Sylvia Longmire was an active duty Air Force officer and Special Agent when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2005. Her dreams of being a career officer quickly faded when she was medically retired shortly thereafter. She knew she had to assess her knowledge and skills, and quickly pivoted to a new career as an analyst, expert, and writer on Mexico’s drug war and border security. Ten years later, she was dealt another blow with a difficult divorce and a necessary cross-country move—but now as a disabled wheelchair user. She pivoted to solo world travel in her wheelchair as a means to heal, and she was able to turn it into a successful career as an award-winning accessible travel writer. Then, in 2019 with the onset of the pandemic, travel came to a screeching halt. However, it allowed her to discover the joys of voiceover, and she quickly pivoted into a new and very rewarding career as a bilingual voice actor. Learn more about how Sylvia was able to pivot during challenging times in her life, and how you can assess your own strengths to turn a crisis into success.

Key Points:
Dealing with the crisis or challenge first
Assessing your existing skills and strengths
How to discover hidden talents
Monetizing your passion
Employee vs. Entrepreneur (i.e., should you start your own business?)
Maximizing the momentum of your re-invention