Your 20s Are Never Linear - From Fulbright to Career Types, a Conversation with Becca Bean

In this conversation, Surayya and Becca discuss the challenges and experiences of navigating a quarter-life crisis, particularly focusing on the pressures of societal expectations, the impact of social media, and the importance of embracing uncertainty. They explore personal growth through leadership roles, the significance of language and travel, and the journey from aspiring orthodontist to a career in social impact and international relations. Becca shares her insights on how to approach this transitional phase with resilience and clarity.

In this conversation, Becca Bean shares her journey from her braces era to her transformative experiences at Penn, including the Huntsman program that combined international relations and business. She discusses her career path, including her time in consulting and her Fulbright fellowship in Mexico, where she gained valuable insights into cultural differences in the workplace. She reflects on the support of her tribe, and the friends and family who have helped her navigate her career and personal growth.

Takeaways

The quarter-life crisis is often about questioning the direction and quality of life.

Uncertainty is a defining characteristic of being in your 20s.

Social media can create unrealistic expectations about success and happiness.

Peer influence plays a significant role in shaping our perceptions of success.

It's important to embrace the muddiness of life and understand that clarity often comes after uncertainty.

Having a support system can help navigate the challenges of a quarter-life crisis.

Finding a passion early on can set the foundation for future success.

Leadership experiences in youth can empower young women to pursue their ambitions.

Travel and language learning can broaden perspectives and foster personal growth.

It's never too late to pivot and explore new career paths. The braces era represents a nostalgic transformation in one's life.

Transitioning to Penn was a significant change, filled with new expectations.

Chapters

00:00 The Quarter Life Crisis: Reflections on Direction and Quality of Life

08:17 The Pressure to Achieve: Balancing Ambition and Self-Discovery in Your 20s

15:02 Society's Expectations vs. Personal Growth: Overcoming Unrealistic Milestones

19:57 Embracing Uncertainty: Finding Clarity and Hope in the Quarter Life Crisis

24:12 From Achiever to Leader: Becca's Journey of Personal and Professional Growth

28:43 The Power of Women's Empowerment Spaces: Perspectives, Growth, and Connections

32:34 Empowering Girls and Making a Global Impact

37:08 Exploring Languages, Travel, and Cultural Perspectives

44:10 Transitioning to College and the Huntsman Program

49:58 Broadening Perspectives through Classes and Experiences

56:49 The Importance of Staying Grounded and Connected

01:02:56 Navigating Career Transitions and Finding Impactful Work

01:05:05 Lessons Learned from Working in Mexico

01:07:48 Using Business as a Force for Good

01:10:55 The Power of a Supportive Tribe