly. Studying abroad in college expanded my worldview and nurtured an independent, curious spirit. Moving to Atlanta, Georgia, I discovered the charm of the South while embracing a culture both familiar and different from my Texas roots. I’ve become a wife, a mother, and a friend to people across generations. Now, I’m proud to add “Coloradan” to my evolving identity.
Through it all, I’ve learned that while “focusing on the work” is valuable advice, it’s even more powerful to focus on your values. What truly matters to you? How do your decisions and actions align with those values? This mindset has been my compass, helping me navigate a world of possibilities and settle on a vision that inspires me: to build an economy powered by circularity and social equity. That vision now guides my work, my philanthropy, and my daily life.
Living with intention is not just a decision—it’s an identity. My hope is to inspire others to embrace this mindset and to support individuals and businesses in aligning their actions with their values. Together, we can create meaningful impact—and a future we’re proud to be part of.