028: Reinventing Leadership on Her Own Terms with Catarina Abreu

In this episode, Coach AnnaJo sits down with the brilliant and bold Catarina Abreu, a healthcare strategist, consultant, and soon-to-be author, to talk about career reinvention, leadership, and living life on your own terms.

From growing up across six countries and witnessing her mother's healthcare journey, to navigating burnout, loss, and the toxic trap of "success on paper", Catarina's path is anything but linear. But through resilience, vision, and a researcher's mindset, she carved out a life and career that aligns with her purpose.

💡 Spoiler: It involved saying no to becoming a doctor or PhD, yes to a leap of faith with Columbia University, and total transformation after the worst year of her life.

This conversation is a deep dive into:

• The emotional turning points that catalyze reinvention

• Why rejecting traditional career paths doesn't mean failure—it means courage

• How Catarina designed a new leadership identity rooted in authenticity

• The power of using your values (not a perfect plan) to build what's next

🌟 About Catarina Abreu

Catarina is a strategist and educator who defies norms in AI, healthcare, and leadership. With 12+ years in the field and a multicultural background, she's now empowering women in research to become mission-driven thought leaders. Her upcoming book captures leadership lessons through the lens of personal growth and professional disruption.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adasiainsights

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catarina-bcla-abreu/

Substack: https://catarinacostaabreu.substack.com/

🗣 Favorite Quotes

"I didn't want a traditional career. I wanted to build one that felt true."
"You don't always need the perfect vision—just the courage to explore your values."
"Sometimes the year everything falls apart is the year you finally find yourself."

🎧 Listen Now

Join us for this powerful and honest episode, and find the inspiration to build the next chapter of your own story, without waiting for permission.