When I was hired at Rincon Consultants as an entry-level scientist, I joined the firm hungry to learn and to make the most of my opportunity. When I landed and executed a big project early on, I caught the attention of one of the co-founders, then President and CEO of the firm, Mike Gialketsis. From that point, Mike became a mentor, and we developed a relationship that shaped my career trajectory and is reflected in my leadership of the company today.

In the beginning, if I’m being honest, I was overly confident. Mike saw my promise, but he also understood the need to challenge me. He made me question my decisions and my knowledge through a number of really uncomfortable conversations. During those early years of Mike’s mentorship, it was his commitment to my growth as a leader that led eventually to my role as CEO of the company.