In this week’s episode of When I Grow Up, I speak with Kristal Duncan-Williams about her unconventional - and truly inspiring - career path. We met about 12 years ago through a mutual friend, and since then, Kristal has pivoted from molecular biology to public health, to making a meaningful impact on youth unemployment. In this conversation, we unpack her journey from a curious child with dreams of curing cancer to becoming a first-generation university graduate. We discuss her early career experiences and the pivotal moments that led her to explore different career paths. We also delve into how the Mandela Rhodes scholarship boosted her confidence and influenced her career trajectory, and we explore the profound impact that motherhood has had on her career aspirations and her relationship with work. Kristal’s story highlights the importance of building strong networks, embracing a non-linear approach to our careers, and being kinder and more honest with ourselves about what we truly want from our careers.